In the event of a zombie outbreak, you will need to establish self-sufficiency of your safe zone. Farming is one way to do this.
Planting[]
Here are the basics of what you'll need to get your garden seeds started:
Containers - You could scavenge for some used pots but remember to wash them first.
Potting Mix - Seeds do best in a soiless where there are fewer inherent problems than with garden soil. Planting them in the ground would not be advised if you have no experience with gardening
Seeds - Choose seeds of your choice.
Marker/Pencil/Pen - Writing the seed type on each pot would be useful.
Plastic Bags or Covers - These will trap warmth and humidity where the seeds need it.
Water - Necessary for photosynthesis.
Light Source - Planting crops outside, where there's lots of sun, may seem like the smartest choice, but there will be the risk that zombies may trample your crops or be stolen by raiders. Unless the farm is protected by walls or guards, it may be best to plant crops inside, next to a window or a plant light.
Of course, WHAT to plant is also an important factor. Year-round fruits and vegetables are best, but very nutritious and healthy foods are also great. Then again, the environment around your safe zone, the yearly climate changes, the soil quality and the weather conditions will be key to determining which crops to grow. By examining these things, we can see which crops would be preferred in your zombie survival farm. Be sure to plant different types of fruits and vegetables, variety will ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you require to remain in good shape and fresh and delicious food has been known to increase morale. Along with fruits and vegetables, herbs are a good thing to grow. They don't take up much space and make a positive difference in flavor. Below is a list of the appropriate fruits, vegetables and herbs you can grow (keep in mind that this list is not complete - feel free to add or remove if you find anything to be incorrect):
Fruits[]
Year round:
-Apples
Delicious and a great snack, the apple is an all-time favorite for those who believe health is wealth. Apples are low in calories, contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. They contain antioxidant phyto-nutrients. These compounds help the body protect from deleterious effects from free radicals. They're also rich with vitamins such as vitamin C (which is a powerful antioxidant and helps the body develop resistance to infectious agents) and B-complex vitamins like B-6 (together, these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes and metabolism. They can be stored in room temperature for a few days or in a fridge (if you're lucky enough to acquire one) for two to three weeks.
-Lemons
Lemons are very low on calories, have no saturated fats or cholesterol and contain 88% of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant). Some substances in lemons reduce oxidant injury to DNA in cells. B-complex vitamins and vitamin A can also be found in lemons, along with minerals like potassium, iron, copper and calcium. Potassium helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Lemons don't last long, but it's best to store them in an airtight plastic bag.
Very nutritious and healthy:
-Blueberries
Blueberries are very low on calories and possess notable health-benefiting plant nutrients such as dietary fiber, minerals (potassium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc), antioxidants and vitamins (A, B-complex including but not limited to B-6, C and E). Substances in blueberries help control blood sugar levels.
-Blackberries
Blackberries are generally the same as blueberries with two extras. Studies have shown that eating blackberries can help with aging and neurological disease processes. Plus they contain vitamin K.
-Raspberries
With raspberries it's the same story as blackberries. They contain the same vitamins and minerals. And since they take up little space, why not have both?
In general berries should be packed in a firm box equally distributed
-Tomatoes
Tomatoes are very low on fat and calories and have no cholesterol. It contains vitamins A, B-complex and C and is rich with potassium.
-Coconuts
Rich in glucose and can be harvested all year if you live in a tropical region, plus the husk can be turned into ropes/strings which gives you more material.
Vegetables[]
Year-round:
-Carrots
Containing vitamins A, B-complex (B-6 etc.) and C, carrots are rich with vitamins as well as minerals and dietary fibers. They are also known for destroying pre-cancer cells.
-Onions
Onions are low on calories and fat, however rich in dietary fiber. It helps lower blood sugar levels and destroys pre-cancer cells. They are known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
-Lettuce
Lettuce is extremely rich in vitamins. It contains vitamins A, B-complex, C and K. 100g of fresh, raw lettuce provides 247% of daily vitamin A! It also limits neuronal damage in the brain. Pack lettuce in an air tight bag, where it will stay fresh from 2-7 days.
-Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the richest vegetables in vitamins (A, B-complex and C), minerals (iron, copper, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus) and dietary fiber. They contain very little fat, and no cholesterol.
Extremely easy to grow:
-Cucumbers
Low on calories, cucumbers have no fat or cholesterol. They contain vitamins A, C and a surprisingly large amount of vitamin K. They're also a great source of potassium.
Herbs[]
Year-round:
-Rosemary
Rosemary contains disease-preventing and health-promoting qualities. It contains vitamins A and C and is an excellent source of iron.
Very nutritious and healthy:
Extremely easy to grow:
-Basil
Basil is very rich in vitamins A and K along with the mineral iron.
-Sage
Sage is a powerful yet delicate herb. It helps to improve brain function as well as memory, which are important in a zombie outbreak.
-Turmeric
Turmeric is a vegetable similar in appearance to ginger. It holds powerful anti inflammatory properties thanks to high amounts of curcumin. It is also a wonderful aromatic herb that adds amazing spice & color.
Other types of plants[]
-Bamboo
Bamboo grows fast (some species' growth can be noticed in hours) and the shoots can be eaten, and it can also be a useful material in construction.
-Sugar Cane
Like with bamboo, sugar cane is easy to grow and grows fast, and though not suitable to consume directly it can be made into sugar or high-glucose drinks to boost energy.
-Corn
Corn can be eaten in many ways, such as roasted on the cob or ground, and made into cornbread,tortillas,etc. Corn is high in carbohydrates which would be useful when carrying out daily activities during a zombie apocalypse.
-Purple Cabbage
Purple cabbage is a beautiful, and colorful vegetable. Easily boosting morale. As well as being high in nutrients & powerful plant compounds. Like turmeric purple cabbage helps fight inflammation, and may even promote one’s heart health for the better. With a multitude of culinary uses.