The Pantry Calculator: Planning Your Heirloom Harvest
The Pantry Calculator — Plan your harvest for fresh eating, canning, and food security.
At The Seed Guy, we want to make sure your garden is more than a hobby—it’s a reliable source of food for your family. One of the most common questions we hear is: "How many plants do I need?" This guide breaks down the math of self-reliance, helping you calculate exactly what to plant for fresh eating, canning, and winter storage.
The "Fresh Table" Garden (Daily Eating)
This is for the crops you want to pick for tonight’s dinner. These are calculated per person for a continuous supply throughout the season.
- Leafy Greens: 5 to 10 plants (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale).
- Bush Beans: 10 to 15 plants for fresh snacking.
- Radishes & Carrots: 20 to 30 plants (Succession plant every 2 weeks).
- Summer Squash/Zucchini: 1 to 2 plants per person.
The "Preservationist" Garden (Canning & Freezing)
To fill your pantry shelves with jars of salsa, sauce, and pickles, you need to increase your plant count significantly.
- Tomatoes: 5 to 8 plants per person (For sauce and canning).
- Cucumbers: 4 to 6 plants per person (For pickling).
- Corn: 15 to 20 plants per person (For freezing and fresh eating).
- Peppers: 3 to 5 plants per person (For drying or freezing).
The "Winter Larder" (Long-Term Storage)
These are the heavy hitters that keep you fed when the snow is on the ground. They are hardy and store well in a cool, dark place.
- Potatoes: 20 to 30 lbs of seed potatoes per person.
- Onions: 30 to 40 bulbs per person.
- Winter Squash: 2 to 4 plants per person (Butternut, Hubbard, etc.).
- Beets/Turnips: 15 to 20 plants per person.
Harvest Planning Essentials
100% Non-GMO for year-round food security. Open-pollinated varieties allow for infinite replanting. Plan for 10% more than your goal to account for natural garden loss. Focus on "heavy hitters" like potatoes, beans, and squash for maximum caloric storage.
At The Seed Guy, we believe that a well-stocked pantry is the heartbeat of a happy home. By planning your garden with these calculations, you aren't just planting seeds; you are building a legacy of stewardship and food independence for your family.
Step by Step Guide - Expand Your Homestead Knowledge
If you enjoyed this guide, you may find these other Gardening Essentials helpful:
The Ultimate Homestead Garden Planning Guide — Map out your garden layout and timing.
Seed Starting 101: From Tray to Trench — Learn how to grow strong seedlings indoors.
Soil Health & Preparation — Build the foundation for a High-Yielding Harvest.
Raised Bed Gardening — Learn the best Soil Recipes for elevated beds.
Tomato Growing Secrets — Pro-tips for a Flavor-Kissed Harvest.
Spring Planting & Soil Stewardship — Timing your harvest and understanding soil rhythms.
Garden Harmony: Companion Planting — Planting in partnership to naturally deter pests.
The Pantry Calculator: How Much to Plant — Plan your harvest for fresh eating and food security.
Seed Saving: Preserving the Heirloom Legacy — Preserve your garden’s heritage for future generations.
Natural Pest Management — Protect your harvest without the use of harsh chemicals.
Composting: The Homestead’s Black Gold — Turn your kitchen and yard waste into a garden goldmine.
The Survival Seed Bank — Why genetic diversity and calorie density are your best food insurance.
Liquid Gold: DIY Comfrey Fertilizer — Brew the ultimate nutrient-dense "tea" for a high-yielding harvest.
The Kitchen Apothecary — Learn to heal and season with your heirloom herb harvest.