By Mary Myers, WSU Master Gardener
If the trucks stop running, the shelves empty out, and the power grid fizzles—what’s your plan? This isn’t doomsday talk—it’s Tuesday in a rural town. A zombie apocalypse garden isn’t just a fun idea. It’s a quiet way to say “no thanks” to broke systems and “yes please” to food that actually grows when you need it to. Whether you’ve got a full yard, a few buckets, or just a windowsill and some stubbornness, you can grow food that feeds you—and your neighbors. Here are five essential steps to help you get started, no matter what kind of space or resources you’re working with.
Step 1: Know Your Zone & Your Frost Dates
Ferry County spans USDA Zones 5b to 6a, which means short seasons and sneaky frosts. Your garden’s timing depends on knowing your last spring frost and first fall frost—which can vary a lot depending on elevation, valleys, or nearby water.
Last frost: Usually early May to mid-June
First frost: Typically, mid-September to early October
Track these dates on your own property year to year—your microclimate may be wildly different than your neighbor’s. The better you know your frost window, the smarter you’ll plant.
Step 2: Start Small & Grow What You’ll Actually Eat
New gardeners often go big and burn out fast. Instead of tilling half an acre, start with what you’ve got—a flowerpot, a bucket, a porch, or a couple garden boxes. I’ve grown food in vintage suitcases, old mailboxes, plastic tubs, and 5-gallon buckets. You don’t need perfect. You just need to start. Two bush bean plants can give you over a pound of beans. Love kale? Grow kale. Hate radishes? Don’t grow radishes—no matter how well they do for your neighbor. Grow food that feeds your body and your motivation.
Step 3: Build the Soil You Wish You Had
The dirt you’ve got might not be perfect—but you can make it better. Ferry County’s soil varies across its 2,200-plus square miles. A good soil test (ask the WSU Extension Office) can show you what’s missing. It costs anywhere from $17–$90, depending on how deep you go. No budget? No problem. You can build rich soil using what you already have:
- Compost, old hay, manure, leaves, worm castings
- Cardboard, food scraps, coffee grounds
Healthy soil is where the magic starts, and it doesn’t have to cost a thing!
Step 4: Choose Resilient, Cold-Hardy Plants
Skip the tropical fruit. This is survival gardening—think rugged, dependable crops that fill you up and fight off frost. Start with:
- Potatoes, beans, carrots, squash, kale
- Garlic, onions, turnips
- Calendula, thyme, yarrow for backyard medicine
Focus on short-season or early maturing varieties to make the most of our unpredictable weather. Bonus: Perennials like walking onions, rhubarb, and berries come back every year with minimal effort. Grow once, harvest forever.
Step 5: Share, Trade & Learn from Your Neighbors
Gardens grow better in a community. Ferry County has:
- Master Gardeners
- Seed swaps
- Community gardens
- Local barter groups
Don’t have land? Someone does. Don’t have seeds? Someone’s got extras. Trade garlic for eggs. Rhubarb for canning jars. Resilience is a team sport.
Final Thought: Grow Food. Grow Medicine. Grow Together.
A “zombie apocalypse garden” is about way more than zombies. It’s about food that grows when the world slows down. It’s about swapping seeds and stories. It’s counter to the idea that survival is something you have to wait for someone else to provide. In Ferry County, we know better. Reach out to your local Master Gardeners, seed swappers, or just ask your neighbor what’s growing. Even though the growing season will be over soon in Ferry County, there’s things you can do to prepare for next year! This is survival with a smile—and maybe a little dirt under the fingernails.