The Apocalypse

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Growing Basic Crops ​

Potatoes, beans, greens

This section provides comprehensive guidance on cultivating essential crops—potatoes, beans, and leafy greens—that form the foundation of sustainable food production in a post-collapse environment. You will learn how to select suitable varieties, prepare soil, plant, care for, and harvest these crops efficiently. Emphasis is placed on maximizing yield with minimal resources, understanding crop-specific needs, and integrating these crops into a resilient, sustainable garden or small farm system.

Introduction to Basic Crop Cultivation ​

Growing your own food is critical for long-term survival beyond immediate emergency supplies. Potatoes, beans, and greens are among the most reliable and nutritious crops to cultivate in a survival situation. They provide carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for maintaining health and energy.

These crops are relatively easy to grow, adaptable to various climates, and have manageable growing seasons. Mastering their cultivation ensures a steady food supply, reduces dependency on scavenging or purchased goods, and supports community resilience.

A photo of a small survival garden plot with rows of potato plants, bean vines climbing supports, and leafy green vegetables growing in neat beds under natural sunlight.

Soil Preparation and Site Selection ​

Choosing the Right Location ​

  • Sunlight: Most basic crops require full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Select a site free from shade by trees or structures.
  • Drainage: Well-drained soil prevents root rot and disease. Avoid low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
  • Accessibility: Choose a location near your shelter or water source for ease of daily care and harvesting.

Soil Testing and Improvement ​

  • Texture: Ideal soil is loamy—balanced sand, silt, and clay—for moisture retention and aeration.
  • pH: Most crops prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Use simple soil test kits or observe plant health for signs of imbalance.
  • Organic Matter: Incorporate compost, leaf mold, or aged manure to improve fertility and structure.
  • Tilling: Lightly till or dig the soil to loosen it to a depth of 8–12 inches, removing rocks and debris.

An illustration of soil layers showing topsoil rich in organic matter, subsoil, and bedrock, with arrows indicating water drainage and root penetration.

Potatoes: Staple Root Crop ​

Variety Selection ​

  • Choose disease-resistant, high-yield varieties adapted to your climate.
  • Early, mid, and late-season types allow staggered harvests.
  • Seed potatoes (small tubers or pieces with eyes) are preferred over grocery potatoes to avoid disease.

Planting ​

  • Timing: Plant potatoes in early spring after the last frost, when soil temperature reaches 45°F (7°C).
  • Preparation: Cut seed potatoes into pieces with at least one eye each; let them dry for 1–2 days to prevent rot.
  • Spacing: Plant pieces 12 inches apart in rows spaced 2–3 feet apart.
  • Depth: Bury seed pieces 4 inches deep in loose soil.

Care and Maintenance ​

  • Hilling: As plants grow, mound soil around stems to protect tubers from sunlight and encourage more tuber formation.
  • Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during tuber formation; avoid waterlogging.
  • Pest Control: Monitor for Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and fungal diseases; use manual removal or organic treatments.
  • Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer or compost at planting and mid-season.

Harvesting and Storage ​

  • Harvest when plants yellow and die back, usually 2–4 months after planting.
  • Carefully dig tubers to avoid damage.
  • Cure potatoes in a dark, cool, well-ventilated area for 1–2 weeks to toughen skins.
  • Store in a cool (38–42°F / 3–6°C), dark, humid environment to prevent sprouting and shriveling.

A photo of a hand harvesting mature potatoes from loose soil, showing healthy tubers with intact skins.

Beans: Protein-Rich Legumes ​

Types of Beans ​

  • Bush beans: Compact plants, mature quickly (50–60 days), no support needed.
  • Pole beans: Climbing vines, longer growing season, higher yields, require trellises or poles.
  • Dry beans: Harvested for mature seeds, stored long-term.
  • Snap beans: Harvested immature pods for fresh eating.

Planting ​

  • Timing: Plant beans after the last frost when soil temperature is at least 60°F (15°C).
  • Spacing: Bush beans: 2–4 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Pole beans: 4–6 inches apart with supports spaced 3 feet apart.
  • Depth: Sow seeds 1–2 inches deep.

Soil and Nutrient Needs ​

  • Beans fix nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic bacteria in root nodules, reducing fertilizer needs.
  • Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria if soil is new or previously unplanted with legumes.
  • Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage foliage over pods.

Care and Maintenance ​

  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod development.
  • Support: Provide sturdy trellises or poles for pole beans to climb.
  • Pest and Disease Management: Watch for aphids, bean beetles, and fungal diseases; use crop rotation and organic controls.
  • Weeding: Keep beds weed-free to reduce competition.

Harvesting and Storage ​

  • Snap beans: Harvest pods when young and tender, usually 50–60 days after planting.
  • Dry beans: Allow pods to mature and dry on the plant before harvesting.
  • Store dry beans in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for long-term use.

An illustration of a pole bean plant climbing a trellis, showing root nodules and nitrogen fixation process.

Leafy Greens: Fast-Growing Nutrient Sources ​

Common Varieties ​

  • Lettuce (various types)
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Mustard greens

Planting ​

  • Timing: Many greens tolerate cooler temperatures and can be planted early spring or late summer for fall harvest.
  • Spacing: Sow seeds thinly in rows or broadcast; thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart.
  • Depth: Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.

Soil and Nutrient Requirements ​

  • Greens prefer fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
  • Regular side-dressing with compost or balanced fertilizer promotes leaf growth.

Care and Maintenance ​

  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist to prevent bitterness and bolting.
  • Thinning: Remove crowded seedlings to allow air circulation and growth.
  • Pest Control: Monitor for slugs, aphids, and leaf miners; use barriers and organic treatments.
  • Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Harvesting ​

  • Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut entire plants at the base.
  • Harvest in the morning for best flavor and nutrient content.
  • Store greens in a cool, moist environment and use promptly.

A photo of a garden bed densely planted with various leafy greens, showing vibrant healthy leaves under morning sunlight.

Crop Rotation and Companion Planting ​

Crop Rotation ​

  • Rotate potatoes, beans, and greens in different beds yearly to reduce soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion.
  • Beans improve soil nitrogen, benefiting subsequent potato and green crops.

Companion Planting ​

  • Beans and potatoes can be grown near each other; beans fix nitrogen for potatoes.
  • Avoid planting potatoes near tomatoes or peppers to reduce disease risk.
  • Plant greens near taller crops to provide partial shade in hot climates.

An illustration of a simple garden layout showing rotation of potatoes, beans, and greens with arrows indicating yearly movement.

Pest and Disease Management ​

Common Pests ​

  • Potatoes: Colorado potato beetle, aphids, wireworms.
  • Beans: Bean beetles, aphids, cutworms.
  • Greens: Slugs, aphids, leaf miners.

Control Methods ​

  • Manual removal and traps.
  • Use of natural predators like ladybugs.
  • Organic sprays such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • Crop rotation and sanitation to prevent buildup.

Disease Prevention ​

  • Use certified disease-free seed potatoes.
  • Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal diseases.
  • Remove and destroy infected plants promptly.

A photo of a hand applying organic insecticidal soap spray to bean plants infested with aphids.

Watering and Irrigation Techniques ​

  • Maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting.
  • Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to conserve water and reduce leaf wetness.
  • Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

An illustration of a simple drip irrigation system with tubing delivering water directly to the base of potato and bean plants.

Harvesting, Storage, and Seed Saving ​

Harvesting Tips ​

  • Harvest crops at peak maturity for best nutrition and storage life.
  • Use clean, sharp tools to avoid plant damage.

Storage ​

  • Potatoes: Store in cool, dark, humid conditions.
  • Beans: Dry thoroughly before storage.
  • Greens: Use quickly or preserve by drying or fermenting.

Seed Saving ​

  • Select healthy, mature plants for seed collection.
  • Dry seeds completely before storage in airtight containers.
  • Label seeds with variety and harvest date.

A photo of dried bean pods split open to reveal mature seeds ready for collection and storage.

Integrating Basic Crops into a Survival Garden ​

  • Plan garden layout to maximize space and sunlight.
  • Combine root crops, legumes, and greens for balanced nutrition.
  • Use vertical supports for beans to save ground space.
  • Practice succession planting for continuous food supply.

An illustration of a compact survival garden design showing intercropping of potatoes, beans on trellises, and leafy greens in raised beds.

Conclusion ​

Mastering the cultivation of potatoes, beans, and leafy greens is a cornerstone of sustainable survival. These crops provide essential nutrients, are adaptable to various environments, and support soil health through nitrogen fixation and organic matter contribution. With proper site selection, soil preparation, planting, care, and pest management, you can establish a reliable food source that reduces dependence on external supplies and strengthens community resilience.

For further information on water sourcing and purification critical for irrigation, see Clean water sourcing and purification.

A photo of a thriving survival garden in late summer, showcasing healthy potato plants, climbing bean vines, and lush leafy greens ready for harvest.