15 Top Plants for Urban Homesteading and Prepping - Prepped Homestead (2024)

March 7, 2024

Do you want to know the top 15 Plants for Urban Homestead Prepping and Survival?In the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s easy to forget the importance of self-sufficiency. You can live in the city and be prepared for whatever life throws your way. With some creativity and a little space, you can turn your urban dwelling into a thriving homestead that is ready to sustain you in times of need. But what if I told you that you could transform your urban space into a thriving homestead, ready to sustain you in times of need? That’s right – with just a bit of knowledge and some green thumbs, you can grow your way to self-reliance right in the heart of the city.

Rule #1:

Always remember Rule #1: plant what you will eat!

Rule #2:

Learn the essential Urban Homesteading and Prepping Skills needed for survival. Click here to read out blog post: Seven Essential Homesteading Skills.

Why These 15 Plants?

You might be asking, why these 15 plants specifically? Well, these plants are like the superheroes of the urban homestead world. They’re resilient, versatile, and packed with nutrients. Plus, they’re easy to grow and maintain. These reasons make them perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

1. Tomatoes: A staple in any homestead garden, tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can eat them fresh, cook them into sauces, or even dry them for long-term storage.
2. Lettuce: With its quick growth cycle and ability to thrive in small spaces, lettuce is a must-have for urban homesteaders. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked salad straight from your own garden.
3. Peppers: Whether you prefer sweet bell peppers or spicy jalapenos, peppers are a fantastic addition to any urban homestead. Peppers pack a ton of flavor and nutrients and spice up your dishes. Also, peppers add a pop of color to your garden.
4. Herbs (Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, etc.): Fresh herbs can take your cooking to the next level, and luckily, they’re easy to grow in containers or small plots. Plus, herbs have health benefits, from boosting immunity to improving digestion.
5. Beans: Not only are beans packed with protein and fiber, but they also help replenish nitrogen in the soil, making them an essential part of any homestead garden rotation.
6. Spinach: Packed with iron and other essential nutrients, spinach is a powerhouse green that’s perfect for salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes alike.
7. Kale: Another nutrient-dense green, kale is incredibly hardy and can withstand colder temperatures, making it a great choice for year-round gardening. Personally, I never thought I would eat kale, but I absolutely love it in soups, stews, or salads. Stir-fry it with garlic and soy sauce for a tasty side dish.
8. Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, carrots are not only delicious but also rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Carrots are stored very well, making them great for long-term food security.
9. Radishes: With their quick growth cycle and peppery flavor, radishes are a fantastic addition to any urban homestead garden. Plus, you can eat both the root and the greens!
10. Zucchini/Squash: Easy to grow and prolific, zucchini and squash plants are perfect for urban homesteaders looking to maximize their garden space. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can grill them, bake them, or even spiral-cut them into noodles.
11. Cucumbers: Refreshing and hydrating, cucumbers are a summertime favorite that’s easy to grow in containers or small plots. Plus, they’re low in calories and high in vitamins, making them a healthy snack option. A word of caution, once cucumbers get stressed from heat or irregular watering, they become bitter. Once this happens, the plant is basically useless except for seed harvesting. (I found this out the hard way).
12. Green Beans: Whether you prefer bush beans or pole beans, green beans are a fantastic addition to any homestead garden. Beans pack an enormous amount of protein and fiber in that small package. Also, beans are incredibly easy to preserve for long-term storage. Try them backed with soy sauce, bacon, and butter!
13. Potatoes: Versatile and filling, potatoes are a staple crop that is easy to grow in containers or raised beds. Potatoes are stored well and are used in a variety of dishes, from mashed potatoes to potato soup.
14. Onions: A kitchen essential, onions are easy to grow and add flavor to a wide range of dishes. As an added plus, onions store well, making them a great option for urban homesteaders looking to stock up on pantry staples.
15. Garlic: With its bold flavor and numerous health benefits, garlic is a must-have for any homestead garden. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to grow – simply plant a clove and watch it multiply! Be careful, garlic is prolific and will form a government and take over your garden bed if not tended.

The list goes on! Each of these 15 plants offers unique benefits and can help you create a thriving urban homestead ready for almost any crisis. I have used Tru Leaf Market for many of my heirloom and organic seeds. Below is a great selection of seeds to get you started.

I have used Tru Leaf Market for many of my heirloom and organic seeds. This best-seller offers home gardeners some of the most timeless garden favorites that promise to spark a bit of nostalgia in your next summer garden bed, more so than just garden-fresh produce.

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Items for Sale to Help Grow Your Urban Homestead

Now that you know which plants to focus on, let’s talk about how to set yourself up for success. Here are a few items that can help you grow the top 15 plants for urban homestead prepping and survival:

1. Container Gardens: If you’re short on space, container gardens are your best friend. Look for pots and planters specifically designed for urban gardening, like self-watering containers or vertical gardening systems.

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Organic Soil and Fertilizers: Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Invest in high-quality organic soil and fertilizers to give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. I tend to make my own garden soil with coco coir, potting soil and fertilizer. I have found this coco coir is great for this purpose.

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Watering Tools: Consistent watering is key to keeping your plants happy and healthy. Invest in watering cans, hoses, or drip irrigation systems to make watering a breeze.

Seeds and Seedlings: Whether you’re starting from seed or transplanting seedlings, having a variety of plant options is essential for a diverse and productive garden. If you are going to use seedlings, I recommend a local greenhouse nursery. I recommend them for two reasons: 1. Buy local when you can; and 2. the plants are grown for your area which reduces stress.

Gardening Tools: From trowels to pruners, having the right tools on hand can make gardening much easier and more enjoyable.By investing in these items, you’ll be well on your way to growing a thriving urban homestead that can sustain you and your family for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an urban homestead is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. By focusing on the top 15 plants for urban homestead prepping and survival, you can ensure that your garden is productive, diverse, and resilient. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can transform your urban space into a thriving oasis of self-sufficiency. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start gardening – your future self will thank you! So get to it; “Get Prepped, Not Wrecked!”