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survival – Homesteader Depot

Homesteader Depot

Tag: survival

  • Identifying and Understanding Poison Ivy

    Identifying and Understanding Poison Ivy

    The bane of every campers’ weekend getaway, poison ivy, interestingly enough is not actually in the ivy family.  It’s a relative of the almond family.  Who knew?

    Most of the time, you only have to worry about avoiding it when you are in the great outdoors and away from urban areas.  However, occasionally it will pop up in your yard.  If this happens, you’ll want to make sure you wear protective clothing and accessories like gloves and even a mask to avoid the worst itching you can ever imagine.

    Also, you’ll want to be very cautious about how you dispose of it, so no one else accidentally comes in contact with it either.  And, whatever you do, do NOT burn it!

    The smoke produced by burning poison ivy takes all of its poison airborne.

     

    Identifying Poison Ivy

    If you grew up in a more rural community, you might already know some of the rhymes used to recognize the plant and its different features.  If you didn’t learn any of these, take note, they could come in handy someday.

     

    1. If Butterflies Land There, Don’t Put Your Hand There

    Butterflies can safely land on poison ivy.  They do it to protect themselves from predators.

    1. Berries White – Run in Fright or Danger in Sight

    Describes the light gray to white colored berries seen in the fall.

    1. Hairy Vine – No Friend of Mine. Ragged Rope – Don’t be a Dope

    Refers to the shaggy appearance its vine exhibits.

    1. Leaves of Three Let It Be
    2. Longer Middle Stem – Stay Away from Them

    The middle leaf of a cluster of three is typically longer than the side leaves.

    1. Red Leaflets in the Spring, it’s a Dangerous Thing

    The leaf color changes with the seasons.  Red in spring, Green in summer, Reddish-orange in fall.

    1. Side Leaves like Mittens Will Itch Like the Dickens

    A few varieties have side leaves that resemble a mitten with a thumb sticking out.

    What to do if You are Exposed to Poison Ivy

    If you discover you’ve been exposed, there are actions you can take to reduce the severity.

    • First, carefully remove your clothing and put them directly into the washer so they can’t spread the oil to other surfaces.
    • If it has been less than 10 minutes since exposure, wash your hands with soap and water and any other areas that have come in contact with the plant.
    • If it has been over 10 minutes, you still want to wash up, but you’ll also be needing a remedy for the rash that is headed your way.

     

    Poison Ivy Remedies

    There are several effective over the counter treatments for Poison Ivy.  There are also a few home remedies that work.

     

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    ACV gets rid of the itch almost immediately and helps neutralize the poison.  Apply with cotton balls or with a spray bottle several times a day to relieve itching and help the skin start to heal.

    Just be prepared to smell like a salad for a while.

     

    Baking Soda and Oatmeal Paste

    1. You’ll have to do a little cooking for this one, but it’s worth it. This “recipe” can be made in bulk and stored to apply several times over the course of your recovery.
    2. Start by bringing 1 part rolled oats to 2 parts water to a boil.  Remove from the heat and cover until all the water is absorbed by the oats.
    3. Stir in 1 Tbsp Baking Soda for every ¼ Cup oats and mix well.
    4. If the paste is still very hot, you can add some cold water or an ice cube to bring it down to warm.
    5. Apply the paste thoroughly to the affected areas.  Relax while you let it dry out, then carefully brush off the dried paste.
    6. Repeat 2 times a day as needed.
    7. For an all over treatment, mix the paste into a lukewarm back and soak for a while.

    Conclusion

    If possible, just stay away from poison ivy.

  • How to Ferment Vegetables

    How to Ferment Vegetables

    Fermenting vegetables grown in your garden accomplishes two things at once. First, it enhances the nutritional value of the vegetables by preserving them at their peak. Second, it preserves the vegetables, so you can enjoy them all winter long.

    The process used for fermenting vegetables is simple. You need the right equipment and the right ingredients – and before you know it, you’ll have a pantry full of delicious, fermented vegetables for your family to eat.

    Fermentation Equipment

    The equipment you need to ferment vegetables is minimal and inexpensive. Here are the basic things you’ll need to have on hand:

    • Jars or containers to put the vegetables and pickling brine in
    • A sharp knife and cutting board for preparing the vegetables
    • Airlock tops (we like ones that are compatible with Mason jars) to keep oxygen out of the jars
    • A pickle packer (usually a wooden stick used to pack the prepared vegetables into the jar)
    • Weights to weigh down the vegetables

    You can buy these items individually or in fermentation packages.  Here is an easy, complete Fermentation Kit from Amazon you can try.

    Fermentation Ingredients

    The ingredients you need to ferment vegetables depend on the method you plan to use. However, there are only a few variations you need to know about. Here’s what you’ll need:

    1. Fresh vegetables from your garden
    2. Salt, whey, or a starter culture
    3. Water

    There are many types of salt, but some are better suited to fermentation than others. Two of our favorites are sea salt and Himalayan pink salt. Both add a nice flavor. You can also buy pickling salt although it’s not the best choice if you want a natural, minimally-processed salt.

    The water you choose for pickling can make a big difference in the final product. If you use tap water, you should boil it or run it through a reverse-osmosis filter for the best results. Well water often has a high mineral content. That can be good for some kinds of fermentation but it’s not particularly good for some fermented products like kombucha.

    How to Prepare the Vegetables

    The method you use to prepare your vegetables for fermentation depends on what you’ll be preserving. Some vegetables, such as cabbage, ferment most effectively when they are shredded. Others, like cherry tomatoes, can be fermented whole.

    It may take some trial and error to arrive at the proper preparation. You may want to start by fermenting just one type of vegetable. Later, you can mix vegetables to create pickled salads that are ready to eat out of the jar.

    The Pickling Process

    The next step is after you have prepared the vegetables is to place them in the jars, cover them with brine, and weight them so they can ferment properly.

    You want to use weights on top of the vegetables, so they stay submerged in the brine. That’s a very important step that some first-time fermenters skip.

    There’s an art to knowing when vegetables are done with fermentation. You’ll have to rely on the specific recipes you use to be sure when they’re done. They need to be kept in an anaerobic environment (air free) while they ferment.

    When they are ready, you’ll be able to remove the weights, seal the jars, and put them in cold storage. Prepared properly, fermented vegetables will keep for months.

    Wondering What to Make?

    If you’re wondering where to start, here are some suggestions for easy fermentation:

    • White or red cabbage (sauerkraut)
    • Kimchi (spicy Korean cabbage)
    • Pickled green beans
    • Pickled tomatoes
    • Fermented carrot sticks or slices

    Do you have a favorite recipe for fermented vegetables? Tell us about it in the comments!

  • 4 Weird but Effective Ways to Avoid Deadly Bacteria

    4 Weird but Effective Ways to Avoid Deadly Bacteria

    The primary reason we need to stay clean is to maintain control over the harmful bacteria that can manifest itself in all the crevices of our body that make us smell bad and breed disease.

    The easiest way to accomplish this is to focus on the areas with the most potential for bacterial growth and go from there. What areas are those?  Just follow your nose.  It’s no coincidence that the areas that provide our embarrassing body odor are the areas we most need to target.  Just like a clogged kitchen drain or backed up sewer system, if the smell is there, the bacteria is there.

    The most common ways of battling the ongoing war of cleanliness are via large amounts of water in the form of a shower or bath.  But, what if you suffer from skin irritation issues, or you’re in the middle of a drought, are taking a 3-month journey into the wild, or just want to conserve water a little more?

    Not to worry!  Here are some carefully researched and compiled weird but wonderful ways you can clean and sanitize yourself without using excessive amounts of water.

    Smoking.  No, Really!

    Not to be confused with what you shouldn’t be doing with a pack of Camels Lights.  I’m talking about being away on an extended camping trip or living off the land, forget the waterhole, you can smoke yourself and your clothing by the fire. Smoke from firewood has antibacterial properties and should leave you feeling fresher than going without.  Yeah, you’ll smell like smoke, but that smell is better than deadly bacteria that could be on verge of damaging your body.

     

    Dirt Baths

    Similar to how those fancy mud and clay masks work at the local health spa.  If you have access to very fine and completely dry dirt with no extra additives like fertilizer or animal by-products, it will work wonders to absorb excess oil without over drying your skin.  Simply cover yourself in the dust, allow it to sit for a while, then scrape yourself clean and give yourself a final polish with clean fabric.  Additionally, if your hair is driving you crazy, you can create a mud “shampoo” by adding a little water, working it through your roots then letting it dry.  Afterwards, break up the caked areas and brush it out.  Your scalp will feel refreshed and ready to go.

    Use Baking Soda as A Cleanser and Dry Shampoo

    A great way to tackle the oily buildup in your hair while at the same time giving yourself a waterless body scrub is by using Baking Soda.  Sprinkle the soda onto your head and rub into the scalp.  Continue by sprinkling more soda into your hand or directly onto the other parts of your body for a clean and exfoliation that would put a loofah to shame.

    Related Article: “DIY Soap”

    If plain baking soda feels too abrasive, mix it with baby or talcum powder for a gentler cleanse. Afterwards, wipe off the excess and brush out your hair.

    Use Olive Oil to Avoid Clogged Pores and Stay Moisturized.

    If you have especially sensitive or dry skin, consider taking an olive oil sponge bath.

    Unlike standard cleansers, oils rich in vitamins and antioxidants balance the natural oils of our skin and helps dissolve the excess oil our body and face produce, which contributes to clogged pores.

    For best results, rub a small amount of it into your skin and then wrap yourself in warm, dampened towels or a robe, or a bed sheet covering your face and body for about a minute. Use the towels to wipe away the excess oil and then let yourself air dry.

    If you suffer from oily skin, try castor oil with a few drops of tea tree or peppermint oil to keep your skin from staying greasy.

    And there you have it! Four weird but effective alternatives to getting yourself soaking wet and sudsy.

  • 3 Effective Sheep Shearing Techniques

    3 Effective Sheep Shearing Techniques

    Despite some claims from animal rights groups, shearing is necessary to maintain the health and comfort of your sheep.

    There are 2 main reasons you need to have your sheep sheared once a year.

    • If the sheep’s thick wooly coats are not removed before the summer months, they can become very uncomfortable. Additionally, the amount of dirt that can amass and become matted to their bodies could develop into a health risk.
    • The wool from certain breeds is a valuable commodity and a good source of annual income. When raised correctly with a proper diet, a single sheep can grow up to 10 pounds of wool.

    Whether or not you are keeping them as a source of income or food, your sheep will need you to get them ready for the summer months to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle on the farm, ranch, or homestead.

    Note: To make this process go a lot faster, take a look at these awesome shears I found on Amazon at a 65% discount right now <PanelTech Sheep Shears>

    There are a number of techniques out there, and like a person’s handwriting, each individual will develop a style of their own as they practice and get better.  Go get started, here are some basic steps, and tips to follow.

    Starting Position

    Some experts say start by laying the sheep on one side, others recommend starting on their backs with their feet in the air. Depending on the size of the sheep, you can decide what will work best for you.

    Shearing the Brisket

    No matter the technique or starting position you use, most experts say to start shearing on the brisket, or belly area.  If you are planning to sell your wool, the belly area is often too dirty to sell, so starting there will allow you to tackle the worst areas around the belly and crotch areas and get rid of them before you move on to the more valuable areas.

    When you start shearing, make sure your blows (strokes) are long and confident.

    Move down the belly area, around the crotch and the tail.  Separate the wool removed from these areas and discard.

    Start on One Side and Work Toward the Middle

    The removal of the brisket wool will leave a nice starting place to move onto the sides.

    To continue, start on the back leg, shear around it, and then shear up to the shoulder in a long clean blow. Trim the head and neck then work your way back down and around.

    Repeat this on the other side then finish with the back.

    When finished the ultimate goal is to have a single layer of wool that can be rolled or folded up for transport.

    Tips for Maneuvering Your Sheep

    To get your sheep into the positions needed to access each area, you can apply the following techniques.

    To control the head

    Place your thumb in the sheep’s mouth behind the incisor and wrapping your fingers under its chin.

    Take a firm but gentle hold of one of the ears and use to guide the head and body.

    To hold in place while shearing

    Rest the sheep’s body against your legs or between your knees.

    Lay the sheep on its side and straddle with your legs.

    Keep in mind, the calmer and more comfortable the sheep is, the less they will want to wriggle out of your control to get away.  This is especially important for larger sheep breeds to ensure a successful shearing experience.

    Sheep shearing is not an easy task, but the rewards are worth the effort, both for you and your sheep.  Professional shearers make it look easy but remember, they’ve had years and years of experience.  Like most things worth doing, practice makes perfect.

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  • 7 Steps for Easy Canning

    7 Steps for Easy Canning

    If you decide to get into the wonderful world of canning, be prepared to experience some of the more flavorful food you’ve ever experienced at a fraction of the cost. Canning allows you to pick or buy produce when it’s at its peak maturity and preserve that flavor year-round. The simplest canning process is Water Bath Canning.

    To get started you’ll need a few inexpensive basics, many of which you may already have, or be able to find at your local thrift store or flea market. The absolute essential musts are:

    • A pot that holds enough water to cover any sized jar.
    • A Jar Lifter or Canning Rack, or at least something to help you remove the jars from boiling hot water.
    • A set of jars with the seals and rings intact.

    I found this inexpensive, complete set on Amazon “9 piece canning set”

    Getting to Work

    Step 1

    Fill your canning pot about one-third full of water and a secondary pot completely full.  Heat water until hot, not boiling.

    Step 2

    Wash your jars seals and lids, then keep warm until ready to be filled.

    Step 3

    Prepare food and fill jars according to the recipe you are using. Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic utensil around the inside of the jar. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean, damp dish towel or paper towel.

    Step 4

    Place the seal and ring on the jar and gently finger tighten.

    Canning is a great way to “stockpile food”, check out this “Complete System for Building a Delicious Food Stockpile”

    Step 5

    Place a small board or hand towel in the bottom of your canning pot to keep the jars from making contact with the bottom.  Place jars in your canning pot making sure the water can flow freely around the jars. Add hot water as needed until the jars are covered at least halfway up.

    Step 6

    Cover and bring to a full boil. Start timing according to your recipe.

    Step 7

    When your time is up, turn off the heat, carefully remove the jars and set upright to cool. As the jars cool, the seals pull down into the vacuum that is created and compress with a small pop.

    When They’re Cool

    After jars have cooled, press on the lid to check the seal.  It should be sucked down, not popped up.

    If you find a jar didn’t seal, just put it in the fridge and use the food within 2-3 days like you would leftovers.

    Caps will sometimes rust if left on during storage so it’s a good idea to remove the screw caps then wash the jars.  If one gets stuck, just leave it one and try to use that jar of food first.

    Label the jar with the food type and date and store them in a dark, dry and relatively cool area like a kitchen pantry.  Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, or in utility rooms with where they will be exposed to heat or high humidity.

    A Note on Jelly, Jam, and Preserves – What’s the Difference?

    They may all look the same in their jars, but there are differences, mostly in what form the fruit is in when it’s prepared for canning.

    Preserves

    Once upon a time, preserved fruit was just that. Whole or large chunks of fruit preserved in sugar for use out of season. Not designed to spread on toast, they were more often opened and served as a side dish in the absence of fresh produce.

    Jams

    These still contain pieces of fruit but they have been pulverized into pulp.  Lately, Jams and preserves have become almost interchangeable but at one time there was a considered difference between the two.

    Jelly

    Jellies are made using only the juice of the fruit that is then thickened so it can stand on its own.  Usually with pectin, sometimes with gelatin.

    Tip: How to Properly Store Your Food and Increase its Shelf Life

  • 3 Creative Ways to Fish Without a Pole

    3 Creative Ways to Fish Without a Pole

    Fishing can be many things, from a food source to recreation, a type of meditation for some but to others a popular competitive sport.  Often a rite of passage full of tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.  Most of us are at least familiar with the concept of fishing, usually with a rod and reel, or if out on the high seas, with a really big net!

    But, are there other ways to get the job done, especially if you are looking to feed your family inexpensively?  You bet!

    Here are 3 ways to catch fish in any situation if you take the time to gather or bring the right supplies.

    Bucket Fishing

    This method has often been used by fishermen on Lake Bruin in Louisiana.  When catfish begin spawning, the locals use a technique they refer to as “bucket fishing.”

    To try it, you’ll need a lidded bucket and some strong line long enough to reach the fish.  Cut a semicircular hole in the lid of the bucket and add enough weight to sink it while still being able to pull it up when it’s full of water (and hopefully fish).  Depending on the size of the bucket you are using, it’s a good idea to tackle this type of fishing with a buddy.

    When you are ready, sink the buckets into the water deep enough to reach the fish.  During spawning, catfish enter the bucket to spawn and become trapped as the bucket is lifted up rapidly enough to keep them in.

    Once brought to the surface, either tie off the bucket to the side of the boat and transfer the fish one by one to a live well or stringer or lift the bucket fish, water and all into the boat and move on.  This technique has proven to be highly effective.

    Funny Video:  “This is not the bucket fishing I’m talking about”

    Bow and Arrow or Spear Fishing

    In a survival situation, this can be particularly effective if you have the skills and not a lot of supplies.  With a decent knife, you can create your own spear, smoothing it and sharpening the end then hardening the tip over the coals of a fire.

    Related Article:  “DIY Bow and Arrow”

    Once your spear or bow and arrows are created and ready, attach a line, if available, and go “hunting” under the surface of the nearest viable water source.  If you are fishing in a lake, an attached line will most likely be needed unless you are able to stay in very shallow water and have the fish come to you.

    Gap Netting

    Even with the barest of supplies you can build a net and use this method to get your next meal. All you need is a ball of twine and a knife or something sharp for cutting the twine. This method will work best in a shallow river or stream, but a natural viaduct between 2 larger bodies of water, like 2 lakes, will work if needed.

    If you already have a net, fantastic!  Here is what to do with it.

    Find an environment where water currents flow through a narrow area, like some rocks or fallen tree limbs, or a narrow crossing from one side to the other.  To create an area, fill in the space from either side with rocks or other debris.

    Learn More: Click here for MORE life-saving survival tips

    Position your net on the side of the gap that faces the current and secure it into place.  Run a stick through the top of the net to keep it from collapsing.  If possible, prop the stick upon the rocks you’ve used to create the gap.

    Now, you can encourage fish to swim in the direction of your net by beating the water or tossing rocks systematically further out and then closer to direct them toward you.

    After you’ve got through a systematic routine to herd the fish, stop and check your net.  Repeat the herding steps until you’ve caught something.

    Although some may feel these 3 methods aren’t very sporting, when you are fishing to feed yourself and your family and not merely as a form of recreation, that’s not what matters.  What matters is staying alive and healthy.

     

  • DIY Bow and Arrow

    DIY Bow and Arrow

    From Cavemen to Robin Hood and our own Native American neighbors, a well-crafted bow and arrow set has provided food and protection for humans for thousands of years.  And while the technology has certainly advanced, if you find yourself in need of a weapon for hunting or protection, the tried and true “primitive” design of old will give you what you need every time.

    First, some vocabulary:

    Belly:  the inside of the bend when a bow faces you while in use.

    Back:  the outside of the bend.

    Handhold:  the center area of the bow

    Upper limb:  the area above the handhold

    Lower limb: the area below the handhold

    Fletchings: the feathers or other material attached to the back of the arrows

    Tiller: tillering is the adjustment of tiller by removing material from a bow limb or limbs.

    Selecting Your Stick

    There are some things to be aware of when selecting raw wood for your bow.  The piece should be dead and dry but not so old that it’s cracking, brittle or fraying. Hardwoods work best, these include oak, hickory, yew, lemon tree, black locust or teak.

    Make sure the stick is free of knots, twists or protruding limbs and preferably be thicker at the center. Keep the length between 5-6 feet long

    Finally, the length must be flexible.

    Green wood pieces cut from a living tree can be used in a pinch, but don’t provide the same force and power that a dried piece will.  If you are doing this at home and can plan ahead, cutting several that meet all the criteria and letting them dry for a few months will ensure you have the best possible start for your project.

    If you are doing this in a survival scenario, then just do the best you can with the options you have available.

    Every stick has its own natural curve, to find this, put one end of your stick on the ground while lightly holding the top with a hand.  Next, use your other hand to lightly press into the sticks center. The stick will swivel as pressure is applied and the center bends.  To determine the handhold area.  Do this by marking 3 inches above and below the center point of the stick to create a 6-inch span.

    Shaping the Bow

    Always work only on the belly side.  Keeping the back area untouched will allow the natural strength of the wood to stay intact under the pressure it experiences during use.

    Begin to shave wood off the less flexible areas of the bow until both limbs curve in a similar manner to each other. As you work, you want your bow to be thickest in the handhold area.

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    You can check your progress regularly by flexing the wood. When both limbs are more flexible and symmetrical to each other in curve and diameter, you are ready for the next step.

    Cut notches 1-2 inches from each end to hold the bow string. They don’t have to be very deep, just enough to hold the string in place and not compromise the tips’ strength.

    Bow String

    Your string should be rigid, not stretchable.  Possible options include:

    • Rawhide
    • Nylon Cord
    • Hemp Cord
    • Fishing Line
    • Twine

    Cut your string a little shorter than the length of the bow stick. Then, tie a loose loop with a secure knot at each end of the string.  Slip it over the lower limb and then the upper limb.

    Finally, “Tiller” the bow to check for evenness as the limbs flex. To do this hang it upside down by the handhold from a tree branch or similar.  Pull downward on your string slowly to look for areas that are flexing unevenly. At this point, you can make final adjustments by carving out wood as required and re-checking. Once completed, your bow should tolerate being bent a distance equivalent to the length between your hand and your jaw.

    Constructing the Arrows

    Arrow wood should be in the same condition as bow wood, just half as long and thinner.

    First, shape your arrows. If you can’t find completely straight options, you can do it yourself by carefully heating the areas over hot coals, making sure you don’t burn or mar the wood.

    Next, you need to use a knife or other sharp tool to smooth the stick all the way around the length and carve a notch in the back to hold the bow string when aiming.

    The most readily available way to create an arrowhead is to sharpen the front of the arrow into a point.  This area can then be hardened by carefully heating it in the coals of a fire.

    Fletchings act similarly to rudders on a ship and can improve an arrow’s range of flight and accuracy. Depending on your needs at the time, the choice to add this feature is up to you.

    To include fletching, split the back of the arrow and slide the feathers in.  Then tightly wrap a thin thread around the fletching and arrow.

    Now, go out and test your new creation, taking precautions not to harm anything or anyone you aren’t intending to.  Remember, bows and arrows are weapons and should be treated as such.

     

  • Essential Items for Your Emergency Survival Kit (Infographic)

    Essential Items for Your Emergency Survival Kit (Infographic)

    Whether you’re a survivalist, prepper, homesteader, or simply someone who wants to create a culture of self-reliance in your home, you need to be prepared for emergencies.

    It can be overwhelming thinking about everything you might need to survive long-term, but it’s always prudent to simply start with the basics. Every family should have a basic emergency survival kit, and this infographic from SHTFPreparedness.com is a great guide for how to build this kit and what you should have in it.

    These simple items are essential for any kind of emergency, and even if you’re not set up with enough food and water to survive a total zombie apocalypse, having this stuff on hand will greatly impact your odds of survival if there is a disaster or emergency in your area.

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