The Ultimate Food Independence: They Grow 80-100% Of Their Own Food

Have you ever imagined growing all your own food and living off your backyard for an entire year? It might sound impossible at first, but let me assure you—it’s not just a pipe dream. In fact, there are inspiring examples of people who have turned this vision into a reality.

From Australia to the UK, individuals are proving what’s possible with determination and innovative gardening techniques. For instance, some have created thriving food forests, demonstrating how thoughtful planning and creativity can transform ordinary gardens into abundant sources of nourishment.

Whether you’re aiming to cut down on grocery expenses or achieve full independence from supermarkets, these stories will show you how to take the first steps toward growing your own food. So, let’s dive into these real-life accounts and uncover the potential of backyard self-sufficiency!

100% of Food Grown in a Garden

Sonia and her partner, Rob, began their gardening adventure 15 years ago without a concrete plan. They simply started planting where it was convenient, and over time, their garden evolved into a thriving food forest. By 2019, Sonia decided to survive entirely off her garden produce for a whole year.

The journey was demanding, but the connection Sonia developed with her garden was profound. “It was challenging at times… but it was really amazing the connection I felt to the garden. I’d love to do it again one day. Especially now that I have honey!”

What do they grow?

Is self-sufficiency possible in the UK?

After sharing Sonia’s inspiring story, it’s worth noting that her success was achieved in a tropical climate garden. But what about those of us gardening in the UK? Is self-sufficiency possible here, and how much space would you need to make it work?

Absolutely, it is possible to achieve self-sufficiency in the UK, though it requires a bit more planning due to the cooler climate. You’ll need to be strategic about what you grow, focusing on crops that thrive in temperate conditions and extending your growing season with tools like greenhouses or cold frames.

The space you need really depends on your goals and how efficiently you use your land.

For a family of four, 1 to 2 acres might be ideal to grow everything you need, including space for fruit trees, vegetables, and maybe even some small livestock.

But don’t let that size worry you—many people achieve significant self-sufficiency on much smaller plots by using techniques like square foot gardening or permaculture. With the right approach, even a quarter of an acre, planned out well and cultivated intensively can produce most of the food for a small family.

They grow 95% Of their fresh food in their garden

Dan and Laurie grow 95% of their fresh food on 3 acres in the South East of England. They grow most of the usual fruits and vegetables that you would expect to find on an Allotment or Market Garden, and also grow rare and unusual crops, taking inspiration from Indigenous foods, methods and tribal ways.

They started in 2017, and they are currently (2014) around 60-80% self sufficient in their food needs. Their style and methods are inspired by permaculture and they try to be thoughtful about how and what we do, to be as gentle on the planet as possible.

80% of their own food in 2 years

In just two years, Saronne and Bob transformed their 6-acre homestead in West Wales, growing around 80% of their food. They use permaculture principles to make the most of their land. Their setup features two polytunnels, raised beds filled with vegetables and flowers, and a variety of animals, including chickens, ducks, goats, and sheep.

They grow 95% of their vegetables and focus less on fruits for now, as their orchard continues to mature. They also preserve large quantities of food to ensure they have enough for the winter months.

And what about a smaller area?

Huw Richards is an accomplished gardener who grows over 580 kilograms of food annually in a vegetable garden roughly the size of an average UK garden. Using efficient and sustainable methods, Huw cultivates 35 different crops year-round, demonstrating how small spaces can yield abundant harvests.

His techniques include crop rotation, composting, and intercropping, ensuring continuous productivity and soil health, and much more.

For a self sufficient garden design:

You can Order your Permaculture Design at our website, tailored to suit any scale. From small gardens to vast farms, providing you with an opportunity to cultivate sustainability, maximize productivity, and reconnect with nature in a harmonious and regenerative way.

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