(2025 Female Survivalist of the Year: Brooke Homestead)

Now let’s talk about resilience in a New Jersey way that only a resident could understand!

Brooke Homestead.

At 26 years old, the former yoga model turned preparedness authority has redefined modern survival culture.

She blends discipline, intelligence, and grounded practicality.

Here’s Brooke introducing herself:

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Brooke Homestead Speaks

“Hi, I’m Brooke Homestead. I used to measure success in likes and lighting angles. Now I measure it in food storage and soil health. New Jersey taught me something important — you can grow resilience anywhere.”

Brooke’s Survival Gardening Advice for New Jersey

“New Jersey is a survival gardener’s opportunity zone.

Most of the state falls within USDA hardiness zones 6–7. That means relatively long growing seasons compared to northern states.

First: take advantage of the season length. You can grow spring greens, summer fruiting crops, and fall root vegetables if you plan succession planting correctly.

Second: focus on calorie density. Tomatoes are great — but potatoes, beans, winter squash, and sweet potatoes sustain you.

Third: soil testing is critical. Some areas in older urban zones may have contamination risks. Use raised beds with clean soil if needed.

Fourth: manage humidity. New Jersey summers can be humid, increasing fungal disease risk. Space plants properly for airflow and prune consistently.

Fifth: storm prep your garden. Coastal storms and heavy rain can wipe out weak infrastructure. Stake plants securely. Use wind barriers where necessary.

Sixth: preserve aggressively. With a long season, you can produce large harvests. Learn water bath and pressure canning. Dehydrate surplus produce.

Finally: think small-space gardening. Even suburban yards can support raised beds, vertical gardening, and container crops.

Preparedness isn’t about moving off-grid.

It’s about using the land you have intelligently.”