15 Reliable Survival Crops to Grow If the Food System Was Disrupted

In times of uncertainty, one of the smartest things you can do is grow your food. Whether it's due to climate change, supply chain breakdowns, or a global crisis, having reliable crops in your backyard can mean the difference between hunger and security. Some plants are especially tough, productive, and easy to grow, making them perfect for survival gardening. 

These crops can thrive in poor soil, resist drought, and give you steady nutrition all year long. Even if you're new to gardening, many plants require minimal care and still produce plenty of food. Below are some of the most dependable crops that could help keep you fed during a global food collapse.

Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most calorie-dense foods you can grow at home. They’re easy to plant and don’t need much space, making them ideal for containers or small gardens. Once planted, they mostly care for themselves, needing only basic watering and sunlight.

You can grow hundreds of pounds of potatoes from just a few seed tubers. They're rich in carbohydrates and contain some protein, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they store well for months in a cool, dark place.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable that grows well in warm climates. They're rich in vitamin A, fiber, and energy-giving carbs. The leaves are also edible and provide extra greens for your meals.

They grow from slips, not seeds, and spread easily in loose soil. Once established, they’re drought-resistant and pest-resistant. Harvesting sweet potatoes gives you both roots and greens to eat, which is helpful during long-term food shortages.

Beans

Beans are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making them an essential survival food. They’re easy to grow, especially bush or pole varieties, and they help enrich your soil by fixing nitrogen.

You can eat them fresh, dried, or canned, giving you flexibility in storing and using them. Dried beans last for years and provide long-term food security. They don’t need much space and can even climb trellises to save room. Plus, they’re great for trading or sharing in a community.

Corn

Corn is a versatile crop that provides both food and animal feed. It grows tall and fast, making it helpful in creating shade or barriers in your garden. You can eat it fresh, dry it for flour or grits, or use it to feed livestock.

Corn also works well with beans and squash in the traditional “Three Sisters” method. It requires full sun and regular watering, but can thrive in large open spaces. Stored properly, dried corn kernels can last for years.

Squash

Squash comes in many varieties and can feed your family through different seasons. Summer squash, like zucchini, grows quickly and produces a lot, while winter squash stores well for months. These plants grow large and spread, so give them room to thrive.

They’re full of vitamins and are filling when cooked in soups or roasted. Squash plants can also shade the soil, keeping it cool and moist. They work well in companion planting and can help suppress weeds.

Kale

Kale is a leafy green that keeps producing even in colder temperatures. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it's packed with minerals and antioxidants. Kale grows quickly and is easy to harvest; you can take a few leaves at a time and let the rest keep growing.

It tolerates poor soil and light frost, making it reliable year-round. You can eat it raw, cooked, or dried for chips. It’s a great source of nutrition when fresh food is hard to find.

Carrots

Carrots grow underground, which helps protect them from harsh weather and pests. They’re rich in beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. Carrots grow best in loose, sandy soil but are fairly adaptable.

You can plant them in early spring or late summer for a steady harvest. They're easy to store in the ground or root cellar for weeks or months. Their crunchy texture adds variety to meals when other foods are bland or limited.

Cabbage

Cabbage is hearty, filling, and full of vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system strong. It’s a cool-weather crop that can grow in spring or fall. Once picked, store the cabbage heads well in the fridge or root cellar.

You can eat it raw, fermented (like sauerkraut), or cooked in stews. It’s a heavy producer that doesn’t need much special care. Cabbage can feed many people from just a few plants.

Turnips

Turnips give you both roots and leafy greens, making them a two-in-one survival food. They grow fast, often ready in just two months, and can handle poor soil. The roots are high in fiber and vitamin C, while the greens offer calcium and iron.

Turnips are also very cold-hardy, so you can plant them in early spring or fall. You can boil, roast, mash, or pickle them. Their quick growth and dual use make them a smart crop choice.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful food for both health and flavor. It’s easy to grow, even in small spaces or containers. Once planted in the fall, it takes care of itself over winter and is ready to harvest in summer.

Garlic helps boost immunity and fight infections, which is important during crises. You can also use it to flavor other simple meals. Properly cured, garlic bulbs can store for many months.

Onions

Onions are a staple in almost every cuisine and can flavor almost any dish. They’re easy to grow from seeds, sets, or starts and don’t require much space. Onions grow slowly but steadily and store well when dried and cured.

Green onions (scallions) are packed with antioxidants and have antibacterial properties. They also grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times, making them an important crop for long-term meal planning.

Peanuts

Peanuts may not be the first crop you think of, but they’re high in protein and healthy fats. They grow underground and are great for small-scale gardens. Peanuts are legumes, so they also improve your soil.

You can roast, boil, or grind them into peanut butter. They store well when dried and can serve as a calorie-dense food during shortages. Their versatility makes them a hidden gem in survival gardening.

Amaranth

Amaranth is an ancient grain that also grows edible leafy greens. It’s incredibly drought-resistant and can grow in poor soil. The seeds are high in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids.

The leaves can be cooked like spinach or eaten raw. The seeds can be easily saved to plant next year. Amaranth is one of the most overlooked but powerful survival crops.

Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing crops; some mature in just three weeks. They’re great for quick harvests and can be grown multiple times a year.

The roots are spicy and crunchy, while the greens are edible too. Radishes don’t need much care and do well even in containers. You can use them fresh, roasted, or pickled. They’re a good choice when you need food in a hurry.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not just beautiful; they also give you nutrient-rich seeds. The seeds are packed with healthy fats, protein, and minerals. These tall plants grow well in most soils and attract pollinators, which help your whole garden thrive.

After harvesting, you can roast the seeds or press them for oil. They’re also good for feeding chickens or other livestock. Sunflowers offer food, fuel, and beauty all in one.