How Do You Start A Survival Garden?
Updated on
November 19, 2023
Survival Garden
In simple terms, a survival garden is a garden intended for being the sole producer of produce for a family. The difference between a survival garden and a regular vegetable garden is the reason one gardens. By and large the sowing, weeding, and eventual harvest remains the same as regular gardening, but the intention is to produce enough food to survive without outside assistance.
This being said, there are different aspects of survival gardens that need to be considered for the gardeners vitality, including calorical count, nutrition, seed saving and preserving the harvest. The benefits to a survival garden is immense: nutrient dense food can be harvested in as little as thirty days at very low cost to the gardener. It provides stability when food costs are high, but also provides the same perks as a regular garden; exercise and fresh air, as well as time in nature.
Survival gardens typically require quite a large amount of space to be truly sustainable long-term, but even small spaces can have a garden. All one needs to grow food is water, a sunny spot (augmented with a grow light if necessary), and time and harvest will be just around the corner.
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Survival Garden Cheatsheet
Location:
Choose a sunny spot 🌞 with nutrient-rich soil. Consider potential threats.
Plants:
- Diversify crops 🌱 for nutritional balance and resilience.
- Grow high-calorie staples 🌽 for sustenance.
- Include nutrient-dense plants 🥦 for better health.
Water:
Ensure a water source 💧 or collect rainwater for irrigation.
Storage:
Preserve surplus harvests 🥕 through canning, drying, and fermentation.
Companion Planting:
Maximize space 🌱 and deter pests by planting compatible crops together.
Pest Control:
Use natural deterrents 🌿 or introduce beneficial insects 🐞 to protect your plants.
Seed Saving:
Harvest and store seeds 🌱 for future planting and self-sufficiency.
Long-Term Sustainability:
- Investigate perennial crops 🌳 for sustainable food sources.
- Create compost ♻️ to enrich soil fertility and reduce waste.
- Practice crop rotation 🔄 to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup.
Statistics:
- 70% of the world's food comes from small-scale farmers. 🌍
- Urban gardening can save up to $500 a year on groceries. 💰
- A well-maintained garden can yield up to 700 pounds of produce per year. 🥬
- Homegrown vegetables are 2-3 times more nutritious than store-bought ones. 🥕
Take Action!
Start your survival garden today and reap the benefits of fresh, sustainable food. 🌱🍅
In the current state of the world, being self-reliant is more important than ever. Many people are turning towards starting a Survival Garden, a garden that can provide you and your family with enough food to survive on in case of emergency situations. With my years of experience in gardening, I'm here to guide you through the steps of starting your own survival garden. Let's dive in.
Step 1: Planning Your Survival Garden
Creating a plan is the first step to starting a survival garden. Think about what types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that your family consumes on a regular basis. These are the types of plants that should form the basis of your garden.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Seeds
Picking the appropriate seeds for your survival garden makes all the difference. Selecting seeds of heirloom, non-GMO, and organic varieties are vital. These plants are hardy and will produce seeds that you can collect and replant for your next harvest.
Step 3: Choosing the Best Location
The location of your Survival Garden plays an essential role in your future success. Most vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight per day. Also, having access to water is crucial for your plants to thrive.
Step 4: Prepping the Land and Planting Seeds
Now comes the challenging but rewarding part: preparing the soil and planting the seeds. Ensure your ground is fertile and aerated by adding organic compost. Plant your seeds following the package's instructions for spacing and depth.
"Remember, patience is the cornerstone of great gardening. Monitor your Survival Garden closely but let nature take its course. Often, this will build a more resilient garden."
Step 5: Learning Basic Gardening Skills
Some basic skills are essential for every survival gardener. Learning about composting, crop rotation, water conservation, and pest control can make your gardening journey easier. Refer to gardening books, join local gardening groups, or use reliable online resources.
Step 6: Storing and Preserving Your Harvest
Once your crops are ready for harvest, the next step is storage and preservation. Techniques like canning, freezing, dehydrating, and fermenting allow you to enjoy your fresh produce during off-seasons.
Step 7: Replanting and Rotation
Replanting and rotating your crops are vital for a successful Survival Garden. Replanting ensures continuous harvest while crop rotation keeps the soil fertile and disease-free.
Starting a Survival Garden isn't just about planting seeds and waiting for fruits to appear. It's about gaining a valuable skill set that will make you self-sufficient and prepared for unexpected circumstances. As with anything, practice makes perfect, and with time and perseverance, you too can have a thriving Survival Garden.
FAQ
1. What is a survival garden?
A survival garden is a sustainable garden specifically designed to provide essential food and resources during times of emergency or crisis.
2. Why should I start a survival garden?
Starting a survival garden ensures self-sufficiency and provides a reliable source of fresh food, even in challenging situations.
3. Where should I locate my survival garden?
Choose a sunny spot with fertile soil, preferably close to your home for easy access during emergencies.
4. What should I grow in my survival garden?
Focus on nutrient-dense crops such as root vegetables, leafy greens, legumes, and herbs that yield high amounts of food per square foot.
5. How do I prepare the soil for a survival garden?
Enhance soil fertility by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure, and ensure proper drainage.
6. Can I use containers for a survival garden?
Absolutely! Containers are versatile and useful, especially for smaller spaces or if you're unable to dig in the ground.
7. How often should I water my survival garden?
Water your survival garden regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soaked. Monitor the moisture levels closely.
8. How can I protect my survival garden from pests and diseases?
Implement organic pest control methods such as companion planting, natural repellents, and crop rotation to maintain a healthy garden.
9. How long does it take for a survival garden to produce food?
While it depends on the crops you choose, many fast-growing vegetables can be harvested within 4-8 weeks.
10. How do I store surplus produce from my survival garden?
Properly preserve and store surplus produce through methods like canning, freezing, dehydrating, or root cellaring.
All of this to say, gardening for sustenance and vitality has been done by humans for thousands of years. Luckily for us, our ancestors have passed down methods and techniques to ensure success. By using these tips and tricks, you will be able to sow, maintain, harvest and preserve a bounty for long-term survival, and perhaps harvest enough to share!
