Project Zomboid – What Are the Best Crops to Grow?

In Project Zomboid, there are several ways to ensure a sustainable source of food. Fishing, trapping, foraging, and farming are all viable options. While the first three require you to stay close to their respective habitats, farming allows you the freedom to start your crops wherever you want. However, choosing the right seeds to grow is essential for optimizing your calories and saving time. In this guide, we will explore the best crops to grow in Project Zomboid.

Which Crops Are Best To Grow in Project Zomboid?

Project Zomboid offers seven types of crops, each providing different calories and serving various purposes. The best crop for you will depend on your specific situation and experience. Occupations and traits can also play a role in leveling up your Farming skills. The Farmer and Gardener professions, for example, provide a total of four farming skill levels in the early game. It’s worth noting that knowing how to farm is just as important as knowing which crops are the best. Compost and fertilizer can also enhance your crop yields. Check out this post for a comprehensive farming guide, as well as tips on making compost.

Criteria to Determine The Best Crop in Project Zomboid

When choosing which crops to grow, there are several factors to consider:

  1. Nutrition: The amount of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and lipids provided by each seed. Higher nutrition means more calories.
  2. Bait Capability: Whether the crop can act as bait. This can significantly improve your trapping skill by eliminating the need to forage for bait.
  3. Ingredient Availability: The presence of seeds in cooking recipes. Crops that can be combined with other ingredients open up the possibility of creating a variety of dishes.
  4. Growing Time: The duration it takes for crops to fully mature. Faster growth means more frequent re-planting cycles.
  5. Amount of Water: The water requirements of the crops. This can be a challenge if your farm is far from a water source.

Top 3 Best Crops To Grow in Project Zomboid

1. Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the best crops to grow in Project Zomboid. It offers the highest nutritional value compared to other crops, providing plenty of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. Cabbage also has a short growth time of just 10 days, allowing for more frequent planting. It can be used as bait for trapping rabbits. However, cabbage has high water requirements and a short shelf-life once harvested.

2. Tomato

Tomatoes are a resilient crop that can be used in most cooking recipes. They have a longer shelf-life compared to other crops and can be used as bait for trapping small animals. Tomatoes have lower nutritional value and higher water requirements, but they are easy to grow with just a few seeds.

3. Carrot

Carrots have a quick growth time and a long shelf-life, making them a reliable source of food. They are versatile in cooking and can be used as bait for trapping rabbits. However, carrots have lower nutritional value and strict water requirements.

These are the top three crops we recommend for Project Zomboid. If you have any suggestions or tips for this guide, feel free to share them in the comment section below!