Food Production Autonomy
Research-backed closed-loop systems (2026 data). Hydroponic/vertical systems deliver 8–10× yield per m² vs soil. LEDs used only when needed.
4
1.5 kg
Total: 6.0 kg/day for 4 people
Tower Garden / ZipGrow style — 8–10× yield vs soil
LED Grow Lights Recommended
Modern LEDs use 60–70% less energy than HPS with 35% higher yields. 120W × 14h/day = 1.68 kWh/day. Lettuce/basil grow 50% faster, 25–30 kg/m²/year in vertical hydro.
LED-Controlled / Enclosed Vertical Plants— tailored to your region
Lettuce / Spinach
30–60 kg/m²/yrFast 30–45 day cycles
Basil / Herbs
25–40 kg/m²High value, fast turnover
Microgreens
50–80 kg/m²/yr7–14 day cycles, nutrient-dense
Cherry Tomatoes / Peppers
15–25 kg/m²With 18h LED schedule
Vertical hydro + LEDs deliver 8–10× soil yield per m². Yields vary by climate zone and growing season.
Setup Cost
$600
$400–$800 range
Extra Daily kWh
1.82
LED 1.68 + pump 0.14
Daily Water
30 L
95% less than soil
Yearly Yield
600 kg
Food Self-Sufficiency100%
95–100% achievable with rotating vertical hydro towers.
Shop Seeds & Gear (supports the free calculator)
Prepper Seed Kit
Potatoes, beans, kale survival pack
LED Grow Light Kit
120W full-spectrum tower kit
IBC Aquaponics Kit
275 gal tote starter system
Tower Seeds & Nutrients
Vertical hydro seed & nutrient pack