Grow to Survive: The Best Survival Foods to Cultivate in the UK

In an era where global supply chains are increasingly fragile, cultivating your own food isn't just a rewarding hobby, it's a vital step towards self-sufficiency. For members of UKSN, understanding which crops offer the highest yields, nutritional value, and storage potential is essential.

This comprehensive guide delves into the top survival foods to grow in the UK. Whether you're managing a sprawling allotment or a modest garden, these crops can provide sustenance and resilience in uncertain times.

Potatoes: The Caloric Cornerstone

Potatoes are a staple in UK gardens for good reason. They thrive in our temperate climate, are relatively easy to grow, and offer a high caloric yield - approximately 208 calories per medium potato. Varieties like 'Maris Piper' and 'King Edward' are well-suited to British soil.

Why Grow Potatoes?

• High Yield: With proper care, you can harvest up to 2 pounds per square foot.

• Storage: When cured and stored in a cool, dark place, potatoes can last several months.

• Versatility: Boil, mash, roast, or fry - they're adaptable to various dishes.

Tips:

• Soil Preparation: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent rot.

• Planting: Use certified seed potatoes to reduce disease risk.

• Pest Management: Watch for signs of blight and practice crop rotation.

Carrots: Nutrient-Rich and Long-Lasting

Carrots are a cool-season crop that can be sown from early spring to late summer. They store well and are packed with beta-carotene, essential for eye health.

Why Grow Carrots?

• Storage: Can be stored in sand in a cool place for several months.

• Nutrition: High in vitamins A, K, and fibre.

• Space-Efficient: Suitable for deep containers or raised beds.

Tips:

• Soil: Loose, stone-free soil encourages straight growth.

• Thinning: Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.

• Pest Control: Use fleece to protect against carrot fly.

Kale: The Hardy Green

Kale is a resilient leafy green that can withstand frost, making it ideal for year-round harvesting. It's rich in vitamins C and K, calcium, and antioxidants.

Why Grow Kale?

• Cold Tolerant: Continues to produce leaves in winter.

• Cut-and-Come-Again: Harvest leaves as needed without harming the plant.

• Nutrient-Dense: Supports immune health and bone strength.

Tips:

• Spacing: Allow adequate space to prevent disease.

• Pests: Protect young plants from cabbage white butterflies.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.

Beans: Protein Powerhouses

Beans, including runner, broad, and French varieties, are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fibre. They enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting subsequent crops.

Why Grow Beans?

• Nutritional Value: High in protein, essential for muscle maintenance.

• Soil Health: Improve soil fertility for future plantings.

• Storage: Dried beans can be stored for extended periods.

Tips:

• Support: Use trellises or poles for climbing varieties.

• Harvesting: Pick regularly to encourage more pods.

• Pest Management: Monitor for aphids and use companion planting to deter them.

Winter Squash: Long-Term Sustenance

Winter squashes like butternut and acorn are calorie-dense and store well, providing nourishment during the colder months.

Why Grow Winter Squash?

• Storage: Can last several months in proper conditions.

• Caloric Content: Provides energy-rich food during scarcity.

• Versatility: Suitable for soups, roasting, and baking.

Tips:

• Space: Requires ample room to spread.

• Pollination: Encourage bees by planting flowers nearby.

• Harvesting: Pick when the skin is hard and the stem begins to shrivel.

Garlic: The Flavourful Medicinal

Garlic is not only a culinary staple but also boasts antimicrobial properties. It's easy to grow and stores well.

Why Grow Garlic?

• Health Benefits: Supports cardiovascular health and immune function.

• Storage: Bulbs can last up to six months when cured properly.

• Pest Deterrent: Its strong scent can repel certain garden pests.

Tips:

• Planting Time: Plant cloves in autumn for a summer harvest.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil.

• Watering: Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.

Cabbage: The Fermentation Favourite

Cabbage is a cool-season crop that can be fermented into sauerkraut, extending its shelf life and adding probiotics to your diet.

Why Grow Cabbage?

• Storage: Heads can be stored in a cool place for months.

• Versatility: Suitable for raw salads, cooking, and fermentation.

• Nutrition: Rich in vitamins C and K.

Tips:

• Spacing: Provide ample room to prevent disease.

• Pest Control: Use netting to protect against cabbage moths.

• Soil: Thrives in firm, fertile soil.

Perennial Vegetables: Plant Once, Harvest for Years

Incorporating perennial vegetables like asparagus, rhubarb, and artichokes into your garden ensures a continuous yield with minimal effort. These plants align with UKSN's ethos of sustainable living.

Why Grow Perennials?

• Low Maintenance: Require less attention after establishment.

• Soil Health: Their deep roots improve soil structure.

• Biodiversity: Support a diverse garden ecosystem.

Tips:

• Patience: Some perennials take a few years to mature.

• Placement: Choose a permanent spot, as they don't transplant well.

• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Berries: Sweet and Nutritious

Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants and can be preserved through drying or freezing.

Why Grow Berries?

• Health Benefits: High in vitamins and fibre.

• Preservation: Can be made into jams or dried for long-term storage.

• Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees, aiding other crops.

Tips:

• Sunlight: Require full sun for optimal fruiting.

• Pruning: Regular pruning encourages better yields.

• Netting: Protect ripening fruit from birds.

Sweetcorn: A Summer Delight

Sweetcorn thrives in warm conditions and provides a good source of carbohydrates. It's best grown in blocks to ensure proper pollination.

Why Grow Sweetcorn?

• Taste: Freshly harvested corn is sweeter and more tender.

• Nutrition: Provides energy and essential nutrients.

• Companion Planting: Grows well with beans and squash.

Tips:

• Planting: Sow in late spring after the last frost.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during growth.

• Harvesting: Pick when silks turn brown and kernels are plump.

Survival Foods Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey of growing your own survival food is both empowering and practical. By selecting crops suited to the UK climate and focusing on those with high caloric value, long storage potential, and strong nutritional profiles, you can build a food security plan that complements your lifestyle - whether you're a rural homesteader, urban grower, or weekend allotment enthusiast.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection, it's progress. Start with a few easy crops, expand your skills over time, and involve your household or community where possible. Growing food isn't just about preparedness; it’s about reconnecting with nature, building resilience, and knowing that in times of uncertainty, you have the tools to thrive.