Self-sustainability is something humans have worked to achieve for centuries. Growing crops is a way for people to provide for their families and communities. You only have so much time and land to grow plants, so how can you achieve the same sustainability as your ancestors?
Consider cultivating these 14 best crops for survival. These plants will provide the most versatility for food and other uses, helping you get through tough times with ease.
1. Soybeans
If you want versatility, look no further than soybeans. People have been using soybeans for thousands of years because they are practical. They are a non-GMO food, so many individuals like incorporating them into healthy diets. They’re high in fiber and protein, making them an excellent meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. One hundred grams of soybeans yield 18 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. They also contain 7 grams of unsaturated fat, rounding out the three primary macronutrients.
Soybeans are practical for food, and you can also use them to make soy milk. They’re a terrific oil for cooking, dressings and spreads.
Besides food, soybeans also have practical uses in everyday life. You can use this crop to make soap, clothing, cosmetics, resins and more. They can even help your car. Research has shown that soybean oil helps tires gain traction, making driving easier in wet and icy conditions.
2. Lentils
Another versatile and nutritious crop you can grow is lentils. Like soybeans, a lentil is an edible legume high in protein and fiber. This plant serves about 12 grams of protein per half cup. They’re popular in soups and stews, and you can pair them with many other foods. Lentils are an excellent food to keep in storage because they can last well over a year when dried.
One of the best parts about lentils is how easy they are to grow. Lentils are practical for those who live in drier areas because they don’t require much rainfall. They mostly thrive in cooler climates, so you may see large lentil farms in places like Washington and Idaho. Because they grow in cool weather, you’ll need to sow your lentils a couple of weeks before the last frost comes. You can start your lentil crop indoors before taking them outside.
3. Hemp
Hemp is one of the most versatile crops you can grow. It is a variety of cannabis, but don’t let that turn you away. It has many uses for food, medicine and more. There’s a reason why people have been growing it for thousands of years. In 2018, the United States government removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, paving the way for legalized growing commercially. However, you need to have a license to grow hemp in most states.
Hemp seeds are a nutritious food source because they contain protein and minerals. You can also use hemp to create dairy substitutes for milk and cheese.
Besides food, you can use hemp to make paper. Hemp is a sustainable alternative to wood because it requires fewer resources. Other uses for hemp include biodegradable plastics, lighting oil, clothing, textiles and animal feed.
4. Potatoes
Are potatoes vegetables, starches or something else? Botanically, they’re a vegetable, but regardless, they’re one of the best crops you can grow. Your spuds can serve many purposes. You can have potatoes in the main dish and soups. You can also make bread and plenty of other side dishes with them. They’re ideal for survivalists because they can last for several months if you put them in a cool pantry.
Another advantage of potatoes is how easily they grow in the United States. In fact, they’re one of the leading vegetable crops in the entire country. In 2020, Americans grew over 1 million acres of potatoes, which only comes behind countries like China, India and Russia. Potatoes are ideal for farming because they don’t require perfect soil conditions. Place them in direct sunlight and drain the soil well.
5. Sweet Potatoes
If you like potatoes, you should also consider their distant cousin, the sweet potato, for your garden. They may seem similar, but sweet potatoes are much different than their counterparts. They are root vegetables from the morning glory family, but the common potato is a nightshade vegetable. The average sweet potato has fewer calories and has the same amount of fiber.
Sweet potatoes are ideal for survivalists, depending on how you store them. They’ll be good for about a month in a cool, dark area like a root cellar. If they’re raw, don’t put sweet potatoes in the fridge or freezer. However, cooked sweet potatoes can last up to six months in a freezer. They need direct sunlight and well-drained soil and require about six to eight hours of daylight daily.
6. Corn
You should also consider growing corn. It’s been a staple for thousands of years, especially in North America. Corn is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber and potassium. The carotenoids in corn can even help your eyes by reducing the risk of vision issues. It’s not dense in calories, but it’s a low-maintenance crop with many uses.
You can consume corn by itself and create dishes like street corn. Corn flour and cornstarch are practical for baking and other cooking methods. In addition, cornstarch is a common ingredient you may see in hygiene and medical products. Corn products can also be found in ethanol gas, crayons, whiskey, batteries and more.
7. Carrots
Carrots are another terrific root vegetable for survivalists to grow. They’re one of the most nutrient-dense crops you can find because they’re chock full of vitamins A and K. Beta-carotene, also seen in corn, is a carotenoid that can improve eyesight and prevent diseases. Carrots are an excellent crop to grow because you can leave them in the ground until you’re ready to harvest them.
Once harvested, carrots can last between four and six months if they’re in a cold and moist place. Placing them in a perforated bag inside the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator should suffice. Carrots grow best in the spring because they’re a cool-season vegetable. Some say they’re challenging to grow, but you should be able to produce this crop with six hours of daily sunlight and free-draining soil.
8. Tomatoes
Tomatoes, the first fruit to appear on the list, are another excellent crop to grow. Many people use them as a vegetable when cooking. It may seem unclear, and even the Supreme Court had a different opinion in 1893 when it decided tomatoes were vegetables under U.S. customs regulations. Nonetheless, tomatoes are a versatile food you can use in your garden.
Tomatoes have many uses in the world of food. By themselves, they’re an excellent topping for sandwiches and burgers. Diced tomatoes work well in salsa, salads and other dishes. You can also preserve them by making pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, pizza sauce, tomato paste and more.
Tomatoes are also a good choice for teaching kids how to grow vegetables. They’re a low-maintenance crop, as long as you have direct sunlight.
9. Zucchini
Zucchini may be an overlooked vegetable for survivalists, considering its nutrients, uses and growing methods. This summer squash is a herbaceous plant that some mistake for a cucumber. Zucchini is part of the cucurbita family, but cucumbers are gourds. Zucchini is not a calorically dense food but provides fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. This vegetable freezes well and can last about three months.
Zucchini is relatively easy to grow because you can sow the seeds directly into your outdoor garden. There’s no need to start the cultivation indoors. Zucchini need about six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, so don’t cover them with any shade. This plant requires well-drained soil for the best results. Zucchini is typically a low-maintenance crop, only requiring attention when harvesting it in the summer.
10. Garlic
You can grow many crops in a garden, but what if you want to add flavors and aromas to your food? Garlic can enhance the taste of your dishes and simultaneously add nutritional value. This bulb will also take care of any vampire problems on your property.
Garlic is an ideal vegetable to grow. It’s a member of the onion family and a part of many survivalist stockpiles because it lasts a long time in storage. An unpeeled garlic bulb can last up to six months in a dry, cool, dark place. You can easily make it into a powder to flavor your favorite foods. Other uses for garlic include repelling insects, reducing acne, and relieving toothaches and athlete’s foot.
11. Scallions
Another versatile crop in the same family is the scallion. Garlic and scallions come from the genus allium. Scallions are an excellent vegetable to grow because you can use them in various dishes. They’re famous for garnishing stir-fries and other Asian-inspired dishes. Scallions have also become useful in pastries, as some people like to bake bread and cook pancakes with this vegetable.
One of the reasons you should include scallions in your garden is their reusability. Once you cut them for consumption, leave some room above the roots and place them in water. Set the container by a window for maximum sun exposure. After about two weeks, the plant should regrow to its original level. You can regrow scallions typically two to five times with the original stem.
12. Peppers
Do you need some spice in your life? Another versatile crop you can grow in your garden is peppers. You can grow numerous varieties, depending on your desired heat level. Jalapeños are a good place to start because they have about 4,000 to 5,000 Scoville units. They make an excellent addition to salsa, chili, guacamole and more, and you can also pickle them to enhance the flavors.
Jalapeños grow best in hot climates, so they’re a terrific crop to cultivate in the summer. These peppers need a lot of water, sunlight and well-drained soil for optimal growth. Keep them away from the wind and in temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the day. The best way to preserve your jalapeños is to freeze them. No cooking is necessary, but you can elect to skin or peel them beforehand.
13. Lavender
The list of fruits and vegetables you can grow can go on forever, but some crops have uses outside food. One of these plants is lavender. You may know lavender best from its scent in household items like soap. It’s one of the most versatile plants you can grow at home because you can also use it for candles, bath salts, carpet fresheners and bug repellent. It does have food uses, though. Lavender is a popular choice for tea enthusiasts.
Lavender is a manageable plant to grow at home. Like many other crops on this list, it needs a lot of sunlight and well-drained soil. It’s a Mediterranean plant, so it won’t survive if you place it in shady or cold conditions. A significant benefit of lavender is its longevity, especially when dried. It will remain high in quality for about two to three years.
14. Bamboo
Another crop that survivalists may forget about is bamboo, which is an easy plant to grow that can provide many benefits to your life. One of the best ways to use it is in construction. Bamboo is known for its strength and practicality when constructing shelters. It’s also more sustainable than wood because of how fast it grows. Survivalists looking for sustainability should consider building with bamboo.
One of the best parts about bamboo is the variety of places it will grow. It does best in subtropical and tropical regions, such as the Southeast region of the United States. Internationally, you can find bamboo in most of South America, the southern half of Africa and most of east Asia. It’s known for its rapid regrowth, with some species maturing as quickly as 90 days. Others need a couple of years before reaching their full maturity.
Survival Crops for Your Garden
Self-sufficiency with food is essential. When disaster scenarios strike, you must ensure you can provide for yourself and your family. One of the best ways to do that is to plant survival crops on your property, and it’s vital to understand how to care for them properly so you can use them to their full potential. These 14 plants are the most versatile for food and other household uses and will serve you well in various circumstances.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
Leave a Reply