When disaster strikes and food systems collapse, self-reliance becomes survival. One of the most critical skills a prepper or survivalist can develop is growing their own food. Not only does this reduce dependency on unstable systems, but it builds long-term resilience. This guide reveals the top 10 crops every survivalist should consider cultivating — crops that offer a powerful mix of nutrition, calories, and durability.
Why These Crops Matter in Survival Scenarios
In a survival situation, food isn’t just about filling your belly — it’s about sustaining your body with nutrients, calories, and energy that can carry you through hard times. These crops were chosen for their:
- High calorie and nutrient content
- Ease of cultivation and maintenance
- Storage capabilities
- Adaptability to different environments
When grocery stores are empty, what you’ve grown could be the difference between scarcity and stability.
Criteria for Choosing Survival Crops
Calorie Density
Crops that provide a solid source of carbohydrates or healthy fats are crucial. Your body needs fuel, especially when you’re doing physical labor like chopping wood, hauling water, or maintaining shelter.
Climate & Adaptability
Resilient crops that can thrive in various climates — from temperate to dry or humid regions — are key to long-term food production.
Nutrient Profile
Micronutrients matter. Vitamin deficiencies in a survival scenario can lead to serious health issues, so a balance of leafy greens, root vegetables, and legumes is essential.
The Top 10 Survival Crops
1. Potatoes
Easy to grow, calorie-dense, and nutrient-rich, potatoes are a survival staple. They thrive in raised beds, barrels, or directly in the ground. Plus, they store well in cool, dark spaces.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Not only are sweet potatoes a good source of carbohydrates, but the greens are also edible and rich in nutrients. They’re drought-resistant and perform well in warmer climates.
3. Beans (Dry Beans/Legumes)
Beans are one of the best plant-based sources of protein. They also fix nitrogen in the soil, improving the quality of your garden over time.
4. Corn (Maize)
Corn offers high yields and can be ground into meal or used as animal feed. It’s best grown with support from companion crops like beans and squash.
5. Winter Squash
Long-lasting and calorie-rich, winter squash varieties like butternut or acorn can be stored for months. They’re excellent for cold-weather preps.
6. Carrots
Packed with vitamins and easy to store, carrots grow well in containers and raised beds. They’re also relatively pest-resistant.
7. Beets
Beets provide both edible roots and nutrient-packed greens. They grow quickly and store well when cured properly.
8. Amaranth or Quinoa
These ancient grains are high in protein and grow in poor soils. Bonus: amaranth leaves are also edible.
9. Kale or Collards
Leafy greens like kale are full of essential nutrients and can grow even in frost. They can be harvested multiple times per season.
10. Peppers (Hot or Sweet)
Peppers are rich in vitamins and add flavor variety. They are also relatively pest-resistant and can be preserved by drying.
How to Get Started: From Seeds to Survival Garden
You don’t need a massive plot of land to start cultivating. Focus on building healthy soil with compost or natural amendments. Raised beds, containers, or even repurposed buckets can work.
Start small: focus on 3–5 crops that suit your climate and food needs. Use direct seeding for root crops and transplant starters for leafy greens and peppers.
Succession planting—sowing a few seeds every two weeks—ensures a steady harvest over time.
Saving Seeds for Future Resilience
One of the most powerful aspects of survival gardening is seed saving. Open-pollinated (heirloom) varieties can produce viable seeds year after year.
Focus on learning how to properly save seeds from dry crops (beans, amaranth) and wet crops (tomatoes, peppers). Store them in cool, dry places for long-term use.
Dealing with Common Challenges
Gardening in survival conditions requires adaptability. Here are common issues and how to handle them:
- Pests: Use natural repellents (like neem oil) or companion plants (like marigolds) to deter insects.
- Water scarcity: Implement drip irrigation, mulch heavily, and collect rainwater.
- Climate extremes: Use shade cloths in summer and row covers in cold seasons.
Storing & Preserving Your Harvest
Your efforts mean little if your food spoils. Learn simple preservation techniques:
- Root storage: Use root cellars or cool closets for potatoes, squash, carrots.
- Drying: Dehydrate beans, peppers, and herbs for long shelf life.
- Canning/Fermenting: Use low-tech fermentation for beets, cabbage, or pickles. Canning preserves tomatoes and sauces.
Boosting Yield: Companion Planting & Crop Rotation
Certain plants thrive when grown together. Try:
- Three Sisters: Corn, beans, and squash support each other structurally and nutritionally.
- Herbs like basil or chives to protect tomatoes from pests.
Rotate crops annually to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup. For example, avoid planting potatoes in the same place year after year.
Scaling for Long-Term Survival
Once you’ve mastered a basic garden, scale up. Expand raised beds, build a greenhouse, or add vertical gardens. Consider adding small livestock like chickens for eggs and compost support.
Even indoor setups like sprouting trays and microgreens can boost your nutrient intake year-round.
Ready, Rooted, Resilient
Cultivating food as a survivalist isn’t just a backup plan — it’s a mindset. You’re building real independence, one seed at a time. Whether you live off-grid or in the heart of the city, you can start growing today. Start small. Think long-term. And let every harvest be a step toward resilience.