55 Crops For the Best Prepper Survival Garden

In this article, you will learn about the top 55 crops to grow for your prepper survival garden.

Your current edible garden may seem dead, but don’t worry. When it comes to growing a survival garden at your house, no crops are off-limits, but some are better than others in terms of:

  • how easy it is for them to develop (in different climates)
  • how easily they yield a harvest
  • how nutrient-dense and calorically dense they are
  • how they can be stored

The following fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs are packed with nutrients. Best of all, they are fresh, organic produce. They contain properties that will improve your overall health, particularly in times of emergency. It is important to consume them in sufficient amounts; certain foods are so nutrient-dense that your body can only tolerate a certain amount at a time. Take into consideration any prescription drugs and over-the-counter supplements you are taking, as they can conflict with the vitamins and other properties of each crop. Consult your doctor before making drastic adjustments to your diet (even though they are healthy).

A significant portion of your survival garden should consist of choices that are delicious to eat raw. Most of the time, the raw version of a fruit or vegetable has the most nutritional value. This is not true for all vegetables, since some, such as potatoes, cannot be eaten raw. In times of crisis, you can not have the resources or time to prepare your food, forcing you to eat a few raw meals. Keep your options open (like your staple crops for example) in such cases. 

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If you are stranded in the wild away from your crops and need to know what plants are edible, be sure to check out our 15 Edible Flowers List for Survival and 11 Plants that are Edible & Nutritious for Survival as well as 11 Insects that are Edible & Healthy for Survival articles to learn more.

Are you ready to start building food self-sufficiency?

Let’s dive right in.

Consider Your Climate Zone

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Although the USDA zone map for growing is a good starting point, you should consider your particular property and how much sunlight you get in the spaces that are available for you to grow stuff. 

Some crops need more sunlight to survive than others, but just because a location is a little cloudy doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it.

Consider How Much Space You Have

If you search hard enough, you can find a plethora of places where you can grow food. I’ve seen people in the small town closest to us hang 5-gallon buckets out their windows and raise tomatoes! 

They were suspended over the roof of another attached building so they wouldn’t fall to the street. It didn’t look very healthy, but I thought it was a pretty inventive way to grow some food!

Crops can also be stacked in various ways.

1. Amaranth

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Health Benefits: Amaranth is a gluten-free crop with many health benefits. It is high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, and micronutrients. It decreases cholesterol and reduces inflammation. It is the only grain with vitamin C, but it also has magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin E. The leaves are high in vitamin A, C, and folate.

How to Grow: Amaranth can be grown all year. The leaves are used as lettuce greens all year. Wheat will sprout in the fall if planted in the spring.

2. Asparagus

Health Benefits: Asparagus has a number of health benefits, including the ability to reduce blood pressure and increase digestion. It contains folate, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. In a survival situation, the only drawback being that it is low in calories.

How to Grow: Asparagus cannot be harvested the first year it is planted (perhaps not until the third year). However, they will continue to expand year after year, producing a crop that can last for a decade.

3. Barley

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Health benefits: Barley is well-known for its ability to reduce blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It contains fiber as well as vitamin B1, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, chromium, and niacin. Many of these nutrients are essential for keeping your heart happy and safe through any tough period. Also, barley is used in the production of beer, which can be a fun hobby during survival times as well as a good bartering object.

How to Grow: Barley is a very simple and quick-growing crop.

4. Basil

Health Benefits: There are many popular varieties of Basil herbs, but we will go over the general one. Basil is an extremely fragrant herb that is used to season some of our favorite Italian dishes. It has a high concentration of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, magnesium, eugenol, and vitamin A. 

Eating basil helps alleviate joint pain and decreases tension and anxiety. These are compelling reasons to include basil in your survival garden, especially during a crisis when you can expect to be more stressed and anxious.

How to Grow: Basil is a simple plant to grow in the right conditions, which is outside during the summer. It will yield a bountiful harvest, but the leaves must be pruned on a regular basis in order for it to grow stronger.

5. Beetroot

Health Benefits: Beets are a superfood with many health benefits. They help lower blood pressure and are beneficial to the heart, liver, bones, and brain. Another advantage is its ability to increase physical stamina and energy levels, which I’m sure everyone would need more of during a survival scenario. 

Beets are also high in iron and folate. Vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, antioxidants, calcium, nitrates, magnesium, and betaine are all found in them. Beet greens are high in nutrients and can be eaten raw or blended into a smoothie.

How to grow: Beets are a perfect long-term crop that can tolerate freezing temperatures and grows quickly.

6. Berries

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Health Benefits: Berries are considered a superfruit for their health benefits. They are one of the most nutritious fruits on the planet, so include some in your survival garden. Berries have a high potassium content, fiber, vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as manganese, copper, and folate. They are high in antioxidants, which aid in the battle against inflammation in the body. They are often regarded as a heart-healthy fruit due to the absence of cholesterol.

How to Grow: Berries are relatively simple to plant. Just make sure you’re not growing them too close to your house… especially if you live in bear territory! Bears actually like berries more than you do and may try to break into your house!

7. Broccoli

Health Benefits: Broccoli is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, protein, magnesium potassium, folate, iron, and zinc. Vitamin C is known for its ability to develop collagen, which aids in the healing of cuts and wounds. These nutrients are also essential for bone health and preventing osteoporosis. 

This is an excellent vegetable to grow in your garden, particularly if your body is in need of a boost in recovery from minor injuries. 

The best way to reap the most health benefits is to gently steam it, but it can also be eaten or completely cooked raw.

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How to Grow: If grown in the right conditions, broccoli will produce a harvest for several months, including through summer.


8. Brussel Sprouts

Health Benefits: Antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins C and K are all contained in Brussel sprouts. Its numerous properties aid in the battle against cancer, encourage increased energy, boost bone health, and lower glucose levels. 

Both of these advantages make it an excellent survival food to grow in your greenhouse.

How to Grow: Brussel sprouts taste better after a light freeze, so they’re a perfect vegetable to have in the fall when the weather cools. They take some time to mature before harvesting, but the nutrients outweigh the wait.

9. Cabbage

Health Benefits: Cabbage, both green and red, is known for its health benefits, including aiding digestion, lowering blood pressure, decreasing inflammation, and controlling the immune system. 

Green cabbage is sometimes fermented as kimchi and sauerkraut (these have amazing benefits too, by the way).

How to Grow: Cabbage is a difficult crop to grow because it only tolerates cool temperatures. If you learn how to grow cabbage successfully, you can have two harvests per year.

10. Carrots

Health Benefits: Carrots are thought to have cancer-fighting properties. Beta-carotene, minerals, fiber, and vitamin A are all contained in carrots. 

It’s a tasty vegetable that most kids love, and it’s become a staple in many recipes. Carrots are also edible to dogs, so you can feed them to your four-legged family members.

How to Grow: Carrots are not only simple to grow, but they also grow rapidly when conditions are favorable. They are frost resistant and most varieties are pest resistant. They’re an excellent survival crop.

11. Cauliflower

Health Benefits: Cauliflower is an immune-boosting vegetable that helps reinforce your bones, lowers blood pressure, and aids in the detoxification and digestion of food. It has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as antioxidants. 

It’s high in vitamins C, B6, and K, as well as magnesium, fiber, manganese, folate, thiamin, niacin, and a variety of minerals. It has recently become a good replacement for pizza crusts, rice, bread, and even meat substitutes. 

For optimal health, it should unquestionably be included in your garden.

How to Grow: Cauliflower can be grown in your garden until you’ve mastered the art of gardening. It is a difficult crop to cultivate because it needs a constant temperature of about 60 degrees F.

12. Chamomile

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Health Benefits: Chamomile is a plant that is highly beneficial. It is well-known for reducing abdominal and menstrual pain, as well as assisting with digestion. 

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It aids in the treatment of anxiety, wounds, infections, insomnia, and cold symptoms. All of these medicinal properties will aid you in surviving any crisis.

How to Grow: Chamomile may be difficult to grow at first, but once grown, it is very easy to care for. Chamomile is drought tolerant and is often used in combination with other plants to keep pests at bay.

13. Corn

Health Benefits: Corn has gotten a bad rap recently, but let’s be honest…any fresh vegetable is better than processed food, so get past the stigma and see what it can do for your health. Corn is high in fiber and contains vitamins A, B, and E, as well as minerals (magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, and phosphorus). 

Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant that aids in the growth of our bodies and protects them from illness. It is highly recommended for survival gardens due to its high caloric value, which many other vegetables lack. 

Corn has become a staple in the diets of third-world populations because it aids in the maintenance of a healthy weight, which is essential for survival.

How to Grow: First and foremost, make certain that the corn seeds you buy are non-GMO. Corn is a difficult crop to grow, but it is worthwhile to learn the steps. 

The corn growing process can be extremely complicated at first, but with the right tool set, you can effectively grow amazing corn with bountiful harvests without breaking the bank.


14. Cucumber

Health Benefits: Cucumbers are all water, so if you’re feeling a little dehydrated, this vegetable will help you feel better. Cucumber aids in the removal of toxins from the body while also providing essential minerals and vitamins such as copper, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, K, and B vitamins. 

It has the power to combat inflammation, cleanse your digestive tract, and provide you with fresh air. Cucumber’s ability to fight off bad bacteria in my mouth is justification enough for me to have it in my survival garden!

How to Grow: Cucumbers, as previously said, are mainly water, so the key necessity for growing them is to water them constantly. That makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? The crop is simple to grow and it also grows quickly.

15. Eggplant

Health Benefits: Eggplant is high in vitamin C, potassium, B vitamins, and fiber. You don’t have to peel this vegetable because the skin is also very nutritious, containing magnesium, potassium, antioxidants, and fiber. Eggplant can be prepared in a variety of ways and will bring a fresh texture to your survival diet.

How to Grow: Warmer temperatures are better for growing eggplants. They’re a little difficult to grow, but they yield a good harvest.

16. Garlic

Health Benefits: For thousands of years, garlic has been used in medicine. It has been used to treat a variety of illnesses as well as to improve the taste of food. To boost your immune system, include garlic in your diet. However, be careful not to overdo it, as it is very potent, and many people experience stomach pain, heartburn, and other issues when taken in large amounts.

How to Grow: Garlic is both frost tolerant and simple to cultivate. Growing garlic in your garden can keep pests at bay, and the bulbs can be grown year after year (using the best bulbs from the previous season).

17. Ginger

Health Benefits: Ginger is one of the healthiest spices on the planet and is often used in natural medicine due to its high nutritional value. Ginger helps with muscle pain and soreness, nausea and morning sickness, inflammation, digestion, and cholesterol levels. 

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More specifically, fresh ginger contains a bioactive compound that can lower the risk of infection. Ginger contains vitamins C and B6, as well as iron, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals. This is an incredible root to develop for maximum health during a crisis situation.

How to Grow: It takes about eight to ten months to have a fully grown ginger plant, but its nutritional value makes it worth the wait. Ginger can be grown in pots or outdoors, making it a great plant for all kinds of survival gardens.

18. Green Beans

Health Benefits: Green beans are high in vitamins and minerals. They contain C and K vitamins, folate, potassium, fiber, iron, protein, zinc, and silicon. 

These minerals support the health of your bones, hair, and skin. They are best eaten raw for optimum nutrition, but they are also delicious when cooked alongside a variety of meals.

How to Grow: Green beans produce a consistently abundant harvest and grow quickly, making them an ideal survival vegetable for your garden.

19. Jerusalem Artichokes

Health Benefits: The Jerusalem artichoke is not an artichoke at all, but rather a root vegetable that resembles a potato. It contains prebiotic properties that promote intestinal health by providing beneficial gut bacteria. 

They contain a lot of potassium, protein, probiotics, and iron. It can become a survival food staple because it is high in calories, which you would undoubtedly need to maintain a healthy body weight during a crisis.

How to Grow: Jerusalem artichokes can be grown in the ground or in pots and containers. They will also return year after year if properly grown.

20. Kale

Health Benefits: Kale contains a variety of nutrients, including chlorophyll, calcium, folate, antioxidants, potassium, vitamins A, C, B6, and K, fiber, iron, and protein. 

Don’t be concerned if you don’t like the texture or taste. Simply mix it into a banana smoothie and you won’t even realize you’re drinking it. This superfood is important for a survival garden.

How to Grow: Kale is a hardy plant that can withstand fall frosts, in addition to all of its incredible benefits.

21. Lavender

Health Benefits: Lavender has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It aids in the healing of insect bites and minor wounds. 

It can be used in tea to aid with muscle pain, insomnia, indigestion, and detoxification. The fragrance is known for its soothing properties, and some people use it to relieve anxiety, restlessness, and stress.

How to Grow: Lavender should be a key plant in your garden not only because it is beautiful and fragrant, but also because it attracts pollinators. Pollinators are important for the growth and harvesting of your other plants.

22. Leeks

Health benefits: Leeks are full of goodies, such as vitamins A, B6, C, and K, fiber, magnesium, and iron. They can be sautéed or cut into thin pieces and tossed in a salad to receive the maximum benefits.

How to grow: Leeks will produce a harvest from autumn through springtime. They’re generally easy to grow.

23. Lettuce

Health Benefits: Lettuce, in addition, contains folate, antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, and calcium. It encourages sleep, reduces inflammation, and reduces anxiety. 

It adds a refreshing crunch to a hot summer day and can easily be used in place of a bread bun.

How to Grow: Lettuce is harvested in the spring and fall and grows rapidly. It is recommended that the seeds be planted at various times. When one plant is ready to harvest, the next one will be soon after.

24. Melon

Health Benefits: Melon is a wonderful fruit with many health benefits. Niacin, vitamins A, C, B6, and K, folate, potassium, magnesium, fiber, beta carotene, and other minerals are among its many benefits. Since it is all water, it is a soothing snack when you are feeling hot or dehydrated.

How to Grow: Melons are mainly composed of water, so growing them takes a lot of water. They take a long time to mature but are well worth the effort. 

Melons can be hard to plant into the ground if you are inexperienced, but the waterproof genie gardening gloves can help plant your melons and all of your other crops at a price under $10.

25. Mint

Health Benefits: Mint is known for its ability to relieve indigestion, gas, seasonal allergies, flu-like symptoms, and inflammation. Mint is often used in salads, smoothies, wine, and tea. 

Because of its medicinal properties, it is an excellent plant to grow in your survival garden.

How to grow: Mint plants need very little care when growing. They grow best in containers so they can become invasive, but that just means they grow exceptionally well.

26. Moringa

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Health Benefits: Moringa Oleifera is known as the “tree of life” because it is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, beta-carotene, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and B. 

It protects the liver, relieves stomach pain, and has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties that aid in the battle against infections caused by Salmonella and E.Coli. It is used to treat anxiety, depression, and exhaustion in certain people. This miracle tree should not be ignored while designing your survival garden.

How to Grow: Moringa is a fast-growing plant that can be cultivated all year. It grows in hot climates but is widely available to people all over the world. 

27. Okra

Health Benefits: According to some outlets, okra is the next superfood. While it must be consumed in moderation, the benefits are enormous. Vitamins A, C, B6, K, folate, thiamin, calcium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, zinc, copper, protein, riboflavin, and manganese are all contained in okra. 

It can be eaten raw or cooked in soups, stews, baked, or steamed.

How to Grow: Since okra plants prefer warm weather, they will be an excellent addition to your survival garden at a time when most other plants are unable to grow.


28. Onions

Health Benefits: In natural medicine, onions are used to improve immunity, cure coughs, alleviate stomach aches, and even as an insect repellent. 

They are high in calcium, sodium, selenium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C, fiber, and many other beneficial nutrients. Because of their natural medicinal properties, they are an excellent option for a survival garden.

How to Grow: Onions are simple to grow and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They can have an infinite supply of onions, making this an excellent survival crop.

29. Parsley

Health Benefits: Iron, folate, vitamins A, C, and K are only a few of the nutrients found in parsley. It prevents cancer, protects against diabetes, and increases calcium absorption in the bones. 

It’s a perfect way to spice up every survival meal while still freshening your breath.

How to Grow: Parsley is a low-maintenance herb that grows well in a shared pot with other herbs. It will take three weeks for it to start sprouting under ideal conditions.

30. Parsnips

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Health Benefits: Parsnips are beneficial to the heart, bones, and teeth, as well as the immune system. Fiber, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamins C, B9, and E are all present. 

They are an excellent survival food because the fiber makes you feel fuller for longer. Furthermore, it can be used in a variety of dishes, whether raw, baked, steamed, or sautéed.

How to Grow: Parsnips take longer to grow, but they taste best after a hard frost. It is a vegetable that is consumed in the late fall and winter, making it an excellent cold-weather survival vegetable.

31. Peanuts

Health Benefits: Except for those who are allergic to peanuts, peanuts have many health benefits. They are high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, folate, B6 and E vitamins, magnesium, zinc, selenium, manganese, potassium, and other minerals. 

They’re a fast snack with a high nutritional value, and they’re a perfect reason to make your kids some homemade trail mix.

How to Grow: Peanuts are an excellent survival plant since they can thrive in a variety of climates. While they prefer warmer temperatures of up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they can tolerate frost and develop in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

32. Peas

Health Benefits: Peas are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, saponins, folate, manganese, and protein. 

They help the digestive system. If you or someone in your family is constipated, which is normal in stressful circumstances, peas will become a natural go-to choice.

How to Grow: Peas are very easy to grow, but they only have a limited growing season. Make certain that you reap all of the growing benefits in due time.


33. Peppers

Health Benefits: There are several different types of peppers, but the general opinion is that they are very nutritious. Peppers contain antioxidants, vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as folate, potassium, and fiber. Beta-carotene is found in red bell peppers. 

Spicy peppers not only add a spicy kick to your food, but they are also beneficial for sweating and sinuses, particularly if you have the flu or a common cold. Sweet peppers are an excellent survival snack that can be consumed raw or baked into a variety of dishes.

How to Grow: Peppers are cultivated during the summer months. They’re a survival garden favorite because they’re resistant to most garden pests, especially spicy ones!


34. Potatoes

Health Benefits: While most people frown on eating too many starches, they are an essential substance in survival situations. Fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, copper, manganese, niacin, and phosphorus are all abundant in potatoes. 

Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, making them an excellent substitute for pasta or other starchy processed foods, and they will add depth to your survival dishes (potatoes are good for food storage). We are also going to go over sweet potatoes later in this list.

How to Grow: Potatoes can develop in a wooden box structure, the grass, and even a garbage can! They are grown in colder climates, but can also be grown in warm climates during the winter. 

35. Pumpkin

Health Benefits: The pulp and seeds of the pumpkin are also beneficial. Pumpkin is a vegetable that is good for the heart and reduces your blood pressure. 

It has high fiber content, antioxidants, potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C, and E. Pumpkin seeds have similar properties to sunflower seeds and can be added to soups, salads, trail mix, and other snacks. Pumpkin puree is often used as a safe substitute for oil or butter in some baking recipes.

How to Grow: Since pumpkin grows to be a large squash, it necessitates very rich soil and warm climates. If you learn how to grow it, it is not a difficult crop to cultivate.


36. Quinoa

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Health Benefits: Quinoa is a superfood that is a must-have in every survival garden. It is rich in antioxidants, fiber, protein, iron, zinc, folate, calcium, vitamins E and B, copper, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, and it contains all nine necessary amino acids. 

It has anti-inflammatory effects, aids in blood sugar regulation, and is gluten-free. It can be used to make bread, pancakes, salads, and a variety of other dishes.

How to Grow: Quinoa is suitable for a survival garden because it tolerates drought and needs little care.

37. Radishes

Health Benefits: Radishes have many health benefits, including kidney washing, improved hydration, and blood pressure reduction. It contains calcium, vitamins A, C, B6, and K, as well as potassium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, folate, and other minerals. They are used to treat a variety of illnesses, including fever.

How to Grow: Radishes are said to be one of the simplest crops to produce. They will also yield a consistent harvest for many months.

38. Rutabagas

Health Benefits: Rutabaga is closely related to turnips. It’s a root that boosts immunity, strengthens muscles, slows the aging process, and reduces blood pressure. 

It is high in magnesium, manganese, potassium, fiber, vitamins B6, C, E, and K, as well as zinc and iron. Both the roots and the leaves can be eaten and cooked in a variety of ways, including fried, sautéed, steamed, and mashed.

How to Grow: Rutabaga grows well alongside turnips and is cultivated on an annual basis. It’s an excellent survival crop because it can withstand droughts and frosts.

39. Spinach

Health Benefits: Another superfood is spinach. It includes folate, B6, B9, C, and K vitamins, iron, carotenoids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients and minerals. 

It is a perfect addition to any meal, whether in the form of a salad or sautéed, and can even be added to smoothies for added protein without sacrificing flavor.

How to Grow: Spinach is a simple plant that can be grown indoors and harvested twice a year. It takes six weeks from the time the seedling is planted to the time the crop is harvested.

40. Sunflower Seeds

Health Benefits: Sunflower seeds are a survival garden favorite since they are fun to eat while passing the time. Not only that, but its nutritional value makes it an excellent option for fitness. 

They contain a lot of magnesium, selenium, vitamin E, copper, and antioxidants. Magnesium promotes a positive mood, which is extremely beneficial during a serious and distressing situation.

How to Grow: Sunflower seeds are not only beautiful to have in your greenhouse, but they are also heat and drought resistant.

41. Sweet Potatoes

Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are another filling favorite that can go with a variety of dishes. It contains a variety of nutrients, including fiber, calcium, vitamins B and C, iron, selenium, and beta-carotene. 

While they are best eaten fried, they can provide a delicious meal to those in need of a little sweetness in their lives.

How to Grow: Sweet potatoes are very simple to grow, and a few potatoes can yield a large harvest if grown in the proper conditions. Sweet potatoes are also heat and drought-resistant, making this a must-have crop for your survival garden.


42. Swiss Chard

Health benefits: Swiss chard is loaded with nutrients. It is high in fiber, potassium, iron, vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as magnesium. It, like beets, aids in physical endurance and has anti-cancer properties. 

Keep in mind that it contains a lot of sodium, so this is a vegetable that does not need an extra pinch of salt. Consume it raw in salads to reap the maximum nutritional benefits.

How to Grow: Swiss chard is simple to grow; it can be grown in the field or in pots and containers, and it tolerates both hot and cold temperatures.

43. Thyme

Health Benefits: Thyme is a vitamin A-rich, very nutritious, and medicinal plant. It is used to treat arthritis, diarrhea, stomach pains, and sore throats in some people. In an emergency, try this natural cough syrup.

Thyme Cough Syrup: 1 cup boiling water plus 4 teaspoons fresh thyme 1/4 cup honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1-2 teaspoons per hour until your throat feels better and your cough has gone down.

How to Grow: While growing thyme seeds is difficult, it is simple to maintain if purchased in plant form. Plant cuttings may also be used to grow it.

44. Tomatoes

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Health Benefits: The key justification for growing tomatoes in a survival garden is that nothing tastes better than home-grown tomatoes. Have you ever noticed how bland store-bought ones are? I can’t believe people want to squander their money on them. 

Taste the true flavors of a tomato; both types are high in nutrients including vitamins C and K, antioxidants, folate, potassium, and a variety of other minerals.

How to Grow: Tomatoes can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making them ideal for balcony gardens. 

45. Turnips

Health Benefits: Turnips would be very common on our store shelves if people knew how nutritious they are. Turnips are high in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and B vitamins. 

They are beneficial to your muscles, digestive system, lungs, heart, and metabolism. They have anti-inflammatory properties and help with digestion. Both the greens and the roots are edible. Turnip roots can be consumed both raw and fried. The question isn’t “should I grow turnips?” but “why am I not growing turnips already?”

How to Grow: Turnips can be grown both in the spring and in the fall. They grow quickly, making it an excellent survival crop.

46. Turmeric

Health Benefits: Curcumin, contained in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and brain-boosting effects. Because of its bioactive compounds, it has medicinal properties. It is not only a good spice to use in your meals, but it is also flavorful and vibrant.

How to Grow: Turmeric, like ginger, is grown from root cuttings and takes seven to ten months (from the time it is planted) to produce a harvest. It is simple to develop and does not necessitate much attention (other than watering it). It can also be grown indoors!

47. Winter Squash

Health Benefits: The term “winter squash” refers to hard-skinned squashes such as acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash. Squash comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have many health benefits, including nutrition, vitamins A, B6, and C, phosphorus, potassium, folate, riboflavin, magnesium, and manganese. It goes well with a variety of dishes and makes a filling meal even though the portions are small.

How to Grow: Winter squash is harvested in the fall, after it has reached full maturity. At this point, the skin is too tough to eat (as I’m sure you found when you bought one of these at the store). 

This helps to preserve the freshness of the vegetable and allows it to last for a few weeks, making it an ideal winter vegetable.

48. Wheat

Health Benefits: Wheat is often frowned upon in today’s culture, especially if you are gluten intolerant. The reality is that wheat processing is probably worse than the grain itself. 

Wheat has many advantages and can be used in a variety of ways, as has been the case for decades. Wheat contains a variety of minerals, including niacin, vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, iron, copper, folate, and niacin.

How to Grow: Wheat is a relatively simple crop that yields a large harvest when grown properly.

49. Wheatgrass

Health Benefits: Wheatgrass is high in vitamin A, B6, C, E, and K, as well as chlorophyll, antioxidants, iron, zinc, calcium, manganese, amino acids, selenium, and magnesium. 

These nutrients are critical for increasing your body’s immunity and cleansing your blood. Wheatgrass tastes similar to grass. It’s usually turned into juice shots, which are then mixed into smoothies.

How to Grow: Wheatgrass is simple to grow and can be harvested in two weeks. One seed would yield approximately two harvests. It can even be grown in a smaller space and will produce good yields.

50. Zucchini

Health Benefits: Zucchini is well-known for its ability to boost energy, help digestion, and blood circulation, as well as increase adrenal and thyroid function. It’s high in nutrients including vitamins A and C, fiber, folate, and potassium, as well as other minerals. 

It has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to pasta and in baking. Since it is such a versatile vegetable, it is an excellent choice for growing in your survival garden. Plus, it’s tasty, and who can say no to tasty?

How to Grow: During the season, zucchini (and yellow summer squash) are harvested. They are not allowed to mature before being harvested so the skin becomes soft and edible.

51. Lentils

Health Benefits: Lentils are extremely underrated due to their protein amounts. Lentils have almost 18 grams of protein per serving. 

Legumes are definitely one of the world’s healthiest foods and they should be one of your staple crops. They are amazing for storage and you can add them to practically any dish – Curries, salads, soups, stews, etc. 

How to Grow: When lentils turn yellow and the pods become brown, that is when you should harvest them. When they are ready, they should be very easy to pull from the ground.

52. Plums

Health Benefits: One plum tree can yield lots and lots of fruit. That fruit can then be dehydrated and stored for long-term storage if you need to save it. They are also packed with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K to name a few. 

How to Grow: Plum trees typically ripen between the end of May through August depending on where you are from.

53. Sunflowers

Health Benefits: Sunflower seeds have some of the fattest contents. Which means they are very calorie-dense. Sunflowers can also be used to create cooking oils as well.

How to Grow: Sunflowers are very easy to grow, but you need to watch out for birds because they can do lots of damage to your sunflower crops.

54. Collard Greens

Health Benefits: Collard greens are packed with fiber and have lots of calories. You can also eat their leaves raw when the plant is still young. Collard greens are an amazing source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin b-6, magnesium, and much more.

How to Grow: This crop can grow in all of winter and in warm climates as well. It can also grow in the spring and the fall.

55. Mushrooms

Health Benefits: Mushrooms are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Mushrooms can also help reduce heart disease, cancer, and diabetes risks. Its vitamins and minerals include riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin.

How to Grow: Mushrooms grow all through the year, but they grow the best in fall. Morel mushrooms specifically grow in the spring. Since mushrooms don’t need light you can grow them in your own house! (Even in your root cellar)

Final Thoughts

Now that you have learned about many different types of crops to grow for the best survival garden,  you have just improved yourself, and you are now more improved.

If you love this article and want to boost your crop production dramatically, be sure to buy the best, yet cheapest greenhouse in all of my years of experience.

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