Gardening:
Sowing the seeds of self sufficiency

Home gardening and food security

Global food systems are increasingly susceptible to disruptions, genetic modification, and chemical poisons (yes, glyphosates, this includes you). All-in-all, there are many reasons why people are growing their own food, preserving their harvests, and saying goodbye to supermarket produce for good. 

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Gardening sets you on a path of self-reliance and resilience. By growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you not only reduce your dependence on fragile supply chains but also contribute to localized food security.

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What are three benefits of gardening?

Gardening offers many rewards. First, it promotes physical and mental well-being while increasing nutrition. It encourages outdoor activity, fuels the body, and reduces stress. Second, it provides a direct source of fresh produce, contributing to healthier diets and reducing dependence on commercial food production — especially important during times of crisis. Third, gardening instills a sense of independence as you take control of what you grow, how you grow it, and how you preserve your harvest. 

 

As we dive into this, check out some of our favorite gardening tools from Barebones:

• Hand trowel

• Hand cultivator

• Shears

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From a self-sufficient perspective, let’s look deeper at these benefits.

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Access nutrition in your own backyard

When it comes to nutrition, it's hard to beat the quality and freshness of homegrown produce. Gardening allows you to select your preferred varieties and cultivate them in optimal conditions, enhancing their nutrient content. The result? A harvest that's bursting with flavor, vitamins, and minerals.

 

Furthermore, the act of nurturing plants from seed to harvest establishes a deeper connection to the food on our plates. When we witness the growth process firsthand, we're more likely to savor and appreciate the fruits of our labor. Incorporating homegrown greens into your diet not only ensures you're getting the best nutritional value but also deepens your understanding of the food you consume.

 

So what are a few of the best vegetables you can grow for nutrition? Let’s take a look at a few:

 

• Spinach. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and well as iron and folate. It thrives in cooler weather and can be grown in containers or garden beds.
   

• Kale. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and fiber. It's hardy and can withstand colder temperatures.
   

• Tomatoes. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene. They grow well in containers or garden beds with ample sunlight.
   

• Bell peppers. Bell peppers are high in vitamin C. They're relatively easy to grow in warm, sunny conditions.
   

• Zucchini. Zucchini is a versatile and low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamin C and potassium. It's a prolific grower and can be cultivated in small spaces.
   

These vegetables are not only nutritious but also beginner-friendly, making them excellent choices for a home garden. 

 

Prepper tip: Successful cultivation still depends on factors like climate, soil quality, and proper care. 

 

Guard against the unknown

Life is rife with uncertainties, and gardening provides a hedge against unforeseen events. Whether it's economic instability, natural disasters, or other disruptions, having a garden can serve as a reliable source of sustenance. In times of crisis, your garden can offer a safety net, supplying you with essential nutrients and a measure of self-sufficiency that can ease the burden on strained resources.

 

Moreover, tending to a garden has proven psychological benefits, offering solace and a sense of control in the face of uncertainty. The act of nurturing plants and witnessing their growth is a therapeutic endeavor that can alleviate stress and anxiety.

 

In times of turmoil, you’ll want to ensure you’re growing food with high yield. Consider these high-yield plants:

 

• Zucchini. Zucchini plants are prolific and can produce a large number of squash throughout the growing season. They're known for their rapid growth and abundant harvests.
   

• Tomatoes. Depending on the variety, tomato plants can yield a significant amount of fruit. Determinate varieties produce their crop all at once, while indeterminate varieties produce continuously over a longer period.
   

• Cucumbers. Cucumber plants can produce a generous supply of cucumbers, especially if kept well-watered and properly trellised to encourage vertical growth.
   

• Beans. Both bush and pole beans are known for their high yields. They produce pods in abundance, and successive plantings can extend the harvest.
   

• Peppers. Some pepper plants, especially bell peppers, can produce a good number of fruits, particularly in warm climates with plenty of sunlight.
   

• Squash. Aside from zucchini, other types of squash like winter squash and pumpkin can yield a substantial harvest. These plants often spread extensively, so proper space planning is essential.
   

• Potatoes. When grown in containers or raised beds, potatoes can yield a significant amount of tubers, making them a staple for home gardeners seeking higher yields.
   

• Leafy greens. While not producing as much in terms of weight, leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale can yield a continuous harvest of nutritious leaves over their growth period.
   

Choosing plant varieties that are suited to your climate and growing conditions can contribute to maximizing your home garden's productivity.

 

You might consider getting started with some heirloom seeds.

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Prepper tip: A successful yield also depends on factors such as proper soil preparation, appropriate spacing, adequate water, sunlight, and disease management.  

 

Bank on home food production

In addition to raising livestock and collecting eggs, gardening plays a central role in home food production. By growing plants at home, you can supplement your food supply while controlling growing conditions and minimizing chemical inputs. It contributes to your self-sufficiency, promotes healthy eating, and fosters a deeper understanding of the food production process.

 

As you bank on home food production, you’ll want produce that’s easy to store longer term. This could include:

 

• Potatoes. Potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. They last for several months if kept at around 45–50°F with high humidity.
   

• Carrots. Place carrots in a container with damp sand or sawdust to maintain moisture and prevent wilting. Stored around 32–40°F, they can last for a few months.
   

• Onions. Onions should be dried thoroughly after harvest and stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. A temperature of around 32–40°F is ideal for long-term storage.
   

• Winter squash. Varieties like butternut squash and acorn squash have a long shelf life. Keep them in a cool, dry place with temperatures around 50–55°F.
   

• Pumpkins. Similar to winter squash, pumpkins can be stored in a cool, dry location. They need good airflow to prevent mold growth.
   

• Garlic. After curing, garlic bulbs can be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Temperatures around 60–65°F are suitable for garlic storage.
   

• Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes should be cured after harvest and then stored in a cool, dry location with temperatures around 55–60°F.
   

• Cabbage. Cabbage can be stored in a cool, humid environment. Outer leaves should be removed before storage. A root cellar or a refrigerator crisper drawer can work well.
   

• Beets. Beets can be stored similarly to carrots, in damp sand or sawdust. Keep them around 32–40°F with high humidity.
   

• Turnips. Turnips can be stored in a similar way to beets and carrots, in a cool and humid environment.

 

The quality and shelf life of stored vegetables depend on the condition in which they were harvested and the storage conditions you provide. 

 

Prepper tip: Regularly inspect stored vegetables and remove any that show signs of spoilage to prevent the spread of mold or rot.

 

Get your hands dirty: a home gardening introduction

You don’t need a green thumb to begin gardening — but it helps to have some instruction. Let’s look at some best practices to put you on the best path toward a successful experience and bountiful harvest.

 

1. Choose your garden space. Whether you have a 40-acre homestead, a simple backyard, or a cozy balcony, you can adapt your gardening plans to fit your available space. Consider factors like sunlight, wind exposure, and accessibility when selecting your gardening spot.
    

2. Protect your space. Identify likely garden pests, everything from creepy crawlies to rabbits and deer. Take necessary precautions so you’re not losing your harvest to wildlife.
    

3. Start with a small home garden. If you're new to gardening, it's wise to start with a manageable plot or a few containers. This way, you can learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. You can expand as your knowledge grows.
    

4. Select your plants. Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Begin with easy-to-grow varieties that are forgiving of novice mistakes.
    

5. Prepare your soil. Good soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter to create a fertile environment for your plants to thrive.
    

6. Follow planting guidelines. Follow the guidelines for each type of plant, considering factors like spacing and depth. Be patient and watch as your garden comes to life.
    

7. Provide TLC. Regular watering, weeding, and pest control are essential for a healthy garden. Stay attuned to your plants' needs and address any issues promptly.
    

8. Harvest and enjoy. As your plants mature, enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your homegrown produce. Incorporate your bounty into meals and learn to preserve your harvest for the winter or unforeseeable events in the future. 

Knowledge is power — and putting that knowledge to work for you can help power a beautiful harvest. Check out these books to help as you begin growing your own food — for beginners and the expert gardener:

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• Vegetable Gardener's Handbook

• The Vegetable Grower's Handbook

• MiniFarming

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Sowing success: easy-to-grow plants

 

For gardening newbies, certain plants are especially forgiving and rewarding. These easy-to-grow plants require minimal fuss and deliver impressive yields:

 

• Tomatoes. These vibrant fruits thrive in various climates and can be grown in pots or garden beds. And, as we mentioned earlier, they’re rich in vitamins A and C.
   

• Lettuce. A staple of salads, lettuce is a breeze to grow and can be harvested multiple times. It's a great source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients.
   

• Herbs. Basil, mint, and parsley are excellent choices for beginners. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, adding fresh flavors to your dishes while requiring minimal space.
   

• Zucchini. Known for their prolific nature, zucchini plants produce abundant harvests. They're rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

 

What’s the #1 food crop in the United States?

 

To the best of our knowledge, it’s corn. Corn is a versatile crop with a lot of uses, including: livestock feed, food products, and ethanol production. For home gardeners, it’s just really, really good to eat when it’s slathered in butter and salt.
 

Is it possible to grow all your own food?

 

In a word, yes.

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While achieving complete self-sufficiency in food production might take some time and effort, it's certainly possible to significantly supplement your diet with homegrown produce in the short term. The extent to which you can grow all your own food depends on factors like available space, climate, and your gardening expertise.

 

Creating a diverse garden that provides a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and herbs can certainly reduce your reliance on external food sources — and ultimately eliminate that dependence with enough hard work, learning, and determination.

 

Don’t let the hard work dissuade you. For inspiration, check out the Urban Homestead, a quarter-acre homestead in Pasadena, CA that harvests an impressive amount of food!

 

Grow your own food for self sufficiency

 

Gardening is more than just a leisurely pastime. It's a dynamic journey towards self-reliance, nutrition, and resilience. It’s a step back to a more simple way of living, one that’s rewarding, connecting, and liberating.

 

As you nurture your plants from seed to harvest, you're not only reaping the rewards of fresh produce, you’re also cultivating a deeper connection to your food and the earth. By harnessing the power of gardening, you're entering a world of self-sufficiency and a healthier future. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a watering can, and begin your gardening journey — where you hold the key to a bountiful and vibrant life.