Off-Grid Bug-Out Garden

Prep your off-grid bug-out location with a garden

Not everyone has a second property that can be secured as a bug-out location—but if you do, it makes sense to have a garden of fruits and vegetables growing there. In an emergency, a food source could be life-saving. Even in good times, a garden adds to the enjoyment of camping and spending time outdoors.

We asked Norm, the Agriculture AI, for advice on preparing a remote property in the Great Plains for a productive garden that can thrive with minimal attention. Here’s what we learned, along with some additional insights.

Start with the soil

The foundation of any good garden is healthy soil. Norm emphasizes the importance of soil testing to learn your property’s pH, nutrient levels, and texture. Once you know the baseline, add organic matter such as compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure to boost fertility and water-holding capacity. Depending on results, you may also need lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower it). Investing early in soil health means less maintenance later.

Remember: it’s all about the dirt!

Water: your most critical resource

Remote gardens rarely have piped water, so you’ll need to think ahead. Rainwater harvesting with barrels or tanks is a practical first step, especially when paired with drip irrigation for efficiency. Mulching heavily with straw, leaves, or wood chips keeps the soil moist, suppresses weeds, and moderates temperature swings. In drought-prone southern Plains locations, shade cloth and water-conserving strategies such as ollas (buried clay watering vessels) can be valuable additions.

Here’s an idea: if you have a pond or other freshwater nearby, consider a solar-powered irrigation system. You’ll need a solar charger for a 12-volt battery, a reliable pump, a holding tank, and a timer to run soaker hoses or drip lines.

Need a pond? Start here: Build a pond.  But if you'd rather have a private well, here's some ideas:  Well... that's a deep subject!

Defending your garden

A remote bug-out garden will face pressure from both pests and wildlife. A sturdy fence keeps out deer, rabbits, and raccoons. Companion planting—such as marigolds to deter nematodes or basil near tomatoes—adds another layer of defense. For weeds, use barrier fabric or thick organic mulch to reduce time spent pulling them when you visit.

Additional natural defenses

• Rosemary: The strong scent can deter deer.
• Hot-pepper spray: A homemade mix of water and hot pepper (e.g., ghost pepper) extract discourages browsing—animals may take one bite but rarely return.
• Lavender: Aromatic oils help repel some pests and deer.
• Garlic: Plant around the perimeter to add a mild deterrent effect.
• Mint (in containers): Useful aroma deterrent, but keep contained to prevent spreading.

And don’t forget the scarecrow. Moving it periodically maintains its effectiveness against birds and some mammals. Incorporating these plants and methods creates a stronger defense system for your remote garden with minimal maintenance.

Choosing the right plants

Plant choice is where strategy really matters. For a low-maintenance, high-yield garden, focus on hardy, drought-resistant, or perennial crops that thrive in Great Plains conditions:

• Vegetables: Tomatoes (Roma or cherry), peppers, squash, beans, carrots, and leafy greens such as kale or leaf lettuce.
• Fruits: Strawberries, raspberries, dwarf apple trees (‘Honeycrisp’ or ‘Gala’), and hardy grape varieties (‘Concord’ or ‘Niagara’).
• Herbs: Perennials such as thyme, oregano, and sage; annuals like basil if you can replant each year.

Adapting to your part of the Plains

The Great Plains stretch from Texas to Montana, so conditions vary widely:

• Northern Plains (Dakotas, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming): Short seasons and early frosts—choose cold-tolerant crops like peas, spinach, rhubarb, and hardy apples or cherries. Use row covers or cold frames to extend the season.
• Central Plains (Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado): Hot summers and variable rain. Tomatoes, peppers, okra, and blackberries perform well, as do drought-tolerant herbs like rosemary and sage. Mulch is essential.
• Southern Plains (Texas Panhandle, NM, parts of Oklahoma): Long, hot seasons with frequent drought. Sweet potatoes, melons, cowpeas, figs, and prickly pear cactus thrive. Shade cloth may be necessary to keep crops alive through peak heat.

Extra touches for resilience

• Windbreaks: Rows of trees, shrubs, or fence lines help shield plants from relentless Plains winds.
• Perennials: Asparagus, rhubarb, and berries come back year after year with little care.
• Seed storage: Keep a small stock of seeds on-site for quick replanting after storms, animal damage, or unexpected weather shifts.

Resources worth checking

• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map – Identify what crops can survive your winters.
• Kansas State University Research & Extension – Practical resources for central Plains gardeners.
• University of Nebraska Extension – Excellent vegetable and fruit gardening guides.
• North Dakota State University Extension – Cold-hardy planting advice for northern gardeners.
• Oklahoma State University Extension – Water-smart gardening strategies for the southern Plains.

Prepping an off-grid bug-out garden should focus on resilience: invest in soil health, water systems, protective barriers, and smart plant choices. Follow this approach and you create a living food source that can serve your family in both emergencies and times of peace. In the Great Plains, a garden is more than food—it’s a measure of independence.