Introduction
With the increasing risk of natural disasters and other emergencies, it is essential for every survivalist to have some reliable source of food and supplies in case of need. Growing your own crops in the backyard is one of the best ways to ensure that you have a steady supply of food and other resources. However, determining which crops to grow is important to get the most out of the space and resources available. In this article, we will look at the best crops for a survivalist to grow in their backyard.
No matter where you live, it’s important to be prepared for an emergency. One way to do this is to have a stockpile of non-perishable food items in your home. However, if you’re a survivalist, you may want to take things one step further by growing your own food.
There are many benefits to growing your own food, including the fact that you’ll know exactly what’s in it and where it came from. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re self-sufficient and can provide for yourself and your family in a time of need.
Of course, not all foods are created equal when it comes to survival. Some crops are more difficult to grow than others, and some are simply not worth the effort. With that in mind, here are ten suggested crops that every survivalist should grow in his or her backyard.
The Basics of Gardening for Survival
No matter where you live, whether in the city or the country, you can grow a survival garden. A survival garden is a garden that is designed to provide you with food and medicine in the event of a disaster. The key to a successful survival garden is to grow a variety of plants that will provide you with the nutrients you need to survive.
Planning Your Garden
When you are planning your garden, there are a few things you will need to take into account in order to ensure that it is successful. The first is the climate. You will need to choose plants that are native to your area and that can tolerate the conditions there. If you are in an area with a lot of rainfall, you will need plants that can tolerate wet conditions. If you are in a dry climate, you will need plants that can tolerate dry conditions.
The second thing to consider is the amount of space you have. You will need to choose plants that do not spread too much and that can be grown close together. This is important because you want to be able to reach all of your plants easily and you do not want them competing for space and resources.
The third thing to consider is the amount of sunlight your garden will get. Some plants need full sunlight, while others can tolerate partial shade. You will need to choose plants that will get the amount of sunlight they need in order to thrive.
Once you have considered these things, you can start planning what kinds of plants you would like to grow in your garden. Make sure to research how each plant grows and what its specific needs are so that you can provide those things for it. With a little planning, your garden will be a success!
Deciding What to Grow
One of the most important decisions you will make when starting a garden is deciding what to grow. What you grow will be determined by many factors, including your climate, the amount of space you have, and your personal preferences.
Some vegetables are easier to grow than others, and some are harder than others. You should take all of these factors into consideration when deciding what to grow.
Some vegetables that are easy to grow and are well suited for survival gardens include:
-Potatoes
-Carrots
-Onions
-Garlic
Choosing the Right Location
One of the most important aspects of gardening is choosing the right location. You will need to consider things such as climate, rainfall, and sun exposure when choosing a location.
The climate is an important factor to consider when choosing a location for your garden. You will need to make sure that the climate in your chosen location is suitable for the plants you want to grow. If you are growing plants that require a lot of rain, you will need to choose a location that receives a lot of rainfall. Similarly, if you are growing plants that require full sun, you will need to choose a location that gets direct sunlight for most of the day.
Rainfall is another important factor to consider when choosing a gardening location. Plants require different amounts of water, so you will need to make sure that your chosen location receives enough rainfall to meet the needs of your plants. If you are growing plants that require a lot of water, you will need to choose a location that receives a lot of rain. However, if you are growing drought-tolerant plants, you will need to choose a location that has less rainfall.
Sun exposure is also an important factor to consider when choosing a gardening location. Plants require different amounts of sunlight, so you will need to make sure that your chosen location gets enough sunlight for the plants you want to grow. If you are growing plants that require full sun, you will need to choose a sunny location. However, if you are growing shade-loving plants, you will need to choose a shady location.
Preparing the Soil
The first step in gardening for survival is to prepare the soil. This can be done by tilling the soil and adding organic matter, such as compost or manure. The goal is to create loose, crumbly soil that will allow roots to penetrate easily and help retain moisture.
Once the soil is prepared, it’s time to start planting. When choosing what to plant, it’s important to consider which plants are most likely to provide the essentials for survival: food, water, and shelter.
Food: When selecting plants for food, it’s important to choose those that are high in calories and nutritious. Good choices include vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas; fruits like apples and bananas; and grains like wheat and rice.
Water: While all plants need water to survive, some are more tolerant of drought conditions than others. When selecting plants for water, look for those that are native to your area or that have low water requirements. Good choices include cacti, succulents, and other desert plants.
Shelter: While not strictly necessary for survival, shelter can provide protection from the elements and help reduce stress levels. When selecting plants for shelter, choose those that are fast-growing and have dense foliage. Good choices include trees like pines and firs; shrubs like hollies and rhododendrons; and vines like ivy and grapevines.
Testing the Soil
The most important step in starting a garden is testing the soil. You need to know what kind of soil you have in order to determine what crops will grow well in it. The three main types of soil are clay, sand, and loam.
Clay soil is made up of very small particles that pack together tightly. It holds moisture well but can become compacted easily, making it difficult for plants to grow.
Sandy soil is made up of larger particles that do not hold moisture as well as clay or loam soils. It is easy to work with but can become very dry and sandy.
Loam soils are a mix of clay, sand, and organic matter, and are considered the best type of soil for gardening. They hold moisture well and are easy to work with.
Amending the Soil
Gardeners often talk about amending the soil. What does that mean? And why is it important?
Amending the soil means adding organic matter to it. This can be done in several ways, but the most common method is to add compost. You can also add other decomposed organic matter, such as leaves, manure, or grass clippings.
Adding organic matter to the soil has many benefits. First, it helps improve drainage. Second, it helps retain moisture in the soil. Third, it provides a source of nutrients for plants. And fourth, it helps improve the structure of the soil itself.
Organic matter is essential for healthy plants and vegetables. If you want to grow a successful garden, be sure to amend your soil on a regular basis!
What is good to grow in the backyard?
Growing your own food has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Not only is it a great way to save money, but it also gives you access to fresh, organic produce that can be hard to find in stores. Plus, there’s the added satisfaction of knowing you’ve grown something with your own hands.
If you’ve decided to take the plunge and start growing your own food in your backyard, you might be wondering where to start. While there are a variety of options out there, some of the most popular backyard crops are sweet potatoes, beans, carrots, winter squash, potatoes, and Malabar spinach.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a popular backyard crop because they’re easy to grow and can be harvested from late summer to early fall. To grow sweet potatoes, you’ll need to start with slips, which are small pieces of the sweet potato plant. Plant the slips about 12 inches apart in a well-drained, sunny area, and water them regularly throughout the summer. Once your sweet potatoes have grown and the tops have started to turn brown, they’re ready to be harvested!
Growing sweet potatoes
When it comes to growing vegetables and fruits in your backyard, sweet potatoes are a great choice. Not only are they a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals, but they’re also relatively easy to grow in your own backyard. Sweet potatoes are a root crop, meaning they grow below the surface of the soil. They also have a long growing season, so you can expect to get a long harvest with plenty of sweet potatoes.
Before you plant your sweet potatoes, you’ll need to choose the right spot in your backyard. Sweet potatoes do best in soil that is well-drained and has a lot of organic matter in it. You’ll also want to pick a spot that gets plenty of sun, as sweet potatoes need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Once you’ve chosen the ideal spot for your sweet potatoes, you’ll need to prepare the soil. This involves tilling the soil and adding organic matter such as compost or manure to the area. This will help the soil retain moisture, which is important when growing sweet potatoes.
When it comes to planting sweet potatoes, you can either buy seed potatoes from a garden center or use store-bought sweet potatoes that have been sprouting. If you’re using sprouting potatoes, you’ll need to plant them right away, as they don’t last as long as seed potatoes.
Once the sweet potatoes have started to sprout, you’ll need to keep them well-watered. You should also make sure that the soil never completely dries out, as this can damage the plants.
As the sweet potatoes grow, you’ll need to make sure that they get plenty of air circulation. This will help to prevent the plants from rotting or getting attacked by pests. If you’re seeing a lot of pests, you can also use an organic pesticide to help keep them away.
Harvesting your sweet potatoes is a simple process. All you need to do is dig around the base of the plant and gently pull the sweet potatoes from the ground. Depending on the variety you planted, your sweet potatoes should be ready to harvest in 3-4 months.
Growing sweet potatoes in your backyard is a great way to add delicious and nutritious produce to your meals. With a bit of patience and a little bit of effort, you can have a long harvest of sweet potatoes that you can enjoy all season long.
Winter Squash
Winter squash is a delicious and versatile vegetable that is easy to grow in the backyard. To do so, you’ll need to start by planting the seeds in the early spring when the soil has warmed up. Plant the seeds about 1 inch apart and make sure the soil is well-drained and not too wet. When the squash has grown and the vines have started to die off, they’re ready to be harvested!
Growing squash
Many people are looking for ways to grow their own food in their backyards. Squash is an excellent option for backyard gardening. Squash is an easy-to-grow vegetable that is highly productive and provides an abundance of nutritious, delicious food. There are many varieties of squash to choose from and many can be grown in the backyard. Summer squash, such as zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan, is the most popular for backyard gardeners. Winter squash, such as acorn, butternut, and spaghetti, are also great choices.
When determining which type of squash to grow, consider the size of your garden. Summer squash will take up less space and require less maintenance than winter squash. The size of the squash will determine how much space you need to plant it. If you have limited space, look for compact varieties of squash.
When planting squash in the backyard, choose an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Squash plants need plenty of sunlight to produce fruits. If your garden doesn’t get enough sunlight, you may need to use supplemental lighting to ensure the plants get enough.
Squash is a warm-weather crop, so it should be planted after the danger of frost has passed in the spring. It is best to plant the seeds directly in the ground rather than transplanting seedlings. Plant the seeds at least 1-2 inches deep and about 6-12 inches apart.
It is important to water squash plants regularly. They need about 1-2 inches of water each week and more when the weather is particularly hot. Mulch can help hold moisture in the soil and can also help prevent weeds from growing.
Squash plants benefit from additional nutrients. When planting, mix in some organic fertilizer or compost to provide additional nutrients. Regularly side-dress the plants with fertilizer or compost during the growing season.
Squash plants can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Remove any affected plants to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
With a bit of care and attention, you can grow a bountiful crop of squash in your backyard. Squash is an easy-to-grow vegetable and can provide a great source of fresh, nutritious food. With a wide variety of squash to choose from, you can find the perfect squash for your garden.
Beans
Beans are another great backyard crop to grow. To do so, you’ll need to plant the beans in the early spring, when the soil has warmed up. Plant the beans about 6 inches apart and make sure the soil is well-drained and not too wet. When the beans have grown and the pods are full, they’re ready to be harvested!
Carrots
Carrots are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in your backyard. To do so, you’ll need to start by planting the seeds in the early spring when the soil has warmed up. Plant the seeds about 1 inch apart in a well-drained, sunny area and water them regularly. Carrots will take a few months to grow and should be ready for harvest in late summer to early fall.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic backyard crop and can be an easy and rewarding addition to any garden. To grow potatoes, you’ll need to start with seed potatoes, which are small potatoes that have been specially treated to speed up the growing process. Plant the seed potatoes about 6 inches apart in a well-drained, sunny area and water them regularly throughout the summer. When the potatoes have grown and the tops have started to turn brown, they’re ready to be harvested!
Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach is a tropical plant that is easy to grow in the backyard. To do so, you’ll need to plant the seeds in the early spring when the soil has warmed up. Plant the seeds about 6 inches apart in a well-drained, sunny area and water them regularly throughout the summer. When the plants have grown and the leaves have started to turn yellow, they’re ready to be harvested!
Moringa Tree
The moringa tree is a fast-growing tree that is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It is a great addition to any backyard garden, as it can provide a steady supply of fruits, leaves, and flowers throughout the year. To grow a moringa tree, you’ll need to start with a moringa seed, which can be purchased from any garden store. Plant the seed in the early spring, when the soil has warmed up, and make sure the soil is well-drained and not too wet. Water the seed regularly throughout the summer and the tree should be ready to harvest in late summer to early fall.
No matter what type of backyard garden you’re looking to create, these six crops are a great place to start. Sweet potatoes, beans, carrots, winter squash, potatoes, Malabar spinach, and the moringa tree are all easy to grow and provide a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’ve grown something with your own hands!
Planting and Caring for Your Garden
When you’re planning your garden, consider which vegetables are most important for you to grow. Make sure to plant a variety of vegetables, so you’ll have a broad spectrum of nutrients, and also choose vegetables that will do well in your area. Once you’ve decided what to plant, research how to best care for those particular plants.
When it comes time to plant your garden, pay attention to the spacing directions on the seed packet or plant tag. Proper spacing ensures that each plant has enough room to grow and develop properly. Once your plants are in the ground, water them regularly and fertilize them according to their needs. Don’t forget to weed! Weeds compete with your plants for space, water, and nutrients, so it’s important to remove them on a regular basis.
As your plants mature, you’ll need to harvest them. Some vegetables can be eaten when they’re young (such as baby carrots), but others need to be left to mature fully (like tomatoes). Once you’ve harvested your vegetables, enjoy them fresh or preserve them for later. Canning and freezing are two popular methods of preserving food, but there are many others as well.
Watering
One of the most important things you can do for your plants is to water them regularly. Depending on the type of plant, they may need to be watered every day or just once a week. To tell if a plant needs to be watered, stick your finger in the soil about an inch deep. If it’s dry, it’s time to water the plant. If it’s still moist, you can wait a few days before watering again.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is important, but you must be careful not to over-fertilize or you can harm your plants. Plants need three primary nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are typically referred to as NPK. The numbers on a fertilizer package (e.g., 10-10-10) refer to the percentage of each nutrient by weight in the package.
Nitrogen is needed for growth, phosphorus is needed for flowering and fruit production, and potassium is needed for overall health. There are also trace elements that plants need in small amounts, such as iron, manganese, boron, zinc, and copper. You can get all of these nutrients from a good all-purpose fertilizer, or you can get them from organic sources.
Weed Control
Weed control is important in any garden, but it is especially important in a survival garden. Weeds can take over a garden very quickly, and they compete with food plants for water, light, and nutrients. They can also harbor pests and diseases that can harm your food plants.
There are a few different ways to control weeds in your survival garden. One is to simply pull them by hand. This is most effective with small weeds that have not gone to seed yet. If the weed has already gone to seed, it’s best to cut it down so the seeds don’t have a chance to spread.
Another way to control weeds is to smother them with mulch. This can be anything from straw to leaves to grass clippings. The mulch will block out the light, preventing the weed seeds from germinating.
You can also use herbicides, but be careful with these. Many herbicides are non-selective, which means they will kill both weeds and food plants. There are some herbicides that are specifically designed for use around food plants, but these can still be harmful if not used properly. It’s best to avoid herbicides if possible.
The best way to control weeds is to prevent them from getting established in the first place. This means keeping your garden clean and free of weed seeds. You can do this by removing all weeds before they go to seed, and by disinfecting all tools and equipment that you use in the garden.
Pest Control
Pests can quickly decimate a garden, especially if they are left unchecked. There are a number of ways to control pests, ranging from chemical pesticides to more natural methods.
One of the most common methods of pest control is using chemical pesticides. These products work by poisoning the pests that come into contact with them, killing them. However, they can also be harmful to humans and animals if they are not used properly. It is important to carefully read the labels on these products and follow the instructions carefully.
Another method of pest control is to encourage predators of the pests to come into your garden. This can be done by planting certain plants that attract these predators, such as ladybugs which eat aphids. You can also install birdhouses or bat houses in your garden to encourage these animals to take up residence there.
A third method of pest control is to use physical barriers to keep pests out of your garden. This can be done by covering the garden with fine mesh netting or floating row covers. These barriers will prevent pests from getting to the plants, but will still allow sunlight and water through.
Finally, you can also try using natural repellents made from things like garlic, chili peppers, or citrus fruits. These repellents will not kill pests but will discourage them from coming into your garden in the first place.
Harvesting Your Crops
Once you have planted and cared for your garden, it will be time to harvest your bounty! Depending on the crop, this can be done by hand or with machinery. Read on for more information about harvesting your crops.
Harvesting by hand
For most vegetables, harvesting by hand is the best option. It is gentle on the plants and allows you to select only the ripe fruits or vegetables. To harvest by hand, simply cut or twist the produce from the plant. When harvesting leafy greens, cut them as close to the ground as possible.
Harvesting with machinery
For larger crops, such as grains or corn, harvesting with machinery is often necessary. Machinery can also be used for smaller crops if you are looking to save time. When using machinery, it is important to be careful not to damage the plants. Be sure to read the instructions for your particular machine before operating it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many things a survivalist can grow in his backyard to be prepared for any eventuality. A well-stocked backyard garden can provide food, medicine, and even shelter in a pinch. With a little planning and preparation, any survivalist can be self-sufficient in the event of an emergency.