🌱 How to Be Self-Sufficient in Tough Times (Starting in Your Own Backyard)
- Tammy Johnson
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Written and edited by Tammy 21st March 2026
Big headlines. Big opinions. Big worries about what might happen next…
Fuel prices climbing, talk of shortages, recessions and uncertainty about the future.
It’s no surprise that more and more of us are starting to think about how to be a little more self-sufficient in tough times, not out of fear, but from a quiet desire to feel steadier, more prepared, and a little less reliant on everything outside our control.
And while it’s easy to get caught up in all of that, there’s one truthful, comforting, dependable place I keep coming back to… my own little backyard.
I don’t see it as burying my head in the sand or turning my back on reality.
Truth is… right now, the world does feel a little scary and unpredictable. But the simple things haven’t changed.
Seeds still grow. The sun still rises. And a garden, no matter how big or small, still offers us a sense of calm, purpose, and control.
Life is short and precious… and we owe it to ourselves to hold onto that.
🌱 Small actions, steady roots
We don’t need to overhaul our lives overnight to feel more secure.
Sometimes it’s the smallest shifts that make the biggest difference.
Walking down the street to grab a loaf of bread and a carton of milk instead of jumping in the car. Getting a little fresh air, a little sunshine, and saving a few dollars while we’re at it.
Planting a few herbs by the back door. A handful of continuous pick lettuce. A punnet of broccoli seedlings or two.
Not because we need to become fully self-sufficient…But because it feels good to grow something of our own.
🍅 Growing more than just food
There’s something quietly powerful about stepping outside and picking what you need.
Whether it's something as small as a sprig of parsley, or a handful of beans. I myself have passionfruit ripening by the bucketload and the figs are just beginning.
It might not seem like much… but it all adds up.
A few dollars saved here and there. A little less reliance on the shops. A deeper connection to what we’re eating and how it’s grown.
And maybe most importantly, a sense of “we’ve got this.”
🤝 Community still matters
One of the most beautiful things I see, time and time again, is how gardens bring people together.
I was standing in the kitchen, casually chatting with some lovely clients after pruning their espaliered fruit trees, when a neighbour dropped in. She was heading out of town for a few days and had brought over a big box full of freshly picked herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Smiling at me, even though she didn’t know me, she warmly said, “Please… take some, take as much as you like. There’s plenty there.”
This is what I’m speaking of, these simple, warm, generous acts. These are the things money cannot buy, and the very things gardening brings into our lives.
Because it’s so much more than just growing plants…although that’s a very important part.
It’s checking in on someone down the road. It’s tending to each other’s gardens or sharing the overflow of fresh produce in times of absence.
In times when the world feels uncertain, these small acts matter more than ever.
Because resilience isn’t just about what we grow…it’s about how we look after each other.
🌼 A different kind of strength
We don’t need to live in fear to be prepared, and we don’t need to panic to be practical.
There’s a quiet kind of strength in:
learning a few simple skills
growing a little of our own food
being mindful of how we use our resources
supporting the people around us
It’s not dramatic. It’s not headline-worthy.
But it’s real. And it’s enough.
How to Be Self-Sufficient in Tough Times
🌿 Come back to what’s steady
When the world feels a bit loud like it does right now…
Step outside.
Feel the sun on your face. Take a slow walk. Put your hands in the soil. Water your plants.
Because in the backyard, things still make sense.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
We might not be able to control what’s happening out there…But we can absolutely shape what’s happening right here.
And that’s a pretty powerful place to start.
Happy Gardening😘💚
Want a little more support in your garden?
If you're enjoying my blogs, hints n tips here, and ever find yourself wishing you had someone to ask, “Is this normal?” or “What should I be doing right now?”, that’s exactly why I created The Backyard.
Inside, you’ll find my in-depth, practical gardening guides, a weekly “What to do in the garden this week” update (so you’re never guessing what’s timely), and the option to chat one-on-one with me about plant pests, diseases, or garden mysteries as they pop up.
It’s a bit like having me right there in your own backyard keeping an eye on things, helping you problem-solve, and cheering you on as your garden grows 🌿
If that sounds helpful, come join me in the Backyard😁💚
A peek at what you’ll find inside....The Backyard
My 26 page guide to becoming a 'Plant Doctor'. Learn to identify and deal with all the common pests, diseases and disorders.
A 20 page detailed look at what hydrophobic soil is, how to fix it and prevent it ever happening again.
A lovely little 16 page guide to water saving practices and plant recommendations for a drying climate.
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