Homesteading Archives - Page 2 of 69 - Knowledge Weighs Nothing

Seeds 101: A Round-Up Of Our Shorter Seed Posts

September 27, 2016

Survival Seed Vault – Heirloom Emergency Survival Seeds – 20 Easy-to-grow Varieties

Could you feed your family from your garden if you *had* to? What if you simply decided you wanted to?

This emergency survival seed vault was created to serve that very purpose. With a large selection, this seed bank contains 20 varieties of easy-to-grow heirloom vegetable seeds. All seeds are packaged in jumbo-sized triple-layered foil packets. These packets have built in zip-lock, so they can be resealed once opened. Detailed planting, harvesting, and seed saving instructions are included!

Survival Garden Seeds Hermetically Stored For Greater Shelf Life
Heirloom Seeds Are Open Pollinated & 100% Non-GMO
Survival Seeds May Be Planted, Harvested, and Replanted Endlessly
Manufacturer Has Signed Safe Seed Pledge
Waterproof Emergency Seed Supply

Get it here: Survival Seed Vault – Heirloom Emergency Survival Seeds – 20 Easy-to-grow Varieties

Seed Saving 101 (FREE 30 Page Guide)

If you grow your own fruit and vegetables, I think saving seeds from successful crops is a no-brainer. It saves you money, allows you to be self-sufficient and it enables you to replant varieties which have already proven themselves to crop well and resist disease. It just makes sense!

A lot of the time, seed saving is pretty simple – beans, for example, couldn’t be easier. Just leave them on the plants until the pods start to shrivel and dry out; then just pop off the beans and store them somewhere dry until replanting. Things like carrots, cauliflower and cabbages are not quite as straightforward, but again, once you know how it is relatively simple.

Below is a link to download a FREE 30 page PDF guide from the Seed Alliance. It is a very detailed guide that covers everything you need to know about saving seeds for the most commonly grown plants. I highly recommend you download it and print it out. When you click on the link, it will open the PDF guide your browser. To save it, just right-click on the first page and choose ‘Save As’.

Seed Saving 101 (FREE 30 Page Guide)

(Photo from: Seed Alliance)

List Of 100+ Heirloom, Non-GMO & Organic Seed Companies

We all (should) know the benefits and advantages to using heirloom, non-GMO and organic seeds. Simply put, they are as nature intended and when you work with nature, rather than against it, you get the best long-term results…

There are currently 100+ heirloom, non-GMO and organic seed companies listed now, mainly across the US, Canada, UK/Ireland and Australia. There are a few others elsewhere, but these are the main locations.

What I particularly like about this list, is that it is largely made up of small independent seed suppliers, rather than the huge seed/gardening companies. Personally, I would much rather spend my money with a small, family run, ethical business, rather than a huge faceless international corporation. Check out the list and bookmark a few suppliers for next year’s seeds.

List Of 85+ Heirloom, Non-GMO & Organic Seed Companies

(Photo from: Off The Grid)

Seeds Explained: Heirloom, Hybrid, GMO (Includes Pros & Cons Of Each)

When did choosing and purchasing fruit and vegetable seeds get so complicated?

Years ago seeds were just seeds and you purchased what the store had in stock. These days you have heirloom, hybrid and GMO seeds to choose from…

If you are confused by all the terms, this great infographic from Dr J Renae Norton will help you make the right choice.

(Graphic from: Eating Disorder Pro)

A Prepper’s & Homesteader’s Guide to Buying Seeds

It’s getting to that planning and planting time again and many folks are buying and planting seeds.

The things is, which seeds should you purchase? Organic, heirloom, hybrid or those cheap ones from the $1 store? Well, it largely depends on your values/beliefs, your requirements, and your budget.

From a prepper, homestead and self-sufficient point of view, you will likely be interested in seed saving, that is – you harvest some of the seeds from this year’s crops for planting the following year. To do this effectively you need to invest in the right seeds, to begin with. Seed saving will save you money and enable you to be more self-sufficient in the longer term, so it is worth paying a little extra for these seeds now.

Jennifer from ‘Are We Crazy Or What’ has written a great guide on buying seeds, which breaks down the different kinds of seeds and the benefits of each. It’s a great read, especially if you are going to be buying some seeds soon.

The “Dirt” on Seeds: A Prepper’s Guide to Buying Seeds

(Photo from: Are We Crazy Or What)

When To Plant Vegetable Seeds (2 EXCELLENT Printable Charts)

Knowing when to plant seeds is crucial to successful germination and healthy plants.

I don’t know about you, but I am always eager to get sowing seeds indoors this time of year. Trouble is I always sow too many and too soon. They shoot up in the seed trays indoors and they are ready to be transplanted outdoors in no time. Problem is – it is still too cold outdoors to plant them out…

These two charts have been created by the lovely folks at Roots Nursery and I don’t need to tell you how useful the charts will be. If you are like me you’ll have them printed out in no time.

Do me a favour, though – if you like these charts as much as me, head over to the Roots Nursery Facebook page and ‘Like’ their Facebook page as way of a Thank You!

The Storage Life of Seeds

Now is a good time to get out your seeds and take a look at the dates and storage conditions. If you are prepping, you may have stockpiled a mass of seeds but are those seeds still good to use?

Seeds of plants have different shelf lives which evolved under the conditions of the origination of the plant species. The seed coat that protects the seed also determines the length of time that the seed germ can stay alive and any conditions that must be met to stimulate germination.

The Storage Life of Seeds

(Picture Credit: garlandcannon)

5 Advantages Of Starting Seeds Indoors

It’s getting to that time of year again when we are starting to think about planting, but you have to be so careful planting early, heavy rain, late snow, and frost can all spell disaster for germinating seeds and seedlings. Starting your seeds off indoors can give you a good head-start on the season, whilst also ensuring your plants aren’t at the mercy of early spring weather.

When starting seeds off indoors, the main thing you have to do is harden them off before planting outside. You can’t just move the plants from a heated environment and then put them straight outside in the cold. There has to be a period of adjustment for the plant, where you can place them outdoors during the daytime for a few days and bring them in overnight. This way, when you do finally plant them out, it won’t be quite the shock to the system.

If you want to read more about starting seeds off early indoors, the Prep-Blog has written and article on the 5 advantages of doing so.

5 Advantages Of Starting Seeds Indoors

How to Sprout Seeds for Super Quick, Super Nutrition

The nutritious value of sprouts is nothing short of amazing. All sprouts contain a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, anti-oxidants and trace minerals than when the plant is fully matured. When you add to this the fact they can be grown in a jar anywhere and they are ready to eat in 3-5 days, they are a no-brainer for preppers.

MRSs and tinned goods will keep you alive but you will not be in the best shape without getting some fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet as well. Sprouting seeds are excellent for this as there are many varieties with different nutritional properties. Personally, I don’t feel sprouting seeds can be overlooked when it comes to prepping and self-sufficiency.

See: How To Make Fresh Sprouts With Sprouting Seed

Build A Back Saving PVC Corn, Bean, Seed Planter

Do you know what, I am not even 40 yet and already my back already protests after a short while of bending over planting seeds/beans etc, so God knows the problems this must cause for folks in their 50s, 60s, 70s etc, and others with back and joint conditions such as arthritis.

I have not looked properly, but I don’t recall ever seeing a device like this planter in stores or advertised on the TV. This is surprising as it is immediately obvious that a great many gardeners would benefit from it. Anway, even if you can purchase them, there is not need as below is a tutorial from ‘Sensible Survival’ showing how to make your own back saving seed planter from PVC pipe.

How To Build A Back Saving PVC Corn, Bean, Seed Planter

(Image from: Sensible Survival)

Pressure Cooker Still – How To Make One!

July 6, 2016

There are typically two things you can do with a pressure cooker still – distill alcohol and make moonshine etc, or to purify unclean or salty water to make it safe for drinking. The purpose of this post it to focus on the latter!

When used to purify salty sea water, once heat is applied, water vapour is produced, the water vapor escapes and condenses in the copper pipe, before running out into the bucket. The salt is left behind in the pressure cooker, with the water in the bucket now being salt-free, and safe to drink.

Basically, the tutorial below demonstrates that several meters of copper tubing, a 5-gallon bucket and a pressure cooker equals a fully functioning pressure cooker still. If you live by the coast or an unclean water source, build one of these and you’ll always have emergency water for you and your family to drink. This method could also be adapted to work outdoors over a campfire or portable gas camp stove.

If you are prepping for a SHTF total collapse, building a simple pressure cooker still like this makes a lot of sense. It provides a method to purify all water sources and it gives you the means to distill alcohol, which can be used for consumption, medical use and bartering.

How To Make A Still With A Pressure Cooker

(Photo from: lemonie via Instructables)

How To Grow Fruits All-Year Round in Your Backyard

April 25, 2016

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.

Log Home Plans: 40 Totally Free DIY Log Cabin Floor Plans

October 1, 2015

A log cabin or log home is not only a versatile, endearing and cost effective living solution, it is also a great way of creating your very own retreat (especially with these free log home plans!) that you can pick up and place in a wide range of spaces, providing they have the capacity to accommodate your new it of course! See down below for the free log cabin floor plans.

Utilising traditional building methods, the art of constructing your very own DIY log cabin requires implementing unique, artisan skills that call upon a whole host of natural materials.

But best of all, log cabins are relatively simple to construct yourself, providing you have the appropriate tools, quality materials, manpower and of course, knowledge and some DIY log home plans (which we can help to provide). Trust us, there’s no better way to embrace sustainable living!

When constructing a log home from scratch, it’s important that you follow (and stick to) step-by-step instructions that detail and outline how to create a structurally sound DIY cabin, allowing you to create your perfect log home that is able to withstand the harshest environments. After all, it’s paramount that your DIY log cabin is safe, sturdy and resistant.

So here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best DIY log cabin plans available online, demonstrating every step of the production process, from start to finish. Outlining clear and concise construction methods, the plans will allow you to create a durable, rigid and accessible log cabin that is able to accommodate your exact requirements.

But, before you go any further, it’s important that you understand exactly what you want to get out of your DIY cabin. Log cabins, like any structural living space, come in all shapes and sizes. From intimate spaces through to cabins that are able to accommodate large groups, there are lots of options to choose from! Oh, and you’ll be amazed at the wealth of facilities, home comforts and unique features available.

Of course, this also means that when it comes to building your DIY cabin, difficulty levels vary and, although many are relatively simple to construct, others are far more complex requiring specialist skills and expertise.

So ask yourself, what will you use your log cabin it for? How often do you plan to use it? What type of environment will your log cabin call home? All of these factors will have an impact on your choice of design. After all, if you only plan to use your log cabin a few times a year, a more basic design may suit your needs better as opposed to a cabin that you plan to use every weekend, or every day!

Once you’ve made up your mind, the next step is to get building. Here are some of the best DIY log home plans that are available online, and best of all, they’re all free! So why pay someone else to build your log cabin when you can do it yourself?

Two bedroom contemporary log home with loft and basement

If you’re looking to create a spacious, family log cabin, then this two-floor two bedroom contemporary cabin, with loft space and basement, then these are the log home plans you’ve been looking for.

Offering ample storage, living and practical space, this accommodating cabin features a master bedroom, and an additional bedroom space that lends itself perfectly to being used a guest bedroom or a space for your little one.

Also featuring all the facilities that you would expect to find in a liveable home, this plan also features adequate kitchen, dining, laundry and living room space – making it ideal for entertaining or kicking back and relaxing.

But this design’s standout features have to be its loft space and outdoor porch area. The loft space offers more than enough room to store away sports equipment, your seasonal clothing and anything else that can leave your home feeling cluttered and unorganised. The outdoor porch area is also a great addition to this cabin, providing the perfect area to soak up the summer sunshine or snuggle around a roaring fire during the colder months.

You can download these free log floor plans here: http://www.todaysplans.net/CabinsAndSheds-Cabin1.pdf

One bedroom concrete block cabin loft and porch

I know – these are supposed to be log cabin plans, but this is concrete block cabin is another option to add to the mix.

Although this attractive one bedroom concrete block cabin loft and porch only offers one bedroom, it is perfectly equipped to accommodate larger family gatherings.

Offering a large family room, bathroom and dinette, this log cabin is great for accommodating short breaks and longer stays, it would also make a great family home for couples.

The addition of the covered porch also adds another dimension to this cabin, providing the ideal spot to kick back and relax season to season. You also don’t have to worry about storage, as it comes complete with a spacious loft space that will easily accommodate mass storage.

You can download the free cabin floor plans here: http://www.todaysplans.net/CabinsAndSheds-Cabin3.pdf

Log cabin plans for an“A” Frame cabin

This two-story “A” frame cabin house comes complete with two spacious bedrooms, a large living/dining room, a balcony and porch, as well as an accommodating kitchen and bathroom.

Offering a distinct rustic feel, this charming build is bursting with character, and will enable you to create a space that is finished to highest standards. Featuring durable wood flooring and a sturdy ladder that takes you up to the second floor, the frame of this log cabin is typical of many traditional structures.

You can download the free log home plans for this cabin here: http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/AFC60E41-A8F6-4C45-ABE3-5D34AD0679B9/15503/24AFrameCabin.pdf

1 Bedroom Guest House

A log cabin lends itself perfectly to creating a guesthouse that is inviting, comfortable and bursting with character, especially if you are pushed for space in your home. Obviously, if you entertain guests on a regular basis, a guesthouse also offers far more privacy and space than guest bedrooms inside your home.

This spacious 1 bedroom guesthouse cabin will allow you to build a practical living solution that will make the ideal guesthouse.

Boasting a large spacious bedroom, a sizable main living area and bathroom, this plan will help you to build a practical living solution that is cost effective, durable and resilient. It can also easily be integrated into your property’s outdoor land. In fact many people position their guest cabins in their back yard! Of course, this set up is also perfect for other purposes, such as a cool hangout den for teenagers or a tranquil retreat for you to escape the chaos of the house from time to time.

Before embarking on any build, it’s also recommended to check your local building codes criteria!

You can download the free log cabin floor plans for this guest house here: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/aben-plans/5185.pdf

Pole Cabin w/Plenum Heating Log Home Plans

This 24/32, two-bedroom wood frame cabin is plenum heated, making it perfect for building a comfortable, warm family home.

Attractive inside and out, this inviting cabin boasts all the everyday facilities that you would expect to find in your home.

Featuring two spacious bedroom areas, which could easily accommodate two single beds in each room, a simple yet functional bathroom suite, as well as a large kitchen/diner area, this plenum heated cabin is great for weekend and full-time living.

You can download the free log home floor plans here to create this build yourself: http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/BCB7C088-B906-4FF0-BA7A-3E05753AC194/15591/5997PoleCabinWPlenumHeating.pdf

Tourist Log Cabin Floor Plans

Log cabin living is extremely appealing to tourists, as it not only gives them the opportunity to experience a new way of living, in new and exciting surroundings, it also offers a comfortable retreat for them to relax and unwind.

In recent years, tourist cabins have continued to increase in popularity and, in response to growing demands, they have become more accommodating and functional than ever before.

This open porch tourist cabin is small yet highly spacious, making it the ideal, intimate retreat for couples, or even solo visitors looking for a comfortable space to collect their thoughts.

These design plans show an open plan space that features ample room for a bed, bathroom and closet space. However, one of the main advantages of this particular cabin is that it has its very own large porch area, making it ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors.

You can download the free log cabin floor plans for this cabin here: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/aben-plans/5184.pdf.

5 Room Log Cabin – Log Home Plans

Perfect for large families or group vacations, this spacious 5 room log cabin boasts 5 large bedroom areas that are all super comfortable and extremely spacious.

Bursting with the character you would expect to find in a traditional log cabin, this log cabin design features two bathrooms, a large kitchen and dining area, as well as a main living area with an open log fire – another dimension that creates a striking focal point.

Other interesting design elements include a cathedral ceiling over the living room, a large walk in closet, and an inviting porch area.

You can download the free log home plans for this cabin here: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/aben-plans/5506.pdf

Buffalo Run Series – Cabin Floor Plans

This impressive family orientated cabin offers an inviting, functional and comfortable living solution that is perfect for everyday family living.

Boasting luxuries such as a large master suite, a huge kitchen and dining area, as well as spacious loft, this 3 bedroom log cabin features a total living area of 5714sq.ft – with the main living area being 3161 sq-ft and the loft and storage areas being 2553 sq.ft.

You can view/save/download the log home floor plans here: http://whispercreekloghomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/buffalorun_01.pdf

16 x 20 Cabin with Bunk Beds

This design features a 16×20 cabin that also accommodates 2 tier bunk beds.

Smaller than the other designs, this compact cabin provides ample home comforts, that make it a safe and reliable cabin, perfect for accommodating guests – particularly children who love the idea of sleeping in bunk beds!

Featuring a stove, wood flooring throughout, and a spacious living area, this cabin is great for overnight stays or short visits.

You can get the log cabin floor plans here: http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/1741C101-A6C6-4C05-BF47-7B96E4B0F985/15610/600416X20Cabin.pdf

2 Bedroom, 1 Storey Log Home with Open Porch

This perfect family living solution features 2 large, spacious bedrooms with large closets, an inviting open porch and plenty of character.

With its 1 story design, this comfortable log cabin will open your eyes to compact yet spacious design that will give you everything that you need in a family home and more.

Boasting ample space to entertain and relax with family and friends, this endearing log cabin even features a large outdoor porch that is great for sitting out and relaxing on, whatever the season. Many people integrate a comfortable outdoor seating area into their design plans when building this log cabin, as a porch is often considered as an outdoor living extension of the home.

You can download or view these log home floor plans here: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/aben-plans/5507.pdf

Community Log Cabin Plans

This community log cabin lend is perfect for hosting large group gatherings, activities and events.

Its huge assembly room is one of its main standout features, as it provides the perfect opportunity to hold large groups in one space – great if you run community focused events – its versatility shouldn’t be underestimated!

The community log cabin also features integrated storage space that is perfect for storing sports and activity equipment, props, and arts and crafts equipment. However, if you do not require this, the storage can also be taken down.

Other features of this community log cabin include a large kitchen area, bathroom, and even an office space – providing the ideal base to work from. But that’s not all, this cabin even accommodates a dressing room and cloak room, so it’s great for hosting theatre performances or assemblies.

You can view and download the log cabin floor plans for this community cabin here: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/aben-plans/5602.pdf

30+ Different DIY Cabin Plans

Let’s get one thing out of the way quickly – the cabin in the photo above is not in the plans. It is the only nice looking newly built cabin, that I had permission to use! That said, don’t be put off for one moment as below you’ll be able to find 30 different sets of cabin build plans…

The list of plans below includes everything from small single room cabins, right through to full sized family home cabins. There’s also everything in between. Given that you can pay $100s for cabin build plans, this is a pretty cool resource. My recommendation is – if you see a cabin you like, download the build plans right away whilst they are free. It’s better to download the plans now, but never use them, rather than wish you’d downloaded them and not being able to find them in a year or so. Get them here: FREE: 30 Different Sets Of Cabin Build Plans

(Image from: Max Wolfe)

How To Build A 12×20 Foot Cabin For $2000

Want to build a low cost, quality cabin that would make accommodation for guests? Got a bit of land for your secret bug-out location which needs an affordable cabin? Answer yes to either of these questions, then you’ve come to the right place!

Below is an excellent step-by-step tutorial showing how to build a 12×20 foot wood cabin for $2200. It is a full build tutorial with details, measurements, and materials. The cabin has a door and window at the front and double windows at the rear. The cabin is also wired for electricity with lighting and power points. Find out more: How To Build A 12×20 Foot Cabin For $2000

(Photo from: coolbeansbaby68 via Instrutcables)

Traditional Log Cabin Built For Less Than $500

$500 for a quality, traditional wood cabin, that’s crazy talk, right? Well, that is what I thought until I watched the video above which tells the story about this DIY log cabin and how it was built…

It really does emphasise the power of community, and roping in friends and family to help out on a project. Sure the cabin took eight months to build using free labour, but the whole project cost just $500. Seems an awesome trade-off to me. Watch the video and see what you think.

(Image from: OutsideFun1)

How To Build A House With No House Payments Or Utility Bills

No house payments and no utility bills, that’s the dream, right? Well, maybe that dream isn’t as far-fetched as you might think!

The video above shows how one guy built a cabin for $2000, drilled his own well and installed a solar power system which provides for all the electricity needs which cost an additional $3000. One thing to note is that the land he has, which is a little less than an acre, was gifted to him, although he does go on to say he has purchased similar plots of land for around $400. Finally, the last thing to note is that this video was uploaded in 2009, but even if you increase the costs in-line with today’s costs, this really is a great demonstration of what can be done with a minimal budget and a bit of hard work.

How To Build An Earthbag Roundhouse

A while back I did a post: How to Build an Earthbag Dome this was a windowless dome building which would make a great root cellar or storage shed. Today I am sharing a tutorial to build an earthbag roundhouse, complete with windows and doors.

This is very cheap and easy way to build a one room dwelling. The cost per sq foot of living space is just $11.50; anyone in the construction business knows that is crazy cheap….

The finished house looks beautiful, inside and out. The outside is plastered and whitewashed and it has a thatched roof, have a look and see how nice it looks. I can’t see why you couldn’t build several of these alongside each other to create a larger multi-room home. Check out the photo tutorial: How To Build An Earthbag Roundhouse

(Photo from: Owen Geiger via Instructables)

How To Build A Dirt Cheap House

If you have always dreamt of building your own house or bug-out house/retreat, but you have been put off by the high build costs etc, this could be right up your street…

The post below explains that by using, and knowing how to build with, locally available natural materials such as earth, small diameter wood, and straw, you can keep expenses to an absolute minimum. In fact, build costs can be as low as $10/sq. ft. With build costs this low, it opens the doors to the possibility of many more of us being able to build our own houses. Find out more: How To Build A Dirt Cheap House

(Photo from: Owen Geiger via Instructables)

Amazing Forest Home Built In 6 Weeks For $4,000

This might just be my favourite cabin ever! Can you imagine if this was your weekend and holiday retreat? It would be amazing, I feel less stressed just looking at the photo, let alone spending time there…

The cabin is absolutely beautiful inside and out (check out the sink!), and the crazy thing is that it was built in just six weeks for a budget of $4000. I wish I could share all the photos of the cabin here, so you can see how beautiful the inside of the cabin is, but I can’t. But if you click through to ‘Tree Hugger’ via the link below you can check out all of the awesome photos there. I love the hillside, treehouse style rear porch! See them here: Amazing Forest Home Built In 6 Weeks For $4,000

(Photo by: Herrle Custom Carpentry via Treehugger)

Chicken Jerky Recipe: Use It To Make Turkey Jerky Too!

September 13, 2015

Chicken jerky is a nice alternative to beef jerky and it makes a great high protein and low fat savoury snack This recipe can be used to make chicken or turkey jerky.

Simple Chicken Jerky (Or Turkey Jerky!) Recipe

You will need:

3-4 chicken (or turkey) breasts (whatever your dehydrator can handle)
1 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
Ziplock bag
Dehydrator

Chicken Jerky Instructions

Cut the chicken into 1/4 or 1/8 inch strips.
In the Ziploc bag – add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper. Seal the bag and give it a good, but careful shake, to mix the ingredients.
Add the chicken strips to the marinade in the ziploc bag and seal and leave to marinade for at least six hours in the refrigerator.
Space the pieces of chicken out on your dehydrator trays(s) and set to the highest temperature (usually 145 degrees), for five to seven hours, but keep an eye on it. It’s ready when dry.
Many people are happy to eat their chicken jerky at this stage, although many others will rightly be concerned about whether all the bacteria that can be found in raw chicken, has been destroyed with the low temperature of the dehydrator. With this in mind, you can also finish your chicken jerky in the oven for 10 minutes at a temperature of 275 degrees.

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can also make chicken jerky or turkey jerky in a conventional oven. I don’t have any experience of this, but if you follow the instructions above and then place the chicken strips on a grill rack (or similar) and bake at a low temperature of around 200 degrees, you shouldn’t go far wrong, as long as you keep an eye on things…

That said – if you don’t have a dehydrator, why not? You can get the very popular Nesco American Harvest Dehydrator for between $35-39 on Amazon (the price fluctuates from day to day). This Nesco dehydrator is an excellent low cost investment, as you can also dehydrate other meats as well as fruits and vegetables too.

(Image from: Bing/Flickr)

11 Home Remedies For Dry Cough That Really Work!

August 3, 2015

The onset of dry cough can be a sign of many different ailments. While a dry cough may be due to a previous cold, it’s not uncommon to experience a dry cough after breathing dry, hot air. For example, many people begin to develop a dry cough after turning on their furnace for the first time in the fall, which is primarily due to the dust and irritants that were collected over the spring and summer months. Chronic dry coughing is typically a result of a persistent irritation, such as smoking cigarettes, allergies, asthma and environmental irritants.

Regardless of the cause, when you have a dry cough finding relief is of utmost importance. The longer a dry cough continues, the greater the likelihood of developing painful throat irritation and inflammation. Although there are many over-the-counter and prescription medications designed to reduce the urge to cough, home remedies for dry coughs accomplish the same goal without introducing synthetic chemicals or medications into your system. If you’re searching for immediate relief, continue reading to uncover the most effective dry cough remedies.

Effective Home Remedies For A Dry Cough

The following home remedies for dry coughs were selected for effectiveness in relieving acute or chronic dry coughing. Although each of these dry cough remedies are generally considered safe, if your coughing is not alleviated or becomes worse, you may need to visit a physician as chronic coughing can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

#1 | Turmeric and Black Pepper Tea Dry Cough Remedy

Turmeric is an excellent herb to help reduce not only the severity of a dry cough, but also the inflammation that occurs due to persistent coughing. Along with the soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric, black pepper is known to help soothe throat irritation and help protect against viruses and bacteria which may be causing your dry cough to worsen. To utilize this home remedy for dry cough, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Allow the ingredients to boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a mug. Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey or agave nectar (for flavor) and drink this dry cough remedy once a day.

#2 | Lemon and Honey Cough Syrup

If you’re searching for a natural alternative to the synthetic cough syrups found at your local drug store, then you’ll be very interested in this home remedy for dry cough. Both lemon and honey feature soothing and healing properties capable of reducing cough severity while treating the the underlying causes of a cough. Lemons feature potent anti-inflammatory properties while honey features natural antioxidant capabilities. To utilize this dry cough remedy, simply add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice into 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Drink the entire mixture at least three times per day until the cough has subsided.

#3 | Garlic and Honey Tea Remedy For Dry Coughs

Garlic is perhaps one of the most effective home remedies for dry cough as its unique medicinal compounds are known to have powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Although its flavor is quite strong, its healing capabilities are even stronger. When combined with the soothing effects of honey, many people experience immediate relief of their coughing and instant inflammation reduction. To utilize this remedy, slightly crush three garlic cloves and add them to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Allow the garlic to boil for 2 minutes before removing from heat. Strain the garlic cloves out of the water and pour into a mug. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and drink. For an added healing boost, eat the three garlic cloves.

#4 | Homemade Onion and Honey Cough Syrup

Although this may not seem as if it’s the most flavorful dry cough home remedy, the healing and soothing power of onions makes it one of the most effective options for near-instant relief. To utilize this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh onion juice with 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Consume up to two times per day for a potent healing syrup and instant cough suppression.

#5 | Homemade Cayenne Cough Suppressant

The healing power of cayenne pepper makes it one of the most effective spices for home remedies. When combined with fresh ginger, honey and apple cider vinegar, you can experience instant relief from your coughing symptoms. In fact, this home remedy for dry cough can be used as an immediate relief should you need to make a presentation or go to class. To utilize, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of fresh cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of raw honey into 2 tablespoons of pure water. Drink this healing elixir at least two times per day until your coughing has subsided.

#6 | Fresh Carrot Juice Dry Cough Remedy

This home remedy for dry cough can banish even the most persistent cough as fresh carrot juice is filled with a myriad of vitamins and nutrients capable of soothing an irritated cough and treating the underlying causes of a cough. Simply juice five carrots and add 2 tablespoons of water. Drink this dry cough remedy four times per day until your cough has officially subsided.

#7 | Licorice Root Tea Cough Remedy

Licorice root is among the most potent home remedies for dry cough as it treats the underlying causes. Whether the cough is due to a cold or irritants, the powerful healing properties found in the compound glycyrrhizin eases the urge to cough while simultaneously acting as an anti-inflammatory. Because throat inflammation is a common cause of a dry cough, licorice root tea can be an effective home remedy. Bring 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil. Place 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root in a mug. Pour the boiling water over the licorice root. Cover and allow the tea to steep for 15 minutes. Strain the licorice root out of the tea and consume two times per day until your cough has subsided.