Introduction
If you’re serious about prepping for a worst-case scenario, then you need to have a supply of survival seeds on hand. Survival seeds are different from the seeds you’d use in your garden. They are specially chosen for their ability to grow in a wide range of conditions and climates, and they produce food that is high in calories and nutrients.
When it comes to stockpiling survival seeds, there is no “one size fits all” approach. The best way to determine which varieties are right for you is to consider your specific needs and location. With that said, there are certain types of survival seeds that are more versatile and widely-used than others.
Why You Should Store Survival Seeds
If you are looking for a long term food storage solution, then you should consider stockpiling survival seeds. Survival seeds are easy to store and will last for many years if they are stored correctly. They are also a great way to have a backup food supply in case of an emergency.
They’re an insurance policy
Just like you insure your home and health, storing survival seeds is an insurance policy for your food supply. By having a stash of survival seeds, you ensure that you will always have access to fresh, nutritious food – no matter what happens.
There are many reasons why your food supply may be compromised – from natural disasters to economic collapse. Whatever the reason, having a stockpile of survival seeds will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you and your family will never go hungry.
Here are 15 survival seeds to stockpile:
- Beans: black, kidney, pinto, navy, Lima
- Corn: sweet corn, field corn
- Squash: winter squash, summer squash
- Tomatoes: red tomatoes, green tomatoes
- Peppers: bell peppers, chili peppers
- Cucumbers
- Melons: watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew
- Eggplant
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Lettuce: leaf lettuce, head lettuce
- Carrots: Nantes carrots, Imperator carrots
- Beets: red beets, gold beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
They can be used as barter
If you are storing survival seeds for the long term, then you need to make sure that they will remain viable. That means keeping them dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight. A lot of people choose to store their seeds in Mylar bags inside barrels or mason jars. You can also store them in vacuum-sealed bags.
Your seeds will remain viable for much longer if you store them in a cool, dark place. A lot of people choose to store their seeds in a refrigerator or even a freezer. Just make sure that you do not subject them to drastic changes in temperature, as this can damage the seeds.
As well as being a source of food, survival seeds can also be used as barter. In a post-apocalyptic world, seeds will be a valuable commodity. So, it pays to have some on hand that you can trade for other goods and services.
They can help you start over
In a long-term emergency, one of the most valuable things you can have on hand is a stockpile of survival seeds. With these 15 types of seeds, you can grow everything from vegetables to fruit to grains, giving you the ability to produce your own food and become self-sufficient.
While it may seem like a small thing, having a stock of survival seeds can make a big difference in your ability to weather an emergency. Not only will you be able to provide for yourself and your family, but you’ll also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared.
The Best Survival Seeds to Store
If you are looking to stockpile some survival seeds, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will be discussing the 15 best survival seeds to store. We will also be discussing what makes each of these seeds ideal for stockpiling.
Corn
Corn is an essential food crop and one of the best survival seeds to stockpile. An annual grass, corn is easy to grow and can provide a nutritious food source. When stored properly, corn can last for several years.
There are many different varieties of corn, so you can choose the type that best suits your needs. Sweet corn is the most popular type, but you can also grow flint corn, which is ideal for making cornmeal, or dent corn, which is good for livestock feed.
Corn is a relatively high-yield crop, so you will need to plant a large number of seeds to ensure that you have enough food. One pound of seed corn will yield about 10 pounds of fresh corn, so plan accordingly.
Corn requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. It is a warm-season crop, so it should be planted after the last frost date in your area. Corn is typically harvested in late summer or early fall.
If you are looking for a survival seed that will provide a nutritious food source and has a long shelf life, thencorn is a great option.
Beans
There are many different types of beans, but lima beans, black beans, and pinto beans are some of the best for stockpiling. They have a long shelf life and can be used in a variety of recipes. You can also sprout them to add fresh greens to your survival diet.
Squash
While there are many different squash varieties, most squash seeds can be stored in the same way. Squash seeds can be dried and then stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Most squash seeds will remain viable for several years when stored in this manner.
Some of the best squash varieties for storing include:
-acorn squash
-butternut squash
-cornfield pumpkin
-cushaw pumpkin
-dill’s Atlantic giant pumpkin
-Jarrahdale pumpkin
-kabocha squash
-spaghetti squash
-sweet Dumpling squash
-turban squash
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great vegetable to stockpile for survival because they are easy to grow and offer a variety of uses. They can be eaten fresh, pickled, or used in salads, soups, and stews. Cucumbers are also 97% water, so they can be a valuable source of hydration in a survival situation.
If you are storing cucumber seeds for survival, choose a variety that is disease resistant and produces high yields. Some good options include ‘Burpless’, ‘Diva’, and ‘Marketmore’. Cucumber seeds will remain viable for 2-3 years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Peppers
There are many different types of peppers, but not all of them are suitable for survival stockpiling. For example, bell peppers and sweet peppers won’t last as long as other varieties. Here are 15 of the best survival seeds to stockpile for a long-term emergency:
-Habanero
-Jalapeño
-Cayenne
-Serrano
-Poblano
-Banana pepper
-Anaheim pepper
-Chipotle pepper
-Thai pepper
-Scotch bonnet pepper
-Bird’s eye chili pepper
-Tabasco pepper
How to Store Your Survival Seeds
Storing your survival seeds correctly is important if you want them to last for a long time. There are a few things you need to take into consideration, such as moisture and light. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to store your survival seeds so they will last for years.
In a cool, dark place
You want to store your seeds in a cool, dark place. A fridge or a root cellar would work perfectly. If you don’t have either of those, you can store them in a dark cupboard or closet. You just want to make sure that they are not exposed to light and that they are not in a place where the temperature fluctuates too much.
In an airtight container
All of your survival seeds should be stored in an airtight container. An airtight container will keep your seeds dry and protected from light. You can use a mason jar, zip-top bag, or any other type of container that you can seal tightly.
Once you have your container, label it with the type of seed, the date you stored it, and the expiration date. It’s important to know when your seeds were stored and when they will expire so that you can rotate them accordingly. Seeds can last for many years if stored properly, but their germination rates will decrease over time.
Once your container is labeled, fill it with dry sand or vermiculite to protect the seeds from being crushed. You can also add a desiccant packet to further protect the seeds from moisture.
In a moisture-proof container
You’ve gone to all the trouble of amassing a survival seed stockpile. Now it’s time to make sure those seeds are properly stored so they’ll be viable when you need them. Proper seed storage is essential for any prepper.
The optimal storage temperature for most seeds is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can’t store your seeds at that temperature, don’t worry – just do the best you can. Seeds will still remain viable at temperatures as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, although they will have a shorter shelf life.
It’s also important to keep seeds dry. Moisture is the enemy of seed viability, so yourseed storage containers must be airtight and moisture-proof. Mason jars with screw-on lids are a good option, or you can use zip-top bags inside a larger container. You can also buy commercial seed vaults designed specifically for long-term seed storage.
Once your seeds are properly packaged, label each container with the name of the crop and the date of storage. Then put them in a cool, dark place – a closet or basement is ideal. Check on your seeds every few months to make sure they’re still dry and at the proper temperature, and replenish your stockpile as needed.
How to Use Your Survival Seeds
A lot of people think that stockpiling survival seeds is a waste of time. They couldn’t be more wrong. In a SHTF situation, your survival seeds could mean the difference between life and death. Not only will you have a food source, but you can also trade your seeds with other people for goods and services. In this article, we’ll show you how to use your survival seeds to create a sustainable food source.
Plant them
If you’re bugging in, you need to have a plan for where you will plant your garden. If you’re bugging out, you need to be able to identify good spots for gardening along your route. No matter what, you need to make sure that the area you choose for planting is clear of debris, has good drainage, and gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. Once you have your spot picked out, it’s time to start prepping the soil.
If you have the time and resources, the best way to prep your soil is by taking a soil sample to your local cooperative extension office. They will be able to test your soil and give you specific recommendations for how to amend it based on the crops you want to grow. If you don’t have the time or resources for that, there are some general things you can do to make sure your soil is healthy enough to support robust growth.
The first step is to add some organic matter. This can be in the form of compost, manure, or even just leaves. This will help to improve the drainage and aeration of the soil while also adding essential nutrients. The next step is to test the pH of the soil and adjust accordingly. Most plants prefer a neutral pH (around 7), but some plants prefer it a little more acidic or a little more alkaline. Once again, your local extension office can help you with this if you’re not sure how to proceed.
After your soil is prepped and ready, it’s time to start planting! You can either direct sow your seeds or start them indoors in seedlings trays. If you’re starting them indoors, make sure they get plenty of light (a south-facing window is ideal) and water them as needed so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. When they’re big enough (usually after four-six weeks), carefully transplant them into your prepared garden bed outdoors.
If you’re direct sowing, plant your seeds at the depth and spacing recommended on the seed packet. Water them well and keep an eye on them — depending on the weather conditions, they may need watering every day or two until they sprout. Once they sprout, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain (you can eat the ones you thinned out!).
Eat them
You could just eat them. Raw, sprouted, or ground into flour, all of these grains and beans can be consumed. If you have to bug out and can’t take a lot with you, a little container of flour will go a long way.
Since they’re all heirloom varieties, you could also save the seeds from your harvest to replant next year. This is the best way to ensure you have a never-ending supply of survival food.
Use them as barter
One of the best reasons to have a survival seed stockpile is for barter. In a long-term disaster, money may not be worth anything and food will become one of the most valuable commodities. If you have seeds, you will be able to barter for other goods and services. People who don’t have seeds will be more likely to trade goods and services for them since they know they can grow their own food with them.
Another use for survival seeds is to plant them in case of an emergency. If you are forced to evacuate your home, you can take your seeds with you and plant them when you reach your destination. This will help you provide for yourself and your family in a time of need.
So, what are the best survival seeds to stockpile? Here are 15 of the best:
- Potatoes – Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables and can be used in many different dishes. They are also easy to grow, making them a great choice for stockpiling.
- Carrots – Carrots are another versatile vegetable that can be used in many different ways. They are also easy to grow and store, making them perfect for stockpiling.
- Onions – Onions are essential for many recipes and can also be eaten on their own as a snacks. They keep well and are easy to grow, making them ideal for stockpiling.
- Cabbage – Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different dishes. It stores well and is easy to grow, making it perfect for stockpiling.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that can be used in many different dishes or eaten on their own as a snacks. They do not store well, but they are easy to grow, making them ideal for stockpiling.