As a survivalist, the ability to grow your own food is paramount to ensure self-sustainability and survival in times of crisis or limited access to grocery stores. When disaster strikes and you are faced with a shortage of supplies, having a backyard garden becomes essential. But what should every survivalist grow in their backyard? In this article, we will explore the essential plants for survival gardening, providing you with the knowledge you need to cultivate a self-sufficient garden.
Key Takeaways:
- Survivalists should prioritize growing hardy plants that can withstand harsh conditions.
- Include plants with high nutrient value to meet your caloric and nutritional needs.
- Storable essentials like sweet potatoes, beans, carrots, squash, and potatoes are crucial for long-term food storage.
- Leafy greens like malabar spinach and herbs like basil and sage provide additional nutritional and medicinal benefits.
- Consider perennial plants to ensure year-round food security with minimal effort.
Boosting Your Self-Sustainability: Key Plant Selections for Survival Gardening
When it comes to survival gardening, choosing the right plants is essential for maximizing self-sustainability and ensuring a steady supply of vital nutrients. By carefully selecting hardy plants that can withstand harsh conditions and offer high nutritional value, you can enhance your chances of thriving in any survival situation. Here are some must-have plants for survival gardening:
1. Sweet Potatoes and Beans
Sweet potatoes and beans are versatile staple crops that provide a wealth of nutrients and are relatively easy to grow. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, while beans are an excellent source of protein. Both crops can be stored for long periods, making them reliable food sources.
2. Carrots, Squash, and Potatoes
Root vegetables like carrots, squash, and potatoes are excellent choices for survival gardening. These crops are not only nutritious but also have the advantage of being storable for extended periods. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, squash offers a range of vitamins and minerals, and potatoes provide ample carbohydrates.
3. Malabar Spinach and Moringa Tree
For leafy greens with exceptional nutritional value, consider growing malabar spinach and the moringa tree. Malabar spinach is high in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, while the moringa tree is known as a superfood, containing an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Planning your survival garden to meet the caloric and nutritional needs of your family is crucial. Including perennial plants like fruit trees, berries, and perennial vegetables ensures a year-round food source with minimal effort. Additionally, cultivating medicinal herbs such as basil, chamomile, feverfew, lemon balm, parsley, sage, rosemary, and peppermint can provide natural remedies for common ailments in times of limited access to medical supplies. By choosing a diverse range of plants that can withstand various conditions and offer exceptional nutritional value, you can boost your self-sustainability and enhance your chances of survival in any situation.
Root Vegetables: A Storable Essential
Root vegetables are a crucial component of any survival garden, offering long-term storage capabilities and essential nutrients for your self-sustainability. Potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and beets are some of the key root vegetables that every survivalist should consider growing in their backyard.
When disaster strikes and access to grocery stores becomes limited, root vegetables can provide a reliable food source. They have the ability to be stored for long periods without spoiling, making them an ideal choice for times when fresh produce is scarce. These vegetables are also rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which are vital for maintaining a healthy diet.
To make the most of your root vegetable garden, it’s important to plan accordingly. Consider your family’s caloric and nutritional needs, and grow a variety of root vegetables that complement each other. For example, carrots and potatoes can be used as a base for hearty stews, while onions and garlic add flavor to many different dishes. Including a range of root vegetables in your garden ensures a diverse and nutritious diet.
| Root Vegetable | Storage | Essential Nutrients |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | Store in a cool, dark place | Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins |
| Carrots | Keep in a cool, moist environment | High in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin K |
| Onions | Hang in a dry, well-ventilated area | Contain antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and folate |
| Garlic | Store in a cool, dry place | Known for its antimicrobial properties and rich in vitamins C and B6 |
| Beets | Remove green tops and store in a cool, dark place | High in folate, manganese, and potassium |
By including root vegetables in your survival garden, you can ensure a sustainable source of food that will not only nourish you but also provide a sense of security during challenging times. The versatility, long shelf life, and nutritional value of root vegetables make them an essential part of any survivalist’s backyard garden.
Leafy Greens: Nutrient Powerhouses
Leafy greens are nutritional powerhouses that not only provide essential vitamins and minerals but also offer versatility in terms of harvesting at different stages of growth. Spinach, kale, chard, and cabbage are excellent examples of leafy green vegetables that should be included in every survival garden.
Spinach is a highly nutritious leafy green with high levels of iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. It can be harvested at any stage, from baby leaves for salads to mature leaves for cooking. Kale, another nutrient-dense green, is known for its high content of vitamin K and antioxidants. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, making it an ideal choice for year-round cultivation.
Chard, with its colorful stems and large, tender leaves, is packed with vitamins A, K, and C. It is a versatile green that can be harvested as baby leaves for salads or sautéed as a side dish. Cabbage, a staple in many cuisines, is rich in vitamin C and provides a good source of dietary fiber. Its compact nature makes it an excellent choice for limited garden space.
| Leafy Greens | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Spinach | High in iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K |
| Kale | Rich in vitamin K and antioxidants |
| Chard | Packed with vitamins A, K, and C |
| Cabbage | Provides vitamin C and dietary fiber |
By including these leafy greens in your survival garden, you can ensure a continuous supply of nutrient-dense vegetables that can be harvested throughout the growing season. Whether consumed raw in salads or cooked in various dishes, leafy greens are an essential component of a self-sustainable diet.
Versatile Staple Crops: Potatoes and Beans
Potatoes and beans are essential crops for survivalists, offering a wide range of nutrients, long-term storage possibilities, and versatility in meal preparation. These hearty plants can withstand harsh conditions and provide a reliable source of sustenance in times of need.
Potatoes, in particular, are a staple crop that can be grown in nearly any type of soil. They are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent source of energy. Potatoes can be stored for months in a cool, dark place, ensuring a steady supply of food throughout the year. From mashed potatoes to crispy fried slices, there are countless ways to prepare this versatile vegetable.
Beans, on the other hand, are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They come in a variety of types, including black beans, kidney beans, and lentils, offering a wide range of flavors and textures. Beans can be dried and stored for an extended period, making them an ideal choice for long-term survival. Whether added to stews, soups, or salads, beans provide a nutritious boost to any meal.
| Potatoes | Beans |
|---|---|
| Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals | Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients |
| Can be grown in any soil type | Available in various types (black beans, kidney beans, lentils, etc.) |
| Stored for months in a cool, dark place | Can be dried and stored for an extended period |
| Versatile in meal preparation (mashed, fried, etc.) | Can be added to stews, soups, or salads |
By incorporating potatoes and beans into your survival garden, you can ensure a steady supply of nutritious food that will sustain you and your family during challenging times. With their long shelf life and adaptability in various dishes, these staple crops are the foundation of a self-sufficient and resilient garden.
Squash: Harvest Time Extenders
Winter squash is a valuable addition to your survival garden, as it not only provides long-term storage but also extends the harvest time, ensuring a continuous supply of food. With its thick skin and dense flesh, winter squash can be stored for several months, making it a reliable source of nutrition during times of scarcity. Whether you’re facing a natural disaster or simply aiming to increase your self-sufficiency, growing winter squash is a smart choice.
One of the advantages of winter squash is its ability to extend the harvest time in your survival garden. While many crops have a short window of harvest, winter squash can be harvested and stored for later use. This means that you can continue to enjoy fresh produce even when other crops are no longer available. By planting different varieties of winter squash with varying harvest times, you can ensure a continuous supply of food throughout the year.
Winter squash comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, providing versatility in your survival garden. From the classic butternut squash to the unique spaghetti squash, you can choose the varieties that suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs. Winter squash is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. It can be roasted, pureed, used in soups and stews, or even made into delicious pies and desserts.
| Winter Squash Varieties | Harvest Time | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | 80-100 days | Sweet and nutty |
| Acorn Squash | 80-100 days | Mild and slightly sweet |
| Spaghetti Squash | 80-100 days | Mild and stringy, resembling spaghetti |
Winter squash is a versatile and resilient crop that can thrive in various growing conditions. It requires ample sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular watering. By planting winter squash in your survival garden, you can enjoy the benefits of extended harvest time, long-term storage, and a continuous supply of nutritious food.
Nutrient-Dense Superfoods: Sweet Potatoes and Moringa
For a truly self-sustainable survival garden, incorporating nutrient-dense superfoods like sweet potatoes and the moringa tree is essential, as they offer exceptional nutritional benefits and adaptability. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as dietary fiber and antioxidants. They are a versatile crop that can be grown in various climates and soil conditions, making them an ideal choice for survival gardening.
Moringa, also known as the “tree of life,” is another powerhouse plant that every survivalist should consider growing. Its leaves, pods, and seeds are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. Moringa is known for its high levels of vitamin C, iron, and calcium, making it a valuable addition to a survival garden.
When planning your survival garden, it is important to allocate space for these nutrient-dense superfoods. Sweet potatoes can be grown from slips or vine cuttings and require well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Moringa trees thrive in warm climates and can be grown from seeds or cuttings. They have minimal water and maintenance requirements, making them an ideal choice for survival gardening.
| Plant | Nutritional Benefits | Preferred Growing Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | Vitamins A, C, and B6, dietary fiber, antioxidants | Well-drained soil, ample sunlight |
| Moringa | Protein, vitamins, minerals, high levels of vitamin C, iron, and calcium | Warm climates, minimal water and maintenance requirements |
By incorporating nutrient-dense superfoods like sweet potatoes and the moringa tree into your survival garden, you can ensure a consistent source of vital nutrients for you and your family. These resilient plants can withstand harsh conditions and provide valuable sustenance when other food sources are scarce. Embrace the power of self-sufficiency and cultivate a survival garden that will support you in times of need.
Perennial Plants: Year-Round Food Security
To maximize food security in your survival garden, incorporating perennial plants is crucial, as they offer a perennial food source that requires minimal maintenance and provides sustenance year-round. Perennial plants are known for their ability to survive multiple growing seasons, eliminating the need for replanting every year. By establishing a diverse range of perennial plants in your garden, you can ensure a continuous supply of nutritious food that withstands various weather conditions.
One of the key advantages of perennial plants is their ability to adapt and thrive in different environments. These plants have developed deep root structures, allowing them to access nutrients and moisture from the soil more efficiently. This makes them resilient to droughts and other environmental stressors, making them ideal for a survival garden. Additionally, perennial plants often require less water and fertilizer compared to annual crops, making them a sustainable and low-maintenance option for self-sufficiency.
Some popular perennial plants to consider for your survival garden include fruit trees such as apple, pear, and cherry, as well as berry bushes like raspberry and blackberry. These plants not only provide a reliable source of fresh fruit but can also be preserved or canned for long-term storage. Other perennial options include asparagus, rhubarb, and perennial herbs like thyme, oregano, and mint. These versatile plants offer a variety of flavors and can be used in culinary dishes or for their medicinal properties.
| Perennial Plant | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Fruit Trees | Provide fresh fruit and can be preserved for long-term storage |
| Berry Bushes | Offer a reliable source of berries and can be used fresh or preserved |
| Asparagus | Produces nutrient-rich spears year after year |
| Rhubarb | Yields tart and tangy stalks for culinary use |
| Perennial Herbs | Provide fresh flavors and have medicinal properties |
By incorporating perennial plants into your survival garden, you can create a resilient and sustainable food source that ensures year-round food security. Remember to plan your garden according to the specific nutritional needs of your family and the growing conditions in your area. With a well-balanced selection of perennial plants, you will be well on your way to achieving self-sufficiency and cultivating a thriving survival garden.
Medicinal Herbs: Nature’s Remedies
In addition to food, a survival garden should also include a selection of medicinal herbs, providing natural remedies for various health issues that may arise. These herbs have been used for centuries to treat common ailments and promote overall well-being. By growing these medicinal herbs in your backyard, you can have a readily available source of natural remedies. Let’s explore some of the essential medicinal herbs to consider for your survival garden.
Basil
Basil is not only a versatile culinary herb but also has medicinal properties. It contains essential oils and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Basil is known to support digestion, relieve stress, and promote mental clarity. You can use fresh or dried basil leaves to make a soothing tea or add it to your meals for its aromatic and healing properties.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a gentle and calming herb that is commonly used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it useful for digestive issues and relieving anxiety. Chamomile tea can be brewed from dried flowers and enjoyed warm or cold. It’s a wonderful addition to your survival garden for its medicinal benefits.
Feverfew
Feverfew is a herb with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, traditionally used to alleviate migraines and headaches. It can also help with joint pain and relieve menstrual discomfort. Feverfew leaves can be dried and brewed into a tea, or the fresh leaves can be used topically as a natural insect repellent. Including feverfew in your medicinal herb collection can provide relief for various health issues that may arise.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and is often used to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Lemon balm tea can be brewed from the fresh or dried leaves and enjoyed hot or cold. It can also be used topically to soothe insect bites or cold sores. Growing lemon balm in your survival garden is a wise choice for its medicinal properties.
These are just a few examples of the medicinal herbs you can incorporate into your survival garden. Other beneficial herbs include parsley, sage, rosemary, and peppermint, each with its unique health benefits. By cultivating these natural remedies in your backyard, you can take charge of your health and well-being, even in challenging situations. Remember to research the specific growing conditions and care requirements for each herb to maximize their potency and yield.
| Medicinal Herb | Main Uses |
|---|---|
| Basil | Promotes digestion, relieves stress, and supports mental clarity |
| Chamomile | Improves sleep quality, aids digestion, and reduces anxiety |
| Feverfew | Alleviates migraines, eases joint pain, and relieves menstrual discomfort |
| Lemon Balm | Reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and soothes insect bites |
| Parsley | Supports kidney health, freshens breath, and aids digestion |
| Sage | Offers antimicrobial properties, supports cognitive function, and balances hormones |
| Rosemary | Enhances memory and concentration, stimulates circulation, and supports digestion |
| Peppermint | Relieves digestive discomfort, alleviates headaches, and freshens breath |
Conclusion
By growing essential plants in your backyard and adopting a survivalist mindset, you can enhance your self-sustainability, contribute to community resilience, and embark on a path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
When disaster strikes and access to grocery stores becomes limited, having the ability to grow your own food becomes crucial. Selecting hardy plants that can withstand harsh conditions and provide high nutrient value is essential for survival gardening. Plants like sweet potatoes, beans, carrots, squash, potatoes, malabar spinach, and the moringa tree should be considered as they offer a wide variety of nutrients and can be harvested at different stages of maturity.
When planning your survival garden, it’s important to take into account the caloric and nutritional needs of your family. Including perennial plants that can provide food year after year is a wise choice to ensure year-round food security. Additionally, growing medicinal herbs like basil, chamomile, feverfew, lemon balm, parsley, sage, rosemary, and peppermint can offer natural remedies for common ailments, further enhancing your self-sustainability.
By growing your own food and embracing sustainable practices, you not only gain self-sufficiency but also contribute to community resilience. Creating a network of like-minded individuals who prioritize self-sustainability and share resources can strengthen the community’s ability to withstand challenges and promote sustainable living.
So, start by cultivating essential plants in your backyard, adopting a survivalist mindset, and inspiring others to do the same. Together, we can create a more sustainable future, one backyard garden at a time.
FAQ
Q: Why is it important for survivalists to grow their own food?
A: When disaster strikes and access to grocery stores becomes limited, having the ability to grow your own food is crucial for survival. It ensures a consistent food source and self-sustainability.
Q: What factors should be considered when choosing plants for a survival garden?
A: When choosing plants for a survival garden, it is important to consider their ability to withstand harsh conditions, their high nutrient value, and their long-term storage capabilities.
Q: What are some essential plants to grow in a survival garden?
A: Some essential plants to grow in a survival garden include sweet potatoes, beans, carrots, squash, potatoes, malabar spinach, and the moringa tree.
Q: Why are root vegetables important for survival gardening?
A: Root vegetables are important for survival gardening because they can be stored long-term and provide important nutrients required for survival.
Q: Why are leafy greens important in a survival garden?
A: Leafy greens are important in a survival garden because they are nutrient powerhouses, providing essential vitamins and minerals. They can also be harvested at different stages of maturity.
Q: What is the significance of potatoes and beans in survival gardening?
A: Potatoes and beans are versatile staple crops in survival gardening. They provide essential nutrients, have good storage capabilities, and can be used in various recipes.
Q: How can squash extend the harvest time in a survival garden?
A: Squash, especially winter squash, can extend the harvest time in a survival garden. It has good storage capabilities and can be stored for an extended period while still maintaining its nutritional benefits.
Q: Why are sweet potatoes and the moringa tree considered nutrient-dense superfoods in survival gardening?
A: Sweet potatoes and the moringa tree are considered nutrient-dense superfoods because they contain a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also hardy plants that can thrive in various conditions.
Q: Why should perennial plants be included in a survival garden?
A: Perennial plants should be included in a survival garden to ensure year-round food security. They provide a consistent food source with minimal effort as they come back year after year.
Q: What is the importance of growing medicinal herbs in a survival garden?
A: Growing medicinal herbs in a survival garden provides natural remedies for common ailments. Herbs like basil, chamomile, feverfew, lemon balm, parsley, sage, rosemary, and peppermint have medicinal properties and can be used for various health purposes.
Q: What are some key takeaways for survivalists in terms of gardening?
A: Survivalists should prioritize growing their own food for self-sustainability, focus on hardy plants with high nutrient value and long-term storage capabilities, and consider the caloric and nutritional needs of their family. Building a resilient community and embracing sustainable practices are also important aspects of survival gardening.
