As the cost of food continues to rise and concerns about food shortages grow, many individuals are taking steps to become more self-sufficient. In this article, the focus will be on six crops that can be grown at home to provide a source of sustenance in case of emergency.
The six crops that will be discussed are potatoes, corn, cabbage, pumpkin, beans, and tomatoes. These crops were chosen based on their ease of growth in an average-sized yard, their ability to provide a good return for harvest, and their high sustenance value. Each crop will be examined in detail, including tips for growing and preserving them.
Key Takeaways
- Potatoes, corn, cabbage, pumpkin, beans, and tomatoes are six crops that can be grown at home to provide a source of sustenance in case of emergency.
- Each crop offers unique benefits, such as ease of growth, versatility, and nutritional value.
- Tips for growing and preserving each crop will be discussed in detail.
The Rising Cost of Food
The current state of food supplies is concerning due to several factors such as a worldwide fertilizer shortage, supply problems, energy crisis, and a lack of fruit and vegetable workers. These issues have led to an increase in the cost of food, which is further compounded by inflation that is currently out of control.
Individuals can take steps to buffer themselves against hard times by growing their own food at home. Self-sufficient Me recommends six top crops that are easy to grow in an average-sized yard, have good preserving qualities, and provide high sustenance in case of an emergency.
Potatoes
Potatoes are the first recommended crop due to their ease of growth and high caloric content. Diversity is key when growing potatoes to limit the buildup of pests and disease. Different varieties can be grown at the same time and from year to year. Potatoes can be grown in various ways, such as in the ground, in trenches, boxes, or containers.
Corn
Corn is the second recommended crop and is one of the three biggest plant-based food sources in the world, along with rice and wheat. Corn can be grown effectively on a much smaller scale and still produce a lot of food. It has a compact and upright growing habit, which saves space, and can be interplanted with other crops like beans and squash to utilize even more space. Corn has many uses, from eating it straight on the cob to making flour, grits, tortillas, and popcorn.
Cabbage
Cabbage is the third recommended crop due to its fast-growing nature and various health benefits. It is full of nutrients that help with bone building, immune system, muscle function, and energy. Cabbage can go a long way in feeding a family, and it’s easy to preserve by freezing, freeze-drying, or fermenting it. Cabbage is also easy to protect from pests by draping it over with a fine net.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is the fourth recommended crop due to its ease of growth and storage. Pumpkins are very good for you and are surprisingly low in calories for such a dense and often large vegetable. They make up for it in fiber, making you feel fuller than you are, which can help if you’re hungry. Pumpkins are also full of vitamin A, which is needed for good eyesight.
Beans
Beans are the fifth recommended crop due to their high nutritional value and ease of storage. The bean seed can be stored or preserved easily through drying or canning, and they don’t take up much storage space, making them ideal to keep as a survival food. Beans don’t take up much room in the garden either, as they typically grow vertically, so you can fit more in a smaller area.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the sixth recommended crop and go well with beans. They are easy to grow and have many uses, such as making tomato sauce. Tomatoes are also full of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
Six Top Crops to Grow at Home
Potatoes, corn, cabbage, pumpkin, beans, and tomatoes are the top six crops that one can grow at home to ensure food security during hard times. These crops are not only easy to grow but also have good preserving qualities and high sustenance to keep one going in an emergency.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a great crop to grow at home as they are easy to grow and full of calories. During the Irish Potato Famine, over a million people died of hunger due to a lack of potatoes. The key to growing potatoes is diversity, so it is important to grow different varieties at the same time and from year to year to limit a buildup of pests and disease. Potatoes can be grown in various ways, such as directing ground or healed up in trenches, boxes, or containers.
Corn
Corn is one of the three biggest plant-based food sources in the world, and it can be grown effectively on a much smaller scale and still produce a lot of food. Corn has a compact and upright growing habit, which saves space, and it can be interplanted in the garden with other crops like beans and squash to utilize even more space. Corn grows as fast as grass because it is grass, and it has many uses from eating it straight on the cob to making flowers, grits, tortillas, and popcorn. Even the whole plant can be chipped and put back into the garden as a nutritious mulch.
Cabbage
Cabbage is known to lower blood pressure and has a heap of other health benefits such as being full of nutrients to help bone building, immune system, muscle function, and energy, which are all vital if one is trying to survive. Cabbage grows relatively fast, and it can go a long way feeding a family using it as a filling stew, shredded on its own and fried, or raw in a slaw. Cabbage is easy to preserve too, and it can be frozen, freeze-dried, or fermented to make tasty foods like kimchi and sauerkraut.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is one of the easiest crops to grow at home, and it is very good for you. Pumpkins are surprisingly low in calories for such a dense and often large veggie/fruit, and they make up for it in fiber, making one feel fuller than they are, which can help if they are hungry. Pumpkins are full of vitamin A, which is needed for good eyesight.
Beans
Beans are a great crop to grow at home as they are a good source of vitamins, nutrients, and essential amino acids needed by humans to live. The bean seed can be stored or preserved easily through drying or canning, and they don’t take up much storage space, so they are ideal to keep as a survival food. Beans don’t take up much room in the garden either as they typically grow vertical, so one can fit more in a smaller area.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great crop to grow at home as they go well with beans and can be used to make tomato sauce. Tomatoes are full of vitamins and nutrients and can be grown in various ways, such as in containers or in the ground.
Potatoes: A Staple Food
Potatoes are considered one of the top six crops to grow at home for survival, according to Mark from Self-Sufficient Me. They are a staple food that is easy to grow and store. Potatoes are known for their high sustenance and preserving qualities, making them an ideal crop for emergency situations.
The Irish potato famine in 1845 resulted in over a million deaths due to a lack of potatoes. However, Mark emphasizes that growing different varieties of potatoes at the same time and from year to year can limit the buildup of pests and disease. Today, there are more varieties of potatoes available with better resistance to disease.
Potatoes can be grown in various ways, including in the ground, healed up in trenches, boxes, or containers. This diversity in growing methods makes it possible to grow potatoes in just about any location, regardless of budget or property size.
During tough times, potatoes can become a main food source again, as they are full of calories and can be used in many different dishes. From fries to chips, potatoes are versatile and easy to preserve.
Corn: A Versatile Grain
Corn is a highly versatile grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is one of the three biggest plant-based food sources in the world, alongside rice and wheat. Unlike rice and wheat, corn can be grown effectively on a much smaller scale and still produce a lot of food.
Corn has a compact and upright growing habit, which saves space. It can be interplanted in the garden with other crops like beans and squash to utilize even more space. Corn grows as fast as grass because it is grass, and it can be easily grown at home in an average sized yard.
Corn has many uses, from eating it straight on the cob to making flour, grits, tortillas, and popcorn. All these things can be easily done at home without too much effort, making corn extremely versatile. Even the whole plant can be chipped and put back into the garden as a nutritious mulch.
Corn is also a good source of nutrition. It is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. Corn is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, thiamin, and potassium.
Overall, corn is an excellent crop to grow at home. It is easy to cultivate, versatile, and nutritious. With the rising cost of food and the potential for food crises, growing corn at home can be a valuable way to ensure a reliable food supply.
Cabbage: A Nutrient-Rich Vegetable
Cabbage is a highly nutritious vegetable that can help lower blood pressure and provide various health benefits. It contains nutrients that aid in bone building, immune system function, muscle function, and energy. Cabbage heads grow tightly and juicy, making them an excellent food source for families. They can be used in stews, fried, or eaten raw in slaw. Cabbage is also easy to preserve, freeze dry, freeze, or ferment. Fermenting cabbage can produce tasty foods like kamichi and sauerkraut, which accentuate the health benefits of the vegetable.
Growing cabbage is easier than people think. Although some food gardeners complain about cabbage moth destroying their crops, cabbage is one of the easiest crops to protect. It does not need to be pollinated, so there is no need to worry about bees. Moreover, cabbage does not have long stalks that can be easily broken off, so all that is needed is to drape it over with a fine net, and the cabbage crop is protected.
Pumpkin: An Easy to Grow Food Source
Pumpkins are a versatile and nutritious crop that can be easily grown at home. Originating in North America, pumpkins are not only a decorative item during Halloween but also a great source of food. Pumpkins are low in calories but high in fiber, making them a filling food source. They are also rich in vitamin A, which is essential for good eyesight.
Growing pumpkins is a simple process. All that is required is to sow a few pumpkin seeds and let the vine meander around the garden. Pumpkins can be grown in any average-sized yard and can be left to do their thing with minimal maintenance.
Pumpkins can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to pies. They are also easy to preserve, either by canning, freezing, or simply storing in a cool, dry place. Pumpkins are a great addition to any home garden and can provide a reliable source of food in times of need.
Beans: A Compact and Nutritious Crop
Beans are a nutritious and compact crop that is easy to grow at home. They are a great source of vitamins, nutrients, and essential amino acids needed by humans to live. Beans are also an ideal survival food because they can be easily stored or preserved through drying or canning, and they don’t take up much storage space.
Beans can be grown effectively on a much smaller scale and still produce a lot of food. They typically grow vertically, so they can be interplanted in the garden with other crops like corn and squash to utilize even more space. There are a ton of different varieties of beans to grow, and because they practically make their own nitrogen fertilizer by forming a relationship with bacteria in the soil, beans can also add more to your garden than they take.
Beans are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be eaten straight from the garden or used to make soups, stews, and salads. They are also a great source of protein and can be used as a meat substitute in many recipes.
Overall, beans are a great crop to grow at home to save you from starving. They are easy to grow, nutritious, and versatile. With the rising cost of food and potential food crisis, it’s important to take steps on an individual level to buffer ourselves against hard times, and growing beans is a great way to do that.
Tomatoes: A Complementary Crop
Tomatoes are an excellent crop to grow at home to complement other vegetables. They are easy to grow and provide a high yield per plant. Tomatoes are also versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as salads, sauces, and soups.
One of the benefits of growing tomatoes is that they are rich in nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which is an antioxidant that can help prevent cancer. Tomatoes are also low in calories, making them an ideal food for those who want to maintain a healthy weight.
Another advantage of growing tomatoes is that they can be preserved easily. They can be canned, dried, or frozen, which makes them a great food to have on hand during the winter months when fresh produce is scarce. Tomatoes can also be used to make sauces and soups, which can be stored in jars or frozen for later use.
When growing tomatoes, it is important to choose the right variety for your climate and soil conditions. There are many different types of tomatoes, including determinate and indeterminate varieties. Determinate tomatoes grow to a certain height and produce a set amount of fruit, while indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost.
Tomatoes can be grown in containers or in the ground, depending on your space and preference. They require regular watering and fertilization to produce a healthy crop. Tomatoes can also be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to monitor them closely and take action if necessary.
Overall, tomatoes are a complementary crop that can be grown easily at home. They provide a high yield, are rich in nutrients, and can be preserved easily for later use. Whether eaten fresh or used in sauces and soups, tomatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to any garden.