10 Best survival foods to grow after SHTF
06/27/2020 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
10 Best survival foods to grow after SHTF

Not all vegetables are suitable for survival gardens. When SHTF, it’s important to have plants that offer a wide range of nutritional benefits.

You also need to think long-term: What vegetables store best, even without refrigeration? Some plants are also better when it comes to ease of growth. For these reasons, it’s important to have good knowledge of the best foods to grow for survival.

Take a look at some recommended staples to plant and grow for long-term sustenance.

Spinach

Spinach provides several immune-boosting nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A that protects against vision loss. The potent antioxidants in spinach also help fight infection and disease. As long as it gets enough nutrients from the soil, spinach should mature in as little as four to six weeks.

Radish

Radish is a great source of B complex vitamins that help boost mental health and enhance brain functions. Its high fiber content also supports digestion and protects against chronic diseases linked to high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Radish is one of the fastest-growing crops, with most varieties maturing in just a month.

Arugula

Arugula is a popular addition to salads, alongside lettuce and kale. Unlike carrots and lettuce, however, the arugula plant re-grows after each harvest. Eat arugula to protect against osteoporosis and chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Peas

Peas are a clean, plant-based source of protein. These little vegetables are also rich in iron, an essential mineral for red blood cell production. Peas are climbing plants, so you’ll need to support them with a trellis. Like beetroot, peas also require little maintenance, and most varieties mature in just two months.

Bush beans

Beans are rich in clean protein, vitamins and minerals, as well as calories. For survival gardens, avoid climbing pole beans as these take a lot longer to grow and require a bit of maintenance. Instead, opt for bush beans that can be grown without a trellis.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are another fast-growing vegetable, with most varieties maturing just two months after planting. Fresh cucumbers are an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, C and K. You can also can or pickle them for long-term food storage.

Beetroot

Beetroot is an excellent source of folate, an essential B complex vitamin. Folate is known to support cell growth and development, as well as protect pregnant women from birth defects and complications. Beetroot doesn’t require much maintenance as long as it’s been planted in rich, fertile soil. The root itself takes about two months to mature, but its leaves can be harvested for salads as the root continues to grow.

Turnip

Turnip is another popular garden staple known for its fast-growing nature and rich nutrient content. Each bulb is chock-full of soluble fiber, folate, calcium, protein and vitamins A and C. As with beetroots, turnip greens can also be harvested multiple times as the root continues to grow.

Kale

Kale boasts a high vitamin C content. In fact, it’s one of the few foods with more vitamin C than an orange. It’s also one of the fastest-growing vegetables out there, making it a popular garden staple. Its leaves can be harvested even before the plant matures. Plus, like arugula, kale will continue to grow and produce leaves after each harvest.

Bok choy

Bok choy is a fast-growing cabbage species popular across China and Southeast Asia. It is often used for stir-fries and salads. Rich in protein, folate and calcium, bok choy also makes for a nutritious addition to stews and meat dishes.

When SHTF, it’s important to think long-term when it comes to food: which foods provide some of the best nutritional benefits? Which plants are fast-growing? Which crops store best? Answering these questions before planting guarantees sustainable sustenance and a fighting chance of survival.

Learn more about prepping and survival gardening and EmergencyFood.news.

Sources:

UrbanSurvivalSite.com

GardeningKnowHow.com

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