I believe I used every way of preserving food from fermenting, pickling, or canning food will never go to waste. These different ways to preserve food didn’t have to be only during the great depression or war.

Covid and other epidemics have had us locked away, and desperate for our daily essential nourishments. It caused havoc and nutritional deficiencies, especially in the elderly, babies, and growing kids.

The laid-back attitude that the new generation is used to has also made things worse. They know next to nothing about preserving food!

I prefer easy refrigerator pickles. The shelf life is also much longer and is more convenient.

In this article, I am giving short easy recipes for pickling Apples, Watermelon Rinds, and Cherries.

That being said, the big question is:

Why Pickle Food?

Pickle juice is packed with sodium and potassium. Known as electrolytes.

According to the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2021, pickle juice is known to reduce muscle cramps. If you can’t take pickles then yogurt, and bananas are also good for cramps.

Vinegar, sugar, and salt make a balanced brine to transform any fruit or veggie into a delicious pickle.

What Are The Benefits?

Pickling veggies or fruits contains natural protein, dietary fiber, potassium, and calcium. I usually prefer pickles with salt, vinegar, or olive oil and spices. I don’t follow a hard and fast rule and it is according to preference.

Pickling (adding acid) prevents spoilage and lowers the pH of preserved fruits and vegetables. Sugar helps to balance the tartness of the vinegar. Refrigeration also stops the growth of harmful bacteria, which can happen in case of accidental contamination.

Pickling What You Never Thought You Could

Cherries

Pickling cherries can be a delightful way to preserve their flavor and enjoy them in various dishes. Pickled cherries can be used in salads, served alongside cheese, or as a unique topping for various dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 Pound fresh cherries, stemmed and pitted
• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• Quart jars or wide-mouth jars
• Optional: A few bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes

Method

Cut cherries in half and place them in a wide-mouth jar.

Add the vinegar, water, sugar, chili flakes and bay leaves into a pan. Bring slowly to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let it simmer for 5 mins.

When it is slightly warm, pour it over the cherries. Cap the bottle tight and refrigerate.

The pickled cherries stay fresh in the refrigerator for over a month and sometimes longer. It is delicious with roast pork.

Pickling Watermelon Rind

You can pickle watermelon rind. It’s a delicious way to use the often-discarded part of the fruit. Pickled watermelon rind has a sweet and tangy flavor, and it makes for a unique and refreshing treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon rind, peeled and cut into small, bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced (optional)

Method

Peel the green outer skin from the watermelon rind and remove any remaining pink flesh. Cut the rind into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the watermelon rind pieces in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for about 5 minutes, or until the rind is just fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

In a separate pot, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, lemon slices, whole cloves, whole allspice, cinnamon stick, and sliced ginger (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the boiled watermelon rind to the pickling liquid. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the watermelon rind becomes translucent and absorbs the flavors.

Allow the pickled watermelon rind to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it along with the pickling liquid and spices to clean, sterilized jars. Seal the jars and refrigerate them for at least 24 hours before consuming. The longer the pickles sit, the more the flavors will meld.

Enjoy the pickled watermelon rind on its own as a snack, as a side dish, or as a topping for salads.

Pickled Apples

While apples are not typically pickled in the same way cucumbers or other vegetables are, they can be preserved through pickling processes, often in the form of spiced apple pickles or apple chutney.

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Apples
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 Cup sugar
• 5 Star anise
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract or a slit vanilla pod

Method

Remove the core and seeds and turn each apple onto a side. Slice them. Place them in a wide mouth jar arranging them on the sides and stacking in the middle. Be careful not to bruise them.

Add vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, and star anise pods to the jar, then set it aside and make the pickling brine. Add water, vinegar salt, and sugar to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.

Pour the hot brine completely covering the apples. Close the lid tightly. Let it cool until it reaches room temperature. Refrigerate.

Here are reasons for using some additional ingredients to add more flavor to pickled apples:

• Dilutes the salt and also adds flavor to pickle the apples
• Adding cinnamon sticks gives a lovely flavor and aroma and is a gastronomical delight to the senses.
• Star anise has a different flavor and adds a lovely taste.
• It adds that lovely sweet smell and warmth. Vanilla has a beautiful fragrance and sweetness when added to the pickling brine.

Of course, these are optional in case you can’t find these ingredients. The main purpose is to quickly preserve any veggies or fruits you find during a particular season.

Important Notes

• You can increase or decrease the amount of brine.
• These are homemade recipes to preserve veggies and fruits during excess periods.
• The brine you use can be made sweeter or sour according to your preference.
• Sterilizing Jars is a must to preserve the pickles. I usually wash thoroughly and boil the jars and covers for at least a good forty-five minutes.

Then I drain the jars and make sure they are bone-dry before I start making pickles.

What is good for someone may not be good for another person. You need to consider whether your tummy can handle some types of acidity. You can use your imagination and tweak these recipes to suit your palate. However, bear in mind that Vinegar and salt are needed to preserve the pickles. They harbor good bacteria and especially since it’s stored in a refrigerator, it is safe to eat.

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The post You Never Thought You Could Pickle These first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

Bacon

Start by selecting good-quality bacon. You can use raw or precooked bacon. Cut the bacon strips into lengths that will fit inside your canning jars. Some people prefer to partially cook the bacon before canning to reduce shrinkage and fat in the jars, but this is optional.

Wash your canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly. Sterilize the jars and keep them hot until you’re ready to use them. Ensure the lids are clean, but you don’t need to sterilize them in boiling water.

Pack the bacon strips tightly into the hot, sterilized jars. You can add a pinch of canning salt if you like, but it’s optional.

Use a clean, non-metallic tool to remove any air bubbles by gently pressing the bacon down in the jars.

Use a clean, damp paper towel or cloth to wipe the rims of the jars to ensure they are clean and free from any grease or debris.

Related: Canning Bone Broth That Lasts For More Than 2 Years

Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight (not overly tight). This allows air to escape during the canning process.

Follow your pressure canner’s instructions for canning meat. Typically, you’ll need to add water to the canner, place the filled jars inside, and process them at the recommended pressure and time for your altitude. Canning bacon usually requires a higher pressure setting than vegetables or fruits.

After the canning process is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure canner to cool down naturally. Once it’s safe to do so, remove the jars with a jar lifter and place them on a clean, dry towel. As they cool, you should hear the lids “ping” as they seal. Let the jars cool completely.

After the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t flex or make a popping sound, the jar is sealed. If a jar is not properly sealed, refrigerate and consume its contents promptly.

Store the sealed, canned bacon in a cool, dark place. Canned bacon can be stored for an extended period, often up to a year or more.

Butter

Canning butter is often done using a method called “canning in a water bath,” but there are some important considerations to ensure the butter is safely preserved.

Use high-quality, unsalted butter. You can use store-bought butter or homemade butter. Cut the butter into smaller pieces or cubes to make it easier to handle.

Wash your canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly. Sterilize the jars and keep them hot until you’re ready to use them. Ensure the lids are clean, but you don’t need to sterilize them in boiling water.

Fill the hot, sterilized jars with the prepared butter, leaving about 1/2-inch of headspace at the top. It’s essential to pack the jars firmly to minimize air gaps.

Use a clean, damp paper towel or cloth to wipe the rims of the jars to ensure they are clean and free from any butter residue.

Related: How To Make Condensed Milk That Can Last More Than 2 Years

Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight (not overly tight). This allows air to escape during the canning process.

Place the filled jars in a large pot or canning kettle, making sure they are not in direct contact with the pot’s bottom. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the jars with at least 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a gentle boil.

Process the jars in the boiling water bath for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The exact time may vary depending on your altitude and the size of the jars. Consult a reliable source for precise processing times.

After the canning process is complete, turn off the heat and allow the jars to cool naturally. As they cool, you should hear the lids “ping” as they seal. Let the jars cool completely.

After the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t flex or make a popping sound, the jar is sealed. If a jar is not properly sealed, refrigerate and consume its contents promptly.

Store the sealed, canned butter in a cool, dark place. Canned butter can typically be stored for an extended period, often up to a year or more.

Mushrooms

Canning mushrooms help maintain their flavor and texture while extending their shelf life.

Start with fresh mushrooms. Clean them thoroughly by brushing off any dirt or debris. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel for this. Trim the stems and cut the mushrooms into slices or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

Wash the canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water, and rinse them well. Sterilize the jars by submerging them in boiling water for 10 minutes to ensure they are clean and free from any potential contaminants. Keep the jars hot until you’re ready to use them.

Blanch the cleaned mushrooms in boiling water for about 5 minutes. This helps to preserve their texture and reduce the risk of darkening. After blanching, drain the mushrooms.

Fill the hot, sterilized jars with the blanched mushrooms, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. You can add salt (about 1/2 teaspoon per pint jar) if desired, but it’s optional.

Pour hot water or a mushroom broth (if you prefer) into the jars, covering the mushrooms while maintaining the 1-inch headspace. Make sure to remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars or using a non-metallic tool.

Related: How To Grow Food From Sawdust Blocks

Use a clean, damp paper towel or cloth to wipe the rims of the jars to ensure they are clean and free from any food residue.

Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight (not overly tight). This allows air to escape during the canning process.

Follow your pressure canner’s instructions for canning mushrooms. Typically, you’ll need to add water to the canner, place the filled jars inside, and process them at the recommended pressure and time for your altitude. Canning mushrooms require pressure canning for safety.

After the canning process is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure canner to cool down naturally. Once it’s safe to do so, remove the jars with a jar lifter and place them on a clean, dry towel. As they cool, you should hear the lids “ping” as they seal. Let the jars cool completely.

After the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t flex or make a popping sound, the jar is sealed. If a jar is not properly sealed, refrigerate and consume its contents promptly.

Store the sealed, canned mushrooms in a cool, dark place. Canned mushrooms can typically be stored for an extended period, often up to a year or more.

Sausage Patties

You can use either cooked or uncooked sausage patties, depending on your preference. If you’re using uncooked patties, you can either partially cook them in a skillet or oven before canning, or you can can them raw. If using cooked patties, make sure they are thoroughly cooked before canning.

Wash the canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water, and rinse them well. Sterilize the jars by submerging them in boiling water for 10 minutes to ensure they are clean and free from any potential contaminants. Keep the jars hot until you’re ready to use them.

Fill the hot, sterilized jars with the sausage patties. Leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top of the jar. If you’re canning raw sausage patties, you can pack them more tightly since they will shrink during the canning process.

You can add a small amount of liquid to the jars to help improve the quality of the product. A little broth or hot water (or even a mixture of both) can be added, but it’s optional. This step can help keep the sausages moist during storage.

Use a clean, damp paper towel or cloth to wipe the rims of the jars to ensure they are clean and free from any food residue.

Related: Pioneer Recipes Every Homesteader Should Learn

Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight (not overly tight). This allows air to escape during the canning process.

Follow your pressure canner’s instructions for canning sausage patties. Typically, you’ll need to add water to the canner, place the filled jars inside, and process them at the recommended pressure and time for your altitude. Canning sausage patties require pressure canning for safety.

After the canning process is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure canner to cool down naturally. Once it’s safe to do so, remove the jars with a jar lifter and place them on a clean, dry towel. As they cool, you should hear the lids “ping” as they seal. Let the jars cool completely.

After the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t flex or make a popping sound, the jar is sealed. If a jar is not properly sealed, refrigerate and consume its contents promptly.

Store the sealed, canned sausage patties in a cool, dark place. Canned sausage patties can typically be stored for an extended period, often up to a year or more.

This article explores several possibilities for canning foods outside of the more traditional foods. You might want to try some of these foods, or who knows, you may have some surprises yourself!

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The post Why Haven’t You Canned This? first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

The name is French from “dent de lion” meaning tooth of a lion which refers to the shape of the leaves. Most people consider dandelions nuisances; they are seen as weeds because they grow in places like lawns or crop fields where people don’t want them to grow.

However, dandelions* can be very useful for you and your family. From dandelion flower oil and dandelion vinegar to dandelion tea, dandelion soap, and dandelion honey, these are some of my favorite uses that I wanted to pass on to you.

Dandelion Flower Infused Oil

The shelf life of strained dandelion oil is about one year.

This oil is used in recipes to soothe and heal chapped or cracked skin. It can also be used for sore muscles, aches and pains, and sore muscles.

How to make it:

Put dried dandelion flowers in a canning jar, half-full. Cover with sunflower, olive, avocado, jojoba, apricot kernel, or sweet almond oil to the top of the jar.

• For a quick oil infusion: Set the jar down, uncovered, into a saucepan that is filled with a few inches of water. Heat for 2-3 hours over a low burner; make sure the water doesn’t evaporate. Remove from the stove and strain.
• For a slower oil infusion: Cap the jar of dried dandelion flowers mixed with oil (as described above) and store it in a dark, dry cupboard for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar occasionally. After 4-6 weeks, strain.
• An alternate option for infusion: Set the jar of dandelion flowers and oil on a sunny windowsill. Allow the natural heat from the sun to infuse the mixture for about two weeks. Then strain.

Related: 10 Medicinal Plants You Can Find On Your Homestead

Dandelion Vinegar

To extract the minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron) in dandelions, vinegar does the trick! The new mixture of dandelion vinegar can be used as a hair rinse after diluting equal parts of water. And it can be used to help with itchy bug bites. Add one cup of Epsom salts along with one cup of dandelion vinegar to bath water for achy tired muscles.

How to make it:

Pick fresh dandelions, rinse well, and fill a jar but don’t pack too tightly. Next, pour apple cider vinegar over the plant matter until the jar is full. Cover the top of the jar with plastic wrap or wax paper; screw the lid on tightly. Place the covered jar in a dark, dry cupboard for 4-6 weeks. Shake occasionally. Strain before using as described above (e.g., as a hair rinse, a topical for itchy skin, or for sore muscles).

The dandelion vinegar can also be used to make a homemade healthy vinaigrette by combining 3 T of oil, 2 tsp. of dandelion vinegar, 1 T crumbled bacon, ½ T chopped onion, 1 tsp. maple syrup, and salt and pepper to taste. Shake in a jar and let stand for 20-30 minutes. Shake again before pouring (and enjoying) over the salad.

Dandelion Tea

You can take the dandelion flowers and combine them with water to make tea. Dandelion tea is a classic herbal tonic; it will help purify and detox the blood and help with acne and constipation.

How to make it:

Suggested dosage 1-3 cups daily, start with a lower amount as it has laxative and diuretic properties for your body to get used to.

Heat 4½ cups of water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. In a heat-safe container, place 2 cups of dandelion petals. Pour the boiling water over the petals and stir. Next, cover the container and steep for an hour. Then, strain. Toss out the petals (you can compost them) and keep the tea. It will look yellow.

If you prefer a stronger tea, steep for a longer time. The shade will change to darker yellow. You should have 4 cups of liquid after straining. Pour yourself a cup and enjoy with a touch of lemon, a fresh orange slice, and/or honey.

Dandelion Soap

This all-natural easy soap recipe helps soothe the body and relax the mind. The lotion bars also help with cracked dry skin and soreness. Plus, the soap makes a wonderful gift!

How to make it:

Add 10 ounces of the dandelion tea liquid (see preparation for the dandelion tea #3 above), 14 oz. olive oil, 1 oz. coconut oil, 3 oz. sunflower oil, 2 oz. shea butter, 1½ oz. of both jojoba oil and tamanu oil, 1 oz. of lye (sodium hydroxide), and ½ oz. of honey in a crock pot. Heat on low to medium heat.

Watch the soap mixture so it does not crack. If the mixture starts to crack, turn down the heat. This batch will fit a 3-lb. mold, measuring 8″ x 3.5″ x 3.5,″ and yield 7 or 8 bars of soap. For optional color, add 3 tsp. annatto seed powder to make orange or ½ tsp. of annatto seed powder for yellow.

Related: If You Have This Plant in Your Backyard, You Will Never Run Out of Soap

Dandelion-Infused Honey

Raw honey is soothing on the throat and GI tract. It can inhibit the growth of organisms associated with ulcers and may help with seasonal allergies. That’s why so many people use it to preserve foods. It can also be used as a face wash on the skin to help with acne. You could take one to two tablespoons daily.

How to make it:

Pluck the yellow petals off the dandelions and stuff them into a small jar. Slowly, pour raw honey over them and stir with a knife to remove any air bubbles. Allow the mixture to sit in a dark, dry cupboard for several days. Then strain the flowers from the honey by heating the mixture over low heat. Pour out of the crock pot and strain again so the honey liquid is separated by the dandelion flowers. The shelf life is about a year.

Personal Thoughts About Using Dandelions

After reading this article, you can see that, the dandelion is not always a nuisance. Perhaps you can add to this list of benefits that the dandelion provides.

*Disclaimer: Dandelions are safe for most people to eat, but they are not recommended internally if you have active gallstones or are on a prescription diuretic. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend honey to be eaten by children under age one. The information from this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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The post DO THIS With The Dandelions Growing Around Your House first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

Over the years, I have added many flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees to the landscape for medicinal, aesthetics purposes and to attract insects in the garden. However, there are a few that I regret planting. I thought they were worth sharing.

Spiderwort

Spiderwort comes in many varieties.

Tradescantia ‘Sweet Kate’ has bright yellow foliage that emerges in late spring. It grows to about 14 inches tall with brilliant purple flowers. The plant self-seeds and grows everywhere in tight bundles.

Although the flower is my favorite color and very pretty, the tight bundles choke out other plants.

Spiderwort grows vigorously with roots about 2-3 inches and is tightly packed making it difficult to remove. The flower lasts only one day; it is not necessary to deadhead the plants. And since the cottage is not our primary residence and we are not there all of the time, we did not deadhead the plants ever… that is, until this year.

I didn’t know that without deadheading, the plant is prone to self-seed. Also, the flowerbed is in direct sunlight which results in better blooms.

So this summer, we deadheaded the plant and moved much of it to the spacious front prairie garden. This allowed the vinca that was underneath to spread and not be smothered by the spiderwort in the front flowerbed. We positioned the remaining spiderwort by some landscape rocks and in front of the stone porch wall as a backdrop to the flower bed. It also helped with weeding the tall grasses that grew among the spiderwort.

Most importantly, the spiderwort now provides a very attractive view when driving up the driveway or walking to the front door along the flagstone path. Now, I am looking forward to the spiderwort spreading in the prairie garden down to the lake. That should be a beautiful site!

Related: These 9 Common Garden Plants Are Toxic To Chickens

Daylilies

This low-maintenance perennial has a long bloom period.

Since it can grow in almost any soil quality and it is predominantly disease and pest-free plus drought-resistant, daylilies can spread quickly. The daylily is known as Hemerocallis from the Greek hemera meaning “day” and kallos meaning “beauty.” Although each flower lasts one day, there can be 12-15 buds on each scape with about 4-6 scapes on each plant making the flower appear to bloom forever.

I planted the daylilies in many places: around the mailbox on the dirt road, circling the outdoor light, in front of the bunkhouse, along the driveway, and for a border in front of the sunroom overlooking the prairie garden and lake. I originally combined early, late, midseason, and repeat bloomers so there could be flowers from springtime through the end of summer. All of the areas are in full sun so the flowers spread profusely.

I wish that I did not plant so many of them together in some of the areas. They grow so tall and, consequently, the grass grows equally tall so some of the beds look like a jungle. It is very difficult to weed since the lilies grow so close together. It wasn’t until this past June that I divided the plants to control their spread. This resulted in better and more frequent blooms.

There are thousands of daylilies to choose from that come in many colors, shades, and colors. Among my favorites are the Stella de Ora, the yellow-flowered lilies that bloom all summer; Ruby Spider with their wide scarlet-red flowers with golden throats; and two varieties of purple lilies, Catherine Woodbury which blooms in mid to late-summer with fragrant lavender-pink lilies and Indian Giver with their large rich-purple flowers blooming slightly earlier to late summer.

I enjoy the mixture of the lilies and am satisfied with how they are now separated so I can get the areas weeded more easily.

Prairie Roses (Rosa arkansana)

This woody native perennial enjoys part shade and sun and grows in prairies, edges of woods, and along roads.

In our back acre woods, the prairie rose has spread with each plant growing 6-40 inches and blooming in June and July. 1-4 flowers typically form at the tips of new ground shoots and at the tips of second-year lateral branches of older woody stems.

Related: You Should Never Plant This Near Your House

The flowers are a beautiful shade of pure white to deep rose with some of them bi-colored and 1.5-2 inches across with 5 broad rounded petals with wavy edges often notched at the tip; all with a golden center. The prairie roses spread from underground rhizomes and often form colonies.

The plant is extremely sturdy. The stems above the ground live for a few years and then die back to be replaced by newer shoots. Despite trying to cut back the number of prairie rose plants, they creep back every year into the outdoor sand volleyball court, fill up the driveway, and travel under the driveway to the other side of the woods and throughout other areas where they are not wanted.

I have had so many compliments about the prairie roses in our yard, and have given many plants away so they can grow in other’s gardens and be enjoyed by my friends and family members. And I am very cautious where I plant/transplant them as I now know that they really do spread quickly.

General Aspects

I love flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees. They boost my mood and make me smile. They add a splash of color to the landscape and attract insects including bees that are so necessary in our habitat.

However, I have learned that a few of my choices may not have been the best choices.

Spiderwort, daylilies, and prairie roses have all aggressively taken over areas of land that were not intended for their growth.

With more knowledge, and a lot of time transplanting, cutting back, and weeding, I have managed to tame the landscape and reclaim the name Haven Hill. There is always so much to learn about gardening.

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The post I Regret Planting These first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

Some of you might be wondering how much water these plants need and when is it best to water them to have the optimal health and success of your plants. This article will explain the watering techniques for seedlings, established vegetable plants, in-ground beds, and water containers. It will talk about the best times to water.

Hopefully, these tips will help maximize your watering efficiency and you will have a healthy harvest this summer and for many years to come!

Under or Overwatering Seedlings

Newly planted and young seedlings need a steady supply of moisture as their roots are being developed.

It is best to water the seedbeds in the morning and then again at night if a dry crust forms on the soil. It’s important to help prevent the germinating seeds from drying out and dying. However, you must be careful not to overwater and allow the soil to get too soggy. Too much water can lead to disease.

For example, a fungus can kill young seedlings or the roots can rot. The secret is to maintain a moist soil (not wet) until the plants have healthy root systems.

Prevention: Water long enough to ensure the roots are getting water.

Related: How To Harvest Seeds From Plants You Are Already Growing

Not Frequently Watering a Vegetable Garden

Unlike seedlings, established plants do not need to be watered daily. In fact, watering them too often may promote shallow root growth which leads to the plants drying out when the soil dries out, especially on sunny hot days.

It is best to deep soak the vegetables two to three times weekly so the roots are watered beyond the top few inches. Make sure to factor in any rainfall to avoid overwatering as well as hot and dry temperatures where you may need to water more frequently.

Prevention: Water the vegetables two-three times weekly and several inches deep.

Not Adjusting to Different Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs

Different plants have different watering needs. Shallow-rooted plants (e.g., lettuce) need to be watered more often than deep-rooted plants like tomatoes.

Prevention: Adjust the amounts of water you need to supply to your plants based on root systems.

Not Using a Rain Gauge

You can keep track of the amount of rain your plants have received using a rain gauge. Most vegetable plants that are grown inground need about an inch of water weekly. Remember that sandy soil dries more quickly than heavy clay soil. And container gardens and raised beds will need more water – see #4.

Prevention: Use a rain gauge to do just that: gauge the rain so you can adjust the amount of water needed.

Related: Rainwater Tank That Irrigates A Small Herb Garden

Watering During the Hottest Time of the Day

I know that the best time to water the garden is in the morning. This way, leaves that may get wet when watering have time to dry before nighttime and there will be less chance of the water evaporating before it reaches the root systems.

If you wait to water in the heat of the day, the water will evaporate faster and less water will reach the roots of the plants.

Nighttime may look like an appealing time to water, but dropping/cooling temperatures can lead to the spread of some foliar diseases and an increase in pests. If you choose to water at night, try not to wet the leaves of the plants.

Prevention: Water in the morning.

Underwatering Container Gardens and Raised Beds

Since the soil mixture used in containers and raised beds by design drains more quickly than that of inground beds and the soil is above ground (as the temperatures rise throughout the day, the soil above ground also gets warmer), the vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown in the containers and raised beds need more water.

The sun increases evaporation, too. Stick a moisture meter in the containers and beds regularly or use your fingers. Simply, test a couple of inches into the soil. Is it dry? Then you need to water. Without a sufficient amount of water, plants will start to wilt and their growth will be stunted.

Prevention: Measure for dryness regularly and water accordingly.

Related: 10 Off-Grid Water Systems You Should Have On Your Property

Watering the Leaves

When you water the leaves, it may help spread some plant diseases. You should try to water only the soil surface as plants get their moisture through their roots and avoid wetting the leaves.

Consider using a watering wand, a soaker hose, or a drip irrigation system to primarily wet the soil and provide a more even distribution of water. In the long run, it will be a time saver. Sprinklers lead to water waste and an increase in fungal diseases for your plants.

Prevention: Avoid watering the leaves as much as possible. Use a tool to provide even distribution of water and to help water the soil and avoid the leaves.

Not Knowing Your Soil Type

Different soil types have different moisture retention rates which, in turn, require different amounts of water. My garden has sandy soil so it drains quickly and then it needs to be watered more frequently than clay soil which holds moisture for a longer time.

Prevention: Adjust watering for soil type.

Fertilizing Before Watering

If you fertilize before watering your garden, the fertilizers will wash away. This leaves little benefit to your plants.

Water first, then after a few hours you can apply the fertilizer. This way, the fertilizer has time to be absorbed in the roots.

Prevention: Fertilize at the right time.

Not Using Mulch

To help keep the soil moisture consistent and ensure healthy plants, mulching your garden beds is your answer. When selecting your mulch, pick something that breaks down slowly and also a mulch that won’t prevent or hinder the water flow or drainage.

Prevention: Use the right mulch.

Checking Your Equipment Regularly

It’s important to check your irrigation system and hoses regularly. Small leaks decrease the water pressure for an even distribution of water and waste precious waste resources.

Prevention: Keep your equipment in tip-top shape.

With summertime in full swing, it’s necessary to know how to water your garden correctly.

By avoiding these 11 common mistakes, you can have healthy plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

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Besides using the food scraps for a compost pile or to grow new vegetables on your kitchen counter, many of these scraps can be used as an ingredient in different recipes, as a snack, or even to create a complete meal.

Let’s look at 7 foods that can be cooked from scraps that are often tossed away. I’m sure this will get you thinking of other foods that are often tossed away and what you can create with them.

Fat Drippings

Most people drain their bacon, pork, and beef fat and either dump it into the sink or toss it in the trash. Either way, this is not the best solution. Dumping fat down the sink can harm your plumbing. And there is no value in the drippings if thrown away.

Instead, consider draining the fat into a cup or jar and storing it in your refrigerator (it can last a few months), or place it on your counter away from direct sunlight and heat (it will last 1-2 weeks at room temperature).

The fat drippings can be used as cooking oil or grease. Besides using the fat drippings for cooking, you can make a delicious snack called cracklins (from pork fat) or gribenes (from chicken fat).

Recipe for Cracklins or Gribenes – A delicious salty snack or topping served over potatoes or liver and onions

• Collect fat trimmings and place them in a shallow pan
• Keep the different kinds of fat separate as they heat up differently
• Cover with enough water to submerge them
• Render the fat on low heat until the fat becomes crunchy and the liquid fat is rendered in the pan
• Then strain the liquid fat into a jar
• Set the crunchy fat pieces on a paper towel or cloth to drain off excess oil

Related: What Happens When You Mix Fat With Ashes

Gravy

You can make delicious homemade gravy from any type of meat scraps and fat left over from steak, pork chops, and ground beef.

Deglaze the frying pan with water, milk, bone broth, veggie broth, or chicken broth; agitate, stir, and scrape the pieces from the pan with a spatula. Take the meat scraps and add flour and water to make a rich and glossy gravy to add to any meal.

Gravies are wonderful additions to potatoes and meats of all types.

Vegetable Greens

When making a salad or cutting up vegetables, there are inevitably some leftover pieces (beet greens, celery leaves, broccoli stocks, radish greens, and other edible stocks and leaves) that end up in the trash.

Instead, collect them in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. These scraps are very nutritious and can be readily used in soups, salads, omelets, casseroles, etc., or consider sauteing them with other veggies for a tasty side dish served at any meal.

Fermented Foods from Scraps

Think about the discarded ends of cucumbers, the outer layers of onions, or the cores of cabbage that are still edible.

Instead of throwing them away, put them in a jar and ferment them. The fermented chopped veggies make a delicious tangy salad topper, snack, or relish substitute. What’s more? The veggie scraps are good for your gut health and overall digestion.

Related: I Fermented My Entire Garden, Now What?

Fruit and Veggie Chips

Think about apple peels, sweet potato skins, carrot skins, cucumber peels, and other fruits and vegetable scraps.

Try making fruit and veggie chips by baking or dehydrating the skins. The chips are healthy, delicious, and there is no added cost! Take potatoes, for example. Try baking the skins for a crunchy snack. You can also shred the peels to make hash browns or a pot of rich, creamy potato soup.

Bones for Stock

The next time you cut up a whole chicken, you will see the bones that are left over. From the bones, you can make rich chicken stock.

Put the bones in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1-8 hours. Add more water when necessary as it evaporates when boiling.

You can use the stock for soups, casseroles, and any number of other recipes that call for a broth base or for broth flavoring.

Veggie Stock

Toss veggie ends (e.g., onions, celery stubs, tomato stems, garlic nubs, carrot skins, etc.) into a pot of boiling salted water. Cook for a few hours until fragrant. Add herbs and spices like rosemary and thyme for flavor.

Use the stock in other dishes. If you aren’t eating the veggies from the broth, dispose of them in a compost bin for further “reuse.”

Hopefully, this article will spark your thinking of other recipes that can be created with kitchen scraps. Chutneys, salsas, slaws, omelets, stews, casseroles… and much more. So much more!

There are so many benefits of cooking with food scraps. Some top ones include boosting your nutrition, stretching your food budget, and helping the environment to reduce food waste. You also become a more creative cook which makes each day in the kitchen even more exciting!

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Parents can provide this information and schools can offer support when it fits into the curriculum. Let’s look at some of these skills.

How To Find Safe Water

If the electricity goes out, how will you get water?

If your home has a well, then it’s important that household members know how to access this water.

If well water isn’t available and you don’t have bottled water, then you need to know how to filter water so it’s safe to consume. Waterborne pathogens cause annually lots of deaths, hospitalizations, illnesses, and healthcare costs. Boiling water for one minute from nearby sources like a creek, river, or lake will make it safe to drink. Let it cool before using; pour the water into bottles for easy transport or storage.

How To Find Shelter To Stay Warm And Dry

If your child needs to find shelter away from home, they can practice building a temporary shelter from tree branches.

If they’re old enough to use a pocket knife, you can teach them how to cut the branches; or, if not, they can break the branches from the tree limbs.

Branches with leaves will offer shelter away from the rain and wind. Leaves or pine needles can be laid down inside the shelter so it’s more comfortable, and other branches, leaves, or bark can be used as a blanket or layered under clothes to keep warm.

Related: 50 Movies That Will Teach You A Lot About Survival

How To Build A Fire

Building a fire can save your life, provide warmth, and be a source for cooking food. It’s best to learn how to start a fire properly so it’s kept under control.

First, round up dry bits of grass, pine, moss, lichen, and leaves to start before adding kindling (small dry twigs and branches) to burn easily, and then add wood. There should be no overhanging branches where you have the fire and about a 10-foot circumference of a clearing. Digging a small one-foot-deep pit is helpful to contain the fire. If there are rocks in the area, you can arrange them around the pit.

After the fire starts with a lighter or match, larger branches and logs can be added. A shovel and bucket are helpful to put out the fire. Toss some dirt from the bucket and stir the fire with the shovel. The fire should be cold before leaving the site. If there is still heat coming from the “fire”, then continue to pour dirt on the fire and stir the area.

How To Use A Knife Safely

It’s important to know how to hold, carry, and use a knife properly if needed to build a shelter, hunt, skin, a fish, etc.

There are many ways to hold a knife. One way is with the handle grip. Your entire hand grips the handle behind the bolster (the area where the blade meets the handle). Another method is called the blade or pinch grip. Your thumb and forefinger rest against the blade in front of the bolster; the middle, ring, and pinky finger wrap around the blade.

How To Swim

Swimming is a very popular activity for children and adolescents so it’s imperative they learn how to tread water, float, and swim a considerable distance.

This will help if they’re in a life-threatening situation where they need to swim. Plus, swimming skills will most likely help your child enjoy water sports more and build their confidence in and around water.

Basic First Aid

Your child should know where the first aid supplies are kept and how to treat such things as minor cuts and burns. They also need to know which injuries are more serious and need the doctor’s attention.

Basic Self-Defense

Children need to know not to talk to strangers and to get away if someone grabs them. They should push toward the person instead of pulling away. If someone grabs them by the wrist, they can jerk in the direction of the other person’s fingers. If their fingers are pointed down, then they should jerk their hands down.

Related: 25 Things We Did as Kids That Would Get Someone Arrested Today

How To Sew

Threading a needle, sewing a button, and darning a hole are basic sewing skills that children can learn. After mending clothes, they can learn to make a blanket by stitching smaller pieces of material together.

How To Read A Map And Use A Compass

If the power is gone, it’s essential to know how to use a map (that isn’t on a phone). They should be able to look at a map and find their way back to safety. Simple compass coordinates should be reviewed and that can assist them.

Know Where Family And Friends Reside

Memorizing addresses is one thing but it’s necessary to know how to get to safe homes should they need to find one. If the power is gone, then their GPS won’t work. Practice walking to homes where your child will be welcome and safe during any emergency.

What To Do In Inclement Weather

Your child’s school most likely practices tornado drills. Conduct drills at home. Remind them to stay away from windows and go to the basement. If there isn’t a basement, designate an interior room or hallway on the lowest level of the building.

Vehicle Maintenance

When your child gets older, teach them how to check and top off fluids including oil, how to change a flat tire, and how to replace windshield wipers, etc.

Climbing A Tree

Show them how to climb safely and alert them when a distance is too high to climb. Climbing can be useful to get away from predators, or it can be used to get your directional bearings.

Gardening

Start with container gardening and high-producing plants like cherry tomatoes, green beans, peppers, or strawberries. Learn about soil, water, and harvesting. Move on to different plants that your child prefers or those that do well in the area.

How To Fish

Tying on a fishhook, putting on bait, and taking off fish are pretty easy skills to learn. Combine those skills with casting and you are all set. Fishing may come in handy if you need to rely on fish to eat in a survival situation.

Local Edible And Medicinal Plant Knowledge

To avoid poisonous look-alikes, teach those plants that aren’t like berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries), nettle, watercress, dandelions, and cattails. Gradually add more plants native to your area. Look for recipes and study the benefits of each of the plants.

Opening A Can With/Without A Can Opener

First, master using a can opener with various sizes of cans. Then move on to showing your child how to open a can without a can opener.

One way is to rub the metal can on a large rock or cement.

How To Signal For Help (SOS)

There are some simple ways to signal for help in a life-threatening situation. You can spell out the letters SOS with rocks or use 3 large X marks in the shape of a triangle.

Or you can write the letters in the sand. Another way is to use the Morse code with a flashlight or the light of a mobile phone. Produce 3 short flashes, then 3 long flashes, then 3 short flashes

Use The GPS Function On The Phone

Despite a cell phone not always being available or working if there should be an outage, kids can learn how to navigate to home, the police station, the hospital, to “safe” homes of friends and family, etc. while using the phone and typing in addresses.

There are many survival skills that can be taught to your children.

These capabilities are important for taking care of themselves for a few days should a situation arise.

Although we don’t know what is in store for us, these skills provide a foundation to build much-needed confidence and a skill level to thrive in emergency situations. What other skill would you add to this list? Let us know in the Comments section.

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Why are some of these foods recommended for an emergency pantry? First off, they have a long shelf life. In addition, these foods offer convenience and nutrition.

So, let’s look at 23 survival foods that may be overlooked but are essential foods for your pantry.

Alcohol

If you have a compact alcohol stove, alcohol is needed for fuel. It also serves as a disinfectant for tools and wounds. An unopened bottle of alcohol will last a long time; if opened, it has two years of shelf life. To improve the shelf life of fruit, consider improving the shelf life of fruit by soaking it in alcohol (e.g., whiskey, rum, or vodka).

Apple Cider Vinegar

The antioxidants found in apple cider vinegar have many health benefits. The vinegar can improve gut health and soothe a cough. It has a very long shelf life.

Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)

Chickpeas are high in protein which gives an added boost to any meal with its unique texture, flavor, and nutrients. The shelf life is 30 years or more if stored in an air-tight container.

Coconut Oil

Great for cooking, coconut oil remains in a solid form until used. If stored in an air-tight container and in a dry, cool area, the oil has a shelf life of at least two years.

Related: Long Lasting Oils You Should Stockpile Right Now

Cornmeal

Cornmeal can be used to make corn tortillas (without adding yeast). It can also be used to add a corn flavor or thicken a variety of soups/dishes.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch can be used as a thickener for gravies, soups, and other dishes. It can also help repel insects, soothe a rash, deodorize, and clean. Besides these unique benefits, cornstarch has a long shelf length.

Dried Fruit

Many different fruits can be dried in a dehydrator or oven. Some popular ones include dates, raisins, figs, cranberries, bananas, cherries, apricots, blueberries, plums, and mango. You might want to experiment with other fruits. Store in an air-tight container to increase the shelf life to an optimal five years.

Dried Veggies

Consider storing dried vegetables to be used in soups and other hot dishes or eaten as is. The dried veggies will keep their flavor for decades.

Honey

This tasty food helps sweeten foods and beverages, boosts energy, and soothes sore throats and coughs. The natural antifungal and antibacterial properties will also boost oxygen for healing wounds. Stored in an air-tight container, honey will last a long time. Make sure you look for 100% honey if purchasing in a store.

Jerky

Beef, turkey, salmon, and chicken can be made into jerky. Jerky is a great source of protein. Consider buying the jerky or even making it on your own.

Related: The 10-Dollar Jerky Maker

Kamut

Kamut, an often-overlooked grain, is easy to digest and offers much more protein than wheat (40% more). The shelf life is similar to other grains.

Lentils

High in protein, lentils have a shelf life of up to five years when stored in an air-tight container.

Maple Syrup

This sugar sweetener replacement adds flavor to foods, has more calcium than milk, and contains other nutrients (e.g., zinc, potassium, and iron).

Nonfat Dry Milk and Powdered Milk

With a shelf life of 20 years, nonfat dry milk has high nutritional value and offers a balance of potassium, sodium, carbohydrates, and fiber. Powdered milk is also nutritional and has a better taste than nonfat dry milk. However, the shelf life is shorter (i.e., 2 years for an opened package of powdered milk opposed to 20 years for nonfat dry milk).

Related: How To Dehydrate Milk For Long Term Storage

Nut Butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter are great healthy sources of nutrition and energy. Consider buying this common staple or making your own.

Nuts

Nuts are a wonderful source of protein, fiber, and necessary fat. They are also rich in iron, selenium, fluoride, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. Stored properly, they have a shelf life of one year.

Pasta

Offering a good source of carbohydrates and good flavor with various seasonings, unopened dried pasta can last for two years. It is an easy add-on to soups and stews and makes any dish more filling. Pasta is also lightweight for storage making it a top choice for emergency pantries.

Potato Flakes

Easy to make, instant potatoes can be added to thicken soup or other dishes. They can also be turned into flour for making bread. Unopened bags of potato flakes last for up to 15 years. When opened, the shelf life is approximately 6-12 months.

Powdered Drink Mixes

Like lemonade and fruit drink mixes. Many of the powdered drink mixes have vitamin C added. They are an easy way to make beverages and have a long shelf life.

Quinoa

If you want a grain that is full of nutrition (8 grams of protein and 8 essential amino acids in a cup), then quinoa is worth trying. Simply store the uncooked grain in an air-tight container to last up to six months.

Rolled Oats

Offering a great source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamin B6, protein, and fiber, rolled oats are easy to make and equally easy to store. Their shelf life can be about 30 years if they are stored in an air-tight container and in a dry, cool location.

Sugar and Salt

A little sugar and salt add flavor to meals and can last several years. Salt can also be used to preserve foods (like meats).

Yeast

When stored in an air-tight package and at room temperature, yeast lasts a few years. It is suggested to store the yeast in separate packets to ensure that the product stays air-tight and sealed. Containing protein, fiber, vitamin B, zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals, yeast is a welcome ingredient to make bread.

Many people have a pantry of common foods that are used quite often. However, you can consider other foods that are great additions to your pantry, especially to be stockpiled in case of any future emergency.

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Collecting nutritious rainwater in a rain barrel from a roof, has many uses: from watering lawns, gardens, or indoor plants to doing laundry.

This process has many benefits. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. It is also a great way to conserve water for a relatively low cost of materials. Natural rainwater is best unfiltered for gardens. After all, it is filtered through solar distillation. However, for household use, filtered water is recommended.

This article explains an easy and cheap way to do just that in a few simple steps. This ensures one of the healthiest, cleanest water possible.

Step #1

First, buy a new vinegar barrel or an oak tub that has not been used. Either a full cask or half-size works equally well. If you already have one that is laying around your garden it is even better.

Step #2

Stand the barrel or tub on its end and raise it from the ground, using several stones or bricks.

Step #3

Insert a faucet near the bottom of the cask. You will need to make a tight false bottom 3 or 4 inches from the cask bottom.

Step #4

Perforate the false bottom with gimlet holes and then cover it with a piece of clean white canvas.

Step #5

Place a layer of clean pebbles approximately 3-4 inches thick on the false bottom (See Step #4).

Step #6

Add a layer of clean-washed sand and gravel on top of the pebbles (See Step #5).

Related: Is It Legal To Harvest Rainwater In Your State?

Step #7

Add a layer of coarsely granulated charcoal (about the size of small peas) on top of the washed sand and gravel (See Step #6). Consider using hard maple charcoal.

Step #8

Pound down the charcoal (See Step #7) and put in more charcoal until the tub is filled about a foot from the top.

Step #9

Add a 3-inch layer of pebbles on top of the charcoal (See Steps #7-8).

Step #10

Use a piece of canvas or a net, as a strainer. (The canvas strainer can be washed and the cask dumped out, pebbles cleansed, and charcoal renewed once a year to ensure optimal filtering.)

Step #11

Explore different places and uses of the filter.

You might want to place the filter in a cellar to use strictly for drinking water. Or you may choose to save the filter and use it strictly in emergency situations like a drought so your crops don’t dry out, your clothes can be washed, etc.

You could also consider using the filter when making vinegar. (Remember to remove the coarser particles by passing the cider through the cheesecloth first.)

Related: Rainwater Tank That Irrigates A Small Herb Garden

Making a filter for rainwater collected in a barrel is a great way to conserve water and it is also good for the environment.

The process of making a filter is quite easy and not expensive. The filter helps “filter” out any harmful contaminants such as pathogens and volatile chemicals to get the optimal use out of the rainwater.

Although filters have been used for rain barrels for over a century, they have not gone by the wayside. The use of rain barrels is becoming more and more popular.

Take time to make a filter for your rain barrel and, undoubtedly, there will be many places to put your filter to use!

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Let’s continue with the benefits.

Burying certain things will benefit the soil by making it richer and helping the crops be healthier and more plentiful. Other benefits include reducing waste and landfill, saving money on buying fertilizer, and reducing your carbon footprint by lowering methane emissions.

How to start? This article discusses 8 main things you can bury in the garden that have huge benefits. Hopefully, it will provide you with enough inspiration and direction to start.

Animal Carcasses

E.g., toads, fish heads, birds.

As the carcass decomposes, it turns into a rich fertilizer. Don’t worry about the plant roots. They will grow through the carcass and absorb the nutrients needed.

I routinely bury fish heads (from the fish my husband catches on our lake) a few inches under the plants and never tire of how healthy the plants grow!

Animal Waste/Manure

Fresh manure (e.g., from cows, horses, sheep, goats, and rabbits) is best after it has been left covered in a cool shady spot for several weeks to break down. The fresh manure can be combined with and dug through the soil to evenly distribute the nutrients. Also, the fresh manure is less concentrated and won’t burn up the soil.

Remember that animals with a plant-based diet will produce manure that can be safely buried in a garden; don’t use dog or cat manure.

Since I also raise chickens, it is easy to collect the chicken manure daily and store it in our fruit cellar. After several weeks, I combine it with the soil.

Related: 7 Domestic Animals That Are Too Easy To Raise

Cover Crops

Consider seeding a cover crop that breaks down and adds vital nutrients and organic matter to the soil. The crops also suppress weeds and help to prevent erosion. Field beans work well.

Bury the seeds a few inches into the soil and they will grow until spring. Cut them down before they grow pods and put the top growth into the compost heap. Other cover crops that are recommended include winter wheat, annual ryegrass, and winter rye. Clovers, alfalfa, and peas are especially valuable cover crops because they fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into forms available to crop plants.

You can also try a mixture of different cover crops. Seed these cover crops in the fall time about 6 weeks before the first anticipated fall frost date. Use a garden spreader to seed and then lightly cover with soil and water. Let the crop grow until spring, then till it under. Wait a few weeks after tilling, and then plant.

Earthworms

Good soil containing food and habitat will attract worms or consider burying compost worms. As long as the worms have food, they will remain in your garden, eat the food you deposit in it, and enrich the surrounding soil.

Consider adding worms to the manure at the same time. The worms will help break down the manure more quickly and deposit their castings in the garden area.

Also, consider burying cardboard as worms like to find shelter under it and it helps provide more air for them. Stale bread can be buried to feed the worms and also serve as an organic fertilizer. Brewed coffee grounds absorb moisture and provide food for worms, as well.

Eggs and Eggshells

Eggs are known for their calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, nitrogen, zinc, copper, and a lot of micronutrients. These are beneficial to plant growth.

As a chicken owner, I keep the soiled, cracked, and old eggs and bury them in my garden.

I put the egg in a hole that I dug, crack the shell, and cover this with soil. You can bury the eggs ahead of planting or bury them as you plant. If you don’t have access to eggs, you can save your eggshells after eating the eggs and plant those instead. Don’t forget to mark where the eggs/eggshells are planted so you can come back and plant on top of them.

Related: 11 Ingenious Uses For Eggshells In Your Garden

Kitchen Scraps

All kinds of kitchen scraps can be buried in your garden. Cover the scraps with soil and try to bury them before you plant.

Garden Waste

Green waste (tree pruning, non-seedy weeds, old plants, lawn clippings) can be buried directly into a garden bag. They cost nothing and go a long way to nourishing your garden.

Don’t overdo it as soil microorganisms may consume a lot of nitrogen.

Tea and Coffee Scraps

Consider digging the scraps into the soil, sprinkling them around the garden, or burying them deep into the soil.

The alkaline in coffee grounds is well-suited for plants that like sweeter soil. Think onions and blueberries. Spread the tea leaves in a thin layer to avoid changing the pH of the soil as it is more difficult for the plants to absorb the required nutrients. If using tea from teabags, be aware of micro-plastics in the packaging and don’t bury the tea bags.

I strongly encourage you to try some of these recommended things for your garden. Healthy plants can be yours quicker than you might think.

You might also want to try other ingredients, tips, and techniques. The goal is to get the right amount of nutrients in the soil for the greatest plant growth.

Something else to consider is getting a basic soil test every 3 to 5 years to measure phosphorus, potassium, soil pH, and organic matter. Soil testing may be offered for a small fee or for free by various local organizations. Typically, you just send a soil sample in to be assessed. Then you will be able to adjust the soil pH which is important for nutrient availability to your plants. If necessary, you can add lime or ashes from burned firewood to raise the pH or add sulfur to lower it within the proper levels (between the 6.0 and 7.0 range on the pH scale).

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Knowing these tools will help save time and money with your DIY projects. It will also help you know what to look for and know which questions to ask at the hardware store. The tools can be purchased when you need them and the toolkit put together over time.

So, what are the best tools recommended for your own homesteading toolkit?

Hammers

• A claw hammer is used for hammering nails and pulling them out. Claw hammers come in different sizes. A standard hammer head weighs 1 lb. and lighter ones known as tack hammers are used for smaller gauge nails.
• A builder’s hammer has a heavy head and is used for breaking bricks or blocks, chopping concrete when used with a cold chisel, and driving large nails.
• A sledgehammer is a two-handed, heavy hammer used to break concrete, drive posts into the ground, and perform similar heavy-duty jobs.

Screwdrivers

• Several different sizes of both flathead screwdrivers and Phillips screwdrivers can be individually bought or as a set.
• A screwdriver handle with a tip with various screwdriver bits and a cordless drill/driver combination that comes with various screwdriver bits come in handy, no matter the project.
• An awl comes with some screwdriver sets and is used to make holes before drilling or driving screws.

Related: Are You A DIY-er?

Pliers

• Standard pliers are used to undo, hold, pull, bend, and twist small nuts.
• Long nose pliers are used to bend the ends of wires, hold parts, and help with electronic/electrical work. They can reach more places than standard pliers.
• Locking pliers are known by the brand name Mole wrench or Vice Grip. They can be used to hold anything that needs turning (e.g., bars, bolts, nuts, etc.) and as a general-purpose clamp to hold together two parts.
• Side-cutters are used for cutting and stripping the insulation from wires when wiring lighting, socket outlets, and plugs. They can also be used to snip light-gauge netted wire and tie wire as well as to snip cable ties.

Saws

• A standard carpenter’s hand saw cuts lumber.
• A tenon saw has finer teeth and is smaller than a standard saw. It can be used for neater cutting.
• A junior hacksaw is used to cut small pieces of copper and plastic tubing, bolts, and other light metal parts. It uses disposable blades.
• A miter box is used to make angled, neat cuts on the end of the baseboard, architrave, or other timber (up to 2X4 in cross-section).
• A hand saw is used for cutting the odd length of timber without using power tools and an extension lead.

Measuring Tape

• A small, compact 10-foot tape fits inside a pocket so you can measure things while shopping.
• A 20-foot measuring tape is used for assorted general projects.

Wrenches

• Open-ended or combination wrenches can undo nuts when the threaded section of the bolt extends beyond the nut to fit into a socket.
• Adjustable wrenches have jaws to adjust for larger nuts and bolts. They can be less expensive than buying a larger fixed-size wrench.

Note: For work around the house, look for ¾ inch AF (across the flats) or smaller.

• Pipe wrenches and water pump pliers are useful tools to help with dismantling taps and radiator valves, and unscrewing and tightening pipes, plumbing fittings, and large nuts. Since the jaws and handles of a water pump pliers aren’t lined up, it is easier to access and turn nuts, etc. so there is less obstruction if you need to get near a wall or into a small space.

Ladders

• An extension ladder gives you the height you need to cut limbs from trees, clean outside windows, paint your house, and access top gutters, etc.
• A step ladder is a great tool for general maintenance in and out of your house. It can help with cleaning low-level gutters, cleaning spiderwebs, painting, watering hanging baskets, cutting hedges, cleaning windows, etc. It is safer to use than a stool or chair because there’s a top bar to hold onto if you need extra balance.

Related: How To Build A Small Storage Shed From Pallets

Flashlights

• High-powered LED flashlights produce a lot more light and last much longer than traditional flashlights with incandescent bulbs.
• A head flashlight is helpful, especially when you need to have both of your hands free.

Drills

• A cordless drill is needed to drive lots of screws and is faster and more powerful for drilling large holes. Most 18-volt drills can be used for drilling and driving screws into hard surfaces, even concrete.
• SDS drills can rapidly drill holes in masonry for wall plugs. They help drill larger holes in concrete if you are running cables or plumbing tubing. Corded versions are cheaper but more inconvenient because of the power cord.
• Assorted drill bits are needed to make holes in metal, plastic, wood, and concrete/bricks/stone. High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are hardwearing and designed for drilling into metal and plastic surfaces. Assorted wood bits are used for timber (e.g., flat bits, lip and spur bits, auger bits, etc.). Masonry bits are used for drilling concrete/bricks, and stone.

Paint Brushes

The most useful paint brush sizes are ½ in., 1 in., 1½ in., and 2 in. for all types of painting jobs. A larger brush (5 to 6 in. wide) is used for painting walls.

Better quality brushes have more fine bristles than cheaper brushes. These brushes hold paint better and stop it from running back toward the handle of the brush.

Consider buying mid-quality brushes. They will last several years if you keep them clean. A roller saves time if you have larger surfaces that need painting.

Related: 8 Solar Powered Items You Should Have on Hand

Metal Detector/Stud Finder and Live Wire Detector

• Used to find live wires and metal in walls before drilling, some detectors include a stud finder option to help find studs.

Utility Knives

Utility knives with disposable blades known generically as “Stanley knives”

• Manufactured by Stanley, utility knives have numerous uses. The most common kind has retractable blades but there are folding types as well.

Voltage Testers

A digital multimeter (DMM) measures the current/voltage and tests the continuity of wires and fuses. A DMM also checks batteries.

• A screwdriver phase tester or non-contact voltage tester can detect whether electrical parts or cables are “live.”

Tippex Marker

• A tippex marker is used for marking dark surfaces. It produces a prominent white line.

Essential Materials and Fixings

• It’s also a good idea to stock up on essential materials and fixings such as nails, wood screws, wall plugs, assorted nuts, bolts, washers and machine screws, insulating tape, spare blades for a utility knife, super-glue, epoxy resin, and cable ties, etc.

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So, what can gardeners do about all of those weeds? Mulch is the answer that comes to mind.

The #1 purpose of using mulch is to help keep weeds at bay. Other main advantages include holding in much-needed moisture and buffering the roots of the plants from the hot sun.

Many people traditionally buy bark mulch which is dyed and shredded. However, bark mulch does not enrich the soil nor retain as much moisture as living mulch. It is purely decorative. In addition, bark mulch is quite costly. It is also time-consuming and labor-intensive to buy and spread the bark mulch.

Besides bark mulch, gardeners often buy stones. Again, there is a high cost as well as time and labor factors.

In contrast, living mulch can be easily grown in your garden and has lots of superior benefits.

Using living mulch is not new. It is similar to choosing companion plants to protect other plants from overgrazing, disease, and insects, and it can enhance root and fruit development. Living mulch is the smart, ecological alternative to mulching your garden.

The Type Of Mulch You Can Find In Your Yard

Dried materials like grass clippings, dead leaves, pine cones, and pine needles found in your yard can be used as mulch. Although these are organic materials, you should consider using another plant as a cover crop. This crop serves as mulch to combat weeds.

Related: Stop Throwing Away Old Newspapers. Do This Instead

What Is Living Mulch

Living mulch also known as green mulch is a low-growing groundcover planted with your main crops but beneath them to keep out the weeds. These crops planted as living mulch have many other benefits.

Benefits Of Living Mulch

Besides suppressing weeds, living mulch helps retain water and improves the soil. Since the crops are grown in the soil, the root system holds everything in place rather than merely covering the soil (like storebought mulch – bark, stones, etc.).

In addition, living mulch allows for microbes and fungi to grow which, in turn, helps grow healthy garden crops. Also, the mulch can attract different pollinators and beneficial insects that eat the bugs that love to feast on your plants. The added species of plants growing together create a natural space: butterflies can find flowers to feed from and host plants to lay eggs on while birds can find a place to nest and forage on the plants and insects they support.

How You Can Grow It

How do you begin? You can plant seeds for living mulch a few weeks after your garden crops have been growing so they are established before the mulch begins to grow. Make sure the area is weed-free and the soil is loose and well-drained. Read the seed packet recommendations about seed depth and then sow the seeds. Provide water during the first few weeks until the crop (living mulch) matures.

How Do You Best Sow The Living Mulch?

You can add the seeds after you plant your vegetable garden. Consider the height of your vegetables so the living mulch doesn’t overtake the vegetable plants. Also, be cognizant that the living mulch does not provide too much-unwanted shade and dwarfs your garden plants. If there are walking paths in your garden, sow low-growing mulch like clover.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of living mulch that best match your growing season and the specific vegetables you intend to grow. For example, let’s consider the climate.

For gardeners in hot and dry climates, a thicker layer of mulch is needed to retain moisture and provide protection from the hot sun.

Gardeners in cool and wet climates should use a thinner layer of mulch. This protects the soil from being washed away as well as allows excess moisture to evaporate. It also helps prevent fungal issues from thicker mulches that may be used in cool, wet climates which attract unwanted annoying snails and slugs.

Best Crops For Living Mulch

Red and white clover, Roman chamomile, buckwheat, and alfalfa are ideal crops. You can elect to use one crop or combine several of them.

Another option is to fill in the bare spots of your garden with annual flowers or even herbs. If you want the mulch to be a groundcover, consider wooly thyme or creeping red fescue as these species can handle a lot of foot traffic. A combination of legumes and grasses also works well. They can double as a food crop and also repel common vegetable pests.

How Else Can You Enrich The Soil Naturally?

Besides growing living mulch, you can enrich your soil by using the garden crops in your garden.

At the end of the growing season, you can chop the garden crops and leave them on top of the soil to decompose. Leave the roots in place. Smaller vining crops work especially well. Think of your cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. These vines break down over the fall and winter seasons and add nutrients back into the soil for next year’s spring/summer garden.

Since there are so many advantages to using living mulch, you should try a variety of mulching options to find what works best for you and your garden!

Using plants as living mulch is a great choice to reduce weeds. What’s more? Your gardens will be more attractive to birds, butterflies, bees, pollinators, and other creatures.

You can also reduce the time spent laying the mulch, getting rid of the weeds, and retaining water. Your soil will be enriched and your plants will flourish.

In the end, you will have a beautiful and diverse garden and help the environment in the long run. So many pluses!

Why don’t you give living mulch a try this garden season? I know I sure will.

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The post This Is Why You Should Grow Living Mulch In Your Garden first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

This will assure that you will be prepared for any sudden crisis whether it be a drought or flood, etc. Let’s look at some important factors to design a survival garden.

Factors for a Survival Garden

• Sunlight: Sunlight is an important consideration when planting your garden. The fastest-growing vegetables and fruits need full sun (approximately 6-8 hours of sunlight each day) without any blockage from fences, shrubs, or trees.

• Space: You will also need to have ample space for your plants so you can expand as needed, rotate crops throughout the region, and have sufficient room to walk in your garden to water, weed, and harvest the plants. A general guideline is to plan about 100 square feet per person. If you plan to freeze or can at least half of the harvest for winter use, plan on 200 square feet per person.

• Water: Design the garden near a water source to make it convenient to water. It is recommended to water the seedlings twice a day and for the plantings about 1 inch over the surface area of the garden bed a week. (For example, this is equivalent to 20 gallons of water per week for a 32 sq. ft. bed.) It is best to water the plants 3 times a week and adjust this amount because of the rainfall.

The Main Ingredient of a Survival Garden: Seeds

It is best to use survival seeds. They can be extracted from the best vegetables and fruits and yield the most nutritional produce.

Survival seeds are organic, usually non-GMO, and can be seasonal or year-round. Regular seeds deteriorate during harvest; survival seeds have a low rate of deterioration and a longer shelf life.

Another advantage of harvesting your own seeds is saving money rather than having to purchase the necessary seeds.

Related: How to Properly Harvest Seeds

Storing Seeds

• Use a plastic bag (sealed tight) or metal tin with a tight cover. The containers should be moisture-proof. Always store the seeds in a dark place that is cool and dry.
• Consider carefully rotating seeds to plant the older ones first.
• Continue to save seeds that grow the best in your climate.

The Best Seeds for Survival Gardens

• Asparagus – This plant takes a few years before harvest. It is a perennial vegetable so it will come back each year. The seeds are planted in deep trenches.

• Beans – Look for two popular types: bush beans and pole beans. Bush beans are true to their name and grow on bushes. Pole beans will need to be staked. Beans are rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Consider planting them in early spring to have beans throughout the summer.
• Beetroot – Beetroot takes approximately 2 months to harvest and can grow during frost. The seed is typically sown in rows, several inches apart.
• Cabbage – Consider planting a seed every two weeks to supply enough cabbage to last the whole year. You will have a substantial amount of cabbage and might want to turn some into sauerkraut.

• Calendula – This highly popular survival seed can grow in almost any weather. The plant has a lot of medicinal value. It relieves pain, prevents muscle spasms, and reduces fever. The plant is also used to treat stomach ulcers and sore throats.
• Carrots – These seeds take about 2-3 months to grow and are usually grown during cooler weather. They can also be grown under the snow and in USDA zones 4-10.
• Corn – Best grown during warm weather, each stalk stands tall and lean to provide two or more ears of corn. You might want to consider the trio of corn, squash, and beans (known as the three sisters).

• Kale – Grown in most soils, it takes two months before harvesting. Think about planting these seeds from spring to fall and enjoy kale chips for a nutritious end product.
• Lettuce – You can grow lettuce in almost any type of soil. Wild lettuce helps relieve pain by acting directly on your central nervous system. The sap can numb the most severe of pains. Wild lettuce also has sedative effects.
• Meadowsweet – This tall perennial boasts a great taste and distinctive smell. In medieval times, the plant was crushed and used as a pain reliever. Today, it is known to encourage sweating when having the flu or breaking a fever. The plant is best grown in wet soil from June to August.

Related: 10 Medicinal Plants You Can Find On Your Homestead

• Onions – Typically grown from seeds in four months, you can cultivate the seedlings indoors and transplant them later in summer. You can also harvest spring onions and their leaves with carrots.
• Peppermint – The seeds yield delicious dark green leaves that typically take 5-6 months to mature. They feature an incredible aroma. Often used in tea, peppermint has many medicinal properties to treat stomach, liver, bile, and nerve problems. Consider making your own peppermint oil as an insect repellent.
• Peppers – With many different kinds of peppers (sweet to hot) and a variety of colors, peppers can take a bland dish to a mouth-watering, spicy one. Peppers are grown in warmer weather and take 2-3 months to grow. You can even learn to make pepper spray.

• Potatoes – Known as a calorie-dense crop with high vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and protein, each potato plant yields about 4-5 small potatoes. Keep the best ones; use the green ones for seed stocking.
• Pumpkin – Great for sweet and savory dishes, pumpkin is full of necessary fatty acids, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Pumpkins take about 3-4 months to grow.
• Radish – One of the fastest-growing vegetables, this root vegetable can be harvested 20-30 days after planting.

• Spinach – This iron and vitamin-rich crop can be used in most dishes. Plant the seeds in early spring and enjoy spinach in summer!
• Tomatoes – A popular vegetable, tomatoes come in a variety of types. They are easy to grow and can easily be staked to grow vertically. Excess tomatoes can be made into sauces, soups, and salsa.
• Wheat – High in vitamin B, protein, fiber, and carbs, wheat is highly nutritious. You can also make flour for baking from wheat.

• Winter squash – Easy to grow, squash is rich in starch calories, vitamins, and dietary fiber. It stores well in water-tight containers for long use.
• Yarrow – Grown in spring or fall, yarrow is a nutritious and delicious end product. It grows fast and has the benefit of healing wounds.

Growing a survival garden takes some time and effort but the benefits are easily seen in the harvested nutritional produce.

You and your family will be able to enjoy a constant supply of vegetables and fruits throughout the year by planting survival seeds in your very own garden. And you will be prepared for any upcoming crisis.

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There are sure to be well-maintained hand tools and out-of-stock books at affordable prices. You will need to be watchful for antiques and collectibles and not pay too much for them.

It’s helpful to know more about what you are purchasing. You can research any of the items easily on the internet. When pursuing, avoid higher-priced items that are overly used or broken. Instead, look for things that will last a good number of years.

These are the top 50 items to look for while thrift shopping:

#1. Ammo boxes can be used for more things than just ammo. They make good boxes for burying a stash and are rodent-proof.

#2. Atlas and maps of your local area and state are getting harder to find as GPSs are commonly used. They can be helpful when there is no electricity and you need to drive to certain localities.

#3. Baby supplies such as bottles and sterilizing equipment, blankets, and diapers are some necessary basics. Be proactive and stock up on these items even if there are no babies in your immediate family at the present time.

#4. Board games, unopened puzzles, and well-built toys are fun items to boost conversation and morale in a grid-down situation. Remember to look for missing pieces before purchasing.

#5. Books on various topics related to gardening, survival, cooking from scratch, and preserving food. Usually, these can be found at a cheap price and be both useful and entertaining.

#6. Children’s books are needed for entertainment and also learning.

#7. Camelback packs need to be cleaned and sanitized before use. They are useful for carrying water in outdoor settings and especially when hiking.

#8. Camouflage gear is primarily used for hunting but it is also warm and can be used for daytime wear if the temperatures are cool.

#9. Camp stoves and outdoor cooking equipment can be a bargain and serve a valuable purpose if electricity is out.

#10. Canners and pressure cookers – Look for racks and accessories to go with the canners. When buying a pressure cooker, look at the seals and the pressure gauge as they may need replacing. Although similar, canners are larger than pressure cookers and serve different purposes. Canners are used for canning; pressure cookers are used for cooking.

#11. Canning jars need to be checked for chips and cracks. You may need to purchase new lids so factor that into the purchase price.

#12. Cast iron cookware holds up well for either cooking on a grill or over a campfire. The cookware might be rusty but it will burn off easily enough. You will also need to spend time re-seasoning the Dutch ovens, pots, and frying pans.

Related: How To Restore A Cast Iron You Bought At Garage Sales

#13. Cots and bed rolls come in handy if there are visitors or if you find yourself sleeping outside. A bed roll makes a big difference under a sleeping bag so you can have a better night’s sleep.

#14. Dehydrators can help spread your food out to last longer; double-check to ensure proper operating.

#15. Extra clothing (heavy coats, raincoats, hard-wearing clothes) in various sizes for day-to-day wear or to use when doing lots of miscellaneous chores.

#16. First aid kits that contain ointments and supplies. Avoid opened boxes of gloves, ace bandages, and other disposables, and check the expiration dates. Related: 11 Unusual and Uncommon First Aid Items.

#17. Fishing equipment is often found in good condition. You can add to your supply or start a new hobby. Look for rods and reels, lures, fishing lines, tackle boxes, bait buckets, and nets.

#18. Flashlights of all kinds, including the hand crank models. There are many reasons you will need light.

#19. Gardening tools of good quality help with planting fruits and vegetables. Look for wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, hoes, hand plows, scythes, and other gardening tools.

#20. Gallon water bottles and larger water barrels to gather and store water like water tanks and rain barrels.

#21. Gas cans in a wide variety of sizes.

#22. Grain mill, meat grinder, coffee grinder, and any other specialty kitchen tools to help with food preparation and serving.

#23. Grill or smoker (heavy-duty) for use with wood or charcoal. Look for extra grill grates to be used over a campfire.

#24. Hand-operated food prep tools like hand-cranked whips, peelers, graters, and manual can openers for food preparation and serving.

#25. Hand tools and carpentry tools like a wood planer, hand drill and bits, ax, machete, screwdriver, hammer, and any mechanic tool, etc. Try them out first so you know they work and have been well-maintained.

#26. Heavy-duty boots in various sizes. Look for relatively new boots to ensure better future wear and tear.

#27. Hiking packs, frames, and backpacks to carry heavy loads. There may be some items with a lifetime guarantee – check online.

#28. Homeschooling supplies like textbooks, teacher manuals, resource kits, workbooks, flashcards, games, and literature classics at various levels. They are more apt to be found at the end of a school year when homeschool parents are cleaning out their shelves or teachers may be doing the same thing as well.

#29. Hunting supplies primarily used for hunting are often found at yard sales. Look for firearms, ammo, binoculars, bows and arrows, compasses, slingshots, and night vision gear.

#30. Knives (good quality and assorted): multi-purpose and kitchen knives. Look for top brands if possible.

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#31. Knitting needles, crochet hooks, and yarn for entertainment as well as to make necessary clothing and various kitchen items (hot pads, etc.).

#32. Lanterns, oil lamps, and candles as a backup if there is no electricity.

#33. Mess kits, canteens, and thermoses (avoid those that are foam-insulated as the insulation breaks down over time and won’t be as effective) to hold essential liquids.

#34. Multi-function tools to use in a variety of ways.

#35. Picnic supplies and lightweight utensils (plates, cups, glasses, silverware) for bugging out and camping.

#36. Propane tanks are used primarily for home heating, hot water, dryers, fireplaces, and generators.

#37. Radios (hand-cranked radios, weather radios, CBs, and ham radios) along with emergency supplies of all kinds for communication and to keep aware of ongoing situations.

#38. Sewing, knitting, and crochet patterns and instructions to entertain and be purposeful in making various clothing and household items.

#39. Sewing supplies (fabric, needles, thread, buttons, zippers, patches, pin cushions, measuring tapes, an old treadle sewing machine, etc.) to mend and create new items.

#40. Sharpening stones and steel that can be used to keep your knives in the best-operating shape.

#41. Shelves and storage units to hold necessary supplies and equipment. Double-check to ensure they are stable.

#42. Silver and gold jewelry and coins can be a good investment; avoid silver-plated items and overpaying.

#43. Sleeping bags and wool/thermal blankets that are rated for cold temperatures. Check for high quality and, if purchasing, disinfect and launder them immediately.

#44. Solar lights can be used for the patio or yard. They often need new storage batteries to work and/or last longer.

#45. Sterling silver flatware is a natural antibiotic. It is preferable for use in situations where sanitation is questionable. Silver can also be a good investment.

#46. Tarps and canvas have many uses from protection in all sorts of weather, in construction, and during disasters. They can be used to prevent messes when painting and in similar activities and to contain/collect debris.

#47. Tents and extra stakes for housing, entertainment, activities, etc. Make sure to check for any rips, tears, broken zippers, mold, or missing pieces.

#48. Tin cans, popcorn cans, and metal containers are rodent-proof and are good for storing food supplies. They are a good buy and may be found especially after Christmas.

#49. Vacuum sealer comes in handy to keep food fresh for up to five times longer than using plastic wrap or freezer bags. Check the seals to ensure there is no leakage.

#50. Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other medical equipment are commonly needed in various emergencies. If you have room to store any of these, they might be useful.

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They might want to own a piece of land, feel freedom in wide-open spaces, or start a new way of life. For me, it was the dream of owning land on a beloved childhood lake and passing on the beauty and value of homesteading to our children.

Little did I know that homesteading is much more than purchasing the land or planting vegetables and even building that hen house to raise a few chickens.

Hopefully, these tips will be helpful as you embark on your homesteading journey.

Research

No one knows everything. Repeat after me: No one knows everything.

For example, if you plan to garden, find out which vegetables grow in your area, the best time for planting and harvesting, what constitutes quality soil, the right equipment needed, and so on.

And if you are determined to raise chickens, you will need to decide what chicken breeds to raise (egg laying, meat producing, or a dual purpose), what age to start with, and know such things as how to build a chicken coop, the space needed, what makes a comfortable temperature and a place to roost, and have knowledge about security, food, water, etc.

Be open to reading great books and online articles and blogs, attending seminars, taking classes, joining Facebook groups, exploring blogs, and asking questions to other homesteaders.

Before planting a vegetable garden on our newly acquired property, I studied about the different types of fencing needed so the deer and rabbits wouldn’t be able to enjoy their daily feasts at the expense of our crops, took two online classes on northern Wisconsin gardening, and read every book and article I could get my hands on.

I enjoyed talking to the local seed company and was excited to finally purchase various seeds. Even with all of this, in my excitement to plant the seeds (a little bit too early I now know), the temperatures dropped and the seedlings froze. Needless to say, I needed to replant everything.

The next year, I waited a little longer to plant the seeds. With each year since, we have tweaked many things like the vegetables that were planted, the watering system used, and how we could compost nutrient-rich soil.

There is still so much more to learn but I have continued confidence in my ability to grow an abundance of vegetables to eat and share all year round.

Don’t Do Everything At Once

Sixteen years ago, we purchased an old logging cabin on an acre of forested land with spring-fed lake access in northern Wisconsin. It was the lake that my father had purchased a cottage on when I was growing up. It took our entire savings and investments along with years of looking.

There was so much to do from the seven different colors of paneled rooms (including dark green) to the damaged plastic garage doors and capped stone fireplace and dark wooden floors beneath the glued stained carpet.

With vision, a lot of hard work and sweat, and friends and family, we worked to make the cabin a piece of our soul. It’s hard to explain the work that was done, but each year we have a “to-do” list to keep our property in good condition and to see new ideas come to fruition.

From that first spring when the inside paneling (all one color, I may add) was painted a muted beige through today, work continues and progress is made.

Related: My Day As A Homesteader During Winter

Nothing Is Perfect

I remember taking a summer class “How to Become a Millionaire” at the Christa McAuliffe Academy. Our teacher encouraged the students to take a plunge into something they always wanted.

That’s when I began an active search to find property on Thunder Lake, Crivitz, WI. I wrote letters to the owners around the lake after accessing the property records and told them what the lake meant to me when I was growing up. To my surprise, I had several owners call me.

That’s how the cabin now nicknamed Haven Hill came to be ours and how my older brother purchased a nearby cabin for our mother who shared fond memories of Thunder Lake.

As I mentioned earlier, it was the only land and cabin my husband and I could afford at that time. The homestead wasn’t perfect. The well had to be shared with the neighboring property and there wasn’t direct waterfront access, only shared access.

The screened porch looked well beyond its 100 years. Little did I know, that several years later, we were able to buy the adjacent hill property doubling the acreage overlooking the lake with lake access (to keep two kayaks and a sailboat) and we put in a new well on our property (no longer shared) for both properties (now ours).

Two summers ago, my husband and I were able to repair the screened porch ourselves complete with new screens, a large glass window facing the lake, and a brand-new roof to match the main cabin.

Have Clear Goals

With so much to do, it is wise to pinpoint your goals so you can move forward. Our goals this year are to expand the vegetable garden, build a larger chicken coop, and study beekeeping in preparation for purchasing some beehives next spring.

Since I continue to learn more about vegetable gardening, I want to double the amount of garden space and explore planting new vegetables.

I have always been interested in raising chickens after working with a client on a children’s book about raising chickens. Now, I want to build a larger chicken coop and increase the number of hens.

And I have been reading a lot about beekeeping and honey. At the base of the hill, there is ample room for beehives.

Without setting clear goals, homesteading (as with most other things in life) can pull you in a million different directions. It may also leave you exhausted and feeling that you just did not accomplish what you wanted. Having goals will also help direct your decisions of what to buy and consume, how to spend your money, which animals and crops to raise, and what to do with your time.

I’ve learned a lot on my journey of homesteading. Maybe you will begin homesteading or start a few new projects. It is so much more than just a garden or a farm. It’s helped me fulfill a dream and guided me toward goals of self-sustainability and self-reliance with a dose of simplicity.

I have learned to grow lettuce that tops the best restaurants, turn my hens into friends, and reroof and rescreen the sunroom. I have learned, too, that with knowledge, patience, perseverance, and goal-setting, homesteading can become a wonderful experience and a lifestyle worth pursuing.

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Socially and culturally, it caused harsh adversity. History often repeats itself and, with that in mind, it is important to consider household items to stockpile in the event of another depression.

What would you stockpile?

These 10 suggestions are sure to be of help. This article serves as a springboard for you to think of additional items.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is cheap and super versatile.

Another advantage is that it has a long shelf life. Unopened, it never goes bad (when opened, it stays “good” for about 6 months). Baking soda has many uses ranging from cooking to cleaning and hygienic purposes. It is 100% sodium bicarbonate which can be used as a leavening agent in baked goods.

It can also be used as a soap for cleaning and for an antiperspirant, to soothe bee stings and bug bites, and to freshen your breath by gargling (use 2 ounces of water mixed with ½ teaspoon baking soda).

Blankets

Plenty of thick wool blankets will help you stay warm during all sorts of weather.

A wool blanket has thousands of natural air pockets to trap the warmth so your body stays warm and snug. It also keeps body moisture away so you stay dry.

Wool blankets have no odor either. Stock up on several blankets for each family member and, possibly, your family pets (e.g. dogs like to snuggle and be warm, too). Store the blankets in a dry place.

Related: 10 Items To Stockpile For When The Power Goes Out

Candles

Blackouts and disruptions in your electrical service make your power and light sources unpredictable.

Several candles and books/boxes of matches stored in a plastic bag/container are an assurance that you will have enough light to live and work in the darker hours of your day/night. Candles last a relatively long time so you can be safer and more productive. You can also heat a room with enough candles and ceramic pots.

Duct Tape

There are many, many uses of duct tape. Just let your brain wander and you are sure to come up with several unique ideas.

With duct tape, you can design your own temporary footwear or clothing and even construct a temporary shelter if needed. Duct tape also helps you repair useful items easier. Think about repairing glasses, mending shoes, and fixing leaks and holes.

Store up on several rolls of tape and add a few pairs of scissors to make it easier to cut the tape.

Gloves

A wide variety of gloves will help you in any situation. Cold weather gloves will keep you warm, gardening gloves can be used for planting seeds and growing various vegetables and herbs, and latex or rubber gloves are necessary for cleaning.

Watch for sales or sew your own. Consider adding various sizes for additional members of your family.

Needles and Thread

Fixing holes and rips in clothing that you own is a valuable skill to ensure your clothes do indeed last longer.

During a downturn, buying new clothing may not be an option and it most likely is not a priority. Clothing made of strong, durable fabric will last a long time especially if you can keep it in top shape when showing any type of wear and tear.

Reusable Food Storage Containers

Public services that we take for granted today may not be available during a depression. Think about your trash, electricity, sewage, and water.

If you have a stockpile of glass jars and other types of durable containers, you can keep your living area cleaner and reduce the number of pests and germs. You can also use glass containers/durable containers for storing food, germinating seeds, fermenting food, keeping clean water, etc.

Related: Ingenious Ways To Recycle Plastic Bottles

Plastic Trash Bags

Did you ever think about the many uses of plastic trash bags? Besides using them in traditional ways for waste management and food storage, you can use the bags for flood prevention and water collection.

Stock up on plastic trash bags of various sizes. The uses are unlimited!

Seeds

Since food undoubtedly will be scarce, learning to stretch meals is important.

In past periods of depression, the government gave food handouts or ration coupons to buy such things as powdered milk, potatoes, beans, sugar, and flour. This might not be the same for any future depression. It also might not be enough for you and your family.

If you have some seeds, you can grow additional foods for yourself and your family. Look for seeds that produce nutritious foods and foods that your family enjoys. Consider seeds that are easier to grow (e.g. strawberries, peppers, lettuce, beans, quinoa, snap peas, mushrooms, collard greens, asparagus, green onions, and various herbs can be grown in cups).

Remember that seeds are living things and how long they last are affected by the way they are stored. Usually, dark, cool, and dry conditions are recommended.

Bleach

With its wide range of uses, bleach is sure to be on your list of items to stockpile.

Bleach can help disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of infection and disease, repel certain types of pests, etc. More specifically, bleach is effective against 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mold.

Storing a few gallons of bleach would be a top priority in your stockpile to help ensure the best health possible for you and your family members. After a year, it is important to restock your bleach containers to have the most potency.

Being prepared for a possible future depression (or economic downturn) takes some time and thought. In the end, you can rest assured that you and your family will be better off if such adversity strikes. Hopefully, this article gives you some suggestions of what to stockpile in such a situation and offers you the inspiration to take the necessary action prior to such an event.

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The post 10 Items You Should Stockpile Before The Next Great Depression first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

Let’s look at 10 water systems that ensure there is plenty of freshwater for anything you might need on your property.

Rain Barrels

A rain barrel can easily be set up on your property and provide a good supply of clean water. Use a 50-gallon plastic trash can with a lid, landscape fabric, a ¾” garden spigot, a double-threaded bulkhead fitting with an internal thread size of ¾”, Gorilla and Teflon tape, a pen, and a razor blade.

Procedure:

• Trace a hole around the spigot bulkhead near the bottom of the trash can, then cut it out.
• Insert the bulkhead and screw the nut on.
• Wrap Teflon tape around the spigot a few times; screw the spigot into the bulkhead until it is tight and facing down.
• Cut a wide hole in the lid of the trash can.
• Pull the landscape fabric tightly over the top of the can; secure with Gorilla tape.
• Place the lid with a hole on top to prevent any insects/debris from contaminating the rainwater.

The rainwater should filter through the fabric and drop down into the barrel.

Permaculture Swale

Procedure:

• Study which way the water runs downhill on your property and where it drains when it rains.
• Dig a trench evenly (6”-17” deep, 18”-24” wide) along the contour lines of the flowage to slow down the flow and retain the water.
• Use excess dirt to build a berm along the downhill side of the trench. The water will slow down and drain evenly into the immediate soil.
• Plant trees and deep-rooting plants to stabilize the berm and suck up the moisture from below so the newly-hydrated soil isn’t overly saturated.

Hand Pump

To make a hand pump, you need to drill down into an aquifer.

Then use your arm strength to pump the water up to the surface. Another type of hand pump worth considering is an electric pump.

Related: How To Make A Water Pump In Your Backyard

Cistern

To gather a large supply of water (10,000+ gallons), build an underground cistern that runs away from your house.

Procedure:

• Dig a trench (use a shovel or trench digger) and grade it so the water flows downward.
• Pour concrete into the trench and mix.
• Lay 2×4 wood inside the trench at equal distances to prevent the base of the cistern from cracking.
• Lay concrete into the sides of the trench to set the terra cotta tile.
• Finish one side, wait to dry, and complete the opposite side.

Underground System

Consider making a man-made pond or using a natural pond (8-12’ feet to prevent freezing).

Lining the pond with a tarp and geotextile material reduces the seepage. Filter the water prior to drinking or cooking with it

Well

A well provides a clean source of water.

Build it approximately 20-300’ deep so the water doesn’t freeze in the winter. Cost varies depending on the depth and materials of the well.

Related: Are You Ready for a Long-Term Water Emergency?

Aqueduct

If your property has a water source uphill from the location you want the water to flow (e.g., ideally 75’ above the receptacle is best), then an aqueduct might be a good choice.

The receptacle can be as simple as plastic storage tanks or a concrete septic tank. Make sure there is an overflow to release excess water.

A pipe needs to be buried beneath the frost line. Cover the point of entry with a screen to prevent contaminants from clogging up the line.

Purify the water before drinking.

Natural Water Source

Perhaps you have water seeping to the surface naturally. You’ll need to find a way to harness it.

A spring box (approximately 3’ tall, wide, and deep) can be installed to prevent contamination.

Procedure:

• Dig a hole where the water emerges.
• Make the box open at the bottom or back.
• Place a layer of gavel in the bottom to become a naturally filtered-earth holding tank.
• Cover with a removable top to clean easily.
• Test the water; contaminated soil can leak into it.

Water Flow or Cascade

With proper water flow, water cascades from one level to the next.

For example, you don’t need clean water to water gardens.

Another example is boiling water for food and then using the water to clean dishes.

Think about other ways you can use and reuse water.

Water Filter

Whether you purchase a water filter or make one, it can serve as a filter for drinking water.

Bio-filters have three separate layers: gravel removes the larger pieces of debris; sand removes smaller particles; activated charcoal removes bacteria and some chemicals.

You’ll also need some food grade five-gallon buckets, some screen, a few plastic plumbing fittings, and a hole saw.

Procedure:

• Stretch fiberglass screen over the fitting that goes on the inside of the bucket.
• Hold it in place with a rubber band/O-ring.
• Cut a hole in the bottom center of the two buckets (e.g., the diameter for the threaded part of the fitting to go through).
• Cut the same size hole in the side of the third bucket, just above the bottom.
• Attach the fittings together with the bottom/side of the bucket between them. The screened side of the fittings should be up.
• Use an O-ring between the fittings to create a seal.
• For the bottom bucket, add a valve, an angled fitting, or a fitting with a flexible tube for the outlet.
• Cut a hole in the center of the lids of two buckets, slightly larger than the fitting.
• Put a cover over the screen.
• Use small plastic cups; drill holes in the sides so water can get through. Glue the cups upside-down over the fitting.
• Rinse the gravel, sand, and activated charcoal and then fill each bucket approximately 2/3 full.
• The charcoal goes in the bottom bucket. Put one of the lids with a hole on top.
• Set the bucket for the sand on top of it; then set the bucket for the gravel on top of this bucket.
• The lid for the top bucket shouldn’t have a hole in it to keep debris out.

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The post 10 Off-Grid Water Systems You Should Have On Your Property first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

Every day you supply your basic needs: eating meals, drinking liquids, staying warm with a roof over your head, and getting adequate sleep. During a crisis, it’s important to supply those basic needs so you can continue to survive. That’s what getting prepared is all about.

Layoffs, home invasions, car accidents, power outages, natural disasters, and long-term economic decline… be prepared to survive in an unknown, changing world.

So let’s look at some of the qualities prepared people share.

Thinking Beyond Plans

It is important to have several ideas in your head so you can move on to the next plan if needed. It’s also best to eliminate any readiness shortcomings.

For example, you should never let your supplies run so low that in the event of an emergency, you need to go to the store. Consider stocking some emergency food containers for a backup.

Another suggestion is to keep your house relatively clean which includes the dishes and the laundry. That way, if the electricity goes out or you run out of clean water, you will be one step ahead.

Also have your supplies organized. Then you are more apt to find them should an emergency strike. This includes such things as a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a phone charger.

Related: Do You Have An Escape Plan For Your House?

Living a Skill Based Lifestyle

You can focus on productive hobbies and live a skills-based lifestyle so you will be able to execute your plan.

So if you plan to be a self-sufficient homestead farmer, you need to stock seeds, prepare a compost pile, and have the necessary equipment. If providing meat for your family is part of your plan, you need to practice hunting. And if you want food that is acquired or raised to last through the winter, you need to practice preserving food.

There are so many opportunities to learn something exciting and new.

How about learning to can your own food or dehydrate and make your own meals? What about owning some backyard chickens, brushing up on first aid skills, or baking your own bread?

Being Physically Active

Typically, prepared people work some type of fitness into their daily lives whether that is going to the gym, working a physical job, gardening, doing DIY projects or household chores.

They are not couch potatoes or people who sit at a desk for the majority of the day. Moving more throughout the day can make a world of difference to your health, which, in turn, keeps you on your toes to be prepared!

Purchasing Multi-Purpose Items

Since many of you don’t have unlimited space for storage and you, undoubtedly, have many things to store, a suggestion would be to purchase high-quality supplies that serve more than one purpose.

For example: pantry basics that can be used for cleaning.

Related: 5 Solar-Powered Items That Actually Make Sense To Keep Handy

Not Wasting: Saving Money and the Environment

It’s important to be able to make your supplies last as long as possible which would include such things as stretching leftovers, reusing items, going to rummage sales, etc.

This not only saves money, but also the environment. Just think, there might be a situation someday where your supplies are limited. With a little practice, you will be far better suited to make things last longer.

Keeping Documents and Local & Emergency Info Updated

Keep a folder of important documents so you can take it with you if needed. This would include such things as a copy of deeds, titles of property, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, maps, pictures of family members, bank account numbers, passwords, etc.

Write down important contact numbers and addresses of the nearest hospital and clinic, etc. Have some cash stored so you can take that with you, too.

Preparing Kits, Tools, and Mental Health Items

Have an extensive emergency kit in your car that includes food and water, hygiene products, items to keep you warm, and items that supply light.

Consider such things as sleeping bags or blankets, a lighter and waterproof matches, candles, flashlight and batteries, crackers, granola bars, pet food and a collapsible pet dish, bandages, gauze, pain relief pills, alcohol wipes, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, booster cables, tow straps, rope, duct tape, a change of seasonally appropriate clothing, and walking boots.

If you have access to a one-way NOAA radio or a two-way ham radio, that would help with communication. Have a box of tools to use as needed to include work gloves, a shovel, ax, wrench, zip ties, etc. You could also put together a fun box to include board games, favorite books, headphones, movies downloaded to a tablet, paper, notebooks and pencils, pens, etc.

Related: How To Prepare Your House In Case Of An Emergency

Reacting Calmly

It’s impossible to know how you would react in emergency situations, but you can think through possibilities ahead of time and, along with this, consider a positive course of action.

What would you do if a fire broke out in your house, the area you live in is flooded, or a tornado is spotted in the sky near your home?

Think through the various scenarios and plans, and discuss the action necessary with your family while acting calmly.

Play a game with your family and act out different scenarios: what do they take, where do they go, who do they contact, etc. Think about “what ifs.” Whenever you are out and about, think about “what if” situations. Get creative and have fun. These exercises will help you better prepare for any scenario.

Critical Thinking

Are you able to assess the information provided to you and separate fact from fiction? It’s important to stay abreast of current events and, at the same time, separate the true happenings from opinions. This will reaffirm your ability to better handle a true crisis should one come and keep you more stress-free in the long run.

Preparedness is something that can be part of your daily life. If and when there is an emergency, you will be better equipped to handle it.

Living your life each day is the real key to survival. Everyone can be prepared… just take one step at a time.

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The post What Prepared People Do Every Day first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

Have you ever thought of making extra income on your homestead?

Let’s look closely at 6 of these popular suggestions that can supplement your income, help pay bills, and fulfill your life dreams… all while continuing to enjoy a homesteading lifestyle.

Growing Medicinal Herbs

You can stock your backyard or windowsill gardens with several basic medicinal herbs to treat common ailments.

One strong advantage in selling medicinal herbs is that locally grown herbs aren’t that easy to find. The herbs sell for approximately $8-12 an ounce while they cost a few dollars an ounce (including a tincture bottle) to make. That translates into a pretty high profit for each bottle.

You can start with a few easy-to-grow herbs: echinacea, chamomile, yarrow, lemon balm, and peppermint. Consider purchasing tincture bottles in bulk, available on many online sites.

Related: 10 Medicinal Plants You Can Find On Your Homestead

Propagating Plants to Sell

Bee balm grows easily from seed and can be divided annually. Look into other perennial plants that can fit in your garden beds. They can provide beauty to your home and yard, and also provide income from dividing them yearly and selling the divisions.

Also, consider fruit trees and grafting them from roots and selling them after a few years. They will grow into full-sized trees for transplanting. Take the time to package the perennials and small trees in attractive packages with creative labels. Look to sell the perennials for a going rate of $10+ each. The fruit trees can sell for about $35-100 each depending on the variety and age.

Selling Baked Goods, etc. at Farmers’ Markets

Summer and early fall markets are more abundant. First, you need to think about what baked goods you will make and sell.

There are several important factors to consider: how much your baked goods cost to make, the time involved to make them, and the top retail prices for similar goods sold in competitive markets.

You should also consider the ease of making the baked goods and the ingredients involved. For example, maybe you have a lot of eggs, then choose baked goods where the ingredients include “a lot of” eggs. Something else to consider is that many customers who frequent farmers’ markets want to buy something to eat while walking around the market.

With that in mind, consider making individual servings to sell like quiche, a cupcake, a brownie or cookie, fudge, and cups of mulled cedar, lemonade, or coffee. You can also make your items unique by adding flavors you have from the garden and packaging them neatly with color or a catchy slogan. Passing out samples to attract buyers is a sure way to attract customers!

Selling Hatching Eggs

Hatching eggs demand a higher price than eggs purchased for consumption.

If you have chickens with great genetics and, ideally, a rare and desirable breed, then this may be a good fit for you. Start with a purebred rooster and hens and look for upcoming trends.

It’s important to invest in good quality healthy chicks which will pay off later. One suggestion for selling the hatching eggs is to leave business cards with local markets that sell pastured eggs. It is a good idea to have a picture of your eggs on the card, especially if you are offering colored eggs.

It’s also important to feature the eggs in a visually appealing way and label your cartons.

Selling Homemade Soaps and Salves

The ingredients to make homemade soaps and salves are quite inexpensive. Basically, you need a small amount of lye, natural oils, and a little home-harvested fragrance.

First, you should decide on what type of soap bars you want to make and then try the recipes to see if they are good enough to sell. The product also needs to look good to attract customers. Most online sites suggest that you can sell the bars at an affordable price, approximately $6 a bar.

After you get some loyal customers, you can consider offering discounts to repeat customers and, in the end, increase your pricing.

Related: If You Have This Plant in Your Backyard, You Will Never Run Out of Soap

Starting a Blog

If you are homesteading, you can write a blog about your lifestyle. It may take about 6 months-1 year to generate customers, but you should be able to pull in a significant amount of earnings once you have a substantial following. This suggestion is especially intriguing for people who like to research and learn things, have something a wider audience would enjoy hearing, and enjoy writing or making videos.

There are several methods to monetize your blog.

You can use online programs which will find advertisers for you. Then you can place the code on your blog to start running ads. Another way to make money is to sell affiliate products. This is a commission-based way to advertise. You must disclose that you are an affiliate of the product. Another option to earn income is to sell your own products and services directly on your blog.

These are just a sampling of inspirational ideas to spark your imagination and creativity in becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Take some time to brainstorm things that you excel at and/or are interested in, whether it be selling any number of homemade food items, beekeeping, growing mushrooms or other items, selling homemade finished items (spinning, knitting, crocheting), sewing clothing, tanning and selling hides, blacksmithing and doing carpentry work, being a freelance photographer, raising worms, creating and selling compost, cutting and selling firewood, selling straw or hay, renting out your land, offering your homestead for events, etc.

You get the picture… the sky is the limit!

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The post 6 Ways To Make An Extra $1K A Month On A Small Homestead first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

You may not have thought about harvesting your own seeds or you may think the process is too difficult. This article discusses some general harvesting tips to give you enough basic knowledge to be confident and successful.

Gathering Seeds

Choose seeds from your best-producing plants.

For optimal results, let the seeds mature on the plants before harvesting. This means leaving the fruit or vegetable on the plant longer than you normally would.

For example, cucumbers are soft to touch and turn yellow when mature. Peas and beans should be dry. Flowers should stay on the plant until fully ripe and dry as well.

Oftentimes, seeds from mediocre or poor producers won’t give you the results you want. Also, the fruits and vegetables you buy at the store are usually picked prematurely so they won’t produce mature seeds either.

Storing Seeds

Seeds should be stored in a dry, dark place with consistently cool temperatures like a cupboard, basement, or cellar.

Most seeds won’t survive the temperatures of a freezer (unless for stratification purposes) and a refrigerator is too moist. Keep the seeds in an air-tight container. Jars work well; some gardeners prefer to use envelopes. Label the container with the type of seeds and include any relevant planting instructions.

The germination rate will drop if you keep the seeds longer than a year although some of the seeds will still grow.

Related: 10 Foods Not To Store

Fermenting Seeds

Tomatoes, melons, and cucumbers have slippery coatings to their seeds.

You can remove this coating easily by fermenting the seeds. This way, it will be easier to clean the seeds and store them, however, the seeds will still grow without removing the coat.

• First, scoop out the seeds into a container. Add water to cover them and place the container in a warm place that is not in direct sunlight. Some light is fine.
• Every day, stir the seeds. At first, the seeds will float. They will drop to the bottom of the container when ready. That is your clue to rinse the liquid and vegetable matter off the seeds (i.e., the pulpy material) and then let them dry before storing.

Drying Seeds

Remove the seeds from the ripe fruits and vegetables and also the attached pulp through the process of fermentation mentioned above (for those fruits and vegetables that have a coating to their seeds).

Remember to pick the seeds when the fruits or vegetables have ripened or dried out. For example, if you are reseeding corn, allow the ears to remain on the plant until the leaves are wrinkled and dry. Spread the seeds on a countertop, screen, or paper. Allow enough airflow for the seeds to dry completely.

Depending on the size and type of seed, 1-3 weeks should be sufficient.

Related: DIY Solar Dehydrator

Natural Reseeding

Some types of flowers reseed without your intervention. Just stop deadheading them in late summer to allow the seed heads to develop.

The seeds will blow in the wind and reseed themselves. Otherwise, at the end of the growing season and after the seed head has developed and dried, you can shake the seeds loose and store them.

Planting for the Purpose of Reseeding

Don’t expect to eat the herbs, vegetables, and fruits that you are planting to grow for seeds.

Rather, decide which plants will be used for the purpose of reseeding and designate an area of your garden or some pots for those plants. One to two plants per species will be more than enough for that purpose.

For example, if a leafy vegetable like lettuce produces flowers, it will no longer be good to eat.

The easiest seeds to start harvesting besides flowers (as mentioned above) are those with bigger seeds like melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and beans.

Herbs and Small Seeds

Allow the plant to flower and the flower to seed.

As the flowers begin to die, you can attach a paper bag over the seed head to catch the seeds or cut the seed head off the flower completely and put it in a paper bag to dry. Small seeds are easily lost if they are not contained.

Watch for the seeds to turn color, typically dark brown to black when mature and dry. Once they have dried, separate the seeds from the vegetable matter if needed and store them.

Planting Stone Fruits (like Peaches, Cherries, Nectarines, etc)

Depending on your climate, the pits of stone fruits can be planted to grow new trees.

Usually, the seeds need a period of cold stratification to germinate. If you live in an area with ideal conditions, you can plant the seed in a pot or in the ground in the fall or winter; they will be ready to germinate in the spring.

To help with sprouting, tap the pit with a hammer to remove the hard outer casing of the internal seed. Plant the internal seed only. Some seeds may need to be soaked before planting.

Check the growing conditions for your specific fruit before planting.

Heirloom Vs. Hybrid

Heirloom seeds produce plants that have the same characteristics as the parent plant so you know what type of product will be produced.

However, the seeds from hybrid plants will not give the same result since hybrids are a combination of two varieties of plants that produce a third plant with unique traits. The seeds from the third plant contain random genetics that won’t match the parent plants but will be a mix and possibly have poor characteristics of the parents/grandparents (e.g., lack flavor, yield small fruit, be poor producers, etc.). If available, choose heirloom seeds over hybrid seeds.

Hopefully, these tips will help you with harvesting seeds from the plants you are growing.

Like anything else in life, practice, practice, and practice… and you will be well on your way to gardening success!

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The post How To Harvest Seeds From Plants You Are Already Growing first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.

It’s a great way to get fresh organic eggs that’s easy and fun, right from your backyard. But raising chickens has some challenges. One of these is to keep your chickens safe from harm.

This article addresses the importance of protecting your chickens from harmful plants specifically if you free-range your flock.

Chickens are omnivores, extremely curious by nature, and have strong instincts about what they should and should not eat. They may avoid the toxic plants altogether or be tempted and eat them regardless. Especially if the chickens are extremely hungry, other food sources are not available, or you are handfeeding them, they are more apt to eat the toxic plants. One bite might be enough for them or they may surprise you and eat the entire plant!

So, it is a good idea to be proactive and not plant these plants on your property or fence off your gardens to ensure safety and optimal health for your chickens. Make sure to plan a variety of safe plants to snack on with enough space to free-range.

Related: 10 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid If You Want To Raise Chickens

If your chickens eat a toxic plant, they may exhibit typical symptoms of drooling, diarrhea, lethargy, breathing difficulties, tremors and seizures, an inability to stand up, and the drooping of the head or tail.

If you suspect a chicken has been poisoned by eating something, it is best to bring your chicken to the veterinarian for proper treatment. Since chickens are relatively small in size, the toxin can have a serious immediate effect. If you observed them eating a specific plant, bring part of the plant with you as well.

There is no complete list of what plants are dangerous for chickens, but these 9 common plants are at the top of the list.

1. Azaleas: Azaleas contain toxins called grayanotoxins. When ingested, the toxins can cause heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, overall body weakness, and tremors. Because of the strength of the toxin, it is necessary for the chicken to be treated immediately by a veterinarian for the best chance of full recovery.

2. Beans: Raw uncooked beans or dried beans are not suitable for chickens to eat. They contain the toxin hemagglutinin. The beans must be sufficiently cooked to destroy the toxin. If not, this food laden with nutrients might be deadly.

3. Daffodils: Since these flowers spout in early spring and may be one of the few green plants in your yard at this time, it is especially important to keep them away from your chickens. Every part of the daffodil contains lycorine, a toxic chemical.

The highest concentration of lycorine is in the bulb. In addition, there are about 20 different toxic alkaloids in the plant. Eating any part of the plant can cause abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting which may even lead to kidney failure, heart issues, and death.

4. Ferns: All parts (especially the roots) of various ferns are toxic. The toxin affects the gastrointestinal tract and causes vitamin B1 deficiency, weight loss, anemia, and tremors. Not all ferns are poisonous, but bracken fern, asparagus fern, emerald fern, lace fern, and plumosa fern are some of the more common types of ferns that are poisonous.

The chickens often eat these types of ferns in summer when looking for shaded areas so you should fence the ferns off and supply other areas (trees and bushes) to shield the sun from the chickens in warmer, sunny weather.

Related: Gardening Mistakes That Might Get You Killed

5. Foxglove: The plant contains digitalis, a chemical that can affect the heart. Most typically, it causes a slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even shock or death. It can also cause liver failure. All parts of the foxglove plant including the berries and flowers are extremely poisonous.

6. Lily of the Valley: Don’t let this lovely-smelling flower fool you. The plant contains cardiac glycosides which affect the heart. Eating as little as two leaves can be fatal to chickens.

Lily of the Valley has ranked up high on the list of toxic lookalikes most people confuse with their nutritious and medicinal equivalents. The plant that resembles Lily of the Valley is not only edible, but also helps with reducing anxiety, insomnia and migraines. It works best when used as a brain tonic. Here’s the recipe.

7. Rhododendron: The plant’s leaves, flowers, and nectar contain the toxin grayanotoxin. This toxin is a natural chemical defense produced in the plant to guard against insects. However, it is poisonous to chickens. Ingestion of even a few leaves can interfere with cardiac and skeletal muscle development as well as nerve function.

8. Rhubarb: The leaves of the rhubarb contain high levels of oxalic acid, a poisonous toxic to birds that causes kidney failure. Chickens often enjoy digging and scratching around the plants and nibbling on the stalks which are not poisonous. But they may be attracted to the rhubarb plant and eat the leaves as well.

9. Nightshades: The nightshade family consists of over 70 different herbs, shrubs, and trees with alternate leaves, cymose flowers, and berries along with some poisonous weeds, various ornamentals, and important crop plants (such as the potato, tomato, pepper, eggplant, etc.). The leaves and immature fruit contain the toxin solanine which can lead to inflammatory and digestive problems.

For those who have planted an herb or vegetable garden and included some nightshades, it is essential that you fence off this area so there is no chance of temptation for your chickens.

With some prior knowledge of harmful garden plants and good basic planning, you can confidently raise your chickens knowing they will be healthy and happy, and able to produce quality eggs for a long time.

What’s more, your chickens can enjoy free-range activities and you can rest assured they will be safe.

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The post These 9 Common Garden Plants Are Toxic To Chickens first appeared on Self Sufficient Projects.