Turn 1 Week of Harvest Into 6 Months of Food!

How to Preserve Your Harvest: Canning, Freezing & Dehydrating

Learn easy methods to preserve your garden harvest and enjoy fresh food year-round.

Why Preservation Matters

Fresh produce is terrific, but it doesn’t last long. Preservation ensures food security year-round, reduces waste, and stretches the value of your garden. Learning to store your harvest is just as important as growing it.

How to Preserve

1. Canning

Canning uses heat to seal food in jars, preventing bacterial growth. It works best for high-acid foods like tomatoes, fruits, jams, and pickles. Pressure canning expands the options to low-acid foods like beans and meats.

• Best for: Tomatoes, fruits, jams, salsas, pickles, beans, soups.

2. Dehydrating

Dehydrating removes moisture from food, making it shelf-stable for months. You can dry foods with a dehydrator, oven, or even the sun.

• Best for: Herbs, apples, bananas, tomatoes, jerky, and snack chips like zucchini or kale.

3. Freezing

Freezing locks in freshness quickly, preserving texture and nutrients. Most vegetables should be blanched (boiled briefly, then cooled) before freezing to stop enzyme activity.

• Best for: Corn, beans, broccoli, spinach, berries, peppers, and pre-cooked meals.

4. Fermenting

Fermentation uses natural bacteria and salt brine to transform vegetables into probiotic-rich foods. It adds flavor and long-lasting nutrition.

• Best for: Cabbage (sauerkraut, kimchi), cucumbers (pickles), carrots, beets, and peppers.

This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Shopping List

• Mason jars + lid

• Water-bath canner or pressure canner

• Pressure canning guide

• Dehydrator or oven with low setting

• Freezer bags/containers

• Fermentation jars or crocks, airlock lids, and sea salt

👉  Click here to get 7 Steps to a Self-Sufficient Backyard

👉  Click here to get your Local Survival Gardening Calculator