Whether you’re trying to cut grocery bills or preparing for a time when you might need to rely on your own food supply, growing crops with a high calorie yield is a smart move. By focusing on high-calorie crops, you can grow more food in less space and ensure you’re providing enough energy to keep yourself and your family going.
Let’s face it: no one likes to think about the possibility of food shortages or economic disruptions. But preparing now could save a lot of stress later. A survival garden doesn’t have to be massive to be effective. Even if you’re in an apartment, there are plenty of options for container growing.
These crops all give you the best return on your growing efforts and provide important calories and nutrition to keep you well-fed.
1. Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic survival garden crop for good reason. One medium potato has about 110 calories, and they’re easy to grow. The best time to plant is early spring, around two to three weeks before the last frost. They grow well both in the ground or in containers, which makes them perfect for any size garden.
2. Winter Squash
Winter squash varieties, such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and hubbard, are excellent choices. Not only do they provide a solid calorie boost (about 80-100 calories per cup cooked), but they also store well for several months after harvest. These squashes take up space, so if you’re tight on room, consider using a trellis to help them grow vertically.
3. Corn
Corn is a calorie powerhouse, providing roughly 123 calories per ear. It’s also easy to store by drying the kernels or freezing them. For best results, plant corn in blocks rather than rows to ensure better pollination. You’ll want to plant after the last frost and make sure they get full sun.
4. Beans
Beans, whether black, pinto, or kidney, are a fantastic source of protein and calories. They provide around 245 calories per cooked cup. Beans grow easily and can be stored dry for long periods. Pole beans are perfect for small gardens, as you can grow them vertically using trellises.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes pack about 112 calories per medium-sized potato, and they’re loaded with important vitamins like A and C. They need warmer temperatures to thrive, so plant them after the last frost. Sweet potatoes also store well, lasting months in a cool, dry spot.
6. Peanuts
Peanuts are a high-calorie crop, offering about 567 calories per 100 grams. They thrive in sandy soil and warm climates, making them ideal for southern regions. Once harvested, peanuts can be stored easily for a long time and used in various ways, from snacks to homemade peanut butter.
7. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflowers are easy to grow and give you a double benefit: they’re beautiful, and their seeds are packed with about 165 calories per ounce. Sunflower seeds store well, too, making them a great addition to any survival pantry. Plant them after the last frost, and give them full sun for the best results.
8. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are another excellent high-calorie crop, providing about 83 calories per cup of cooked pumpkin. Like winter squash, they store well after harvest and can last several months in cool, dry conditions. Just make sure to give them space to spread out, as pumpkins like to sprawl.
9. Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans)
Nuts are calorie-dense and long-lasting, making them perfect for a survival garden. Almonds, walnuts, and pecans each contain about 600-700 calories per 100 grams. Though nut trees take time to mature, once they do, they can provide food for decades. If you have the room, consider planting a few nut trees to create a sustainable source of high-calorie food.
10. Lentils
Lentils are a high-protein, high-calorie legume, offering around 230 calories per cooked cup. They don’t require much water and can grow in poor soil conditions, making them an excellent crop for dry climates or areas with less-than-ideal soil. They’re also easy to store long-term once dried.
11. Chickpeas
Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, provide roughly 269 calories per cup cooked. They thrive in warmer climates and can be grown either in the ground or in containers. Once harvested and dried, chickpeas can be stored for months, making them another excellent pantry staple for survival situations.
12. Barley
Barley is a hearty grain that delivers around 354 calories per cup cooked. It’s a relatively easy grain to grow, and it can be used in a variety of ways, from soups and stews to bread. It grows best in cooler temperatures, so plant it in the fall or early spring for best results.
13. Quinoa
Quinoa has become popular in recent years, and for good reason. This pseudo-grain packs a punch with 222 calories per cooked cup. It’s relatively easy to grow in cooler climates and stores well after harvesting. Quinoa is also loaded with protein, making it a great all-around survival crop.
14. Amaranth
Amaranth is another high-calorie grain, providing about 251 calories per cooked cup. It’s easy to grow and can tolerate poor soil conditions, making it a resilient crop for survival gardens. Once harvested, the seeds can be stored for long periods, making amaranth a reliable food source.
15. Carrots
Carrots may not be the most calorie-dense crop, but they still offer about 52 calories per medium carrot, and they’re packed with important vitamins like A and C. Carrots are also versatile and can grow in a variety of conditions. You can plant them directly in the ground or in containers, and they store well after harvest.
16. Beets
Beets provide about 58 calories per cup, and they’re rich in vitamins and minerals. They grow quickly and can be harvested in as little as two months. Beets store well, and both the roots and the greens are edible, making them a versatile crop for any survival garden.
17. Cabbage
Cabbage is low in calories but high in nutritional value, with about 22 calories per cup. While it’s not the most calorie-dense option, it’s packed with vitamins and can be stored for long periods, especially if fermented into sauerkraut. It grows well in cooler temperatures, making it a good crop for spring or fall planting.
18. Turnips
Turnips are another dual-use crop, where both the roots and greens are edible. A cup of cooked turnips contains about 34 calories. They’re hardy and grow well in cooler weather, making them a good option for fall planting. Turnips can also be stored for several months after harvest.
19. Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are a lesser-known but fantastic survival crop. They offer around 110 calories per cup cooked and are very easy to grow. Plant them once, and they’ll come back year after year, making them a low-maintenance, high-calorie addition to your garden. Just be careful—they can spread quickly and take over if you’re not careful!
