During a crisis or when there are problems with the supply chain, seeds can run out quickly because many people are trying to buy them all at once. This can make it hard for anyone who wants to start a garden.
One way to deal with this issue, even though people are still buying things in a panic, is to buy grocery store items that you can plant. For example, you can save seeds from fruits and vegetables you buy, like tomatoes or peppers, and use them to grow your own plants. This can help you have a garden even if regular seeds are hard to find. Plus, growing your own food can be a fun hobby or a full-on endeavor to provide for yourself and your family.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice, wheat berries, popcorn, quinoa can be planted.
Ensure the grain is undamaged and in its whole form. Such as with the bran intact)
Beans, Lentils, and Peas
Dried beans, lentils, and peas can be planted, as long as they are whole and not split.
Soaking them before planting helps in their growth.
Nuts and Root Plants
Peanuts - If not roasted then they can be planted.
Root plants such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, ginger, turmeric can be grown.
Grocery store products may have chemicals to prevent sprouting, but washing and storing them in a dark place can counteract this.
Other Root Vegetables - Carrots, beets, celery, turnips can be planted directly and will root and grow with minimal care.
Green Onions
Green onions can be replanted. Just cut the greens and plant the 'bulb' section in soil.
Another upside is that they can continuously regrow, allowing for repeated harvests throughout the season or for planting more.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic from the store can also be planted.
Seed onions and garlic from a garden center might produce better results, but grocery store varieties will work in a pinch as long as they look healthy.
Harvesting and Planting Seeds
Seeds from grocery store produce like melons, peppers, okra, avocados, pumpkins, squash, and tomatoes can planted too. Of course, for a lot of varieties of these, whether they grow or not depends on your growing zone.
Even if some of these are hybrids, they can still be grown, though the plants that grow from the may be different from the item you bought.
Spices
The spice aisle is another source for seeds.
Seeds like dill, caraway, coriander, sesame, and black pepper can be planted.
Bird Seed and Livestock Feed
Bird seed and Chicken Scratch feed can also provide viable seeds.
These can include corn, oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, milo, millet, and sunflower seeds.
In a pinch, grocery stores offer a variety of items that can be used to start a garden when seeds are unavailable.
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With a bit of thinking, sourcing seeds from unexpected places like whole grains, beans, root vegetables, spices, and bird seed can help maintain self-sufficiency or even a gardening hobby.
By thinking outside the box and using these different items, you can still grow your own food and be more self-sufficient, even when traditional seeds are hard to find. It’s a great way to make the most of what you have.
