If the stores and restaurants shut down, where would you go for food? In a world where modern conveniences vanish, your survival may hinge on your ability to grow your own food.
While hunting and foraging can supplement your diet, having a garden full of high-calorie, nutrient-dense crops ensures a steady food supply. Self-sufficiency not only reduces dependence on bartering but also provides peace of mind.
The key is choosing crops that are reliable, easy to grow, and packed with nutrition to keep you and your family healthy during tough times. Here are 13 crops you should consider growing to weather the apocalypse.
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1. Beans
Beans are a staple among survivalists, and for good reason. Beans come packed with essential vitamins (A, C, and K), and are also an excellent source of calcium and fiber. They are also very easy to grow and go along well with numerous different meals.
2. Cabbage
There’s a reason why cabbage is a staple crop around the world: it is very easy to grow and just as easy to store. It also comes packed with nutrition. Cook it in conjunction with meats and potatoes, and you can create a very nutritious and delicious meal.
3. Corn
Corn is an excellent source of calcium, iron, and protein. This makes it an ideal crop for nutrition, and furthermore, it can provide a higher yield than many other kinds of crops. Corn grows best in the warm months, so plan on a summer harvest.
4. Herbs
Herbs are incredibly easy to store and very versatile. They include options such as parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. What’s more, herbs are perennials and can come back every year to provide you with a limitless supply. While herbs are not a food staple by themselves, you can use them to provide added flavor to other kinds of meals.
5. Jerusalem Artichokes
Often called sunchokes, Jerusalem artichokes are a low-maintenance tuber that grows well in a variety of conditions. These hardy plants produce knobby roots rich in carbohydrates, making them a great calorie-dense crop. They store well and even improve soil health, making them a sustainable choice for long-term survival.
6. Kale
Kale is in the same family of cabbage and is truly a wonderful crop to grow. This is because kale comes packed with nutrition, it’s very easy to grow, and it’s cold-hardy (meaning you can grow it late into the fall or even the winter).
7. Lentils
Lentils are perhaps the most underrated survival food of all time. They come packed with vitamins and protein, holding roughly eighteen grams of protein with each serving. Lentils are also one of the oldest crops to be cultivated. They make an excellent addition to many meals, including salads and curries.
8. Peanuts
Peanuts are a high-calorie, protein-rich crop that thrives in warmer climates. They’re relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance once planted. Peanuts grow underground, so they’re less vulnerable to pests, and their shelf life is impressive, making them a fantastic addition to any survival garden.
9. Potatoes
The simple potato remains one of the best crops that you can grow because it can be grown in such a wide variety of climates and soil types, and they can sustain your family single-handedly even when there are no other food options to grow.
10. Squash
Squash is an excellent survival food to grow because of how easy it is and the large number of nutrients that it contains. In fact, squash is one of the most popular crops to grow in American gardens.
11. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are not just visually striking—they’re also a survivalist’s dream. Their seeds are packed with healthy fats, protein, and calories, making them a great energy source. Sunflowers are hardy, thrive in a variety of soils, and their seeds can be harvested, stored, or even used to make oil.
Bonus: their tall stalks can provide shade for other crops during the heat of summer.
12. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes make a fabulous addition to almost any meal, and they’re much healthier than normal foods thanks to their abundance of nutrients. Sweet potatoes are also highly versatile and can be grown in colder northern temperatures and tropical environments alike.
13. Turnips
Turnips are an underrated but highly nutritious survival crop. They grow quickly and thrive in cooler climates, making them ideal for extending your growing season. Both the root and greens are edible, with the root providing a good source of carbohydrates and the greens rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Conclusion
When it comes to survival, having a garden filled with reliable, high-calorie crops could mean the difference between thriving and just getting by. From versatile staples like potatoes and beans to calorie-dense options like sunflowers and peanuts, these crops can sustain you through uncertain times.
Start planning your survival garden now, and you’ll be ready to face whatever challenges come your way with confidence.
Originally published on Homestead Survival Site.
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