Best Ways to Start a Backyard Survival Garden?

[GarnetDusk]

Been reading up on different approaches to backyard survival gardens and would like some firsthand advice. If starting from scratch on a modest suburban lot, what crops would folks here prioritize for maximum caloric yield and nutritional value? I’m leaning towards root veggies like potatoes and carrots, plus beans for protein, but I’m curious if anyone has had luck with small-scale grains or perennial vegetables.

Also, how do you manage soil health long-term without relying on outside fertilizers or amendments? Composting is a

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Potatoes are definitely great for calories, and beans are a solid protein source. I’d add kale or chard—those leafy greens keep producing and are nutritious. Jerusalem artichoke is another good perennial with a high yield, though it can spread if you’re not careful! For soil health, I rely on rotating crops and putting fall leaves and kitchen scraps right back into the ground as mulch and compost. Have you thought about adding clover for a living mulch and nitrogen boost?