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  • Root Cellar Storm Shelter (Video)

    Root Cellar Storm Shelter (Video)

    I love things that have multiple purposes, and this root cellar storm shelter really takes the cake. A root cellar is definitely on the top of my list of features on a dream homestead, and for many locations in the US, having a root cellar that could double as a storm shelter is beyond ideal.

    We get more and more crazy every year, and no matter where you live, it’s very important to have a secure location that you can weather the storm out from. Not only will this underground root cellar and shelter provide safety and security, it would be already stocked with everything you need!

    I am definitely super inspired by this video and hope you will be too. Enjoy!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndwHbfb2niE

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  • Getting To Know Your Homestead Neighbors

    Getting To Know Your Homestead Neighbors

    When you move into a new homestead and begin to settle down, you certainly have quite a few things on your mind and on your plate. You are making sure that the planting is done, the livestock is settling in and that the house is running efficiently. Even though you might love the idea of being completely on your own, you should still take the time and put in the effort to meet your neighbors. It is always an enlightening experience, and it could be very beneficial to you.

    Head out and meet the neighbors, whether they are just down the lane or your nearest neighbor is miles away. Introduce yourself and try to get a feeling for the neighbors. In some cases, they will be reclusive and might not want to talk much. That’s okay. Just be friendly and then be on your way. On the other hand, the neighbors might become very good friends.

    You can be useful to one another, as well. You can watch out for any anomalies or issues on one another’s land, such as trespassers, predators, and the like. If you have a tractor the neighbor needs to borrow, and they have a chainsaw you need to borrow, it can help the both of you save money. You can help one another out when you have some complex repairs or issues that need to be fixed on your property, as well.

    You might also find that each has certain skills or hobbies that you could trade. For example, you might know how to tan hides, while your neighbor knows how to can. You could teach one another. Maybe they make soap or candles, which you can trade for. When you get to know your neighbors, you will have that added safety net just in case there is an emergency, too. Make it a priority.

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  • Tips for Growing More Apples  

    Tips for Growing More Apples  

     

    Apples are one of the most popular fruits, pretty much everyone loves an apple.  But they aren’t always easy to grow, at least not successfully.  Here are a few tips to increase the quality and quantity of your apple yields.

     

    • Young apple trees are much more susceptible to damage from disease and the wind. Protect young trees by supporting them with trellis or tree stakes (that are wide enough that they do not impact that roots) to protect them from wind damage, and removing all blossoms in wet weather to protect them from diseases like fire blight.
    • If you have a healthy tree that doesn’t produce well, consider grafting so that you can take advantage of a well-established healthy root system and get faster productivity.
    • Use drip irrigation instead of sprinklers to reduce the amount of moisture that blossoms and fruit are exposed to.
    • Remove all but one apple from a bunch so that you will have larger, more healthy apples. It’s better to have less apples that are nice to eat, than more apples that have rotten spots on them.
    • Keep your trees pruned. This will help protect them from damage from the wind and overburdening with too much fruit on long branches.  Remove any portion of the tree that has curled or discolored leaves to reduce the impact of disease.
    • Mulch your trees with a thick layer of aged wood chips to combat weeds, but make sure that the chips do not touch the trunk of the tree.
    • Never leave fallen fruit on the ground since it will attract pests like fruit flies and even mice or rats that might burrow into the root zone of the tree.

    Apples don’t have to be difficult to grow or bought from the store, keep these tips in mind and produce all you need yourself in your own backyard.

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  • Defensive Gardening  

    Defensive Gardening  

     

    Most gardeners have some sort of a pest problem from time to time.  It can be difficult to keep unwanted guests out of your garden.  So most people don’t think about gardening as a way to keep would-be-burglars out of their home.  With proper plant selection and placement, you can greatly increase the security of your home while increasing the beauty of your yard.  Here are a few examples of plants that can be used effectively as a means of defense.

     

    Firethorn

    As the name suggests, you don’t want to get stuck by this plant which is covered in thorns.  But while firethorn is one plant you don’t want to touch, or attempt to climb over or through, this evergreen shrub can looks good all year when kept tidy and produces flowers that vary in size and color depending on the variety.  Firethorn would make a great supplement to existing walls, or even as a stand-alone border.

    Bougainvillea

    For those that live in warmer zones, this plant thrives on heat and is drought tolerant.  Bougainvillea can climb, or be hedged into a shrub that can grow as high as you let it, up to 40 feet.  It has long, painful thorns all over the plant that only get more effective as the thorns age and contain a skin toxin that produces a rash.  Bougainvillea produces a beautiful and unique flower that has paper like petals, they come in nearly any color imaginable, from near white pink to burgundy.  Bougainvillea can be used as a border or as a climber on fences or awnings.

    Roses

    Roses are a great plant to put under a window to prevent break-ins, they are covered in fragrant flowers in the summer when you are more likely to have your windows open, and thorns all year long.  But not all roses have the same level of protection in their thorns.  The Voodoo rose is known for being particularly menacing.

     

    Remember that while these plants can be used as an effective deterrent, they should not be allowed to grow more than 4 feet high near the home, especially near the front door where they could provide concealment for an intruder that is waiting of you.  These plants aren’t concerned with who they injure either, make sure that you wear long sleeves, long pants, and leather gloves while working with them, and if you are using a power hedger wear a face shield.  I got a piece of Bougainvillea in my nose before because I thought eye protection was enough, it was not pleasant.

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  • How to Make Mud Bricks (Video)

    How to Make Mud Bricks (Video)

    You probably know by now I’m a fan of all kinds of pre-industrial skills, and making mud bricks from mud and straw is one of the coolest skills for a homesteader to know. It might not be the most practical way to obtain bricks in our modern life, as they’re pretty labor-intensive, but it is a pretty foundational thing to know. You never know when you might be able to benefit from the basics of brick-making.

    After all, when you buy them from the hardware store, they have been made from hand somewhere, and there are still low-wage workers in third-world countries making them by hand either for themselves or for import. So when the grid goes down or the global economy reaches crisis, being able to say, build your own grill or outdoor oven could be game-changing.

    Watch this handy artisan make super basic, classic bricks that anyone can make. Enjoy!

     

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  • You Need to Clean Your Chimney

    You Need to Clean Your Chimney

    When you live on a homestead, chances are good that you keep your place warm using a fireplace or a wood burning stove. They are important for your warmth in the winter, and you can even use them for cooking. However, they get dirty and need to be cleaned.

    Naturally, many people gravitate toward having the professionals come out and clean the chimney for them. Having it cleaned a couple of times a year might be necessary if you have fires often. Of course, when you are hiring others to do this job, the money just leaks from your pocket. It can cost well over a hundred dollars to have the chimney cleaned. This is money you probably do not want to spend. A better option is to learn how to clean the chimney on your own.

    You will need to have the right equipment. This includes a chimney cleaning brush, flexible rods, a paint brush and an ash pail, a vacuum or broom, and a tarp or bag that you can place on the floor to catch stray ash. If you are taking apart the stovepipe, you will also need to have the correct tools to remove the screws or other fasteners. Before you get ready to clean, make sure that the stove and chimney are completely cool.

    Of course, if you are not in physical condition to handle the chimney sweeping on your own, you could still hire someone to do it for you. Regardless of who does it, do not neglect the chimney’s cleanliness. You need to make sure that it is clean, or it could end up becoming a fire hazard because of the buildup of creosote. This could cause you to lose your entire home, and potentially the lives of your family members or you. Never get lazy about the chimney’s cleanliness. At a minimum, it should be cleaned once a year. If you use it all of the time, check it after about six months.

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  • Seed Saving Tips (Infographic)

    Seed Saving Tips (Infographic)

    Seed saving is one of the most important skills to have for self-reliance. If done properly, one packet of seeds could last for generations. One of the biggest reasons to seed save is that if you choose the seeds from a healthy, productive plant, is that you are choosing the plant with the genes that will thrive in your particular environment, and, over time, it will become perfect for your gardening zone. “Heirloom” seeds are seeds that have been collected and re-planted each year by farmers for generations, and ideally you could create your own!

    Not every seed will be easily saved in the same way, so this handy infographic gives some tips for common fruits and vegetables that have relatively easy-to-save seeds. When you plant a crop of any of these plants next year, remember to choose seeds from the healthiest, most prolific plant, that was undisturbed by pests or disease. This plant will have the strongest genes, and genes ideal for surviving and thriving in your climate. Have you ever tried to save your own seeds? Share below!

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  • Things to Consider When Choosing Your Homesteading Property

    Things to Consider When Choosing Your Homesteading Property

    You are excited about the prospect of getting away from the city or the suburbs and onto your own homesteading property. You have been practicing various skills, such as planting and growing vegetables, sewing, and you have been learning as much as possible about keeping livestock, bees, and so many other things you are excited about for your homestead. You are almost there, but you still need to make sure you are getting the right land. Before you buy the first property you find, make sure you understand what you need and what you should be looking at.

    What Does It Offer?

    First, consider what types of property you want to buy and the size. Do you want a piece of property that is already built upon with a house, barn, and perhaps some outbuildings? You might instead want to have a piece of property that is still in its original state, and that you will need to clear and build on yourself. Find what works for you.

    How Remote Is It?

    Another factor to consider is the remoteness of the property and how you feel about it. Being deep in the middle of nowhere has a certain appeal to it, but it also means you could get lonely and help could be a long way off if you need it. You might want to find a piece of property that is a bit closer to civilization, but that is all up to you.

    Are There Restrictions?

    You also need to think about any potential restrictions when it comes to building on the land. While you will not have an HOA to deal with, you may still run into governmental issues depending on what you want to build. Make sure you know, understand, and agree to these rules before buying.

    Take your time, and you can find the property that is just right for you and your family.

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