The Best Survival Garden Plants

People turn to gardening for peace of mind, a sense of purpose, and the simple joy of harvesting something they grew themselves. But for many, gardening goes beyond a hobby—it’s a way to build resilience and self-reliance.

Whether you’re preparing for uncertain times or just aiming to grow more of your own food on a tight budget, survival gardening offers a practical, empowering solution. Here’s a look at some of the best survival garden plants to help you feed your family now—and in the future.

Potatoes

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Potatoes are very hardy and provide both proteins and carbohydrates. They can be grown in many soil conditions and provide more carbohydrates per square foot than any other common vegetable.

Check out these tips for growing potatoes.

Corn

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Corn is easy to grow and harvest. You can also make cornmeal for staples like tortillas or polenta from it. This crop is very rich in vitamins B1, B5, and C. It also has manganese and phosphorus. It grows in warm weather and stores well for the winter.

Beans

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Beans or other legumes, such as lentils and peas, are a great choice for your survival garden. They are high in protein, very nutritious, and very easy to grow. Different types of beans and legumes do well in different climates, so do some research to choose the best ones for you.

Squash

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Squash contains carbohydrates, Vitamins C and A, and antioxidants. Winter squash (butternut, spaghetti squash, sugar pumpkin, etc.) can be stored for up to 6 months in a dark, cool place. It is a great choice for survival gardeners.

Learn more about survival gardening.

Peanuts

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Did you know you can buy raw peanuts in the shell from the grocery store and grow your own peanuts in your garden? It really is that easy, and they are a great source of protein and monounsaturated fat.

More Survival Garden Crops To Try

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You can grow more plants in your survival garden, but these are the staples.

You must consider your climate and weather conditions, but remember that survival vegetables are meant to withstand the storm. They are intended to be there for you, even if you’re going through a disaster situation. Survival vegetables and survival herbs can see you through some very tough times.

Here are a few more survival crops to try:

• Sweet Potatoes
• Turnips
• Carrots
• Peas
• Winter Wheat
• Cabbage

How good would it feel to know you are caring for your family with your survival garden? Food self-sufficiency is one of the most important things you will ever do with your life. It is a legacy you will leave for your family as well.

Whatever your reasons for starting a survival garden, choosing the right crops will help your garden perform better. These great, versatile crops will feed you and your family, and the garden is self-sustaining. It’s a win all around.

Survival Garden Seeds

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In order to start a survival garden, you need to get the right seeds. I prefer heirloom survival garden seeds, which you can find online. These give you a cheap, reliable way to start your garden each spring for many years to come, keeping you self-sufficient and on a budget.