The Ultimate List of Survival Foods You Should Grow Yourself

The Ultimate List of Survival Foods You Should Grow Yourself

(Told by a Fed-Up, No-Nonsense Survivalist)

Listen up. If you think the grocery store is your safety net, you’re already screwed. This isn’t a joke and it sure as hell ain’t a game. When the trucks stop rolling, the power goes out, or the world goes sideways — your fancy apps and two-day shipping won’t feed you.

You want to survive? You GROW your food.

I’m not talking about pretty little herb gardens. I’m talking calorie-dense, nutrient-rich, survival-grade crops that’ll keep you and your family alive when the rest of the neighborhood is fighting over moldy cans of beans.

Here’s the no-BS list of survival foods you should be growing RIGHT NOW — and if you’re not, then get off your butt and get planting.


🔥 The Survival Foods You NEED To Grow

  1. Potatoes
    These starchy workhorses are loaded with carbs and keep well in a root cellar. Grow them in buckets, raised beds, whatever you’ve got. Easy, fast, and reliable.
  2. Beans (Pole & Bush)
    High in protein, they’re your best friend when meat isn’t an option. They also fix nitrogen in the soil — which means better yields overall.
  3. Corn
    Don’t grow sweet corn for fun. Grow dent or flint corn — the kind you can dry and grind into meal. This is real survival food.
  4. Winter Squash
    Long shelf life. Heavy on calories. Butternut, acorn, spaghetti — doesn’t matter. They’ll keep through winter if stored right.
  5. Garlic
    Not just for flavor. Garlic is antibacterial, antifungal, and boosts immunity. Plus, it stores for months.
  6. Onions
    Adds depth to every meal, and it’s another strong natural antibiotic. Plant a lot — they go quick.
  7. Carrots
    Vitamin A bombs. Easy to grow, easy to store, and great for morale. Don’t underestimate morale food.
  8. Kale and Collards
    Leafy greens that don’t quit. They’ll grow in frost and keep producing for weeks. Nutrient-rich and damn tough.
  9. Cabbage
    Eat it raw, cooked, or ferment it into sauerkraut for gut health. Stores well and produces big.
  10. Tomatoes (Paste Types)
    Forget salad tomatoes. Grow Roma or San Marzano. They’re meaty, great for sauces, and can be preserved easily.
  11. Peppers
    Bell or hot, they’re loaded with vitamin C and they dehydrate well. Hot peppers also help preserve food and boost metabolism.
  12. Sweet Potatoes
    Grow the greens and the tubers. High in nutrients, hardy in poor soil, and sweet enough to break up food boredom.
  13. Zucchini
    One plant can feed a neighborhood. You’ll get tired of zucchini before it stops producing.
  14. Turnips
    Fast-growing and reliable. The roots feed you, the greens feed your livestock or compost. Win-win.
  15. Herbs (Basil, Thyme, Oregano)
    Not just flavor. Many herbs have medicinal benefits, and let’s be honest — bland food kills morale faster than cold weather.

🧠 Top 15 Survival Skills You Better Learn Yesterday

  1. Canning and Preservation
    If you can’t store it, you’re wasting harvest. Learn water bath and pressure canning NOW.
  2. Seed Saving
    No seed = no food next season. Learn to save and store seeds properly.
  3. Composting
    Fertilizer won’t fall from the sky. Compost everything — food scraps, manure, leaves.
  4. Irrigation Setup
    No water = dead garden. Build a rain catchment system or gravity-fed drip line.
  5. Crop Rotation
    Don’t plant the same thing in the same spot. It destroys your soil.
  6. Soil Building
    Healthy soil is LIFE. Use compost, mulch, manure, and worm castings.
  7. Foraging
    Know what edible weeds and wild plants grow near you — just in case your garden fails.
  8. Basic First Aid
    What’s that got to do with food? A LOT when you slice your hand harvesting cabbage in a blackout.
  9. DIY Pest Control
    No pesticides? Learn natural methods — neem oil, diatomaceous earth, companion planting.
  10. Food Dehydration
    Dry fruits, veggies, and meats. Lightweight, long-lasting survival food.
  11. Root Cellar Building
    Store food the old-school way — underground and temperature-stable.
  12. Cooking Without Power
    Solar oven, rocket stove, open fire. Know them all.
  13. Water Purification
    Rainwater + bacteria = diarrhea. Filter it, boil it, or don’t drink it.
  14. Tool Maintenance
    A broken hoe doesn’t feed you. Learn how to fix and sharpen your gear.
  15. Animal Husbandry (Bonus)
    Chickens, rabbits, goats — they add meat and manure to your homestead. Even if you start small.

🛠️ 3 DIY Survival Hacks You’ll Thank Me For Later

  1. 5-Gallon Bucket Potato Tower
    No space? No problem. Drill drainage holes in a 5-gallon bucket. Plant seed potatoes at the bottom, keep adding soil as they grow. Harvest a full bucket of potatoes in a few months.
  2. Homemade Self-Watering Containers
    Take two buckets. One for the water reservoir, one with soil and a wicking system. Perfect for growing during hot months or if water is limited.
  3. Eggshell Calcium Boost
    Dry and crush eggshells, sprinkle them in your garden beds. It adds calcium, keeps slugs away, and helps prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes.

Final Word from a Tired, Angry Survivalist

Look — I don’t care who you voted for. I don’t care how many TikToks you’ve watched about prepping. If you don’t get serious and start growing your own food, you’re gambling with your life.

The system is fragile. The soil is ready. The question is — are you?

You don’t need land, money, or even experience. You need the will to survive, some dirt, and the guts to get started.

Start now. Not tomorrow. Not when things “calm down.”
Because when it all goes dark — those who grow, eat.
And those who wait… don’t.

The Best States to Grow a Survival Garden

(Told Straight by Someone Who Actually Grows Their Own Damn Food)

Let’s cut the fluff. If you’re thinking about survival gardening, your location matters — a lot. You don’t want to be stuck trying to grow tomatoes in 100-degree desert heat or watching your crops rot from nonstop rain in the Pacific Northwest. You need a place where the soil is good, the growing season is long, and the government leaves you alone.

So here it is — the hard truth about the best states to grow a survival garden. I’m talking about places where you can grow enough food to survive, thrive, and stick it to the system if things go sideways.


1. Tennessee

You want rich soil? You want rain? You want a long growing season and low land prices? Tennessee checks all the boxes. Mild winters, plenty of sunshine, and you can grow almost everything here — beans, corn, squash, tomatoes, leafy greens, potatoes, fruit trees. The laws are also favorable to homesteaders. Not too many restrictions, and folks mind their own business.


2. Missouri

The Ozarks are a survivalist’s dream. Tons of natural resources, plenty of fresh water, and excellent soil. Plus, land is still affordable if you know where to look. You can grow food, raise animals, and build off-grid without some HOA telling you your solar panels are “unsightly.” It’s no wonder so many preppers are quietly heading this way.


3. North Carolina

Western North Carolina especially. Good elevation, great soil, and a long enough growing season to plant more than one crop per year. You’ve got access to fresh water from mountain streams, and the climate isn’t brutal. It’s a solid blend of self-sufficiency potential and relative safety from extreme weather.


4. Kentucky

If you want underrated, this is it. Kentucky is quiet, lush, and has some of the best topsoil in the country. It’s perfect for growing survival staples like corn, beans, squash, and root veggies. There’s plenty of space, low taxes, and folks are generally self-reliant and leave you alone — exactly how we like it.


5. Texas (East Texas, specifically)

Forget West Texas unless you like growing dust. East Texas, though? It’s humid, green, and fertile. Long growing season, tons of water, and enough room to build a self-sustaining setup. The state itself has a strong “don’t tread on me” culture — and that counts for something when the grid goes down.


Final Word

You can prep all you want, but if you’re trying to grow food in a place where nothing grows, you’re wasting your time. Survival gardening isn’t just about planting seeds — it’s about being strategic, knowing your climate, and choosing a location where your garden will feed your family, not fail you when you need it most.

So stop scrolling and start planning. Because when the supply chain collapses, real security isn’t ammo — it’s potatoes.

Pest-Proof Your Survival Garden: Natural and Effective Protection Strategies

Pest-Proof Your Survival Garden: Natural and Effective Protection Strategies

When you’ve invested months of hard work into your survival garden, seeing it destroyed by pests feels like a punch to the gut. One moment, your garden is flourishing with ripe fruits and vegetables, and the next, it looks like a battlefield after a squirrel-led assault. It’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel—but don’t. This is where your skills as a prepper come in. Protecting your garden from pests is just another part of survival.

In a world where self-sufficiency is becoming increasingly important, your garden isn’t just a source of food; it’s a lifeline. You depend on it for nourishment, and you’ve put everything into it, from planting seeds to tending to the soil. So, what do you do when critters come along and start making a feast out of your harvest?

The answer: you fight back with knowledge, strategy, and resourcefulness. The first step is understanding your enemies. Knowing what kind of pests are common in your area is critical to crafting an effective defense plan. Is it the neighborhood deer, rabbits, raccoons, or maybe squirrels causing all the damage? Each of these invaders requires different countermeasures.

10 Survival Prepper Tips for Protecting Your Garden:

1. Identify the Pests: Before you can defend your garden, you need to know what you’re up against. Research the common garden pests in your area and understand their behaviors. Is it herbivores like rabbits and deer or burrowing critters like squirrels and raccoons? Different pests require different strategies, so take the time to figure out what’s causing the damage.

2. Invest in Strong Fencing: Fencing is one of the most basic, yet effective, ways to protect your garden. However, not all fences are created equal. A flimsy fence won’t stop a determined raccoon or a deer from reaching your crops. Go for a sturdy, high fence made of chicken wire or hardware cloth. If you’re dealing with burrowing pests, make sure the bottom of the fence is buried several inches underground to prevent digging.

3. Use Natural Repellents: Nature can provide us with a wealth of natural deterrents. Strong-smelling plants like garlic, onions, and lavender can repel deer, while herbs like mint, marigolds, and rosemary can keep rabbits and insects at bay. Another effective method is to make your own natural spray using garlic, hot pepper, or vinegar. Just mix these ingredients with water and spray them directly onto your plants. Be sure to reapply the spray after rain or heavy watering.

4. Create a Physical Barrier: If you’re dealing with smaller pests, consider creating a physical barrier around individual plants. For example, use mesh bags or plant covers to protect delicate seedlings from being eaten by insects or rodents. Row covers can also be used to create a barrier around larger sections of your garden.

5. Try Motion-Activated Sprinklers: For more persistent or larger pests like deer, raccoons, or even cats, motion-activated sprinklers can be an excellent tool. The sudden burst of water startles the animals and sends them running, giving your plants some peace and quiet. This solution works best for larger gardens with a wide perimeter.

6. Use Reflective Objects and Noises: Animals, especially birds and small rodents, tend to be frightened by sudden movements or unfamiliar sounds. Hang up reflective materials such as aluminum foil strips or Mylar tape around your garden to confuse and scare pests. Wind chimes, old CDs, and even a whirling flag can create unsettling noise or movement that keeps critters at bay.

7. Set Traps (Legally): If you have a particularly persistent pest, a live trap might be necessary. Make sure to research the local laws regarding trapping, as they vary by region. Set up live traps around the perimeter of your garden or near problem areas. Once you trap the intruder, relocate it far away from your property to prevent it from coming back. Always check traps frequently to ensure that no animals suffer.

8. Rotate Your Crops: Pests often target specific types of plants, so rotating your crops from season to season can be an effective way to prevent them from becoming entrenched in your garden. Moving your crops around ensures that pests don’t find their preferred meals year after year.

9. Use Companion Planting: Companion planting is an old-school strategy that works wonders for keeping pests away. Certain plants naturally repel pests that would otherwise destroy your crops. For example, planting basil alongside tomatoes can deter hornworms, and marigolds planted near vegetables can repel aphids. Educate yourself on which plants work best together and take advantage of nature’s built-in defenses.

10. Regularly Inspect Your Garden: Prevention is key to keeping pests from overrunning your garden. Make it a habit to regularly inspect your plants for signs of damage or pest activity. Early detection can help you act quickly before the problem escalates. If you spot a pest, remove it immediately or apply the appropriate deterrent.


Going Beyond the Basics

When preparing for a survival situation, it’s easy to focus only on the bare essentials—water, food, shelter. But having a productive garden that can provide you with a consistent source of nutrition can be just as important. That means you must protect your crops with the same level of care and strategy you would use for any other prepper asset.

In a SHTF scenario, the last thing you need is a swarm of hungry animals ruining your garden and depleting your food supply. Every vegetable you grow is a potential meal, and every fruit or herb is a life-sustaining resource. To maintain that, you’ll need to be proactive and creative in defending your garden.

Additional Prepper Tips:

  • Use raised beds to keep your crops out of reach of burrowing pests.
  • Install a compost bin far from your garden to avoid attracting rodents and raccoons.
  • Keep your garden clean and free from debris to reduce hiding spots for pests.
  • Consider planting drought-tolerant crops that are less attractive to pests.
  • Build a root cellar to store surplus crops and keep them safe from wildlife.

In Conclusion

Your survival garden isn’t just a patch of earth—it’s a vital part of your survival plan. You’ve already taken the time to grow it, so don’t let pests steal the fruits of your labor. By identifying the critters in your area and using a variety of tactics, you can defend your crops and ensure that your garden continues to produce when you need it most.

Remember, survival isn’t just about the big, dramatic moments—it’s about the small, consistent steps you take every day to keep yourself fed, protected, and thriving. And that includes learning how to protect your garden from the many forces of nature that would love to feast on your hard work.

So, prep smart, protect your garden, and keep thriving!

When SHTF survival preppers will be the first ones to go

So that’s me, the big dude sitting across from Tucker Carlson himself! Love that guy!

But enough about me, let’s get to the reason why you’re reading this article in the first place.

I’m sure you’ve seen ‘em.

You might have even referred to yourself as a “prepper” at one point.

This group of people tries to prepare for emergencies.

They stock up on essentials, grow their own food, and meticulously plan for a myriad of scenarios.

But amidst this well-intentioned preparation, they fall into a trap.

A critical mistake that could prove fatal for them and their loved ones in a real emergency.

And it boils down to this. They boast too damn much!

Look, understand the urge to talk about your achievements with like-minded folks.

But when it comes to survival, discretion isn’t just a virtue. it’s a necessity.

Every detailed post about a stocked pantry, Every proud showcase of a stocked pantry, a water supply, a communication method, is potentially a beacon.

In the digital age, knowledge is more than just power, it’s a currency. And in the wrong hands, the knowledge of your preparations could become an invitation.

To those unprepared, desperate, or opportunistic enough to take advantage of your work when society’s thin veneer cracks.

Just see what can happen when people boast too much.

This is why I want to talk to you about the Gray Man Philosophy.

The concept of the “gray man” is not talked about enough in my opinion.

It’s essentially about blending in, not standing out.

This applies not just in the physical realm but in the digital one as well. Talk about strategies, not specifics. Discuss ideas, not inventories.

In other words, find the balance.

Believe in God and his son Jesus…

But also believe in yourself, and especially, you must believe in your basic survival skills.

For example, you don’t see me sharing photos of my backyard so everyone knows where to find me!

But can talk about how I planned my backyard.

There’s a fine line between communal learning and oversharing.

The true strength of our preparations lies in the fact that a few trusted folks know about them.

But be careful about who you trust.

As we continue down this path of preparedness, let’s pivot towards a more guarded approach.

It’s possible to be both prepared and discreet, to be ready for any eventuality without broadcasting our readiness to the world.

This doesn’t mean retreating from our community.

It simply means navigating it with a calculated caution.

Sometimes the most potent weapon is the wisdom to remain unseen.

Let’s stay safe, smart, and cautious.

God bless, and keep yourself, as well as all those that you love, as safe as possible!

How much emergency food should every American stockpile?

Most survival experts out there say every American, no matter your age or weight, needs a 72-hour supply for each person in your house.

3 days in other words.

But let’s be real. When was the last time an emergency packed up and left in exactly three days?

Exactly.

You gotta have at least a two-week supply of food.

And that’s for short emergencies.

But what about when the unexpected turns into the indefinite?

This is where things become more complicated.

In emergencies like these, where supermarkets become a memory and the grocery store aisles are bare, the rules of the game begin to shift.

And if you’re unprepared, you might as well lay down and accept your fate.

Let’s talk about what most folks neglect.

Preservation is your ally.

Learning to preserve food can be a game-changer.

Canning, dehydrating, and smoking are methods that can extend the lifespan of your food significantly.

Ever thought about pickling those cucumbers or making jerky from that deer meat?

This is the time to do so.

But you have to be careful!

This is what happens when you don’t can your food properly.

But don’t worry, if you’re not sure you’re able to can your food properly, you have more options.

Grow your own food!

In an indefinite emergency, becoming self-reliant is non-negotiable.

Take advantage of your backyard.

Even a small patch can produce a surprising amount of food. And don’t forget about herbs and sprouts, they can be grown even in a sunny window.

Bulk up on knowledge

Knowledge trumps everything.

The more you know, the safer you are.

This is why the emails you’re reading are so important.

Because I hold nothing back.

And I talk about everything that lets me survive in the world’s harshest conditions possible.

Keep learning about foraging, hunting, and fishing. Understand your local environment and what it can provide.

And stay curious. That’s important, brother.

Community strength

Humanity’s lived so long because we’ve stuck together.

Pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other can make a world of difference.

The Mental game

This one’s tricky.

You can’t underestimate the power of a positive mindset.

The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and keep morale high is just as crucial as any physical preparation you’ve made.

This is how you build mental toughness.

Folks, preparing for prolonged emergencies ain’t easy.

And that’s why most folks don’t do it.

But I know my readers are not like most folks.

You guys are tough.

This is why I tell you these things.

Because I know you’re going to put in the work.

So keep doing what most folks aren’t willing.

And do whatever necessary to keep your family safe.

Also, I created a rather in-depth survival prepper TikTok account that you may want to check out!

Post-apocalyptic currency

As much as I hate to say it

The dollar, like the current US military, is losing its value around the world.

I remember when the American currency, as well as the military, used to be proud.

A global leader.

But not anymore, folks.

Inflation is on the rise. And we are currently going through a tough US recession.

And yet, experts say it’s nothing compared to what’s coming.

There could be a time when our wallets are as good as empty.

If that time comes, we have to be ready.

And think outside of the box.

If the world goes to an end of times scenario, and everyone struggles to meet their basic needs, how can we ensure we have food to eat and a roof over our heads?

Well, how did our ancestors do it?

By trading valuable goods and services.

When we talk about bartering, most people think of precious metals, ammunition, or medication as the leading currency.

And while that’s true, there are some humbler and underrated everyday items that will become invaluable in times of need.

Matches, for example.

We take them for granted these days. But in a post-apocalyptic world, the ability to build a fire can mean the difference between a hot meal and going hungry.

So stocking up on waterproof matches? Not a bad idea.

Next up, hygiene products. In extended emergencies, cleanliness can be the first casualty.

Simple items like soap, toothpaste, or sanitary products can suddenly skyrocket in importance, not just for comfort but for health.

An infection in an emergency situation? Not on my watch.

Another underrated example is seeds. Yes, those tiny things we plant in our gardens.

The ability to grow your own food can be a lifesaver.

And, of course, skills will be as valuable as items.

Knowing how to mend clothes, repair tools, or even basic first aid? That knowledge can make you indispensable in a pinch.

My advice? Take a moment to reconsider the value of what’s around you.

Begin collecting a few essential items.

Not just for your use,

But as potential barter material.

Remember, in challenging times, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference.

Let’s keep an eye on the details, folks.

Imagine this chilling scenario unfolding before your very eyes:

The emergency alarms blare, indicating a dire situation.

A government official, closely tied to the current administration, barges into your sanctuary, demanding access to your hard-earned stockpile.

Your carefully accumulated supplies are loaded into their bag, and they start distributing them among neighbors, including those who once mocked the idea of a disaster ever occurring.

It sounds like a nightmare straight out of a dystopian novel or a page from a history book on communist regimes.

But believe it or not, due to Executive Order 13603, recently signed into effect by the Dems, this frightening reality is happening in America right now.

Under this executive order, the government has the authority to seize and redistribute YOUR essential resources, including food, water, and other vital supplies.

However, there is hope.

A survival expert has shared a 30-second “stockpile hack

That can effectively block the government from laying hands on your carefully curated gear.

This invaluable information is a game-changer for every prepper out there.

Don’t delay! Watch the expert’s short video, especially the crucial segment at 3 minutes and 54 seconds, to safeguard your stockpile and protect your family’s well-being.

Outsmart the government by securing your stockpile.

Remember, knowledge is power, and the time to act is now.

Share this vital information with your fellow preppers before it’s too late.

God bless you for reading this, and please keep your family safe!