Preppers chose this name for a reason: it seems so. ready for absolutely anything.

Although they are generally known for their preparation for extreme weather conditions conditions or the apocalypse, preppers also know exactly how to prepare to live sustainably and self-sufficiently, and their knowledge can be incredibly useful for people who want to reduce their polluting impact.

For example, many preparers have learned tips and tricks when it comes to cultivate a family farmwhich can ensure food security in worst-case scenarios.

On Reddit, a user shared their wisdom with the r/preppers community and warned that creating a thriving food supply isn’t just about dropping seeds on the ground and hoping for the best.

They said anyone preparing seeds but not yet gardening should temper their expectations. “Don’t expect to be up and running.” they wrote.

During the first year, the Redditor said soil preparation is essential and planting annuals such as vegetables and herbs and establishing perennials such as berry bushes is a good place to start.

During the second and third years you will have gained some experience, allowing you to take bolder steps using the knowledge you have gained. This will also be when perennials begin to show signs of productivity.

By the fourth year, your domestic food production should be truly operational.

While these tips can ensure you have a regular stock of fruit and vegetables, helping you save money at the grocery store and be prepared for the kind of weather that usually leaves supermarkets bare, they can also be lucrative.

“Your future self will thank you,” the original poster said. “And if you ever consider selling your home, established fruit trees (add) value.”

It’s a good reminder not to get discouraged if you don’t get the produce ready for your plate right away. These things take time, and even if you don’t regularly enjoy the fruits of your labor, gardening still provides a boost for mental health and an opportunity for gentle exercise.

The editors echoed these wise words and added their own tips for creating a fruit and vegetable garden.

“Very good information” a user said. “This will be the fifth year we’ve seriously tried gardening. Building soil is a big part of it. We also compost and purchase compost manure and topsoil to mix into our very sandy soil each spring. It will take more. The amendments are moving forward, but it’s getting a lot closer.”

“I have a plum tree that was planted in the summer of 2020, but it still hasn’t grown a single plum,” another observed. “I’m pretty sure he finally grew some fruit spurs last year, so I’m hoping to get some this spring!”

Join our free newsletter for easy-to-use advice save more And waste lessand don’t miss this nice list simple ways to help yourself while helping the planet.