Imagine stepping into your backyard and harvesting a kilo of fresh vegetables every single day—enough to feed two people year-round without stepping foot in a grocery store. This is the dream that Chundal is turning into reality. A passionate gardener and YouTuber, Chundal is on a mission to grow 365 kilos of food in a single year, all within a compact garden space. His Self-Sufficient Backyard is more than just a plot of land; it's a testament to flavor, creativity, and sustainable living. Let's walk through his garden and uncover the secrets behind this ambitious project.
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| Create Your Self-Sufficient Backyard: 365 Days of Fresh Food from a Tiny Garden |
A Vision Rooted in Simplicity
Chundal's garden isn't sprawling or vast—it's the size of an average backyard. Yet, it's designed to produce enough fresh produce to sustain two adults daily. "My goal is to grow a kilo or 2.2 pounds of food per day," Chundal explains, "split between two people, paired with whatever protein you choose." This isn't about complex techniques or high-tech tools. It's about smart planning, careful crop selection, and a deep love for homegrown flavors.
The garden, which Chundal calls his self-sufficient garden, is an experiment in maximizing output. It's a space where every square meter is used thoughtfully to ensure a year-round supply of fresh, nutritious food. Chundal's enthusiasm is infectious, and his approach is simple yet effective: choose the right crops, leverage the seasons, and bring creativity to the kitchen.
Smart Crop Selection for Backyard Self-Sufficiency
A significant part of Chundal's success lies in his crop choices. "I spent a week in winter just thinking about which crops to grow," he shares. His focus is on crops that not only yield high weight but are also easy to prepare and preserve. For example, he opted for mangetout and sugar snaps instead of regular peas because they don't require time-consuming shelling.
Fordhook Giant Chard: "This is chard, but on steroids!" Chundal laughs. This heavy, flavorful crop is perfect for space and time efficiency.
Field Beans: These thrive during the hungry gap (when crops are scarce) and produce twice as much per square meter as broad beans.
Potatoes and Onions: These staple crops form the backbone of meals and are easy to store.
Chundal has harvested 35 different crops so far, each chosen carefully to keep the garden vibrant with color and flavor year-round. "If I grew just one crop, like swede or rutabaga, it might be hard to eat it all," he says. Variety not only sparks creativity in the kitchen but also ensures meals never get boring.
"As the seasons change, so do the flavors. I want every meal to be unique and exciting."
Hot Bed: Small Space, Big Yield
One corner of the garden features Chundal's hot bed, a shining example of his ingenuity. This small space produced 7 kilos of salad—pak choi, lettuce, spinach, and pea shoots—during the hungry gap. Now, it's home to cucumbers, cauliflower, and squash. "This bed has already been incredibly productive, and it's only going to get better," Chundal says with enthusiasm.
The hot bed doesn't just provide food; it also generates heaps of compost. Chundal's goal is for his garden to be 90% self-sufficient in compost production. He makes his own liquid feeds from comfrey, nettles, and grass clippings. "If you want to buy something, organic seaweed feed is the best," he advises. "It meets every need." For beginners looking to start with easier crops, learn how to grow strawberries in containers for quick and rewarding results.
A Jungle of Tomatoes and a Burst of Flavor
Chundal's garden is a tomato jungle. "I've planted about 10 varieties of tomatoes here," he shares. From beefsteak to Green Zebra, each variety is chosen for flavor and yield. "I've already harvested 10 kilos of tomatoes, and I'm hoping to reach 80 kilos," he says. Tasting a honeydew tomato, he smiles, "This is the sweetest tomato I've ever eaten!"
Chundal believes soil health enhances flavor. "This is the garden's first year, and as the soil improves, so will the taste," he explains. He often skips lunch to pick a fresh salad straight from the garden—it's a part of his lifestyle. For more tips on soil improvement techniques, visit our comprehensive guide. If you want to add fresh herbs to your salads, discover the secrets of growing cilantro and coriander for year-round harvests.
Winter Crops and Storage Solutions for Year-Round Food Security
Chundal's garden isn't limited to summer. He's dedicated space to winter crops. "The beauty of winter vegetables is that you don't need to preserve them," he explains. "You can pull them from the ground whenever you want." Curly kale, daikon radish, and napa cabbage keep the garden alive even in winter.
"It gets you out in the garden during winter to keep an eye on things," he says. His Asturian tree cabbage, a short-lived perennial, is both delicious and hardy. "It's not a heading cabbage. Just pick a leaf, chop it, and toss it in a stir-fry," he suggests.
Beauty Meets Functionality in Sustainable Gardening
Chundal's garden isn't just about food; it feeds the soul too. Sweet peas and perennial herbs add color and personality. "Herbs give so much flavor per square foot, it's unbelievable," he says. "And when they flower, they attract pollinators and look stunning."
Raspberries, currants, and rhubarb add sweetness and variety. "The garden is fully self-sufficient in vegetables and herbs for two adults, but a bit of fruit enhances the flavor," Chundal explains. His rhubarb, planted in March, has already yielded 8 kilos. To complement your fruit garden, learn about growing cucumbers for maximum yield - they're perfect for fresh summer salads.
The Foundation of Self-Sufficiency: Soil and Compost
Chundal's self-sufficiency hinges on soil health. His raised beds are filled with topsoil, old cow manure, and a 5 cm layer of compost. "It's economical," he says. "I didn't buy huge bags of compost." Wood chip paths not only look tidy but also absorb the Welsh rain. "Next year, I'll scoop them up, add them to the compost, and lay a fresh layer," Chundal plans.
He's also experimenting with wine cap mushrooms, which could yield an extra crop from the paths. "I love experimenting in the garden," he says with a grin. For advanced composting techniques, explore proven methods that enhance soil fertility. If you're interested in growing your own protein, check out how to grow mushrooms at home for a complete indoor farming experience.
Inspiration for Small Spaces and Urban Homesteading
Chundal's garden is an inspiration for those who think they lack space for gardening. "You don't need a polytunnel," he says. "Inspired by James Prigioni's design, I built low tunnels that work over raised beds." These tunnels provide an extra month of growing season at the start and end.
"This garden shows you can grow an incredible amount of food in a small space."
For those interested in taking their homesteading journey further, The Self-Sufficient Backyard offers comprehensive guidance on creating a sustainable food system. Learn from 40 years of off-grid living experience and discover practical projects that can transform your home into a self-sufficient homestead. This resource covers everything from water systems to food preservation, off-grid power solutions, and medicinal gardens.
Conclusion: A Garden from the Heart
Chundal's Self-Sufficient Backyard is more than a story of growing food; it's a tale of passion, creativity, and connection with nature. Every tomato, every leaf, and every bed reflects his hard work and dreams. He wants to inspire others to see what's possible in a small space.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey toward self-reliant gardening, Chundal's garden is an invitation: step outside, get your hands in the soil, and grow your own food. It's not just about filling your stomach—it's about nourishing your soul and achieving true food security.
Ready to start your own self-sufficient journey? Visit Chundal Gardens for more inspiration and practical tips on creating your backyard homestead. For those interested in indoor gardening, learn about indoor avocado tree care to grow fresh avocados year-round. Transform your space into a thriving ecosystem that provides fresh, nutritious food year-round while building resilience for your family's future.