When it comes to preparing for uncertain times, having a survival garden is a smart and practical choice. Growing your own vegetables not only provides you with a steady source of fresh, nutritious food but also helps you become more self-sufficient. If you're new to gardening and want to get started on the right foot, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll discuss the top 10 must-have vegetables for your beginner survival garden.
All of which we provide organic 100% heirloom seeds for to help you arm your garden this growing season. Also, our selection of seed vaults are packed for long term storage in a 25 year stable, mylar resealable package. Get discounts on multiple packets of seeds and store them in our survival grade mylar for years to come. These veggies are relatively easy to grow and will ensure you have a diverse and nutritious food supply in times of need.
1. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Potatoes are a staple in many diets for a reason according to healthline.com. They are easy to cultivate, highly adaptable, and calorie-dense, making them an excellent choice for a survival garden. Potatoes can thrive in various soil types, making them a dependable source of carbohydrates.
How to Grow Potatoes:
- Plant seed potatoes in well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Hill up soil around the growing plant to encourage more tubers.
- Harvest when the plants die down.
2. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Tomatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes according to health.com. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, providing a healthy boost to your diet. Tomatoes are relatively easy to grow and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
How to Grow Tomatoes:
- Plant tomato seeds or seedlings in well-drained soil.
- Provide support for the plants, such as stakes or cages.
- Water consistently and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent diseases.
- Harvest ripe tomatoes regularly.
3. Carrots (Daucus carota)
Carrots are packed with essential vitamins and are an excellent source of dietary fiber according to humana.com. These root vegetables can be stored for extended periods, making them an essential addition to your survival garden.
How to Grow Carrots:
- Plant carrot seeds in loose, sandy soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Thin seedlings to ensure proper spacing.
- Harvest when the roots reach the desired size.
4. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Beans are not only nutritious but also an efficient source of protein according to North Dakota State University. They're easy to grow and can be preserved through canning or drying for long-term use.
How to Grow Beans:
- Plant bean seeds in well-drained soil with good sunlight.
- Provide support for climbing varieties.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Harvest beans when they are young and tender for the best flavor.
5. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)
Zucchini is a fast-growing and prolific vegetable that can thrive in almost any garden according to WebMD. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it adds variety to your survival garden and can be used in a wide range of recipes.
How to Grow Zucchini:
- Plant zucchini seeds or seedlings in well-drained soil.
- Water consistently, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist.
- Harvest zucchini when they are small and tender for the best flavor.
6. Kale (Brassica oleracea)
Kale is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants according to Mayo Clinic Health System. It's a cold-hardy leafy green that can provide a fresh source of greens even in harsh conditions.
How to Grow Kale:
- Plant kale seeds or seedlings in fertile, well-drained soil.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
- Harvest kale leaves as needed, leaving the central bud to continue producing.
7. Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Peppers are not only a tasty addition to your meals but also a great source of vitamin C according to Real Simple blog. They come in various heat levels, so you can choose the varieties that suit your taste.
How to Grow Peppers:
- Plant pepper seeds or seedlings in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Provide support for taller varieties.
- Water consistently, and mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Harvest when the peppers reach the desired size and color.
100% Non-GMO Promise
Seed Armory does not offer lab created or genetically modified seed in any of our products. Our products will grow naturally without the genetic need for toxic fertilizers or herbicides like commercially available GMO seeds.
100% Heirloom Survival Seed
Our Heirloom Seed Vaults will produce the same great fruits and vegetables year after year. Unlike hybrid seeds, you won't find any mutant vegetables or seedless varieties in our offerings.
The Heirloom varieties offered in our vaults will produce genetically similar fruits and vegetables from every seed harvested. Yes, you can save your seeds and re-plant them every year. That's the point of our Heirloom Survival Seed Kits.
100% Open-Pollinated
The seeds contained in our Survival Vaults are completely Open-Pollinated. No fancy footwork is needed to get these plants to reproduce, just natural pollination by the Birds and the Bees... as well as other natural pollinators.
8. Onions (Allium cepa)
Onions add flavor to countless dishes and are a staple in many cuisines according to Spiceworldinc.com. They are easy to grow and have a long shelf life when stored properly.
How to Grow Onions:
- Plant onion sets or seeds in well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the early stages.
- Harvest when the tops have withered and dried.
9. Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumbers are a hydrating and refreshing addition to your survival garden according to verywellfit.com. They're easy to grow and can be pickled for preservation.
How to Grow Cucumbers:
- Plant cucumber seeds or seedlings in well-drained soil with good sunlight.
- Provide support for vining varieties.
- Water consistently and mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Harvest cucumbers when they are young and tender for the best flavor.
10. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach is a nutrient-packed leafy green that grows well in cooler temperatures. It's a great source of iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it an ideal choice for a survival garden according to medicalnewstoday.com.
How to Grow Spinach:
- Plant spinach seeds or seedlings in fertile, well-drained soil.
- Water consistently and provide shade during hot weather.
- Harvest spinach leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor.
Starting a beginner survival garden is a wise investment in your self-sufficiency and well-being. These 10 must-have vegetables are excellent choices for those new to gardening. Remember that successful gardening also requires some essential tools and knowledge. Pay attention to your garden's specific needs, adapt to your local climate, and you'll soon enjoy the rewards of fresh, homegrown produce. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food. Your future self will thank you!