Why I Built A Survival Garden in My Backyard

Survival garden.

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Let’s face it, times are tough! In a world of uncertainty, preparing for the unexpected becomes paramount. That’s why I embarked on the journey of building a survival garden right in my backyard. As our modern society faces various challenges, from natural disasters to economic instability, having a reliable source of fresh food becomes crucial!

In this post, I’ll be discussing the reasons behind my decision to cultivate a survival garden and the steps I’ve taken to ensure its success. From fostering self-sufficiency to promoting sustainability, my backyard garden serves as a beacon of resilience in times of adversity. Stick around as I share insights, tips, and experiences on this empowering endeavor!

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Why I Built A Survival Garden in My Backyard

I will never forget my Memaw’s dying wish at the end of 2021 that sunk into my heart. We talked just a few months before she passed away in January 2022 and she was telling me that she had wished she was leaving her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in a much better world. She was sad that we may have to face worsening economic conditions than what we were all already facing.

However, we have the power to become as self-sufficient as much as we can. We have more power over our lives than we think. We can become more self-sufficient for ourselves and better provide for our families. The cost of food keeps rising as well as everything else. We can take action and provide healthy home-grown food for our families and at least cut the cost of our grocery bills!

What Is a Survival Garden

A survival garden is more than just a plot of land; it’s a lifeline in times of crisis. This type of garden is meticulously planned and cultivated to provide sustenance and security during emergencies or hardships. Unlike traditional gardens or hobby gardens focused solely on aesthetics or flavor, survival gardens prioritize practicality and resilience. They are designed to yield an abundance of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can sustain individuals or families for extended periods.

From hearty root vegetables to fast-growing greens, every plant is carefully chosen for its ability to thrive in various conditions and climates. In essence, a survival garden is a tangible manifestation of self-reliance and preparedness, offering a sense of reassurance and empowerment amidst uncertainty.

The History of a Survival Garden

The concept of survival gardening traces back centuries, rooted in the need for self-sufficiency and resilience during challenging times. Historically, communities relied on gardens to weather food shortages, wars, and economic downturns. Victory gardens, popularized during World War I and II, encouraged civilians to grow their own produce to alleviate strain on the food supply chain. Similarly, during the Great Depression, families turned to backyard gardens to supplement their meals and stretch their budgets.

Survival gardening has evolved to encompass modern-day concerns such as climate change, food insecurity, and global pandemics. It remains a practical and proactive approach to ensuring food security and fostering self-reliance in an unpredictable world.

The Importance of a Survival Garden

More Than Just a Hobby Garden!

A survival garden is not just a hobby or a means of growing fresh produce; it is a vital component of preparedness and self-sufficiency. In times of uncertainty, whether due to natural disasters, economic instability, or other unforeseen events, having a survival garden can ensure a sustainable food source and provide a sense of security.

This article explores the essential elements of a survival garden, from selecting the right location and crops to maximizing food production and preserving the harvest.

Fostering Sustainable Living Practices

Additionally, it delves into strategies for self-sufficiency beyond the garden, such as composting and food preservation. By embracing the concept of a survival garden, we can empower ourselves to become more prepared and self-reliant.

Survival Gardening through Natural Disasters and Economic Uncertainties

Whether you’re facing a natural disaster, economic uncertainty, or simply want to become more self-sufficient, a survival garden can be a lifeline. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating your own survival garden, from selecting the right location to maximizing food production. So put on your gardening gloves and let’s dig in!

How I Started My Survival Garden

I began by considering my family’s favorite foods and identifying perennial edible plants as a starting point. Next, I researched the best-growing conditions for each plant and planned the layout of my garden accordingly. I made sure to select a variety of crops that would provide a continuous harvest throughout the year, ensuring a steady food supply.

Additionally, I incorporated companion planting techniques to naturally deter pests and promote healthy growth. This thoughtful approach allowed me to create a diverse and resilient survival garden that could thrive even in challenging conditions.

Growing Your Own Survival Garden

It can be overwhelming starting a vegetable garden. It is always best to start small and learn about the plants you want to grow and grow from there. You can plant a row of tomatoes and learn to plant tomato companion plants such as peppers, basil, and marigolds and plant those too. Before you know it, you have an awesome tomato garden that produces a ton of tomatoes, basil, and peppers, and guess what? You can now make your own homemade salsa!

I discuss further how to do companion planting with a provided chart to help you get started.

How to Do Companion Planting: Friends or Foes?

Got Lawn Restrictions? No Problem!

Learn to Grow Your Food with the Foodscaping Method!

Even with lawn restrictions, you can cultivate fruits and vegetables through foodscaping. Check out the link below to discover more about this innovative approach and my experience creating a foodscape garden. Foodscaping is particularly beneficial for renters and communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs).

P.S. You’ll love this beautiful method of growing your food as I describe how to get started in foodscaping your yard in the following post.

How to Create a Stunning Foodscaping Design!

Start Growing What You and Your Family Already Eat

It is important to grow the foods that you and your family will eat and plant a ton of those foods first. You will soon find that you are no longer needing to buy those foods at the grocery store. Do not forget to save those seeds to keep the harvest coming! It is important to keep a good healthy seed bank from heirloom seeds!

Start Stockpiling and Harvesting Your Own Seeds!

Begin by collecting the seeds you want to start growing. Keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their viability. As you build your seed bank, you’ll not only ensure a sustainable source of future plants, but also gain a deeper connection to the natural cycle of growth and renewal.

Here are my detailed posts about how to stockpile seeds!

• What’s Inside the Augason Farms Vegetable Garden Seeds #10 Can? Survival Seeds You Need Now!
• How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds: The Ultimate Guide
• Build Your Survival Garden with an All-In-One Homestead Seed Bank!
• Best Survival Seed Vaults to Stockpile for a Crisis

Selecting the Right Location and Designing Your Garden

Assessing Sunlight, Soil, and Drainage

Before you start planting, it’s essential to assess your garden’s sunlight, soil, and drainage conditions. Most vegetables and fruits require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so choose an area that gets plenty of sunlight!

Additionally, check the soil’s composition and drainage. Sandy soil drains quickly, but may need additional amendments, while clay soil retains moisture, but may require extra care to prevent waterlogging. Strike a balance by amending your soil with organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.

Choosing the Ideal Garden Layout

When it comes to designing your survival garden, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Consider your available space, gardening skills, and preferences. You have a range of options, from traditional raised beds to container gardens or even vertical gardening.

Raised beds offer better control over soil quality and prevent weed encroachment, while container gardens work well for those with limited space or mobility. Whichever layout you choose, aim for efficiency and ease of maintenance to maximize your garden’s productivity.

Square Foot Gardening Method

In my detailed post on square-foot gardening, I discussed the art of maximizing space and efficiency in your garden. I shared practical tips on planning and organizing your square-foot garden, ensuring that every inch of soil is optimized for growth. By breaking down the process into simple steps, I aimed to empower you to design your own productive and beautiful gardens, regardless of space constraints.

From selecting the right crops to spacing them effectively, my post provided valuable insights for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. With a focus on sustainability and resourcefulness, I encourage you to embrace the concept of square-foot gardening as a versatile and rewarding approach to growing fresh produce at home.

Square Foot Garden: The Easy Way To Plan Yours

My Abundant Backyard Micro Orchard!

Growing a Small Orchard in My Backyard!

In my detailed blog post, I shared the journey of creating my abundant backyard micro orchard, a vibrant oasis bursting with fruit trees. From careful selection of fruit varieties to strategic planting and nurturing, I chronicled the steps taken to transform a small patch of land into a fruitful paradise.

Each fruit tree was chosen for its flavor, resilience, and suitability to the local climate, ensuring a diverse and bountiful harvest throughout the seasons. With meticulous care and attention, I cultivated a thriving ecosystem where pollinators buzzed and fruit ripened under the sun’s warm embrace. Through my post, I aimed to inspire you to get started on your own micro orchard adventures, savoring the joys of homegrown fruits and the beauty of nature’s abundance right in your backyard!

Growing Fruit In Your Backyard!

Here are several informative posts I have written in great detail about how I grow my backyard orchard.

• Why You Need to Start Micro-Orcharding in Your Backyard
• How to Design Your Backyard Orchard for Maximum Yield
• How to Grow a Sustainable Backyard Orchard
• How to Grow Productive Perennial Raspberry Plants!
• All About Pear Trees: Ultimate Guide
• All About Quince Trees: Ultimate Guide
• All About Cherry Trees: Ultimate Guide

How to Make Your Backyard a Snackyard!

In my detailed blog post, I unveiled the secrets to transforming your backyard into a delightful snackyard, brimming with tasty treats just steps from your door. I shared practical tips on selecting and planting a variety of edible plants, from crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to flavorful herbs and vibrant berries.

With a focus on maximizing space and optimizing growing conditions, I outlined strategies for creating raised beds, vertical gardens, and container plantings, allowing even those with limited space to indulge in homegrown goodness. Through vivid descriptions and step-by-step guides, I aimed to empower you to cultivate your own snackyard oasis, where every corner holds the promise of a delicious harvest and moments of culinary delight!

How to Make Your Backyard a Snack Yard

Essential Plants and Crops for Long-Term Survival

Nutrient-Rich Vegetables and Fruits

To ensure a well-rounded survival garden, prioritize nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits. Focus on high-yielding options that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Leafy greens like kale and spinach, root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, and versatile crops like tomatoes and peppers are excellent choices. Don’t forget about fruits – berries, citrus, and apples are delicious and nutrient-dense options that can boost your garden’s variety and flavor.

Consider Growing

• Spinach.
• Kale.
• Carrots.
• Potatoes.
• Tomatoes.
• Peppers.
• Berries.
• Fruits.
• Broccoli.
• Sweet Potatoes.

High-Yielding Grains and Legumes

In a survival scenario, a steady supply of carbohydrates is essential. Integrate high-yielding grains and legumes into your garden to provide sustenance. Legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils are protein powerhouses and can also enrich your soil with nitrogen through their natural nitrogen-fixing abilities.

Consider Growing

• Beans.
• Peas.
• Lentils.
• Chickpeas.
• Corn.

Medicinal Herbs and Edible Flowers

In addition to growing food, consider including medicinal herbs and edible flowers in your survival garden. Herbs like chamomile, lavender, and peppermint have medicinal properties and can be used for soothing teas or natural remedies.

Edible flowers, such as nasturtiums and calendulas, not only add visual appeal, but can also enhance the flavor of salads and other dishes. These additions not only diversify your garden, but also provide potential natural remedies during challenging times.

Consider Growing

1. Chamomile: Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, often used to relieve stress and promote sleep.
2. Echinacea: Believed to boost the immune system and help fight off infections, particularly colds and flu.
3. Peppermint: Used to alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and nausea.
4. Lavender: Known for its calming aroma and potential to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
5. Garlic: Has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is used to support cardiovascular health and boost the immune system.
6. Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, often used to relieve nausea and motion sickness.
7. Lemon balm: Used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and support cognitive function.
8. Turmeric: Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, often used to relieve joint pain and inflammation.
9. Ginseng: Believed to enhance energy levels, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress.
10. Valerian: Known for its sedative properties, often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

These are just a few examples of medicinal herbs that have been traditionally used for various health purposes. It’s important to research and consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

I have written further information about how to grow your own farmacy in your garden within these posts.

• The Best Herbs for Depression
• The Best Herbs for Anxiety
• Powerful Health Benefits of Oregano
• Powerful Health Benefits of Thyme
• Powerful Health Benefits of Lavender
• Powerful Health Benefits of Chamomile
• 8 Best Natural Pain Relievers For Survival Without Pharmaceuticals
• Powerful Health Benefits of Sage and Its Effects
• Powerful Health Benefits of Spearmint and Its Effects
• 16 Best Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Your Garden Now
• Powerful Health Benefits of Holy Basil and Its Effects
• Powerful Health Benefits of Garlic and Its Effects

Maximizing Food Production: Tips for Successful Gardening

Soil Preparation and Fertilization

Preparing your soil is the foundation for a productive survival garden. Remove any weeds or debris and loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller. Amend the soil with compost, well-rotted manure, or organic fertilizers to provide essential nutrients.

Regularly monitor and adjust the pH level of your soil to ensure optimal conditions for plant growth. Investing time and effort into soil preparation will pay off with healthier plants and higher yields.

Watering and Irrigation Techniques

Proper watering is key to the success of your survival garden. Aim for consistent moisture levels, avoiding both overwatering and underwatering. Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed growth. Consider installing drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses to provide water directly to the roots and minimize water wastage. Regularly monitor soil moisture levels and adjust your watering frequency based on weather conditions and plant needs.

I have written a fun useful easy and cheap DIY tutorial for implementing a milk jug drip irrigation system in the garden.

How to DIY a Milk Jug Drip Irrigation System!

Season Extension and Year-round Harvest

To extend your harvest season and ensure a year-round food supply, explore season extension techniques. Utilize cold frames, hoop houses, or row covers to protect plants from frost or harsh weather conditions. Plant cold-hardy crops in fall or early winter for a harvest in late winter or early spring.

Additionally, consider preserving your harvest through canning, drying, or freezing techniques. By employing these strategies, you can enjoy the fruits of your survival garden, even when the snow is falling outside.

Preserving and Storing Garden Produce for Extended Shelf Life

Canning and Pickling

Preserving your garden produce is a great way to ensure you have food to rely on during tough times. Canning and pickling are popular methods that can give your fruits and vegetables a longer shelf life. By sealing them in jars with vinegar or brine, you can enjoy the flavors of summer all year round.

Plus, opening a jar of homemade pickles in the dead of winter is like a teleportation device to warmer days!

Freezing and Dehydrating

If you’re looking for a less time-consuming method, freezing and dehydrating are your new best friends. Freezing fruits and veggies is as easy as washing, chopping, and popping them in the freezer.

Dehydrating, on the other hand, involves removing the moisture from your produce. It’s like turning them into nutritious and delicious chips. Just make sure you label your dehydrated goodies properly, or you might mistake them for something else in your pantry.

Root Cellaring and Fermentation

For the more adventurous survival gardeners, root cellaring and fermentation offer unique ways to store your harvest. Root cellaring involves creating a cool, dry, and dark space to store your root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. It’s like a hidden treasure trove under your house.

Fermentation, on the other hand, takes your surplus vegetables and turns them into tangy delights like sauerkraut and kimchi. Just be prepared for your kitchen to smell like a science experiment gone wild!

Self-Sufficiency Beyond the Garden: Composting and Rainwater Harvesting

Setting up a Composting System

A survival garden isn’t just about growing food; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem. That’s where composting comes in. Instead of throwing away your kitchen scraps and yard waste, you can turn them into nutrient-rich soil that will make your plants thrive. Composting is nature’s recycling program, and by setting up a composting system, you’ll be doing the environment—and your garden—a big favor.

Here are some good informative posts I have written to help you build your own organic healthy soil by practicing these self-sustainable activities on your property.

• How to Start Composting for the Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Clever Ways to Incorporate Indoor Composting into Your Home
• Compost or Fertilizer: Dirty Secrets of Which Is Better?
• The Ultimate Guide to Composting in Your Suburban Backyard

Rainwater Collection and Storage

To truly be self-sufficient, you need to think beyond the faucet. Rainwater collection is a genius way to harness the power of Mother Nature and reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies.

By setting up rain barrels or larger storage tanks, you can capture rainwater and use it to irrigate your garden during dry spells. It’s like having your own personal rain cloud that follows you wherever you go!

Dealing with Pest and Disease Management in a Survival Garden

Cute, isn’t he? Or perhaps I just terrified you with that image. However, cute or not, he is ready to begin munching on all of your hard-working efforts in your garden while you are sleeping! Let’s take control before he gets it all!

Organic Pest Control Methods

Pests in the garden are about as welcome as a mosquito at a picnic. But before you reach for the chemical sprays, consider organic pest control methods. From companion planting to homemade insecticides, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to keep those pesky critters at bay. Plus, you’ll feel like a superhero when you save your precious veggies from the clutches of those garden villains!

Learn more about organic pest control in the garden in my detailed posts below.

• How to Do Companion Planting: Friends or Foes?
• How to Grow Marigolds As Pest Control In Your Vegetable Garden
• How to Release Ladybugs In Your Garden for Organic Pest Control
• The Best Garden Snail Control Strategies

Identifying and Treating Common Garden Diseases

Garden diseases are like the common cold of the plant world—they can spread quickly and wreak havoc on your precious crops. But fear not! By learning to identify and treat common garden diseases, you can nip them in the bud before they take over your entire plot. From fungal infections to viral diseases, arm yourself with knowledge and a dose of plant-friendly medicine to keep your garden healthy and thriving.

Discover how I combat disease in my survival garden in the following posts.

• How to Effectively Combat Powdery Mildew in Your Garden
• Mold and Mildew in Winter-Sown Containers: How to Stop It!

Growing Drought-Tolerant Plants In Your Survival Garden

Ensure Resilience In Challenging Conditions

In your survival garden, consider incorporating drought-tolerant plants to ensure resilience in challenging conditions. Opt for hardy varieties of vegetable plants, which thrive with minimal water. These plants not only withstand dry spells, but also require less maintenance, making them ideal for self-sufficiency.

By cultivating drought-tolerant species, you’ll conserve water resources enhance the sustainability of your garden, and still grow an abundance of food. Embrace the beauty and resilience of these plants while securing a reliable food source for uncertain times.

Learn more about growing drought-tolerant vegetable plants if you live in a dry climate in the following post.

The Best Drought-Tolerant Plants to Include in Your Survival Garden!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to build a survival garden in my backyard stemmed from a desire for self-reliance and preparedness. By growing my own food, I ensure a sustainable and nutritious supply for my family, reducing dependence on grocery stores and external food sources. This garden serves as a resilient sanctuary, capable of withstanding various challenges such as droughts, pests, and other disruptions. It also fosters a deeper connection to nature and a sense of empowerment, knowing that I can provide for my loved ones in times of need. Through careful planning and cultivation, the survival garden not only enriches our lives, but also equips us with essential skills for resilience and self-sufficiency.

Resources: Here are some more resources for you to check out!

• Growing a Survival Garden with Staple Crops – By Attainable Sustainable
• 6 Best Survival Garden Layouts – By SCP Survival
• Crafting a Survival Garden In Your Backyard – By Growing Spaces Greenhouses

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a survival garden only for extreme survival scenarios?

No, a survival garden is not only for extreme survival scenarios. While it is essential to have a sustainable food source in times of crisis, a survival garden can also be beneficial in everyday life. It allows you to have fresh, homegrown produce, saves money on groceries, and promotes self-sufficiency regardless of the situation. It is a proactive approach to preparedness that can bring peace of mind in various circumstances.

2. What if I don’t have a large backyard for a survival garden?

You don’t need a large backyard to have a survival garden. Even with limited space, you can still grow a significant amount of food by utilizing container gardening, vertical gardening, or even participating in community gardens. Many crops can be grown in small spaces, such as herbs, salad greens, and certain vegetables. With creative planning and the use of available resources, you can establish a productive survival garden regardless of the size of your yard.

3. How do I protect my survival garden from pests and diseases without using harmful chemicals?

Protecting your survival garden from pests and diseases can be achieved through organic and environmentally friendly methods. This can include companion planting, crop rotation, using physical barriers like nets or fences, handpicking pests, and creating a healthy ecosystem for beneficial insects. Additionally, practicing good garden hygiene, such as removing diseased plants and maintaining proper soil health, can prevent the spread of diseases. By adopting these natural pest and disease management strategies, you can safeguard your garden while keeping it chemical-free.

4. Can I share surplus produce from my survival garden with others in my community?

Absolutely! Sharing surplus produce from your survival garden is a wonderful way to build community resilience and foster connections among neighbors. You can establish informal sharing networks, organize food swaps, or even participate in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. By sharing your abundance, you not only help meet the food needs of others, but also contribute to the collective strength and well-being of your community.

Summary

I hope I have inspired you to start your very own backyard survival garden. Remember to start small and grow from there and to grow things your family will eat. There is no point in growing a ton of zucchini if your family will not eat them and you end up just giving them away or allowing them to rot.

Enjoy your gardening adventures as you grow your abundance and knowledge!

If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Self-Sufficiency Academy for fun free printables, planners, and charts.

ENTER MY FREE SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACADEMY HERE

Here are some more of my gardening inspiration posts to check out!

How to Make Your Backyard a Snack Yard

Why Growing a Potato Patch Is Important for Survival

4 Easy DIY Garden Soil Tests to Do Now

How to Grow A Foodscape Garden From Scratch

16 Best Medicinal Herbs to Grow in Your Garden Now

Blessings,

The Off Grid Barefoot Girl