10 Survival Garden Crops to Plant in March
If you want to become more self-sufficient, a survival garden is essential. Survival garden crops provide the nutrients and calories you need to survive in tough times. Gardening expert Madison Moulton lists 10 survival garden crops to plant now.
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When times get tough, your garden can be your best ally. Survival gardens contain crops that sustain you during challenging periods (whatever that challenge may be). The goal is to grow nutrient-dense food at minimal cost. Gardening itself also offers the additional benefits of exercise, improved mood, and, of course, enjoyment.
A good survival garden crop should be nutrient-rich to cover your basic dietary needs while providing sufficient calories for energy. Another valuable characteristic to look out for is good storage potential or preservation options that extend their usefulness beyond the growing season.
Even with limited space, like a balcony or patio, you can start a productive survival garden. The following crops are staples you can plant this March to support you and your family in the coming months.
Cabbage
Among all brassicas suitable for a survival garden, cabbage stands out for its versatility. While not calorie-dense, it packs an impressive nutritional punch with abundant vitamins B6 and C, plus plenty of fiber.
One of cabbage’s greatest survival garden benefits is its fermentation potential. Turn it into sauerkraut, kimchi, or other fermented foods that store for extended periods and complement a wide variety of dishes.
March is an ideal planting time for cabbage, either indoors or outdoors (depending on your climate). Consider growing different varieties like ‘Copenhagen‘ and ‘Red Acre’, as their varying colors provide slightly different nutrient profiles.
Broccoli
If cabbage isn’t your favorite, broccoli is an excellent brassica alternative. Renowned for its nutrient density, broccoli contains impressive amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C. It’s also freezer-friendly and maintains most of its nutritional value when preserved this way.
For fresh applications, the stems are delicious raw in salads or quickly stir-fried with other survival garden crops. March is a good time to sow broccoli outdoors when soil temperatures reach at least 50°F. In colder regions, start seeds indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting time.
Kale
Gardeners in chilly low USDA zones should definitely add this survival garden crop to their March planting list. Kale has earned its superfood reputation through impressive nutritional content, making it invaluable in a survival garden.
You’ll find numerous varieties with different textures and uses. Lacinato kale is one of the most popular with its elongated, textured leaves. For visual interest in your garden, consider colorful options like ‘Red Russian‘ or ‘Redbor‘.
Start kale seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date. In warmer climates, fall planting works better to take advantage of cooler growing conditions.
Spinach
Like kale, spinach has remarkable nutrient density. It provides an impressive spectrum of vitamins and minerals essential to a balanced diet, instantly becoming a survival garden staple. Spinach also preserves well through freezing, or you can dehydrate and powder it to add to your green smoothies.
This leafy green thrives in cooler temperatures. Gardeners in warmer regions might prefer varieties like New Zealand spinach, which offers similar nutritional benefits with better heat resistance (even though it’s not a true spinach).
For optimal results, plant spinach outdoors 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. When starting indoors, use larger containers and provide grow lights for baby greens, as most spinach varieties don’t transplant well.
Potatoes
Throughout human history, potatoes have remained a must-have survival crop. They provide an excellent source of carbohydrates, along with potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Their delicious versatility in the kitchen makes them even more valuable.
Potatoes are surprisingly easy to grow, even in space-constrained gardens. You can grow them in grow bags, buckets, or directly in the ground, depending on available space. Some varieties can even be grown from seed rather than seed potatoes.
If growing seed varieties like ‘Clancy’, start them indoors in March, about 4 to 6 weeks before your region’s average last frost date.
Onions
The food from your survival garden should never lack flavor, and that’s where onions shine. They form the aromatic base of countless classic dishes while delivering an impressive nutritional boost.
Though onions require patience with their slow germination and extended growing season, the wait is absolutely worth it. For a continuous harvest, consider planting several varieties like ‘Yellow Granex’ bulb onions, ‘White Lisbon‘ bunching onions, and vibrant ‘Red Amposta‘ onions. Proper storage in cool, dry conditions ensures they’ll last for months in your kitchen.
When starting from seed, different varieties have specific requirements. But as a general rule, bulb onions should be planted indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your region’s last frost date. This March timing sets you up perfectly for plenty of survival garden crops later in the season.
Tomatoes
No survival garden would be complete without tomatoes. Whether you’re creating the foundation for pasta sauce, stews, soups, flavorful curries, or even homemade ketchup, these juicy fruits have countless uses.
In the right conditions, tomatoes grow abundantly with minimal fuss. Plus, preservation methods like sun-drying, freezing, or canning ensure you’ll enjoy their goodness long after the season ends.
For a diverse harvest with varied flavor profiles and maturation times, plant several varieties such as sweet yellow ‘Sun Gold’, meaty ‘Italian Roma’ bush tomatoes, and colorful slicing types like ‘Pineapple’.
Start these survival garden crops indoors this March, about 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost. Plan to transplant seedlings outdoors approximately 2 weeks after frost danger has passed, once the soil has warmed.
Peppers
For gardeners who appreciate a bit of heat and excitement in their meals, peppers are a must-have. They provide essential seasoning options, from milder sweet varieties to intensely hot types grown specifically for their fiery kick.
Preservation is easy, too. Freeze peppers whole for later use in soups and stews, or dry and grind them into homemade chili powder for long-lasting seasoning. When selecting varieties, match your choices to your preferred heat level. You might grow mild ‘California Wonder‘ sweet peppers for fresh eating alongside more intense options like classic habaneros for concentrated heat.
Pepper seeds require warmth for successful germination. When sowing indoors in March, use a heat mat to maintain soil temperature of at least 70°F for optimal results.
Carrots
These versatile vegetables feature prominently in countless dishes while providing an impressive array of antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients (they’re particularly famous for supporting eye health). Some research even suggests carrots rank among the most beneficial vegetables for overall wellness due to their exceptional nutrient density.
When selecting varieties, don’t limit yourself to standard orange types. Alongside classic varieties like ‘Danvers 126‘, try growing vibrant options such as ‘Atomic Red ‘or ‘Cosmic Purple‘ for greater nutritional variety.
As root vegetables, carrots don’t transplant well, so sow these survival garden crops directly outdoors in March if your last frost date is 2 to 4 weeks away. Ensure soil temperatures reach at least 45°F to encourage proper germination.
Herbs
A survival garden is incomplete without a selection of herbs to boost flavor in your dishes. When you’re eating the same vegetables repeatedly, boredom can quickly set in, and that’s where herbs become invaluable.
Another benefit of growing herbs is their ease of growth. The leaves can be dried and ground into long-lasting spices for year-round use, extending their value far beyond the growing season. March is a great time to plant versatile herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, basil, and oregano. Check the specific requirements on your seed packets for exact planting timing, and know your region’s last frost date to determine whether direct outdoor sowing or indoor starting makes more sense for March in your climate.
