When the cold winds blow and snow blankets the ground, having a well-stocked pantry becomes crucial. For homesteaders and preppers, growing high-calorie crops can mean the difference between comfort and hardship during the lean months. These energy-dense plants provide the fuel your body needs to stay warm and active, even when fresh produce is scarce. From starchy roots to protein-packed legumes, this list of 24 high-calorie crops will help you plan a garden that keeps your belly full and your body nourished all winter long. Get ready to transform your plot into a calorie-producing powerhouse!
1. Potatoes
The humble potato is a calorie champion, packing about 110 calories per 100 grams. These versatile tubers store well in cool, dark conditions and can last for months. A single 10×10 foot plot can yield up to 100 pounds of potatoes, providing a substantial caloric base for winter meals. Potatoes are also rich in vitamin C and potassium, making them nutritious as well as filling. For maximum storage life, cure potatoes in a dark, humid environment at 60-65°F for two weeks before moving them to long-term storage at 40-45°F.
2. Sweet Potatoes
With around 86 calories per 100 grams, sweet potatoes are another excellent high-energy crop. They’re packed with beta-carotene and fiber, adding nutritional value to their caloric punch. In ideal conditions, you can harvest up to 5 pounds of sweet potatoes per plant. These tubers can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place, ensuring a steady supply of calories throughout winter. To maximize your harvest, plant sweet potatoes in well-draining soil and provide them with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
3. Corn
Dried corn is a calorie powerhouse, offering about 365 calories per 100 grams. When grown for drying, a single corn plant can produce up to 2-3 ears, each yielding about 4-5 ounces of dried corn. Corn can be ground into meal, used whole in soups, or even popped for a warming winter snack. It stores exceptionally well when properly dried, lasting for years in airtight containers. For best results, harvest corn when the kernels are fully mature and dry, typically when the husks have turned brown and the kernels are hard.
4. Beans
Dried beans are densely packed with calories and protein, containing around 333 calories per 100 grams. They’re also rich in fiber and various minerals. A 10-foot row of bush beans can yield 4-5 pounds of dried beans. These legumes are incredibly versatile in cooking and can be stored for years, making them an essential part of any winter food strategy. To enhance storage life, freeze dried beans for 48 hours before storing to eliminate any potential pests.
5. Peas
While slightly lower in calories than beans, dried peas still pack about 315 calories per 100 grams. They’re rich in protein and fiber, and grow well in cooler climates. A 10-foot row of peas can produce about 2-3 pounds of dried peas. Like beans, they store well for long periods and can be used in a variety of warming winter dishes. For optimal nutrition, harvest peas when the pods are fully filled out but still bright green, as overripe peas lose some of their nutritional value.
6. Winter Squash
Varieties like butternut, acorn, and hubbard squash provide about 45 calories per 100 grams of fresh weight. While not as calorie-dense as some other options, their long storage life makes them valuable winter crops. A single plant can produce 5-10 pounds of squash, which can be stored for 3-6 months in cool, dry conditions. Their sweet flavor and versatility in cooking make them a welcome addition to winter meals. To extend storage life, cure winter squash in a warm (80-85°F), humid area for 10-14 days before moving to long-term storage.
7. Peanuts
These legumes are calorie-dense, offering about 567 calories per 100 grams. Rich in healthy fats and protein, peanuts provide sustained energy. In ideal conditions, a 10-foot row can yield 4-5 pounds of peanuts. When properly dried and stored, they can last for several months, providing a nutritious snack or addition to winter dishes. For best results, harvest peanuts when the plants have yellowed and the nuts pull away easily from the vines.
8. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds contain about 584 calories per 100 grams, making them an excellent high-energy crop. They’re rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. A single sunflower head can produce up to 2,000 seeds, yielding about 1/2 to 1 cup of edible seeds. When stored in airtight containers, sunflower seeds can last for up to a year. To prevent rancidity, store sunflower seeds in the refrigerator or freezer for extended shelf life.
9. Quinoa
This pseudo-grain packs about 368 calories per 100 grams and is a complete protein source. Quinoa grows well in cool climates and can yield up to 1/2 pound per plant. It stores well when kept dry, lasting for several months to a year. Quinoa’s versatility in cooking makes it a valuable addition to winter meals. Before cooking, rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating of saponins, which can impart a bitter taste.
10. Amaranth
Similar to quinoa, amaranth grains contain about 371 calories per 100 grams. This ancient grain is drought-tolerant and can produce up to 1 pound of grain per plant. Amaranth stores well for long periods when kept dry and can be used in a variety of ways, from porridge to flour for baking. The young leaves of amaranth are also edible and nutritious, providing an additional food source early in the growing season.
11. Jerusalem Artichokes
Also known as sunchokes, these tubers provide about 73 calories per 100 grams. While not as calorie-dense as some options, they’re incredibly easy to grow and store well in the ground. A 10-foot row can yield 15-20 pounds of tubers. Jerusalem artichokes can be left in the ground and harvested as needed throughout winter, providing a fresh source of calories and nutrients. Be aware that these plants can spread aggressively, so plant them in a contained area or harvest thoroughly each year.
12. Parsnips
These root vegetables offer about 75 calories per 100 grams and grow sweeter after exposure to frost. A 10-foot row can yield 10-15 pounds of parsnips. They can be left in the ground and harvested throughout winter in many climates, or stored in cool, moist conditions for several months. Parsnips add variety and sweetness to winter meals. For the best flavor, wait to harvest parsnips until after the first frost, as cold temperatures convert their starches to sugars.
13. Turnips
Turnips provide about 28 calories per 100 grams, and while not extremely high in calories, they store well and provide both edible roots and greens. A 10-foot row can yield 15-20 pounds of turnips. They can be stored in cool, moist conditions for several months or left in the ground in milder climates. Turnips add variety to winter meals and provide valuable nutrients. For a continuous harvest, sow turnip seeds every two weeks throughout the growing season.
14. Rutabagas
With about 38 calories per 100 grams, rutabagas are another hardy root crop for winter storage. A 10-foot row can produce 15-20 pounds of rutabagas. They store exceptionally well, lasting up to 6 months in cool, moist conditions. Rutabagas have a slightly sweet flavor and can be used in a variety of warming winter dishes. To prevent woody texture, harvest rutabagas when they’re between 3-5 inches in diameter.
15. Carrots
Carrots provide about 41 calories per 100 grams and are packed with beta-carotene. A 10-foot row can yield 15-20 pounds of carrots. They store well in cool, moist conditions for several months, or can be left in the ground and harvested as needed in milder climates. Carrots add color, flavor, and nutrients to winter meals. For the sweetest carrots, plant them in late summer for a fall/winter harvest, as cool temperatures increase their sugar content.
16. Beets
Offering about 43 calories per 100 grams, beets are a versatile root crop for winter storage. A 10-foot row can produce 15-20 pounds of beets. They store well for several months in cool, moist conditions. Both the roots and greens are edible, providing variety in winter meals and valuable nutrients. For continuous harvests, plant beets every 3 weeks throughout the growing season.
17. Garlic
While not high in calories (about 149 per 100 grams), garlic’s intense flavor means a little goes a long way in adding interest to winter meals. A 4×4 foot bed can produce 25-30 bulbs of garlic. Properly cured garlic can store for several months, providing flavor and health benefits throughout winter. Plant garlic in the fall for a midsummer harvest the following year, allowing the bulbs to develop fully before storage.
18. Onions
Onions contain about 40 calories per 100 grams and are essential for flavoring winter dishes. A 10-foot row can yield 20-25 pounds of onions. When properly cured and stored in cool, dry conditions, onions can last for several months. Their versatility in cooking makes them invaluable in winter meal preparation. Choose long-day onion varieties for northern climates and short-day varieties for southern regions to ensure proper bulb development.
19. Cabbage
While low in calories (about 25 per 100 grams), cabbage stores exceptionally well and provides valuable nutrients. A single plant can produce a 3-5 pound head. Cabbage can be stored for several months in cool conditions or fermented into sauerkraut for even longer storage. It adds crunch and vitamin C to winter meals. To prevent splitting, harvest cabbage heads when they’re firm and before heavy rains are expected.
20. Kale
Kale offers about 49 calories per 100 grams and is incredibly nutrient-dense. A 10-foot row can produce 8-10 pounds of kale leaves. While not a storage crop, kale can withstand frost and continue producing well into winter in many climates. It provides fresh greens and vital nutrients during the cold months. For sweeter kale, wait to harvest until after the first frost, as cold temperatures increase the sugar content in the leaves.
21. Collard Greens
Similar to kale, collards provide about 32 calories per 100 grams and are rich in nutrients. A 10-foot row can yield 10-12 pounds of leaves. Collards are cold-hardy and can produce fresh greens well into winter in many climates. They add variety and valuable nutrients to winter meals. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.
22. Pumpkins
Pumpkins offer about 26 calories per 100 grams and store well for winter use. A single plant can produce 2-3 pumpkins, each weighing 10-20 pounds. When stored in cool, dry conditions, pumpkins can last for several months. They’re versatile in cooking and add color and nutrients to winter meals. For best storage, cure pumpkins in a warm, dry place for 10-14 days before moving to long-term storage.
23. Apples
While not extremely high in calories (about 52 per 100 grams), apples store well and provide welcome freshness in winter. A mature dwarf apple tree can produce 50-100 pounds of fruit. Properly stored apples can last for several months, providing fresh fruit and valuable nutrients throughout winter. Choose late-ripening varieties for the best storage life, and store apples separately from other produce as they give off ethylene gas which can speed up ripening.
24. Hazelnuts
These nuts pack about 628 calories per 100 grams, making them an excellent high-energy crop. A mature hazelnut bush can produce 5-8 pounds of nuts. When properly dried and stored, hazelnuts can last for several months, providing a nutrient-dense snack or addition to winter meals. To extend storage life, dry hazelnuts thoroughly before storing, and keep them in their shells until ready to use.
15 Things About Guinea Fowl I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Got My First Flock
Guinea fowl can be both a delightful and challenging addition to your homestead. Known for their hardy nature and distinctive calls, these birds offer more than just pest control. Before you decide to raise guinea fowl, there are a few key things to understand about their behavior and care. Here’s a list of insights I wish I had known before bringing them home.
Read More: 15 Things About Guinea Fowl I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Got My First Flock
21 Natural Ways to Improve Soil Quality Without Chemicals
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden and a bountiful harvest. But you don’t need to rely on synthetic fertilizers or harsh chemicals to boost your soil’s fertility. I’ve spent years experimenting with natural soil improvement techniques, and I’m here to share what works for me. These 21 methods will help you nurture rich, living soil that’ll make your plants sing. Whether you’re working with sandy loam or heavy clay, there’s a natural solution here that’ll transform your dirt into black gold. Get ready to dig in and give your soil the TLC it deserves. I practice permaculture, working with nature, without resorting to chemical solutions, and my homestead thrives. We grow a huge amount of food every year, without depleting our soil and without needing chemical intervention.
Read More: 21 Natural Ways to Improve Soil Quality Without Chemicals
How to Diagnose and Solve 12 Common Vegetable Garden Problems
Growing your own food is rewarding, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Even experienced gardeners face issues that can threaten their harvest. The key to a bountiful garden lies in quickly identifying and addressing problems before they spiral out of control. Whether you’re battling pests, dealing with nutrient deficiencies, or struggling with environmental factors, knowing how to diagnose and solve common garden issues can mean the difference between a failed crop and a thriving harvest. Here are 12 common vegetable garden problems and how to tackle them head-on.
Read More: How to Diagnose and Solve 12 Common Vegetable Garden Problems
