What Crops to Plant for the greatest yield

[JackDW]

It is possible that this has already been answered somewhere but I have not found it.

What would be your suggestions for what seeds to plant for the greatest yield in the shortest period of time. My first thoughts are Beans. A single plant can produce a lot of bean pods and do not take a lot of space. I also am thinking squash and/or zucchini.

Initially, I want to produce the greatest yield in the least space.

What seeds to other suggest I keep around, just in case. Thanks

 

[Proud Prepper]

It is possible that this has already been answered somewhere but I have not found it.

What would be your suggestions for what seeds to plant for the greatest yield in the shortest period of time. My first thoughts are Beans. A single plant can produce a lot of bean pods and do not take a lot of space. I also am thinking squash and/or zucchini.

Initially, I want to produce the greatest yield in the least space.

What seeds to other suggest I keep around, just in case. Thanks

Sprouts, there are many types to choose from.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I think a lot has to do with your soil conditions, length of your growing season, size of garden and what you like to eat. I don't like peas but they grow great here. Beans are big producers too. Squash and zucchini take a lot space in the garden, not a problem if you have the room. We grew squash, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber and watermelon. Our only limiting factor for gardening is our short growing season.

 

[DrHenley]

Look up "The Three Sisters"

It's and Old Indian Trick for getting maximum yield in a small space.

 

[Dani]

Look into Square Foot gardening. You can put a lot of produce into a small space. Another thing is getting the bang for your buck so to speak when harvesting. If it is a leafy green, just take the outer leaves and let it 'regrow', onions just clip the tops so they will continue growing.

 

[lonewolf]

I only grow what I like to eat, anything different is just a waste of time and effort.

 

[Brent S]

I think the survival packs of heirloom seeds makes the most sense. They are small, have a big variety of choices that’s certain to have something that will produce in almost any environment. As far as what produces the best, as pointed out it depends where you are and the soil conditions, weather etc. Here in Ga. I had great success with potatoes, kale, turnips, okra, tomatoes, onions, radishes, lettuces, spinach, greens, asparagus, and some others. I guess the answer to the original question can only be found by actually planting in your area and see what works there. Also keep in mind that each year presents different challenges and what produced last year may not this season. This year my peas have just about been wiped out by something eating the plants. I’m not sure if it was a rabbit or insects yet but will investigate more today.

 

[JackDW]

Thanks for the suggestions, especially the "The Three Sisters". I had already planned on Beans and Squash. After reading this, I will add Corn. I had initially discounted Corn with the assumption (and we all know what assume means) that Corn would take to much room with limited yield. After reading the article, it brought back images of my grandfather growing the corn and beans together so the beans could use the corn to climb. In the past, I have grown potatoes in the area I am planning to use. I have never grown potatoes from seeds. How successful is that? My plans is to store seeds. Seed potatoes do not seem something that can be stored long term put hopefully actual seeds are an option.

Again, thanks for all the feedback. It has really got me thinking.


Jack

 

[lonewolf]

seed potatoes are not necessary to grow potatoes, you can use any left over potatoes, some people have even grown them from potatoes sliced in half, I use potato towers made out of 3 tyres with excellent results.

 

[Brent S]

seed potatoes are not necessary to grow potatoes, you can use any left over potatoes, some people have even grown them from potatoes sliced in half, I use potato towers made out of 3 tyres with excellent results.

I’ve read about using tires for growing potatoes. The idea is to plant In one tire and as it grows you add another tire and dirt. When it’s mature you kick over the stacked tires and pu your potatoes. The only thing I wonder is how safe are the tires with leeching chemicals in the food?

 

[lonewolf]

I've been using tyres to grow potatoes for 20 odd years and I've never had any problems.
someone will always find a reason not to do something, its human nature.

 

[DrHenley]

seed potatoes are not necessary to grow potatoes, you can use any left over potatoes, some people have even grown them from potatoes sliced in half, I use potato towers made out of 3 tyres with excellent results.

I let the eyes sprout, then cut each eye out with sufficient potato attached to nourish the eye until it has roots. Then just plant the sprouted eyes.

 

[lonewolf]

yes it can be done that way, I only do that if i'm short of potatoes to plant.

 

[Dani]

Thanks for the suggestions, especially the "The Three Sisters". I had already planned on Beans and Squash. After reading this, I will add Corn. I had initially discounted Corn with the assumption (and we all know what assume means) that Corn would take to much room with limited yield. After reading the article, it brought back images of my grandfather growing the corn and beans together so the beans could use the corn to climb. In the past, I have grown potatoes in the area I am planning to use. I have never grown potatoes from seeds. How successful is that? My plans is to store seeds. Seed potatoes do not seem something that can be stored long term put hopefully actual seeds are an option.

Again, thanks for all the feedback. It has really got me thinking.


Jack

My biggest suggestion on planting corn is dig a deep trench and I am talking about a foot deep/ Plant your seeds then let it sprout, As it grows, you fill the trench in. You will need a stable footing with corm. If you get high winds that blow your corn over, you could lose your entire crop. Been there done that one myself.

 

[Kevin L]

I think that you might consider wild edible plants native to your area.

As an example, we have an invasive, aggressive pest plant down here in Florida called taro (or elephant ears).

It chokes waterways, it takes over wherever it occurs.....yet the Hawaiians use it to make poi.

I could--just by not interfering--have enough starch to turn myself into an obese blimp if I wanted to.

So, find an edible wild plant native to your area, plant it liberally, and use minimal upkeep since these plants will take care of themselves.

So, little or no labor.

 

[Dani]

I think that you might consider wild edible plants native to your area.

As an example, we have an invasive, aggressive pest plant down here in Florida called taro (or elephant ears).

It chokes waterways, it takes over wherever it occurs.....yet the Hawaiians use it to make poi.

I could--just by not interfering--have enough starch to turn myself into an obese blimp if I wanted to.

So, find an edible wild plant native to your area, plant it liberally, and use minimal upkeep since these plants will take care of themselves.

So, little or no labor.

We have so many wild edibles that pop up in the garden and I am most days knocking down to ensure that what I planted can grow without evasions. I agree to familiarize yourself with your native edible plants because that could sustain your life in SHTF situation.

 

[Kevin L]

We have so many wild edibles that pop up in the garden and I am most days knocking down to ensure that what I planted can grow without evasions. I agree to familiarize yourself with your native edible plants because that could sustain your life in SHTF situation.

I agree.

Just a precaution, but consider where you harvest edible wild plants from.

If the soil is tainted with heavy metals, pesticides, or petrochemicals.....plants that are otherwise edible might make you seriously ill. This precaution goes triple if a woman who is pregnant or breast feeding is eating at your table.

 

[Dani]

I agree.

Just a precaution, but consider where you harvest edible wild plants from.

If the soil is tainted with heavy metals, pesticides, or petrochemicals.....plants that are otherwise edible might make you seriously ill. This precaution goes triple if a woman who is pregnant or breast feeding is eating at your table.

Or elderly or young children. . . always use precautions no matter what it is. . . even with canned goods I make certain i boil or bake my whatever for at least 10 minutes when I know Granny or grand kids will be eating. It is not that I am incompetent on my canning skills, but I like to use precautions.

 

[Kevin L]

Or elderly or young children. . . always use precautions no matter what it is. . . even with canned goods I make certain i boil or bake my whatever for at least 10 minutes when I know Granny or grand kids will be eating. It is not that I am incompetent on my canning skills, but I like to use precautions.

Of course, and an excellent point.