Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by admin_hunter
If you want to grow your own food, you can start with some of the easiest foods to grow for survival. These include cucumbers, onions, turnips, and sweet peppers. You can also add carrots, quinoa, and Jerusalem artichokes to the mix.
Cucumbers
There are many uses for cucumbers. Some of these include pickling, slicing, and cooking. These vegetables can also be sliced over your eyes to alleviate morning puffiness.
Cucumbers are considered warm-season crops. They should be planted in early spring when soil temperatures are above 60 degrees F. If rainfall is low, supplemental irrigation may be needed.
Cucumbers grow well in a variety of soils. A pH range of 6.0 to 6.8 is ideal. Lime the soil if its pH is lower than 5.8.
Cucumbers are generally grown on flat or sloping ground. The plants should be spaced about nine to twelve inches apart. To prepare the soil, use conventional clean tillage methods such as deep plowing, disking, or harrowing.
When cucumbers are ready to harvest, clip the stems with a pair of shears. This helps keep the fruit fresh.
When planting cucumber seeds, be sure to plant them about an inch deep. Seeds are usually germinated in a few days, but some take longer.
Early in the season, apply a nitrogen fertilizer to the surface. Follow this with two supplemental top-dressings.
Carrots
Carrots are a cool season crop, meaning they’re not grown year round. While they’re not as hardy as some of the other crops, they’re very easy to grow. With a little care and attention, you’ll be able to harvest an abundance of carrots for months to come.
Carrots have an assortment of shapes, colors, and sizes. They can be cooked and eaten raw. Some varieties are even a good source of antioxidants. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your diet, you’ll find many great recipes featuring carrots.
A nice trick is to store carrots in moist sand. This will allow the fruit to dry out and retain their moisture without rotting. To store these gems, you’ll need a wide pot and a shallow apex. You’ll also need to remember to water them regularly.
The best carrots to buy are those that are a bit on the small side. Larger carrots will need to be eased out with a fork. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can always pick them up in a grocery store.
Sweet Peppers
One of the simplest, quickest and most rewarding ways to test the limits of your wits is to grow your own food. Having your own garden gives you the power to control the ingredients that you put in your food pyramid. You can experiment with varieties that will suit your personal taste. For instance, you can plant sweet peppers in any large container you please, so long as it is well drained and you can handle the heat. Similarly, you can try your hand at growing arugula and radishes in the garden or a container of your choosing.
For instance, if you want to plant a garden but don’t have room for a full-on plot, consider using a grow box. Using a grow box will allow you to maximize the benefits of the sun by having your plants grow in a shady location while still letting the sun shine on them. Likewise, if you have a yard with good drainage but not much sunshine, you can use a grow box to your advantage.
Onions
If you are planning to grow food for survival, it’s important to choose crops that are easy to harvest. This will reduce labor and allow you to have more harvest windows. You’ll also be able to store the foods that you produce, which is essential if you need to survive for a long time.
There are many niche crops that can be grown in different regions, so there’s no reason to limit your choices. For example, there are yams that can be grown in a tropical climate, while cabbage will be problematic in a hot southern climate. Lentils and carrots are other great crops that can be stored for months, so you can take advantage of this feature when you’re preparing a long-term survival plan.
Another great plant to add to your garden is thyme, which can be grown in a colder region. It’s a mildly antiviral herb that’s also good for health, and its aroma adds a great flavor to food.
Beets are another great addition to a garden, as they’re a good source of vitamins and sugars. They’re a relatively inexpensive plant to grow, and they’re a colorful addition to your meals.
Zucchini
It is easy to grow zucchini. The plants can be planted in well-drained soil, and they do very well in full sun. They need a little water each week, and some compost to keep them looking their best. You should be able to harvest about six to ten pounds of fresh produce from a single plant.
Another easy food to grow for survival is spinach. This green leafy vegetable has a lot of health benefits, including antioxidants, fiber, and protein. Spinach can be frozen, dried, and powdered for later use. A little dicing, frying, or boiling in olive oil can turn it into a meal. Try it in pasta or on top of a salad.
Tomatoes are another popular choice. One plant can yield at least 12 pounds of tomatoes. The best part is that they taste good right out of the garden, and are tasty preserved in vinegar or other brine. If you have the space, try growing several varieties to get the most color and flavor.
Radis are another fun one to grow. They are good for marking rows, and have a peppery bite to them. Radis, as with tomatoes, should be planted in well-drained soil and have plenty of room to grow.
Turnips
If you’re trying to grow a few plants that can help you survive in a pinch, you’ll want to learn all about the benefits of growing turnips. They’re an easy crop to plant, and they’ll provide you with plenty of food. Plus, they’ll keep producing food all season long. You’ll also have the ability to store some of them in your refrigerator to munch on whenever the mood strikes.
The best part is that it’s also one of the easiest plants to harvest. The root will last in your refrigerator for a few months, but you’ll need to eat it soon after it’s harvested. This is due to the fact that it contains potassium and is a good source of vitamins A, C and B6.
In addition to their sweet taste, turnips are one of the healthiest fruits around. They contain a number of antioxidants, as well as manganese and folate. They’re also a good source of fiber. However, you’ll need to know the best way to harvest them before you’re ready to eat them.
Quinoa
One of the easiest and most rewarding foods to grow is quinoa. If you’ve ever grown or cooked with it, you’ve undoubtedly been impressed by its sturdiness and versatility. Not to mention its health benefits.
Quinoa has a number of uses: a nutritious breakfast, a side dish or a dessert for the diehard health nut. This gluten-free grain boasts all nine essential amino acids in its knuckle-sized body. Touted as one of the healthiest foods around, it’s easy to see why. It’s also a surprisingly low-maintenance crop. You can expect your yield to last a long time, particularly in temperate climates. Unlike most crops, it’s also relatively easy to harvest. The best time to reap the rewards is late summer through fall. Despite its reputation as a pest, quinoa can actually be a delectable culinary delight. In short, quinoa may be your best bet for a wholesome meal. Depending on where you live, it may prove to be the most productive and rewarding crop you’ve ever grown. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newbie, this plant will delight your taste buds for years to come.
Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are a survival crop that can be eaten raw or cooked. You can also use them in juice recipes. The plants grow in nearly any soil. They have a high resistance to pests and diseases. And they’re a nutrient powerhouse. So they’re perfect for a long-term, self-sufficient food source.
There are three common types of sunchokes, or Jerusalem artichokes: White French Mammoth, Fuseau, and Sugarball. Each variety has a slightly different texture.
Sunchokes are a popular, healthy food that can help you survive in a crisis. These plants are low in glycemic index, and they contain decent levels of B vitamins and prebiotic value. But they can be a bit tough to get started, especially if you’re not used to growing them.
If you’re new to sunchokes, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to be sure you’re growing them in the right location. It’s best to plant them at least four inches deep, and in a sunny spot.
Second, you’ll need to watch your plant’s growth. When the leaves start to turn yellow, it’s time to harvest.