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The idea of becoming more self-sufficient can sound intimidating. Many people picture a large farm, expensive equipment, rows of crops and enough chickens to wake the entire neighborhood.
In reality, self-sufficiency can begin with a few containers, a small garden bed and a willingness to make better use of the space you already have.
A typical backyard may not produce everything a family needs, but it can provide fresh food, reduce waste, lower certain household expenses and help residents become less dependent on frequent trips to the store.
Start With the Food Your Family Already Eats
One of the biggest gardening mistakes is planting vegetables simply because they look interesting in a seed catalog. A garden is more useful when it produces food your household regularly eats.
Before buying seeds, make a list of the fruits, vegetables and herbs you purchase most often. Tomatoes, peppers, green onions, lettuce and fresh herbs are popular choices because they can be used in many meals.
Families that cook with a lot of salsa might focus on tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro and onions. Those who prepare soups and stews could grow carrots, beans, herbs and leafy greens.
The goal is not to create the largest garden in the neighborhood. The goal is to grow food that will actually make its way to the dinner table.
Use Containers When Space Is Limited
A lack of open ground does not have to prevent someone from growing food.
Buckets, raised planters, grow bags and large flowerpots can be placed on patios, porches or other sunny areas. Containers can also make it easier to control soil quality and move sensitive plants when severe weather approaches.
Herbs, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce and green onions are especially practical for container gardening. Some compact varieties of squash, cucumbers and berries may also work when they have enough room and proper support.
Containers need regular watering, particularly during hot North Texas summers. Mulch placed around the plants can help the soil retain moisture longer.
Build One Raised Bed Instead of a Huge Garden
A small raised bed can be more manageable than digging up a large section of the yard.
Raised beds allow gardeners to create a concentrated growing area with improved soil. They can also reduce bending, make weeds easier to control and help define where children and pets should not walk.
A family can begin with one bed and add another later. Starting small gives new gardeners time to learn how much watering, weeding and harvesting they can comfortably handle.
Garden expansion should be based on success, not excitement. A productive small garden is more valuable than a large garden that becomes overwhelming.
Turn Kitchen Scraps Into Compost
Vegetable peelings, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, dry leaves and certain yard materials can be turned into compost instead of being thrown away.
Finished compost improves garden soil and helps return nutrients to the ground. It may also reduce how often a household needs to purchase bags of soil amendments.
Composting does require balance. Food scraps should be mixed with dry materials such as leaves, shredded cardboard or untreated paper. Meat, grease, dairy products and pet waste generally should not be placed in a basic backyard compost pile.
Residents should also position compost bins carefully so they do not create odor or pest problems for neighboring properties.
Collect and Use Water Wisely
Water is one of the most important considerations for a North Texas garden.
Gardeners can reduce waste by watering near the base of plants rather than spraying large areas. Early-morning watering gives moisture time to reach the roots before the hottest part of the day.
Mulch, shade cloth and drip irrigation can also help gardens survive periods of intense heat.
Rain barrels may provide another source of water for landscaping and gardens where local rules and property conditions allow them. Any collection system should be covered and maintained to prevent mosquitoes and debris.
Learn Preservation One Skill at a Time
Growing food is only part of self-sufficiency. Families also need a plan for using or preserving what they harvest.
Freezing is one of the easiest preservation methods for beginners. Herbs can be dried, tomatoes can be turned into sauce and peppers can be frozen or dehydrated.
Canning requires more attention because improper methods can create serious food-safety risks. Anyone interested in canning should follow current, tested instructions from reliable food-safety authorities.
The best approach is to master one method before moving to another.
Create a Backyard That Works for Your Household
Self-sufficiency does not have to mean complete independence from grocery stores, utilities or modern conveniences. It can simply mean becoming more capable of providing some of your household’s needs.
A productive backyard might include vegetables, herbs, a compost bin, pollinator-friendly flowers and a shaded place where the family can work together.
People who want a more detailed roadmap can explore The Self-Sufficient Backyard Book, a resource created for readers interested in producing more food and making practical use of their property.
The most important step is to begin with one achievable project. Plant a container of herbs. Build one raised bed. Start a compost pile. Learn how to preserve one vegetable.
A more self-sufficient home is rarely created in a single weekend. It develops one useful skill at a time.
