When it comes to survival, food is a top priority. Whether you’re preparing for a disaster, wanting to be more self-sufficient, or just curious about what you can grow in a small space, there are plenty of options to keep you fed. Growing your own food can give you peace of mind, knowing that no matter what happens, you’ll have something to eat. Even if space is tight, these 15 plants can be grown on a patio, balcony, or even indoors, ensuring you’re always prepared.
1. Potatoes
Potatoes are a survival staple. They provide high calories, are easy to grow, and store well. The great thing about potatoes is that they can grow in small spaces using containers or even potato bags. Just make sure the soil is rich in nutrients, and you’ll be harvesting a decent crop in about 90 days. Each potato plant can yield 3-6 pounds of potatoes, making it a high-calorie food source for long-term storage.
2. Carrots
Carrots don’t need much room to grow, making them perfect for tight spaces. Deep containers or even window boxes work well for growing these root veggies. They thrive in cool weather, so you can plant them in spring or fall, and within about 70 days, you’ll have a crunchy, vitamin-rich food source. Carrots store well for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place, making them a reliable long-term option.
3. Garlic
Garlic is easy to grow and doesn’t require much space, making it a great addition to your small garden. Plant individual cloves in containers or raised beds, and in around 8 months, you’ll have a fresh crop. Garlic stores well and adds both flavor and medicinal benefits to your survival diet. A single clove can multiply into a bulb of 10-20 cloves, offering a low-maintenance crop with high yields.
4. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale)
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are fast-growing and rich in vitamins, making them a must for any survival food list. They’re easy to grow in containers or raised beds and can be harvested multiple times throughout the season. With only a few square feet of space, you can have a constant supply of fresh greens. They also regenerate quickly after harvest, allowing you to get multiple cuttings from the same plants.
5. Radishes
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing crops you can plant. In as little as 30 days, you’ll have a harvest ready to eat. These spicy little roots grow well in containers, and they also improve soil health, making them great companion plants for other veggies in your small garden. Radishes take up very little space and can be planted densely, making them ideal for small urban gardens.
6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are versatile, packed with nutrients, and they thrive in small spaces. Even a single plant can produce a bountiful harvest in a container. Opt for dwarf or determinate varieties to save space. With the right care, you’ll be picking tomatoes within 60-90 days of planting. A single plant can yield up to 10 pounds of tomatoes, providing a significant return in a small area.
7. Herbs (Basil, Thyme, Mint)
Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint are easy to grow and take up very little room. A small windowsill or a couple of pots are all you need to keep your herb garden going. They grow fast, add flavor to your meals, and many have medicinal uses, making them essential for any survivalist. Many herbs are perennial, meaning they come back year after year with minimal maintenance.
8. Beans
Beans are nutrient-dense, providing protein and fiber, and they can grow in tight spaces. Pole beans work well in small gardens because they grow vertically, needing just a trellis or some string for support. Within 60 days, you can be harvesting your own beans. Beans also help enrich the soil with nitrogen, which benefits future crops planted in the same space.
9. Peppers
Peppers are another great option for small-space gardening. They thrive in containers and come in many varieties, from sweet bell peppers to hot chili peppers. Peppers are high in vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious addition to your survival stockpile. Each plant can produce up to 10-20 peppers in a season, giving you plenty to store or use fresh.
10. Onions
Onions are easy to grow and don’t require much space. You can plant them in containers, and within a few months, you’ll have bulbs ready to store for later. Onions are not only versatile in cooking but also have a long shelf life, making them perfect for survival prep. A well-cured onion can last for up to 10 months in proper storage, making them an excellent long-term food.
11. Strawberries
Strawberries are a sweet treat that can be grown in small spaces like hanging baskets or containers. They grow quickly, and within 60 days, you’ll have fresh berries to enjoy. Strawberries also provide essential vitamins, making them a valuable crop in a survival situation. Perennial varieties will produce fruit year after year, offering a recurring harvest with little effort.
12. Zucchini
Zucchini is a high-yield plant that does well in containers or small garden beds. One plant can produce a lot of fruit, and zucchini is versatile in cooking. Make sure the plant gets plenty of sun, and within about 45-55 days, you’ll have fresh zucchini to add to your meals. Zucchini plants can yield 6-10 pounds of fruit per plant, making it a prolific producer in limited space.
13. Peas
Peas are a compact, space-saving crop that can grow vertically with the help of a trellis. They provide protein and are easy to harvest. Peas prefer cooler weather, and in about 60-70 days, you can start harvesting fresh pods. Peas are also nitrogen-fixing plants, improving soil fertility for the next crop you plant in the same area.
14. Cucumbers
Cucumbers grow well in containers or small garden beds, especially the bush varieties. They’re a refreshing addition to your meals and are packed with water, keeping you hydrated in survival situations. Cucumbers grow quickly, and you can harvest them in 50-70 days. With regular watering and proper care, a single plant can produce up to 10-20 cucumbers in one season.
15. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a calorie-rich food that grows well in containers or small raised beds. Like regular potatoes, they need nutrient-rich soil and time to develop. After 90-120 days, you can harvest these delicious and nutritious tubers that store well for months. Sweet potato vines can also be used as livestock feed or as an edible green for you, adding even more value.
