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The Best Survival Garden Plants

People garden for many reasons: for mental health, for relaxation, and to provide food for their family, now and in the future. If you’re looking to grow a large portion of food on limited resources, survival gardening is important. Here are some of the best survival garden plants to consider.

an assortment of colorful corn, pumpkins and gourds.
Image credit: Depositphotos.

Potatoes

small potato plants growing in a bucket, and a handful of just harvested potatoes.
Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

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

colorful corn.
Image credit: Depositphotos.

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

Beans

freshly picked green and yellow beans.
Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

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

butternut squash.
Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

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

peanuts in shell.
Image credit: YAY Images.

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 mono-saturated fat.

More Survival Garden Crops To Try

freshly picked carrots, still with dirt on them.
Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

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

a box of envelops with seeds, and a  container with pumpkin seeds.
Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

In order to start a survival garden, you need to get the right seeds. I prefer heirloom survival garden seeds. Here are a few kits for the serious survival gardener.

16,500 Non GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds Survival Garden 40 Variety Pack16,500 Non GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds Survival Garden 40 Variety PackAmazon buy buttona Bucket of Survival Garden Seed AssortmentBasic Survival Garden Seed Assortment – Over 20,000 Specially Dried, Non-GMO, Heirloom, Long Shelf Life Gardening Emergency Storage Seeds – Prepper Vault: Corn, Peas, Beans, Tomatoes, MoreAmazon buy buttonSustainable Seed Survival Heirloom Seed Bag Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds for Long-Term Storage or Instant Garden, 25 VarietiesSustainable Seed Survival Heirloom Seed Bag Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds for Long-Term Storage or Instant Garden, 25 VarietiesAmazon buy button

11 Best Seed Catalogs For Serious Gardeners

seed catalogs and envelopes.
Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

Get a few seed catalogs and order a stash of your favorite survival garden seeds. Seeds last for many years if you keep them in a dry, dark place, and it’s good to have reserves.

Here’s a list of my favorite seed catalogs.

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