12 Amish Farming Secrets Every Prepper Should Know

Unlock the secrets of sustainable living with insights straight from the Amish playbook. In this revealing article, we’ll explore 12 time-tested farming techniques that have powered Amish self-reliance for generations—methods so potent they were deemed too dangerous to share outside of their community.

While you might know some of them, few people know all 12 secrets presented below.

We have to thank Eddie Swartzentruber, the daring individual who risked everything and was excommunicated for exposing these Amish farming secrets, including dozens of others, which he shared in The Amish Ways. His journey from a secluded Amish life to becoming a beacon of agrarian wisdom offers a rare glimpse into practices that allow farming without modern technology or synthetic inputs.

Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting to build your self-sufficient homestead, Eddie’s forbidden revelations will empower you with strategies to work in harmony with nature and cultivate a resilient lifestyle. Click here to dive into Eddie’s compelling story and discover things like:

• The Amish backyard root cellar
• How to brew Amish ibuprofen
• The Amish medicinal garden
• DIY off-grid water filter
• Amish survival hacks
• How to barter like an Amish
• and so much more…

Now, getting back to where we started, let’s just go straight for the 12 Amish farming secrets every prepper should know.

1. Horse-Powered Agriculture

The Amish mostly rely on horses for plowing fields and moving goods around. While many modern farms use tractors and machinery, the Amish stick to horse-drawn equipment for planting and harvesting. In a long-term crisis where fuel might be scarce or too expensive, horse-powered farming becomes a practical alternative.
If you’re prepping for tough times, it’s worth getting familiar with animal-powered methods and manual tools. Even if you don’t have access to horses, learning to use tools like hoes, scythes, and wheelbarrows will help you keep your garden or small farm going without modern machinery.

2. Organic Crop Rotation

Amish farmers prioritize keeping their soil healthy by practicing crop rotation. This old-school technique involves planting different crops in the same spot over time to avoid draining the soil of nutrients. For example, they might plant corn one year, then switch to beans the next to add nitrogen back into the soil. Crop rotation also helps control pests naturally, cutting down on the need for chemical fertilizers.
Preppers can use this method to keep their soil fertile and productive year after year. This approach is especially useful when you can’t rely on synthetic fertilizers, ensuring your garden thrives long-term.

3. Heirloom Seeds

The Amish prefer heirloom seeds because they’re hardy, flavorful, and can reproduce naturally. This is not necessarily one of the Amish farming secrets since it is known by farmers of all kinds but the Amish do tend to use it more. Unlike hybrid seeds, which are often sterile or unreliable for future planting, heirloom seeds can be saved and used year after year. For preppers, stocking up on heirloom seeds and learning how to properly save them is a smart move. Not only does it reduce dependency on commercial seed companies, but it also helps preserve biodiversity and provides a steady food supply during extended crises.

4. Companion Planting

The Amish are masters of companion planting, which involves growing certain plants together because they help each other out. A classic example is the “Three Sisters” method of planting corn, beans, and squash together. Corn gives beans something to climb, beans return nitrogen to the soil, and squash covers the ground to keep weeds down and moisture in.
Preppers can adopt companion planting to get more from their garden space, increase yields, and cut back on the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

5. Community-Centered Farming

One of the biggest strengths of Amish life is their sense of community. They share resources, labor, and knowledge to help each other out, whether it’s for harvesting crops or building a barn. This collective effort allows them to thrive without modern conveniences. Preppers can learn a lot from this mindset by building networks with like-minded people. Sharing tools, trading crops, or pitching in on large projects creates a support system that’s invaluable when things get tough.

6. Using Cover Crops

To keep their soil in good shape, the Amish often plant cover crops like clover, rye, or alfalfa after the main growing season. These crops help prevent erosion, smother weeds, and add organic matter back into the soil. In the spring, cover crops are tilled into the ground, boosting the soil’s fertility for the next round of planting.
For preppers, adopting this practice is a great way to extend the life of your garden and keep your soil healthy, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and maintaining a steady food supply even in difficult times.

7. Livestock Integration

Amish farms often integrate livestock like chickens, cows, and pigs into their farming systems. These animals provide manure, which helps fertilize the crops, while crop leftovers are fed to the animals, creating a cycle where nothing goes to waste.
Preppers can follow this example of Amish farming secrets by raising small livestock, such as chickens or rabbits, to provide both food and natural fertilizer. Even if you’re in a suburban setting, a few chickens can make a big difference in how self-sufficient you are.

8. Minimal Technology Reliance

One of the most impressive things about Amish farming is how little it relies on modern technology. By working without tractors, irrigation systems, or chemical pesticides, the Amish have created systems that are resilient to power outages or fuel shortages.
Preppers can benefit from learning similar low-tech techniques, like using hand tools, setting up rainwater collection systems, and practicing natural pest control. By reducing your reliance on external inputs, you’ll be more prepared for disruptions to the grid or supply chains.

9. Home-Made Compost

The Amish understand the value of composting. They turn manure, food scraps, and plant waste into rich soil that keeps their crops thriving. Preppers can do the same by setting up compost piles or bins on their homesteads. This provides a continuous source of natural fertilizer, which is critical in a world where store-bought options might not always be available.

10. Root Cellaring for Preservation

The Amish have long perfected the art of food preservation without relying on modern refrigeration, notably through the use of root cellars—cool, underground spaces that keep produce fresh for extended periods.

For those interested in adopting this sustainable storage method, the Easy Cellar Book offers comprehensive guidance on constructing your own root cellar. Authored by Tom Griffith, a retired nuclear safety inspector, this resource provides detailed instructions, illustrations, and videos to help you build a cost-effective and efficient cellar in your backyard.

Not only does it serve as a food storage solution, but it also functions as a storm shelter, offering protection during natural disasters. By following the Easy Cellar program, you can achieve self-sufficiency and ensure your family’s food security without dependence on electricity. And you can get it now for just $37 here.

11. Simple Irrigation

The Amish often use gravity-fed irrigation or rainwater collection to water their crops. By capturing rainwater in barrels or cisterns, they can keep their fields irrigated without the need for modern plumbing or electric pumps. Preppers can adopt these methods to ensure a steady water supply for their gardens during dry spells, without relying on the grid.

12. Homegrown Herbal Medicine

Many Amish families grow medicinal herbs like echinacea, chamomile, and comfrey, which they use to treat common ailments. Preppers can benefit from growing their own medicinal herbs as well. Learning how to harvest, dry, and prepare these herbs can be a lifesaver when conventional medicine isn’t available.

The Amish have built their farming systems around simplicity, sustainability, and self-reliance, offering a lot of valuable lessons for preppers. Whether you’re interested in growing food without modern tools, building a supportive community, or mastering crop rotation, their techniques can help you create a more resilient homestead and become less dependent on modern systems.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating Amish farming techniques into your preparedness plans can significantly enhance your self-sufficiency and resilience. These time-honored methods, shared courageously by individuals like Eddie Swartzentruber, offer valuable insights into sustainable living without reliance on modern technology. By adopting practices such as horse-powered agriculture, organic crop rotation, heirloom seed preservation, and companion planting, you can cultivate a thriving, self-sustaining homestead. Additionally, building a root cellar, as detailed in the Easy Cellar program, can provide a reliable, off-grid food storage solution.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you implemented any of these Amish farming secrets? What challenges or successes have you encountered on your journey toward self-reliance? Your insights could inspire and assist others in our community. Please leave your comments below.

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