Growing your own food is always a good idea, but now as we hear rumblings of possible food shortages for various reasons, it might be something you’re even more curious about. Growing fruits and vegetables can be tricky, that’s for sure, which can be stressful if you are actually relying on these crops to feed your family. But, when you get into the swing of things and can increase self-sufficiency, it is an excellent way to reduce grocery bills and feed your family fresh, nutritious meals. So, whether you’re prepping for emergencies or just want to try out a new hobby, here are five must-have vegetables to grow in your garden.
What Should I Focus On?
First off, plant what you eat. If your family goes through cucumbers like nobody’s business, plant them. Likewise, if there are fruits or vegetables you absolutely can’t stand – don’t plant them even if guides or experts tell you to.
If you’re short on space or really just want to focus on growing foods that will keep your family fed during an emergency, look for plants that produce a high yield and are nutrient-dense. Here are the five plants experienced preppers and gardeners alike recommend growing.
Potatoes: The Ultimate Survival Crop
Potatoes are a survival garden staple because they’re calorie-dense, nutrient-rich, and can be grown in bags, buckets, containers or raised beds. They have a long storage life when cured properly which makes them ideal for building food security through the winter months.
Why they’re essential:
- High in calories and nutrinets
- Long storage life
- Grows in containers, bags, or raised beds
Potato Planting Tips:
- Timing: Plant seed potatoes 2–4 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date, when soil temperatures reach at least 45°F.
- Spacing: Space seed potatoes 12 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart
- Crop Rotation: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to reduce the risk of disease. Rotate with crops from different families, such as legumes or brassicas.
Green Beans: Fast-Growing and Productive
Green beans are a fast-growing, high-yield crop that thrives in most climates. They’re rich in fiber and vitamins, and as legumes, they naturally improve soil health by fixing nitrogen—an essential nutrient for future crops. Plus, they’re delicious!
Why they’re essential:
• Grow quickly – you’ll be eating fresh green beans in about 50-55 days High yield per square foot • Fixes nitrogen in the soil, which will help some of the other plants thrive, like potatoes • • • Easy to preserve – canned green beans can last all through the winter!
Planting Tips:
• Timing: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil temps are at least 60°F.
• Spacing: Plant bush beans 2–3 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Pole beans can be spaced closer together at 4–6 inches apart.
• Succession Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a steady harvest throughout the season.
Tomatoes: The Preserving MVP
Tomatoes are a garden favorite for good reason. They’re flavorful, productive, and can be used in so many ways! You can enjoy fresh sauces, soups, and with a couple of other ingredients, a good ‘ol BLT sandwich.
Why they’re essential:
- High yield and flavor versatility
- Can be preserved for year-round use
- Great for those with limited space since they grow well in pots or garden beds
Planting Tips:
• Timing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or plant transplants after soil reaches 60°F. • •Method: Plant deeply to encourage root growth. 2/3 or the stem should be covered in soil! •Support: Use cages or stakes to keep fruit off the ground and prevent disease.
Squash: Abundant and Easy
Squash varieties, including zucchini, are one of the most useful types of vegetable you can grow. A single plant can provide more squash than you know what to do with! Use it in stir-fries, baked goods, soups, or spiralized as a pasta alternative. It’s quick to grow and thrives in most garden conditions.
Why they’re essential:
- Extremely high-yielding
- Fast to mature (great for short growing seasons)
- Can be used in sweet or savory recipes
Planting Tips:
• Timing: Plant after the last frost when soil is 60°F or warmer.
• Spacing: Space summer squash 2 feet apart and winter squash 3–4 feet apart with rows 6 feet apart.
• Pollination: Encourage bees or hand-pollinate if fruit drops prematurely
Peas: Cold-Weather Favorite and Soil Booster
Peas are a cool-season crop that can be planted early in the year, providing one of the first harvests in a survival garden. They’re nutritious, easy to grow, and help enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, which benefits future plantings.
Why they’re essential:
• One of the earliest crops to plant and harvest
• Fixes nitrogen in the soil
• Can be eaten fresh or dried for storage
Planting Tips:
• Timing: Plant 4–6 weeks before last frost date; peas love cool weather.
• Method: Direct sow 1 inch deep. Provide a trellis or netting for climbing varieties.
• Spacing: Plant 1 inch apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.
• Succession: Plant a fall crop 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost.
Read These Blogs For More Tips On Creating a Thriving Vegetable Garden
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