Growing your Own Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Knowledge Weighs Nothing

How To Grow Fruits All-Year Round in Your Backyard

Due to its many health advantages, having at least one serving of fruit during every meal is a must. However, not a lot of people have the access to fresh fruits every single day, all throughout the year.

Many believe that tending to a fruit garden helps provide all the fresh fruits you and your family need plus more. For one, growing fruits in the backyard gives you more control over the chemicals that touch your produce so you know that the one that gets into your table is safe. In addition, growing a garden also encourages more physical activity in one’s daily routine.

Fortunately, it isn’t as intimidating to grow backyard fruit trees and plants as what most people would think. In fact, you can grow them even with limited space, time or energy. Pots and vertical spaces can become your best friend and, once established, these plants should start providing a bountiful harvest every year.
So, how do you start with growing a fruit garden?

The best thing to do is to first figure out which fruit would grow best in the region you are in. Some plants could only tolerate certain types of climate and soil. There is even a best season to grow them although many can survive the winter months as long as they are wrapped or kept indoors. Knowing how much sunlight they need (full sun or partial shade) is also important in making sure that your plants grow well.

Beyond growing fruits, a good farmer should also know how to store their harvest properly so they can last long. Of course, it is great to share or even sell the produce but, for personal consumption, the guide below will tell you how long some fruits last inside a refrigerator or a freezer.

See? Planting fruits does not have to be that hard. As long as you have the right knowledge, starting your garden should be a breeze.

How to grow fruit all year round by team at Happy to Survive.

Lisa Farland is a content writer in Happy to Survive – a blog that will help you thrive and survive, and offers articles about preparedness, and off-the-grid, self-reliant living. Lisa is an avid minimalist camper, prepper and survivalist.

How To Get Rid Of Aphids On Plants Naturally & Organically

You’ve spent countless hours tirelessly tending to your garden. As spring approaches and your hard work pays off in brilliant blooms and luscious fruit, you begin to notice something sinister. What was once thriving, healthy plants are now giving way to the damages of an unknown source. Leaves turn yellow and foliage begins to adopt a strange, sticky substance. In all likelihood, you’re dealing with an aphid infestation.

Every gardener, either casual or professional, must hold a solid understanding of aphids. If unchecked, these tiny insects can completely destroy a once thriving garden. Stop wasting time, and the health of your plants. Continue reading to uncover vital information about aphids and how to get rid of aphids without the use of toxic, chemically-charged pesticides.

What Are Aphids? An Overview of These Annoying Pests

Aphids are officially defined as being soft-bodied insects identified by their long slender mouths. Their mouths are specially designed to penetrate the most tender parts of plants, such as stems and leaves, and suck out its fluids. Unfortunately, almost every plant species is vulnerable to one or more aphid species. Although there are many different type of aphids, the methods used to get rid of aphids is relatively universal.

The Physical Appearance of Aphids

Looking closely at an aphid, you’d notice it features a pear-shaped body highlighted by an antennae and long legs. Its coloration can vary from red, black, brown, yellow or green. The coloration of an aphid is based upon its species and the type of plant it feeds on. Several aphid species feature a woolly or waxy appearance. This appearance is due to a unique substance it secretes over the surface of its body.

In general, adult aphids are wingless insects; however, there are some species that feature small wings. The winged variety are typically found during spring and fall months. While it’s possible find only one or two aphids, the majority of these insects travel in dense colonies. These gatherings of aphids are generally found on the leaves and stems of plants, which make identifying them much easier than single bugs. A great way to identify an aphid is to disturb the plant. Unlike other pests, such as leafhoppers, aphids tend to stay still when disturbed, which actually makes it easier to remove or kill the aphids.

Life cycle of an aphid

The Life Cycle of an Aphid

Aphids produce many generations throughout a single year. Female aphids give birth to live offspring. The average female aphid can produce up to 12 newborns each day – all without mating. This asexual reproduction can result in a massive colony in a relative short amount of time. Aphid nymps molt, or shed their skin, four times before reaching adulthood. Unlike other pests, there is no pupal stage. In some species, the aphids produce an egg after mating. This occurs during late fall. Its purpose is to ensure the species survives during the harsh winter months as the shell provides extra insulation. These eggs are generally laid on perennial plants to survive the winter.

During warmer months, the molting stages are swift. In general, a nymph can pass through the four molting phases within seven to eight days. Since each adult aphid can produce an average of 80 nymphs within a week or so, aphid populations can swiftly grow out-of-control. This can be a serious problem for gardens and farms.

Damage Caused by Aphids

If you have low to moderate aphid populations in your garden, the damage caused to plants will likely go unnoticed. However, when a population grows large, the damage can be widespread and serious. Because both nymphs and adults feed on the juices of plants, the entire plant can be damaged by their presence. The most notable damage will be on new growth.

If you’re trying to determine whether or not your plants are being attacked by these creatures, check for the following:

Misshapen, stunted or yellowing leaves. If you notice this in your garden, make sure to check on the underside of leaves. This is where the majority of aphids hide.
Check the surface of leaves. A common sign of an aphid infestation is a film of sticky residue. This is caused by aphids sucking sap out of the plant. The waste of aphids, known as honeydew, is a sugary liquid. This secretion often attracts other insects, such as ants. Therefore, check plants to see if there’s an unusual amount of insect activity on or around its stem and leaves.
Check the branches and leaves of plants for a fungal growth. This growth, known as sooty mold, is a byproduct of the aphid secretions. When present, the leaves and branches of plants will appear black or discolored.
Review the shape and size of fruits and flowers. As an aphid feeds on these portions of a plant, their presence can cause the flowers and fruits of plants to become distorted.

Aphid infestation

The Results of Aphid Infestations

Because of the wide array of aphids, the results of an infestation can vary from plant-to-plant. Regardless of what species is attacking your garden, their presence always results in deteroration of plant health and vitality. The following are the most common results of an active aphid infestation:

As an aphid sucks the juices out of a plant, they are doing more than stealing its vitality. These creatures can be carriers to any virus the host plant may currently have. Therefore, when an aphid moves onto another plant, these viruses may be transmitted. Unfortunately, it only takes one aphid to transmit plant viruses. The resulting damage from a plant virus can be far more damaging than the results of an aphid infestation. This is a major concern for many gardeners, as an entire crop can be ruined by disease due to aphids.
As an infestation continues, the entire plant can stop growing. This can occur on almost any plant, such as zucchini, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Once the plant stops growing, and its leaves turn yellow, the yield will be significantly diminished.
In the most serious cases, aphids can attack plant roots. When this occurs, the entire plant may shrivel up and die. New growth and young plants are especially vulnerable to an aphid infestation. Therefore, you must enhance your focus on these plants.

How To Get Rid of Aphids: 10 Organic, All-Natural Aphid Treatments

For years, gardeners and farmers turned to chemically-rich pesticides to control aphid infestations. While this may have killed off these pests, it also damages the environment and can even alter the health of your plants. Because of this, turning to all-natural aphid control options is the recommended choice.

The following 10 all-natural aphid control measures are some of the most effective ways to eliminate these pests without harming your plants or the environment. Use a combination of several methods to ensure your plants remain healthy and aphid-free. You may also want to check out our post on companion plants too.

Method #1 | Physically Removing Aphids By Hand

As mentioned earlier, aphids tend to remain in place when disturbed. Therefore, it’s quite easy to simply remove these pests by hand. Put on a pair of gardening gloves. Inspect the entire plant, specifically the underside of leaves. If you spot an aphid, simply pinch it with your fingers and place in a plastic bag. Continue each day to keep an aphid infestation under control without the use of pesticides.

Method #2 | Repel Aphids With Neem Oil

Dilute pure neem oil in water and pour into a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray each plant, making sure to focus on areas where aphids enjoy hiding. The compounds within neem oil act as natural aphid repellents. This oil also repels other pests, such as cabbage worms, beetles, caterpillars and ants. Another added bonus: neem oil can also ward off a variety of fungal strains known to infect plants.

Method #3 | Kill Aphids With This Herbal Pesticide Treatment

In a small spray bottle, pour equal amounts of rosemary oil, clove oil, peppermint oil and thyme essential oil. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well. Thoroughly spray an entire plant that’s infested with aphids. The active compounds within these essential oils kill adult aphids, nymphs and eggs. It also acts as a general insect repellent without damaging the integrity of your plants. However, always dilute these oils before applying. Non-diluted essential oils can burn delicate plants.

Blast aphids with a hose

Method #4 | Blast Aphids WIth A Garden Hose

Perhaps one of the easiest – and most efficient – ways to eliminate aphids from your plants is by simply spraying them with water. With a standard garden hose, thoroughly spray each plant. Make sure to pay special attention to the underside of leaves and to its stalk. It’s important to note that this method can damage young plants and new growth. However, in adult plants, it’s a safe way to eliminate aphids without the use of pesticides. In order for this method to remain effective, you must repeat on a regular basis.

Method #5 | How To Kill Aphids With Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is an effective natural remedy for aphids. Spray your plants with water, then follow this by dusting a light coating of diatomaceous earth directly to plants. Make sure to apply this powder on the underside of leaves and along the base of plants. The compounds in D.E. penetrate the shell of aphids and dehydrate the bugs from the inside-out. As many farmers and gardeners already know, this is perhaps one of the most effective all-natural aphid control methods.

Aphid control with Lacewings

Method #6 | Lacewing Insects Love Eating Aphids

If you’re looking for a unique way to control aphids, then you may want to fight insects with insects. Lacewings have a unique appetite for aphids. These helpful insects aren’t harmful to your plants, but can offer great relief. You may purchase lacewing insects from many gardening supply stores. Place these eggs around plants and watch the aphid population soon go extinct.

Method #7 | Grow Aphid-Resistant Plants

Growing plants, such as catnip, oregano or garlic can be an effective means of work warding off aphids. The scent these plants give off are offensive to aphids. Many gardeners find entire infestations are warded off by simply growing these plants near other plants. You can also plant other herbs, such as clover, mint, dill and fennel.

Method #8 | Plant Onions in Garden

Growing onions near your garden naturally repel aphids. These insects dislike organic compounds, such as those found by onions. By growing onions within your garden, you’ll effectively discourage aphids from growing in and around your plants.

Method #9 | How To Kill Aphids With This Homemade Aphid Spray

If you need a powerful way to eliminate an entire aphid infestation, but wish to avoid chemical pesticides, create the following homemade spray. Its compounds effectively kill aphids.

- Warm 1 liter of water and pour into a spray bottle.
- Add a 1/8 of a teaspoon of gelatin into the bottle.
- Add 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Thoroughly shake the bottle.
- Spray this mixture around the leave and stalks of plants.
- Repeat every other day until you see the aphids completely disappear.

Kill Aphids with garlic spray

Method #10 | Aphids Hate Garlic: Make This Garlic Spray

While planting garlic is a great way to ward off aphids, sometimes this isn’t enough. By making a homemade garlic spray, you can effectively thwart an aphid infestation. To make this spray, bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Crush 5 cloves of garlic and add to the boiling water. Cover and allow the water to steep for 10 minutes. Remove the lead and allow the water to cool. Pour in a spray bottle, including the garlic cloves. Thoroughly spray each plant, making sure to pay attention to the underside of leaves and along the stalk. It’s best to do this in the evening before sunset.

(Images from: Alvesgaspar, Charlesjsharp, Pollinator & Lee Kindness )

How To Use Chickens To Boost Your Garden Health and Plant Yields

For homesteaders and urban farmers, the use of chickens has begun to delve deeper than simply providing fresh eggs for breakfast. By incorporating chickens into your garden, you receive the same gardening power of multiple tools and fertilizers. Those seeking a way to disconnect from modern gardening tactics are flocking to our feathered friends in record numbers, and after reviewing this list of ways chickens boost the health and productivity of your garden, you’ll soon be clucking your way to healthier vegetables and more beautiful plants.

Natural Nitrogen Source for Compost

In order to properly feed your garden, you need to cultivate a compost with a 30:1 carbon to nitrogen ratio. While there are many commercial products with such a nitrogen/carbon concentration, why spend money when you can call upon the nearly eight pounds of manure a chicken produces per month.

To make a good chicken manure compost, mix 45 pounds of leaves or hay per one pound of chicken manure. As the chickens produce their manure, pack it away in a leach-proof container until you’re ready to build your compost pile. Once you’re ready, mix the 45 pounds of leaves per one pound of manure and spread the compost over your garden. Before you know it, you’ll have vibrant and healthy plants without having to spend hundreds of dollars on commercial products.

The Cutest Tillers in the World

Regardless of your garden size or purpose, tilling the soil is essential to stimulate healthy plant growth. While you can manually till your garden, why do so when a single chicken can till nearly 50 square feet of sod in less than six weeks? Simply place your chickens in the desired area and allow then to do their work. Within a matter of weeks, your established sod will be perfectly tilled without you having to lift a single finger.

Powerful and Safe Fertilizer Machines

Fertilizer is the lifeblood of any garden; however, many commercial fertilizers are packed with harmful compounds and chemicals, which leak into the very essence of your plants. Because chickens produce such large quantities of manure per month, introducing the recommended levels of nitrogen and other compounds into the soil can be strikingly fast, if you have enough chickens roaming in a confined area. As a general rule of thumb, one chicken can fertilize 100 square feet of space in just 75 days. Simply confine your chickens in the area you wish to fertilize and keep them in this contained area until the soil has been properly fertilized.

Spread Mulch Without Any Work

Spreading mulch is the disdain of many farmers and gardeners. While this laborious duty is required for a healthy garden, if you have a bad back or a lack of time, it’s also one of the first steps in gardening to be skipped. However, this is where your feathered friends come into play. A single chicken can spread and level a large pile of mulch within 48 to 72 hours. Simply place the mulch or compost where you wish to to be spread and confine a couple of chickens in the area. Within a matter of days, the mulch will be levelled. Are your chickens showing a lack of interest in the mulch pile? Spread some of their feed over the mulch and watch the pile be levelled out in record time.

(Image from: Wikipedia)

10 Companion Plants to Ward Off Beetles and Other Pests

Regardless of how much you plan and protect, there are many pests capable of infiltrating your garden and ruining the quality and fruit of your plants. Although there are many synthetic treatments designed to thwart damaging pests, these products introduce toxic chemicals into the very core of your plants. If you’re searching for a way to naturally inhibit the proliferation of beetles, mites and other pests, then your solution may be as simple as planting a companion plant alongside primary plants.

The following 10 companion plants feature various natural compounds and enzymes studied for its ability to thwart the ravages of insects and other various plant pests.

10 Companion Plants – Natural and Beautiful Protection

Companion #1 | Basil for Tomato Plant Protection

Basil perhaps one of the most popular companion plants used to deter whiteflies, spider mites and various aphids known to destroy the quality and yield of tomato plants. Gardening experts suggest planting basil around young tomato plants thwarts a variety of pests, specifically hornworm moths.

Companion #2 | Dill for Cabbage and Cole Crops

Dill is known to naturally deter various pests, such as squash bug and cabbageworms, from infiltrating your crops. It’s believed the potent oils produced by dill plants may also repel a variety of other insects by masking the scent of your primary plants.

Companion #3 | Onions for Lettuce, Blueberries, Roses and Raspberries

The bold odor associated with onions is known to deter the proliferation of aphids among many susceptible crops. Plant onions throughout your garden to extend protection into all of your viable crops.

Companion #4 | Garlic for Susceptible Crops

The strong scent produced by garlic plants is a known deterrent for a variety of aphids known to afflict a variety of crops. The use of garlic plants to thwart spider mites away from perennials is a time-honored approach for natural pest control. Plant garlic sporadically throughout your garden for far-reaching protection.

Companion #5 | Catnip for Full Garden Protection

A member of the mint family, gardening experts suggest planting catnip between plants that are susceptible to beetles. Planting catnip between rows offers continuous protection, which can mean the difference between a full yield and one ravished by the damage caused by hungry and persistent beetles.

Companion #6 | Marigolds for Tomato and Fruiting Plants

It’s believed the beautiful marigold plant, specifically African Marigolds, mask the scent of your primary plants, which inhibits pests, such as hornworms, from locating your vulnerable plants. Gardening experts suggest planting marigolds between plants to maximize its protective abilities.

Companion #7 | Lavender for Leafy Crops

Not only does lavender produce high-quality essential oils for medicinal purposes, but when planted among leafy crops, such as lettuce, its heavily scented structure deters the onset of aphids and whiteflies.

Companion #8 | Castor Oil Plants for Mole Prevention

Although castor oil plants should be grown with extreme care as the entire plant is highly toxic to animals and humans, when planted along the border of your garden, its unique compounds prevent moles, voles and other pests from making home in your garden. Its potential is so powerful, many commercially-produced mole/vole deterrents use castor oil as a primary ingredient.

Companion #9 | Borage for Tomato and Cole Crops

Used by gardeners for hundreds of years, this beautiful plant discourages the onset of cabbageworms and hornworms. Not only is this plant easily grown from seeds, but its unique structure is an excellent source of nourishment for Honey bees and other pollinators.

Companion #10 | Tansy for Japanese Beetle Prevention

A Japanese Beetle infestation can destroy the quality and health of an entire garden. Therefore, to ensure your plants remain healthy, gardening experts suggest planting Tansy throughout your garden; specifically among plants more susceptible to Japanese beetles. It’s suggested the strong scent produced by the Tansy plant confuses these beetles, which prevents them from locating the primary host plant.

5 Winter Activities to Boost the Health of Your Garden

As the warmth and humidity of summer gives way to the cooler months of fall, an entire new realm of requirements is at your doorstep. While many homesteaders and gardeners use the chill of fall and winter as a much-needed break from gardening labor, this is not the time for a complete separation of duties. It’s best to think of winter as a time of gestation for the next season. Just like a baby growing within the womb, there are certain activities you must perform to ensure the health and vitality of your freshly birthed garden.

The following five activities are designed to help maintain a safe and healthy garden throughout the cold winter months, so as spring approaches your soil and plants are ready to burst with life.

5 Must-Do Winter Activities

Remove Previous Season Debris

Perhaps one of the most important steps to take after a current growing season comes to a close is to clear out annuals and compost. By eliminating this debris, you improve the fertility of soil while eliminating the possibility of winter-borne plant diseases and pests. As the winter months give way to the warmth of spring, rotate your crops throughout the gardening area to help thwart the onset of disease and insects.

Shield Your Crop from Freezing Temperatures

Although this may not be necessary for regions where temperatures do not dip below freezing, for many, the most effective way to improve soil and its fertility is to plant cover crops, such as winter wheat or winter rye. These crops are capable of protecting the viability of your soil while being able to be tilled during spring to revitalize your soil. Without cover crops, many gardens are left vulnerable to the ravishes of winter. Don’t have time to plant a cover crop? No worries – simply spread a layer of leaves along your garden bed.

Repair Gardening Tools

During the downtime of winter, perhaps the most effective way to spend your free afternoons is to repair essential gardening tools. The worst mistake you can make is to wait until spring has arrived to begin repairing your tools. By spending the short days of winter fixing your gardening tools, you’ll save a significant amount of time when the season changes and your days become filled with preparing, planting and protecting your crops.

Prepare for the Forthcoming Season

After you’ve safeguarded your garden for winter, now’s the perfect time to begin planning for the next season. The most successful gardeners are those who take the downtime offered by winter to fully flesh out the upcoming season duties, plants and goals. What were you successful at in the previous grow season? What issues did you come across? Where will the new crops be planted? These, and many more, questions must be answered in order to ensure the next season is as productive and profitable as possible.

Relax Your Mind and Body

Although working as a gardener seems as if it’s a life filled with an ever-growing to-do list, during the winter months it’s imperative to find time to relax and recuperate. Give your body a chance to recover while treating your mind to exciting planning sessions. Congratulate yourself on accomplishing another season, and use this positive thinking to propel you into the next season with a renewed excitement and love.

Natural Ways to Invigorate Your Garden and Protect Plant Health

Whether you wish to curb your monthly grocery bills or prepare your pantry for a disaster, gardening has moved into every part of urban and rural environments. Regardless of why you wish to grow your own fruits and vegetables, the need to protect the health of these plants is universal. Instead of turning to chemical fertilizers and other compounds, turn your focus to natural remedies and planting styles. After following these simple and effective techniques, sit back and watch your garden thrive in health and beauty.

Decrease Blossom Rot & Increase Yields – Blossom Rot Hack

Blossom rot is a common disorder found in all fruiting vegetable plants, such as squash, pepper and tomato. Unlike popular belief, this damaging condition is not a disease caused by the environment, but rather a physiological disorder within the plant caused by a calcium imbalance. If not treated – or prevented – blossom rot can significantly reduce your vegetable yield. While this can be a widespread issue, one of the most effective treatments and preventative measures uses ingredients found in almost every kitchen – used coffee grounds and crushed egg shells.

Prior to establishing plants, thoroughly mix used coffee grounds and dried-crushed egg shells. The ingredients work to prepare the soil while enhancing circulating calcium available to the plant. Once thoroughly mixed, insert the plant and continue as normal. Some gardeners suggest spraying dissolved Epsom salt on existing blossom rot spots. Proponents suggest the magnesium content in Epsom salt tends to plants and supports the correction of nutrient imbalances.

Invigorate Your Garden – The Many Uses of Epsom Salt

Many are familiar with Epsom salt as a bath time agent to soothe aching muscles. However, did you know this common ingredient is one of the most effective ingredients for a thriving garden? If not, don’t feel bad. Most are unaware this easy-to-find compound is one of the most powerful gardening hacks for growing healthy plants and larger yields.

The primary compound in Epsom salt is hydrated magnesium sulfate, which supports plant development from germination to harvesting. Instead of listing a single use, the following are the best uses for Epsom salt as a gardening hack:

Enhanced Seed Germination – By mixing 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in the soil before dropping seeds, the magnesium in strengthens cellular walls, which promotes stronger seedlings and greater germination.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption – If you were to look at any commercial fertilizer, you’ll notice magnesium as a primary ingredient. Adding Epsom salt to the soil adds concentrated magnesium, which significantly improves nutrient absorption without the use of chemicals found in most fertilizers.
Increase Plant Energy for Increased Yields – The fruiting process for any plant is among its most taxing periods. A plant low on energy produces fewer fruits with less flavour and nutrients. Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water and spray directly on the leaves, vines and branches. Doing so boosts chlorophyll levels, and ultimately enhances available energy for producing fruit.

Boost Strawberry Production with One Simple Tip

Nothing is quite better than taking a bite out of a juicy, home-grown strawberry. Now, you can enjoy this moment hundreds of times with this simple growing tip. When first purchased and planted your primary strawberry plant, you established what’s known as a central plant. Over time, as this central plant matures and begins to develop, small “runners” will begin to grow out of the primary stalk. These long stems literally “run off” of the central plant and rapidly produce smaller strawberry plants. While you may feel this is a benefit – hey, more strawberries! – it’s actually a drawback.

As these runners grow and develop, they literally suck the energy out of the central plant. Because there is only a finite amount of energy produced by a plant, these runner plants reduce overall available energy, which means reduced yields and lower-quality strawberries from the central and run off plants.

Therefore, the most effective way to bring back the power to your strawberries is by cutting off the runners. Runners typically feature a red stem (but not always) and when followed back to the central plant, the stem is attached to the primary stalks. Simply remove the runner from the base of the plant, and viola! You’ll soon be producing more strawberries than you know what to do with.

Retain Healthy Hydration with a Bottle Drip Feeder

The use of drip feeders is perhaps one of the most effective gardening hacks as it promotes greater yields by enhancing hydration to the roots of the plant. This is an excellent alternative to watering vegetable plants that do not fair well being watered via their leaves.

To utilize this hack, simply take an empty – and cleaned – 2 litre soda bottle and poke at least six holes in it using a barbecue skewer. Next, dig a hole big enough to fit the entire soda bottle next to the plant it will water. Cover the soda bottle with soil, but leave the top exposed. Once covered, fill the bottle with water by pouring the liquid into the top of the bottle. Now, sit back and refill the bottle as needed.

6 Things EVERY Homesteader Should Consider Purchasing

Extend the Growing Season with a Greenhouse

A greenhouse is a must! You can start seeds off earlier in the year in the (warmer) greenhouse so they can be planted out in the ground later in the year when it has warmed up a bit. Depending on your region, a greenhouse can extend the growing season by two-three months. Additionally, a greenhouse enables you to grow other fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers which may not be suited to outdoor growing in your region.

Keep Warm and Cook Your Food and Boil Your Water – Woodburning Stove

If you’re living off-grid, access to electricity is not an option. Moreover, even if you currently have access to electricity or gas, what would happen if these major utilities were suddenly unavailable? This is where a wood-burning stove comes into play. Not only does this simple, yet extremely effective, appliance allow you to properly cook foods and boil water, but its heat distribution is ideal for heating your entire home.

Can’t afford to purchase a new wood burner? Why not make one! Check these DIY wood burner tutorials

Solar Panels for Electricity

Simply because you wish to live off-grid doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on electricity. Solar panels have become far more affordable in recent years, and with the increase in technology regarding this product, they’re far more able to collect energy even during cloudy days.

Due to the wide array of solar panel products and sizes, it’s best to perform research regarding the best solution for your home.

Find out how to get solar panels for free! It takes a bit of detective work, but it’s worth it as you can save a fortune.

Duckweed Production to Feed Livestock

Farmers, both large and small, continually search for ways to reduce livestock feed expense without sacrificing nutrition. In the farming community, Duckweed has grown in popularity in use due to its easy cultivation methods and high nutritional profile.

Duckweed consists of:

35 to 43 per cent of crude protein – around the same concentration as dried soybean meal
5 per cent of polyunsaturated fats
5 to 15 per cent of fibre
Trace amounts of carotene, xanthophyll, vitamin A and a host of other nutrients

While the nutrient concentration of Duckweed is what draws some farmers, the ease of its growing and harvesting is its primary attraction. Under ideal growing conditions, such as a simulated and protected lagoon setting, this plant can double its size within a matter of 16 hours to two days. In an average setting, farmers may yield anywhere from 2 to 23 tons of dried plant matter per harvesting year. Its exceptional growth rate and massive harvest yields make Duckweed a viable option for most farmers.

Pressure Canner and Food Dehydrator

Part of being a successful homesteader means being able to sustain your own food source. If you have a garden or purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s market, a pressure canner and food dehydrator can prolong the life of your food – ideal for those long, barren winter months. While the majority of pressure canners and dehydrators requires electricity, most can be run on the electricity gathered through solar panels.

Whether you’re seeking to live a simpler life in the woods or wish to enhance your survivalist equipment should there be a major emergency, there are several pieces of equipment that are invaluable. While specific investments may vary based upon your location and level of need, the following investments are ideal for all homesteaders and survivalists.

Many people are put off investing in pressure canners and food dehydrators, thinking they are going to be very expensive. These days this is not the case… We used this pressure canner and this food dehydrator. Combined they both cost $115 (pressure [email protected] $80 and [email protected] $35). The pressure canner also doubles as a pressure cooker too!

The 2 BEST Homemade Natural Pesticide Recipes

Both of the natural pesticides below work against snails, slugs, aphids, Armyworms, Leaf Beetles, Colorado Potato Beetles, Cucumber Beetles, Japanese Beetles, ants, fruit fly and more…

With both pesticides – only use them in the early evenings, so they don’t come into contact with bees and butterflies, that said, my experience is that the neem oil recipe doesn’t seem to affect bees and butterflies anyway.

Neem Oil Natural Pesticide Recipe (For Fruit & Vegetables)

This recipe is for edible vegetables and fruit, but be sure to wash all produce before cooking/eating (you can also use this on non-edibles too).

1/2 an ounce of high neem oil (preferably organic)
1 teaspoon of natural liquid soap (preferably organic like Dr Bronners etc).
2 quarts of warm water
Spray bottle

Mix all ingredients in a jug, then transfer to the spray bottle. This homemade pesticide works best when used fresh, so use within 24 hours of mixing it up.

Rhubarb Leaf Natural Pesticide Recipe (For Non-Edible Plants/Flowers)

This recipe is only to be used on non-edible plants and flowers. Rhubarb leaves are highly toxic to humans and should never be consumed. Do not use this on vegetables and fruits!

1 cup rhubarb leaves
6.5 cups water
1/4 cup natural liquid soap (preferably organic like Dr Bronners etc).
Spray bottle

Place the rhubarb leaves and water in a pan on the stove, and boil gently for 20 minutes, then leave to cool. Now strain and discard the rhubarb leaves, and then add the liquid soap to the strained liquid and mix thoroughly. Transfer to the spray bottle, and as with the neem oil pesticide, this mixture is best used fresh, so try to use it within 24 hours or so.