10 Survival Crops To Grow After The Apocalypse

In a post-apocalyptic world, self-sufficiency becomes essential for survival. While hunting and foraging might provide short-term sustenance, growing your own food is the key to long-term survival. Certain crops are not only resilient but also offer high nutritional value, making them the perfect choice for your survival garden.

This post will guide you through ten of the most valuable survival crops to grow after the apocalypse, ensuring you can maintain your family’s food supply when access to supermarkets or food shipments is no longer an option.

Growing your own food complements a well-stocked pantry—explore 25 essential survival foods here.

Why Grow Potatoes?

Potatoes are the ultimate survival crop. They’re easy to grow, provide a significant amount of calories, and can thrive in various conditions. One of their greatest advantages is their adaptability—potatoes can grow in different climates, and they don’t require nutrient-rich soil to flourish. They are a highly storable crop, capable of lasting for months in proper conditions.

How to Grow Potatoes After the Apocalypse

To start growing potatoes, plant seed potatoes in the soil. Keep the soil loose and well-drained, and ensure they receive enough sunlight. In just a few months, your potato plants will produce a healthy yield. You can store them for months in a cool, dry place, giving you a reliable food source long after the harvest. Potatoes are also easy to replant from their own crop, making them a sustainable option for long-term survival.

Potatoes are a reliable survival crop, but having the right tools for planting and storage is equally vital—discover 50 essential items here.

Maximize your survival harvest with My Survival Farm, an essential guide to sustainable gardening, even in harsh conditions.

Why Grow Corn?

Corn is one of the most versatile crops for survival. It grows quickly, provides a high yield, and can be used in various ways, from grinding it into flour to using it as animal feed. Corn is also rich in carbohydrates, making it a vital energy source. Additionally, dried corn can be stored for extended periods and ground into cornmeal for baking essential survival foods like tortillas or cornbread.

How to Grow Corn After the Apocalypse

Corn thrives in full sunlight and nutrient-rich soil. Plant the seeds in rows, about 1-2 inches deep, and keep them spaced adequately apart. Corn plants need consistent watering, especially during their early growth stages. Once harvested, the corn can be dried and stored in airtight containers for long-term food supply, or ground into flour for versatile meal options.

Preserve corn by drying it for soups or stews—explore 20 instant survival soup recipes here.

Learn how to preserve and store essential survival crops like corn with The Lost SuperFoods, which offers tips on long-term food storage.

Why Grow Beans?

Beans are one of the best survival crops for protein. In a world where animal protein might be scarce, beans provide a crucial plant-based alternative. Additionally, they are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they improve soil fertility—a critical advantage in a survival garden. They can also be stored dry, making them easy to keep for months without refrigeration.

How to Grow Beans After the Apocalypse

Beans are low-maintenance crops that thrive in warm weather. They can be grown in different forms, such as bush beans or pole beans. Plant them in well-drained soil and ensure they get plenty of sunlight. As they grow, you can dry and store beans for long-term use. Dried beans can be easily rehydrated and used in various meals, from soups to stews.

Beans improve soil fertility and pair well with medicinal plants in a survival garden—learn more about native healing plants here.

Prepare for food shortages with Operation Blackout, which includes strategies for building a reliable food supply, including nitrogen-fixing crops like beans.

Sweet potatoes are another calorie-dense crop that provides essential vitamins like A and C. They’re also drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for growing in difficult, post-apocalyptic environments where water may be scarce. Sweet potatoes can be grown in raised beds or containers, allowing for versatility in different growing conditions.

Growing drought-tolerant crops like sweet potatoes is one of many essential survival skills—explore 22 must-learn skills here.

How to Grow Sweet Potatoes After the Apocalypse

Sweet potatoes grow well in warmer climates. Plant the slips (young plants) in loose, well-drained soil, ensuring they have full sun. Sweet potatoes can also be stored for months in a cool environment, offering a nutritious and long-lasting food source. In addition to the tubers, the greens of sweet potato plants are also edible and can provide a source of fresh vegetables when needed.

Explore innovative gardening techniques for drought-resistant crops like sweet potatoes in Survival Sanctuary, a guide to self-sufficient living.

Why Grow Squash?

Squash, particularly winter varieties like butternut and acorn squash, are highly valued for their ability to store for long periods without refrigeration. They’re rich in vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates, making them a great all-around survival crop. Winter squash can last for months in storage if kept in a cool, dry place, making them an ideal addition to your food stores.

Squash offers vital nutrients that can support your immunity during crises—discover natural remedies here.

How to Grow Squash After the Apocalypse

Squash plants are easy to grow and require minimal care. Plant seeds in well-drained soil and provide them with plenty of space, as they tend to sprawl. Water consistently, and in a few months, you’ll have a plentiful supply of squash to store for the winter months. Their thick skins help prevent spoilage, ensuring a longer shelf life.

Why Grow Kale?

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense crops you can grow. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. Kale is also a cold-hardy crop, making it a great option for growing in cooler climates or during the winter. It’s an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be harvested repeatedly, offering continuous greens throughout the growing season.

How to Grow Kale After the Apocalypse

Kale thrives in cool weather and can be planted in both spring and fall. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil, ensuring they get plenty of sunlight. Kale grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. Kale leaves can also be dried and stored for long-term use, providing vital nutrients in the absence of fresh greens.

Why Grow Carrots?

Carrots are a great source of vitamin A and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Their roots grow underground, which helps protect them from harsh weather conditions, making them a dependable crop for survival situations. Carrots can be stored in sand or root cellars, allowing them to last for several months without spoiling.

How to Grow Carrots After the Apocalypse

Carrots prefer loose, sandy soil that allows their roots to grow without obstruction. Sow the seeds directly into the ground and water regularly. In a few months, you’ll have a crop of carrots that can be harvested and stored for several weeks. Carrot greens can also be used in cooking, adding extra nutrients to your meals.

Why Grow Garlic?

Garlic not only enhances the flavor of survival meals but also offers numerous health benefits, including antibacterial properties. It’s easy to grow and stores well, making it an essential addition to any survival garden. Garlic can also be used to ward off pests, making it a beneficial plant to grow alongside other crops.

How to Grow Garlic After the Apocalypse

Garlic is grown by planting individual cloves in the ground, with the pointed end facing upward. Plant them in the fall for a summer harvest. Garlic requires little maintenance and can be stored for months, providing both medicinal and culinary benefits. It’s also an excellent plant for companion gardening, protecting other plants from pests.

Peppers are another versatile crop that adds flavor to meals and provides a significant source of vitamins C and A. They’re also relatively easy to grow and can be used fresh or dried for preservation. Both sweet and hot peppers can thrive in warm climates, offering a variety of uses from spicing up meals to preserving them for later use.

How to Grow Peppers After the Apocalypse

Peppers thrive in warm climates and full sunlight. Plant seeds in well-drained soil and water regularly. As the peppers grow, you can harvest them and either eat them fresh or dry them for long-term storage. Dried peppers can be rehydrated and used in cooking, or ground into powder for seasoning.

Why Grow Sunflowers?

Sunflowers offer a unique survival advantage: they provide both food and an oil source. Sunflower seeds are packed with protein and healthy fats, while the seeds can also be pressed to produce cooking oil—a valuable commodity in a post-apocalyptic world. The plants themselves can be used as biomass for fuel or even construction materials.

Sunflowers can be used as biomass for fuel, complementing off-grid energy strategies—explore how to generate power off-grid here.

How to Grow Sunflowers After the Apocalypse

Sunflowers are easy to grow and require minimal care. Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil. Once mature, the seeds can be harvested and used as a snack or pressed for oil. The stalks can even be used as building material in a pinch, offering more than just a food source.

Discover off-grid solutions for sustainable food and energy with The Final Survival Plan, featuring practical ways to use crops like sunflowers for oil and biomass.

When the world as we know it changes, being able to grow your own food becomes not just a skill but a necessity. These ten crops are the best survival crops to grow after the apocalypse, offering high yields, nutritional value, and long-term storage capabilities. By planting these crops, you can ensure that your family has a steady food supply no matter what happens.

Want to learn more about how to survive in a long-term crisis scenario? Click here to discover key survival strategies for protecting your family when the grid goes down.