Every homestead yearns for complete self-sufficiency and one of the keys to attaining that is growing their own crops for food and other uses. It’s important to plant the right crops since all plants are not created equal. Some provide good yield all year round. Others let’s you harvest quicker but only for a few times each year.
The choice of which ones to grow is entirely up to you. It won’t hurt to know, though, that the following are the five most popular plants to grow for self-sufficiency among homesteaders.
Potatoes
The potato has established itself as one of the best, if not the best, crops to grow in the homestead or anywhere for that matter. Well, except in cold condition. Potatoes grow in the garden, in a bag, and in water. Heck, it can even grow on Mars according to Hollywood.
The last one’s hypothetical at this point but the fact is, potatoes are one of the best crops for self-sufficiency. That makes it a favorite among rural and urban homesteaders alike.
The concept behind potatoes keeping Matt Damon alive on Mars is that they’re easy to grow and are packed with the right nutrients. Potatoes also last a longtime, around six months if stored properly.
Corn
Who doesn’t like corn? You can do different things with your produce and it’s a typically easy crop to grow. Grow corn in your home garden and soon you’ll be enjoying boiled corn, sautéed corn, corn chowder and, yes, even pop corn. You can also grind the corn ears and, voila, corn meal! Now you can make bread.
Beans
If you’ve seen Into the Woods, you know better than to mess with the witch’s beans. Grow your own beans if you don’t want to be cursed by a raggedy Meryl Streep. We’re talking about bans such as peas and other legumes here. Not the magical ones that grows into a giant beanstalk. Self-sufficiency is not about stealing giant eggs or golden harps.
There are different kinds of beans. You can grow most of them during spring and store them for winter.
Squash
Surprisingly, squash is another homestead favorite. This highly nutritious crop agrees with one’s goal of self-sufficiency since it’s very prolific. You can grow squash vertically if you don’t have enough space in your yard.
There are two main kinds of squash. Those you can grow during summer include yellow squash, patty pans and zucchini. For winter, you have banana, butternut, spaghetti and acorn squash. Pumpkins are also a popular type of squash, which sells well right before Halloween. Just ask the Roloffs of the reality show Little People, Big World.
Tomatoes
Imagine putting your teeth on a newly picked tomato from your homestead garden. Can you feel the crunch? Do you imagine the fresh, juicy flavor? You can have that without making the trip to the local grocery store.
Tomatoes are one of the best plants for self-sufficiency primarily because you can preserve them. Aside from having fresh tomatoes, you can also can and store them for future use. In fact, canned tomatoes can last as long as two to five years. Of course, the sooner you use them, the better the flavor. It’s the same way with factory processed canned foods any way. What’s great about home canning your tomatoes and other crops or pants is that you see how they are made. And as long as you do so in clean and sterile conditions, you’re good to go.
This list includes only five of the best crops for self-sufficiency. You are not limited to these plants, however. Go ahead and try other crops and vegetables, especially those you’d want fresh from garden to table. See, which ones work well for you and your goal of self-sufficiency.
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