One of the reasons people go into homesteading includes supplying fresh farm produce to their family. It’s rewarding to have fresh produce for your breakfast or dinner table regularly. However, feeding your family from your garden requires utmost planning.
You should know that you can grow plants that can support your family throughout the year. Whether you have your own seeds or need some from a vegetable seed company or seed company near you, here is a guide to get you started.
If you love the idea of breaking free from grocery shopping and want to grow veggies for your family, then read on.
As we discuss the best heirloom vegetable seedlings for planting to feed your family, we shall answer some questions about gardening. Answering the questions will teach you all you need to know about running your own garden. The following questions shall be addressed:
- What size should my vegetable garden be?
- How much do I need to plant to feed my family?
- What are the best heirloom vegetable seeds to buy?
- How do I maximize my garden’s production?
- How can I preserve my crops after harvesting?
Table of Contents:
What Size Should My Vegetable Garden Be?
Space or size happens to be very important in farm production. It determines the total yield or quantity of crops you produce. If you manage the space properly, you will get the most out of your farm, but the reverse will be the case if you don’t.
Furthermore, the size of your farm produce also depends on certain factors including, your family size and types of crops you grow.
- Family Size: You can scale up or down to accommodate your family size in your farm production. Experts recommend a 200 square-feet of farm per person. Hence, a family of four would need an 800 square-foot garden. If you own 20 feet by 40 feet plot of land, you are good to go. [1]
- Plant type: Crops space requirement vary; while some occupy little space, others need more land to thrive. Crops like asparagus, sprouts, Brussels, melons, squash require extra land space to thrive well.
How Much Do I Need To Plant To Feed My Family?
When considering growing food for the family, you should know the importance of knowing just how much crop will take your family through the year. To estimate this, we shall make use of the chart below which shows how much plant or seed each person will need. The chart suggested each person’s required plant or seed based on fresh use.
| Vegetable | Seeds or Plants per 100-ft. row | Estimated Yield per 100-ft. row | Average Amount Suggested per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 50 Roots | 80-100 lb. | 5-10 Plants |
| Bush Beans Lima | ½ lb. | 30 lb. | 5-10 ft. |
| Bush Beans Snap | ½ lb. | 50 lb. | 15-20 ft. |
This required quantity goes up if you have it as a plan to can, freeze or preserve the produce in some other ways. Some people multiply the suggested amount by 5 to arrive at the number of plants for a family of four. For instance, the chart suggests that planting 3-5 tomato plants per person for fresh use. With four people in the family, then the result will be 20 plants per person for fresh use.
Here are tips in helping you determine how much to plant to feed your family:
- Increase your production of what your family enjoy eating: Plant more of your family’s likes, this will ensure you don’t run out of vegies quickly. Also, play around with some exotic varieties of crops so that you can have new crops in your menu.
- Pay attention to the climatic condition of your area: Climate happens to be an uncontrollable factor; hence you must plan with it in mind. If you live in places with harsh cold weather, you must plant much more during summer to have plenty to store for winter
However, if you live in friendly weather area, then your plants will produce throughout the year. You might also want to research some seed that thrives in harsh weather to help you put a lid on things. [2]
What Are The Best Vegetable Seedlings To Buy?
Here we reviewed the best vegetable seeds in the market to help you with your gardening. If you are a beginner or old-timer, this review will come in handy for you.
Survival Garden 15,000 Non-GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds Survival Garden 32 Variety Pack by Open Seed Vault
This pack comes with 32 varieties of all-natural vegetable seeds. ‘All-natural’ means it’s non-hybrid, Non-GMO, and Heirloom. The seeds are 100% guaranteed naturally grown and open-pollinated seeds with high germination rate. These seeds and vegetable varieties are prudently selected for a perfectly balanced healthy diet.
You need not worry about cultivating error because it comes with growing and harvesting guide. The seeds come packaged in an air-tight, moisture-proof resealable bag which makes for long term and safer storage. These USA seeds are tested for maximum germination and yield.
16,500 Non-GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds Survival Garden 40 Variety Pack
Grown and packed in the United State of America, this Survival garden pack comes with 40 varieties of 100% heirloom, natural and Non-GMO strains.
The seeds come with a guaranteed high germination rate. These 2020 open-pollinated seeds are guaranteed to produce seeds repeatedly for generations.
As a plus, each pack comes with a 48-page instruction manual from Pure Pollination and a Precise 4” Gardening trimming scissors.
Organic Vegetable Seeds for Planting – 13 Varieties of Non-GMO, Non-Hybrid, Heirloom Seeds, Open Pollinated Garden Seeds – Tomatoes, Kale, Carrots, Broccoli, Arugula, and More
From the stable of Rebel Gardens comes this pack of 13 superb varieties of vegetable seeds – 100% organic, heirloom, non-hybrid and Non-GMO. These seeds are grown, harvested and picked in the United States. These high germination-rated seeds can be grown with ease anywhere – be it at the backyard, front yard or container.
AeroGarden Salad Greens Mix Seed Pod Kit
The Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Salad Greens feature a 6-pod seed kit with 6 pre-seeded pods. It contains red/green leaf, romaine so also butterhead lettuce varieties. Guaranteed 100% germination, this non-GMO kit comes herbicide and pesticide-free. The kit comes with:
- Trademarked specially formulated liquid nutrients
- Grow dome for top-notch germination
- Grow manual with detailed instruction
The kit can grow anything from fresh herbs, vegetables, salad greens and flowers. With this kit, you are sure to keep growing new plants year in year out. Acclaimed the fastest growing gourmet lettuce, you can use it in all Aero Gardens.
10,000 Seed Lot – 30 Vegetable & Fruit Variety Pack – Survival Non-GMO Varieties
This 2020 fresh heirloom stock comes with a 98% germination rate guaranteed. The seeds are 100% naturally-pollinated with maximum quality and germination rates. The seed scared comes packed in Mylar packaging to preserve it for longer.
As an extra bonus, the pouch comes with a 48-page color instruction booklet and 4″ scissors. This 30 vegetable and fruit pack can last for at least 10 years when stored in the basement and it would last over 30 years when frozen.
How Do I Maximize My Garden’s Production?
Every farmer or homesteader desires to have bountiful harvest year in year out. However, that desire can turn into an idle dream or nightmare due to wrong decision or bad judgement. Furthermore, having a bountiful harvest also depends on factors such as seed quality, soil quality, plant spacing, water, and to significant extent weather.
Out of all the factors, only weather cannot be controlled. Be that as it may, if you are able to follow our expert advice below, you will make the most out of your garden through the year:
- Adopt Incessant planting: Maximizing your production means you must plant relentlessly throughout the year. Once you harvest a plant and has stopped producing, uproot it then plant another one in that spot. Technically, this is called Succession Sowing. Alternate sowing to make for prolonged harvest. Not just that, ensure you plant different varieties of the same seed that mature at varying times.
In addition, plan your planting properly ensure your second or even third plant can thrive or mature before the weather becomes harsh. Seek advice about the seed type to grow at what time of the year.
- Use Intercropping technique: Intercropping technique has to do with growing plants or different sizes and growth rates together. Intercropping comes in handy to farmers or homesteaders who want to maximize their production on a small piece of farmland.
- Consider your area when choosing what to grow: When making your choice as to which vegetable to grow, ensure you choose plant suited to your locality. Since weather condition cannot be controlled, then plants that can grow where you live must be on your list.
- Early and consistent harvesting works: Consider harvesting your vegetables early to make for higher-yielding plants. Make it an agenda of picking vegetables once daily or two days and you will see the amazing result.
How Can I Preserve My Crops After Harvesting?
Farm produce is perishable and needed to be preserved to serve your family throughout the year. At times, you might have massive yield and if you do nothing about the harvest they might get destroyed. Also, you might envisage a harsh winter and needed to plant more, then harvest them to store for supply during the winter.
With these scenarios in mind, the importance of preservation of your homegrown vegetables or crops after harvesting comes to life.
The following includes ways to preserve your produce after harvesting:
- Freezing: Out of all the options available, this happens to be the easiest. It requires nothing but a freezer and constant electricity.
- Canning: This time-honored food method of preserving your food does not require too many technicalities to execute it. There exist lots of resources that teach the subject. However, if you don’t want to be bothered about learning it, you can get help at the click of the mouse.
- Drying: This simple and uncommon method is used in tropical countries to preserve foodstuff, fish, meat and so on. You can implore the method to preserve your harvest. Dried food is lightweight, less bulky and does not require power supply to preserve them.
FAQs:
Q: What Vegetables Should I Grow In The Shade?
A: Most vegetable won’t do well in completely shaded areas. However, some vegetables will take more shade than others e.g. lettuce and peas will thrive well in partial shade during summer.
Q: How Do I Control Weeds In My Garden?
A: Weed control in your garden can be done in the following steps:
- Prepare the vegetable bed conscientiously and remove any strand of weed before planting anything on it
- Add mulch around the vegetables say about a 3-inch layer
- Weed regularly to keep the bed always weed-free.
Q: Heirloom V. Hybrid Seeds, Which Should I Choose?
A: Heirloom seeds are natural and grow to produce more beautiful, and delicious fruits but they lack disease resistance. However, fruits of hybrid seeds are less susceptible to diseases but less delicious compared to their heirloom counterparts.
When it comes to choosing, your best bet remains to mix them up together. That way one seed type compensates for the other’s deficiencies.
Final Thoughts
Well now that you know the Best Vegetable Seeds for Planting to Feed Your Family it’s time to break free from grocery shopping. This means more food to your family table – fresh natural food; food devoid of chemicals or the like. Remember to start small and grow gradually using all our farming strategies.
We guarantee you that you would have more than enough food for your family table. Also, after harvesting, employ the best of the preservation method to avoid food wastage.
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