with
Stacy Farrell
he world is different now, and our supply chains aren’t as secure as they once were. If there’s a silver lining to this economic mess, it’s that more and more people want to take back control of their food production.
Growing a garden is a joy-filled, peaceful, and rewarding hobby. That said, it’s also hard work. As with any project that’s worth doing, success starts with a solid plan.
Sometimes, starting is the hardest part.
The risk of planting “all the things” is that you’ll end up with a little bit of everything—but not enough of any one thing to preserve and fill your pantry shelves. And your time, budget, and attention can quickly become depleted.
For a full pantry at the end of the season, try cultivating a staples garden—focusing only on crops that offer the most value. These are plants that store well, preserve effectively, and provide versatility in meal preparation.
As painful as it might be, this requires ditching plants that don’t justify the effort and space due to low yields or challenges in preservation. For example, sweet peas may be a family favorite, but they require a substantial quantity for preservation. Similarly, beloved brassicas like broccoli and cauliflower are challenging to preserve, and each plant only yields one head.
Such considerations are crucial in planning a productive garden.
So, what is worthwhile? That answer will vary from person to person, but I recommend:
- Onions
- Cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Cucumbers
- Green Beans
- Squash Varieties
- Peppers
- Garlic
Calculating Amounts to Plant
Once you decide what to plant, the next step is to calculate how much to plant. This involves thoughtful consideration of your family’s dietary needs, preferences, and the storage capacity you have available.
- Evaluate the nutritional requirements of each family member, factoring in age, activity level, and any specific dietary considerations.
- Consider the shelf life of different crops and prioritize those that store—or preserve—well and can sustain your family over extended periods.
- Consider seasonal variations and aim for a diverse range of crops to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the year.
It’s beneficial to strike a balance between staple crops that serve as the foundation of your meals and complementary crops that add variety and essential nutrients.
Vining crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and beans thrive when given vertical support, not only saving ground space but also facilitating better air circulation and sunlight exposure.
Consider cultivating vegetables like kale, spinach, and carrots, which not only endure cooler temperatures but often taste sweeter after a touch of frost.
3. Extend Your Growing Season
To truly maximize your garden’s productivity, explore ways to extend the growing season. Utilize cold frames, row covers, or hoop houses to shield your plants from early spring chills or late fall frosts.
These protective structures create a microclimate that allows you to start planting earlier in the spring and continue harvesting later into the fall.
Set yourself up for success by researching plant varieties that thrive in your specific region, taking into account factors such as temperature, precipitation, and soil composition.
Native and adapted plants are more likely to flourish, requiring less intervention and providing more reliable yields. Thankfully, you don’t have to guess as to what these plants are. Your state likely has an agricultural extension office that you can find online with a simple Google search.
The primary aim of companion planting is to create a harmonious environment where plants support each other in various ways. Some act as natural pest repellents, while others attract beneficial predatory insects or contribute valuable nutrients to the soil.
For example, basil, nasturtiums, and zinnias are wonderful companions to virtually all vegetables.
On the other hand, there are plants that don’t play well together, such as beans and alliums. These are combinations to avoid, not due to life-or-death scenarios, but because of the risk of stunted growth or pest overpopulation.
By incorporating companion planting wisely, you not only optimize your garden’s footprint but also foster a thriving and mutually supportive ecosystem.
In case you ever doubted it, growing your own food is absolutely possible. It just takes a little planning and foresight to make the best use of the space that you have.
tacy Farrell, was surprised by Jesus when she went from being an unmarried, childless, 30-something career woman to a Christ-following wife of 30+ years with two sons she homeschooled K-12. She’s the author of 20+ books—including the award-winning Philosophy Adventure, and Food Prep Guide: A Plan for Money-Saving, Self-Sustaining Abundance in Hard Times.
You’ll find helpful food preservation, pantry storage & gardening tutorials on the Food Prep Guide YouTube channel she produces with her amazing assistant Jordan, and food prep and homeschool resources at HomeschoolAdventure.com and FoodPrepGuide.com.