With all the uncertainty nowadays, especially when it comes to money and financial stability, well, I think that we should all know how to produce food on our own. The busy daily life had turned us into helpless babies, who can't actually survive without the local supermarket. Most people have no idea on how to grow food and sustain a healthy life. So, I have decided to write a brief article on how to create a survival garden in case the economy get worse. This scenario is not a fiction, so be prepared to face such tough times.

Your first job as a “survival” gardener is planning. Make sure to have a clear idea of what you are doing before the actual work starts. You will be able to easy close the food budget gap, if you start the garden at spring. However, if you don't have a garden, the winter is a good time for you to select a planting site and break ground. Choose a place, which receives sunlight throughout the day and it is not in a septic area. Prepare the ground by breaking it with a pick, then rake out to all the grass lawn roots and rocks. Make sure that you have enough soil and get some, if needed. Anyway, if you have used chemicals in the past, then it will be good to change the soil with organic one. You can find some in gardening centres and stores.

Next very important step is to decide what plants you can grow. Pick varieties, which can survive through the seasons of the year. It is a good thing to check up with your local Country Extension Agent and see the planting schedule in your area. Also search local gardening centres and stores. In early spring your can plant reddish lettuce, which is known to resist cold weather. Some types of peas are also cold resistant. Make sure to include kale and mustard greens in your survival garden, as well as beans. All of these are good addition to the table, rich in vitamins and good for numerous meals. In the early autumn you can start with the cold tolerant vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage.

Don't forget that you will also need root crops, potatoes for example. They might be cheap in the stores at the moment, but you never know. In fact, there is nothing better than freshly grown potatoes in the meal. Corn should be also part of your survival garden, but think twice before planting sweet corn. It may take quite a while to grow it. Planting tomatoes is a must. Try both types – cherry and regular. Another great additions to your garden are carrots, parsley, cucumber and beefsteak. Leave a small area for spices, but it is optional. Your top priority is to grow substantial food. However, if you have free space in the yard, make sure to plant some of these: dill weed, basil and cilantro for your everyday cooking. Make sure to consult with your local organic nursery or gardening maintenance agency in London about pest control techniques or just search the web, if you encounter any particular problem.

This type of “survival” garden will not only help you in a time of need, but it can be also used as a healthy and organic way to produce food for yourself. You don't have to wait for the “bad days” to come, but start your healthy garden right away. It will surely save you money and boost your health, especially if you or your family suffer from any sicknesses or allergies. Start living green now and say no to the corruption of our system!