The birds are singing, the weather is beautiful– spring has finally arrived. Now is the perfect time to start growing your own produce and develop your own garden. Having your own prepper garden can allow you to obtain a supply of produce that can sustain your food levels during good times and in bad.
This can be especially useful while social distancing practices are in place. Gardens can make it so you make less trips to the grocery store and can keep your home in supply of fresh vegetables for months at a time.
If you are new to gardening, or you are an all time pro, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Consider your climate zone
Every flower, fruit and vegetable has a specific temperature and growing conditions that it prefers. There are some plants that can handle a late May freeze and others that can die if it hits 45 degrees. Where a seed can be planted and grown is called its “hardy zone.” This goes hand in hand with your area’s climate zone.
The USDA divided the United States based on the average coldest winter temperatures in different climate zones. If your climate zone is zone 6, and the hardy zone of the plant you are trying to grow is 4-7, then you are good to go! However, if what you are trying to grow in your prepper garden is above or below your zone, then you are going to have a tough, if not impossible, time.
2. Consider your space
If you are going to start growing a majority of your produce, you are going to need more than just a few pots. It is recommended to use around 200 square feet per person. So if your family consists of three people, a 600 sq ft garden should do. You should also take into consideration how much space your plants need to grow.
3. Consider the time frame
Depending on your climate zone, your gardening window can be small, and you only have a finite amount of time to grow your produce for the year. It could be beneficial to plant vegetables in your prepper garden that have a shorter harvest time. Some of the best vegetables that you can harvest in just 60 days include: spinach, radishes, beans and beets. The best thing about these plants is that you can wait a week and then reharvest them, doubling your yield.
4. Consider the yield
The yield of your crop is important. You want to get the best bang for your buck so to speak. You do not want to waste precious gardening space and timing in your prepper garden on a plant that is only going to give you a handful of consumable goods. Lettuce, tomatoes and squash are good high yielding crops that can also be stored for months to come.
5. Consider storage methods
Fresh produce has one downside, it does not last as long as other products. Luckily, there are plenty of storing methods out there that will keep your fruits and veggies lasting until you need them! Freezing, dehydrating and canning are all great storage methods.
Spring is a great time for growing, so make sure you plant enough to last the whole year through. Growing your own produce is safe, reliable and easy. Having a prepper garden is one of the best ways to be prepared in case anything bad happens to mass produced vegetables, like the romaine lettuce fiasco. Civil Dispatch makes your safety a priority and being prepared is easier than ever. Sign up today!