Today, I want to devote an entire Survival Scout to one of my favorite subjects: seeds.

Why are we so passionate about seeds at My Patriot Supply?

Well, as active participants in the preparedness lifestyle, we know that seeds are the only self-sustaining survival solution for long-term emergencies. The aftermath of the destruction done by hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico late in 2017 has demonstrated this yet again as growing your own food is proving essential for survival.

If you pay attention to the news, you have probably heard some or all of the following phrases a number of times: "food shortages," "genetically-engineered foods," "soaring food prices," "weather fluctuations," "crop failures" and many more.

And you're not just hearing these words from folks like us who have been keeping their eyes and ears open for trouble ahead. No, they're now finally being spoken on a regular basis by mainstream media... the very people who previously referred to those that prepare like us as "alarmists."

Why Worry About Seeds

Here in the United States, the typical grocery store carries only 72 hours worth of food on its shelves, with no back stock. When a disaster strikes the U.S. (not if, but when), there will always be mad rushes to those stores and the food and water will be gone quickly. And that "disaster" could take many forms as we have seen in 2017. It could be weather related (hurricane, flooding), global conflict, or it could be a financial meltdown ("Black Swan" cyber attack). Regardless, food could be very difficult to come by with little or no notice. Unless you are prepared!

Acquire, store, plant and harvest seeds

The best way to be completely prepared for a food shortage? Acquire, store, plant and harvest heirloom seeds. It's essential to stockpile non-perishable food, but no one knows how long a crisis will last. Depending on what happens, you may find yourself in a position of having to feed your family for an extended period of time, perhaps well over a year. You can do it, but only if you are prepared.

How to Never Buy Seeds Again

The process is not easy - it will require work on your part - but it is simple.

First, you need non-hybrid, open-pollinated, non-genetically modified seeds with high germination rates. Heirlooms. Even better if they're organic.

Second, plant those seeds in a garden. Practice makes perfect.

Even better if your seeds are organic

Third, store your unused seeds for the future. Finally, harvest the seeds from your current plants.

If you are successful in doing these four things, you'll never have to buy seeds again. This way, you're set up for the immediate needs of a short-term emergency and ready if the crisis is prolonged.

If you have not yet established a garden, I'd recommend doing so immediately. Make a plan. Establish how much space you can devote to your fresh survival food, and get started. Build raised beds or tilled rows - whatever you do, get planning and moving now.

If you already have a garden, collect the seeds from your plants (if they are heirlooms) and store them. You'll want to time your harvest based on the individual plant's method of seed dispersal, clean your seeds and spread them out to dry, label them properly and store them in secure containers in a cool, dark, dry place.

But what fruit and vegetable varieties are best for survival? This is my favorite part of the process.

Of course, you want to ensure your garden provides you with balanced nutrition and high yields. But you also want delicious, fresh food. That's why I put together ten of my favorites, all of which are in the Patriot Seeds Organic Seed Vault.

MY TOP TEN SEEDS FOR SURVIVAL

• 

  Beans

  Packed with protein and fiber, no Patriot Garden is complete without beans. The seeds of different types of beans should be planted well away from each other whenever possible to avoid any chance of cross-pollination.

• 

  Butternut Squash

  Healthy and very filling, butternut squash is perfect roasted or used in soups and stews. You can roast the seeds or dry and save them for next season.

• 

  Cauliflower

  Cauliflower is versatile in recipes. But it's also space-saving while providing significant biomass for its small size. It's a survival-garden essential.

• 

  Broccoli

  When a true long-term emergency hits, there will be few better fresh sources of calcium than broccoli.

• 

  Cabbage

  Full of vitamins and perfect for preserving - homemade sauerkraut, anyone? Cabbage also gives you a lot of fresh food without taking up too much space.

• 

  Beets

  High in fiber, vitamin C and minerals potassium and manganese, they're a nutrient powerhouse not to be left out of a survival garden. You'll get plenty of seeds, also. In fact, what may look like a single seed is probably several seeds in a ball. When they turn brown, you'll know they are mature.

• 

  Carrots

  Carrots are rich in vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. It's best to choose short varieties, which take up less space and take less time to reach maturity.

• 

  Peas

  To me, there is nothing better than eating fresh-picked peas from the garden. To save the seeds for next season, allow pods to ripen on the plant and start to turn brown. When the seeds rattle inside with a little shake, they are ready for saving.

• 

  Tomatoes

  Growing a few varieties of tomatoes is ideal. You want some for canning and sauces, and some for eating fresh. I recommend Roma for the former and Beefsteak for the latter.

• 

  Melons

  Melons provide a plentiful, sweet treat in the summertime, with electrolytes that help battle dehydration. For eating, harvest early and often so they don't take over. To harvest seeds, let a few grow larger before picking.

Even if you grow a handful of these varieties, you'll be way ahead of the average American. You'll save money on your food budget. And you'll fare much better in a crisis.

If all of this information has made you interested in starting your own garden, our Organic Seed Vault is a great place to start. Not only does it include the top ten seeds listed above, it includes 21 seeds varieties in total, all of which would make it into a top 25 list if I made one.

The Patriot Seeds Organic Seed Vault contains all USDA-certified organic, 100% heirloom seeds. No GMOs, no hybrids - ever. It's the easiest way to declare your food independence. Many folks buy one for planting now and save the other with their emergency food storage.

No matter how you do it, invest in your self-reliance and long-term survival today. Get to work on your Patriot Garden.

Have a great weekend, friends! Stay safe and alert out there! 

In Liberty,

Grant Miller, MPS Preparedness Advisor