The absolute easiest oil to produce at home with absolute minimal effort is going to be sunflower oil. Sunflowers practically take care of themselves once you stake them, and can be grown in almost any climate zone and in abundance. Once they're done, chop the heads off before the birds get to them. Getting an oil press will net you all the cooking oil you could want for a year shy of needing large amounts for deep fat frying. About 1.5 Kg of seeds gets you about 1L of oil. Make sure you plant a high-oil variety, usually the stuff advertised as bird seed grade "Black Oil Sunflower seeds" is what you want.
The best part is, sunflower oil is pretty tasty in dressings, has a high smoke point, and is ~~super~~ relatively healthy for you as far as oils go.
Extra bonus: You will attract birds (good or bad thing) and you will attract pollinators like bees.
Sounds like you could use an extender to boost your wifi signal.
Depending on how much ground you need to cover, you could spend as little as 15 bucks (for 800 sq foot boost). 40 bucks for a 1500sq foot boost.
I second this. If you ask someone without a garden to water your plants, they'll spend 10 seconds doing it where I would normally spend 10 minutes doing it.
I definitely recommend the timer system route. Run some soaker hose through the garden, put it on a timer that runs it for an hour a day (or whatever).
This way you can just ask the relative to make sure the soaker hose is running and that the ground is moist and not have to worry about them under-watering stuff.
At my old house I had a ton of plants in pots that really did need to be watered twice a day or they'd die in the 95F heat. I set up a timer system for them too, there are smaller gauge lines you can run and put fixtures on them to water the plants. It was something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Raindrip-R560DP-Automatic-Container-Hanging/dp/B00J2NRUBI
I use mineral based ones, and I don't mind being ghost face killer. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PBCW8F3/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_QP4F9QNBB4GY6XJ83H0Y
Agreed though with others. Long sleeves, gloves, broad brim hat.
I second what's been said above but would also recommend the book The Bountiful Container. Here's the link on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/McGee-Stuckeys-Bountiful-Container-Vegetables/dp/0761116230
While I haven't read a TON of books on the topic, I've had it about 6 years and have referenced back to it many times. It's an easy read with some really solid information on making the most of small spaces. Plus it's only like $8 on Amazon.
I have this setup and it works really well. It deters rodents and didn’t take too long for the chickens to figure out how to use. I need to fill every 4-5 days for my 9 hens. Maybe someone could some a couple of times and check in/refill for you.
Prior to this I had pvc feeders and rodents were everywhere.
SuperHandy Chicken Feeder... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081KZV2XF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have a pump comparable to this
I'm able to irrigate 3 150' rows at a time, no problem with pressure. My fields are set up with shut off valves along the main supply line, I just open or close them depending on which rows need the water. I use a 1 1/2" inlet pump, for what you describe, you might even get away with 1".
not quite specifically about houses, but there are a few older books (from 30's thru 60's) in my collection that talk more about "setting up the farm". Where to put the barn, where to put the house, why not to go on top of the hill, or by the bottom of the river, or in the spot with your favorite view. where to keep your goats in relation to your ducks and why you don't mix this or that kind of animal.
The only one I remember is 5 Acres and Independence, by Maurice Kains.
I think designing a home is slightly different though. I think I'd go heavy with utility rooms and a foyer to knock off dirty boots and keep the house clean and separate from farm smells.
that's what I've got. Good Luck!
When it gets hot the device opens the window the bottles go up. Bottles are used to close the window, as the window opens from the top and one spring is not enough to close it. The device can lift up to 7 kilograms, which is enough to lift bottles. I wrote a short review. Hope this will be helpful.
pretty sure these (amazon, non affiliate link) are what you need. As long as the rock isn't too crumbly, these should work very well.
That is where I am not remembering. There are state agencies as interested in learning about your land as much as you, they will study it for free, I forgot the name of the program.
This seems to be Oregon's information https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/soil-testing
You can do a lot yourself by buying this https://www.amazon.com/Gilson-Stainless-Steel-Round-Sieve/dp/B00BOVR4KS/r and weighing the pans.
This is my first time tapping. After much research I've come up with this; I purchased a 10 pack of plastic taps and hoses from amazon. I doubt I will use all of them. I am currently saving up gallon water jugs. I will cut a hole in the lid and feed the hose into it. I also got two food grade buckets to hold sap before boiling. I have not figured out my boil off method yet. I have a lot of muslin cloth. Does anyone have input on whether I can use multiple layers of cloth to filter? I prefer not to have to purchase those dedicated wool filters.
I got this one u/GardenMarauder. There are so many of these things it was getting overwhelming. So, I got a couple reasonable ones to see if it helps my curve.
Depends on how steep of an angle and how much length of hose you need from the pond to the garden. There's cheap solar powered fountain pumps on amazon for $20 https://www.amazon.com/Lewisia-Fountain-Waterfall-Decorative-Submersible/dp/B00VLP0670/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501188269&sr=1-4&keywords=solar+water+pump
I would just have it pump into the barrell and when the barrel is topped up, have a hose run back from the top to the pond. If the barrell is full and the solar panel is getting sun and pumping, it will just flow back to the pond on a second hose. Simpler than trying to program in some logic to make it stop when full and doesn't matter since the power is free from the sun.
Amazon, here one for example. I think tractor supply or something like that has them too
Consider growing some perennial food plants under your fruit trees. These will give you food for years to come and are pretty as well. There are several books on amazon that talk about these plants including my own Low Effort High Harvest
You need a D3 rat or mouse bait like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033WPV7Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
D3 rodent baits DO NOT harm/kill secondary animals, as they basically kill rodents through a vitamin D3 overdose. I've used this many times for voles and other rodents very successfully on our rural property, and I know I'm not harming other animals that might eat the rodents after they ingest the bait. It takes some time, but as long as you're consistent, it will take care of them efficiently and safely.
Hey there! So the broad fork is a tool used by a lot of organic and no-till/low-till to avoid conventional tilling and more destructive practices. After a few seasons of broad forking and proper compost amendments a lot of growers find the soil structure has improved so much they can retire the broad fork. The broad forks loosens the soil to about 8-9inches, but it doesn’t churn or turn it. Doesn’t destroy soil organisms and doesn’t expose underground carbon to the air, thus stopping the soils ability to sequester carbon.
I highly recommend doing some reading into the broad fork, or grelinette as it’s originally known as. Definitely check out The Market Gardner by Jean-Martin Fortier, a well known organic no-till farmer from Quebec. And The Living Soil Handbook by Jesse Frost, a well-known no-till farmer from Kentucky, he is also the host of the No-Till Market Garden podcast and YouTube channel.
Both sources talk about no-till/low-till and how the broad fork/grelinette fits in to those systems.
My personal background is in organic/sustainable production horticulture and ag.
https://www.notillgrowers.com/livingsoilhandbook/d9z5gkf1bbnhu0w5xxb3trngiqhwgo
You might like a graduated weight - it’s three pieces that hold pressure steady at 5 psi (the base), 10 psi (add second piece), or 15 psi (third piece, for high altitude). I got mine from the Presto website but Amazon has them too. So handy! I use the two pieces, verify when it gets to 10-11, then I can leave. It’s wonderful!
Presto 50332 Canner Pressure... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HMBVQ8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I'm planning to do this, but with glass, such as you see here: https://www.amazon.ca/Anchor-Hocking-2-Gallon-Heritage-Dispenser/dp/B00BWC0E42
Already thrifted one, just on the lookout for another, preferably with wire stand.
Hopefully, with the right drill bit, I'll be able to install the filters. Backup scenario, I'll have glass on bottom, stainless steel on top. Or, maybe plastic one on top (going to be filtered anyway).
Just would like one that is see through.
I only found a 5 pack of 3 gallons for $12, this is what I got: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07ZQXDM8B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Do you know of a product that's better?
I’m still happy with my chipper. I need to edit, it was $170. Not under $100. It’s still better than renting equipment. Here’s what I bought https://www.amazon.com/Power-Smart-PowerSmart-PS10-Electric/dp/B01GIQAB2G/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1OPQNR521QTCM&keywords=powersmart+wood+chipper&qid=1660862686&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=Power+smart+Wood+chipper%2Clawngarden%2C105&sr=1.... From reading the comments on the Amazon reviews, I probably should get the blades sharpened after I have abused it this year.
I have the same question! Not in a position to get chickens and in the researching phase. Stumbled across this book: https://www.amazon.ca/Storeys-Guide-Raising-Chickens-4th/dp/1612129307/ref=asc_df_1612129307/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292981860857&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3676207160403224307&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&a...
Seems it may provide the most relevant info based on the reviews.
You have it right with your edit. It's not too complicated. One thing to consider is the output from the solar charge controller/battery will not be a constant 12v. It will be higher (maybe up to 14v) when charging. This could be an issue for your fan. I'm running one of these units between the load side of the charge controller and the load. It will take higher voltage and drop it to a consistent 12v:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5JHZG2/
This is my solar powered chicken coop setup here. I do show the solar components and wiring.
Fermenting! Get one of these and ferment all the things!
I paid for that in my first batch of kimchi. I have also pickled jalapenos and have my first batch of German sauerkraut in now. Very inexpensive preserved food.
I am not a shill for the manufacturer. I just love mine and now own two.
I used to have an old Mennonite cookbook and recently purchased an Amish cookbook (aptly titled "Amish Cooking.")
More-with-Less Cookbook (World Community Cookbook) https://www.amazon.com/dp/083619263X/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glc_i_3994636SM18M4SQ7KFWS
Another resource was an LDS cookbook I ran across many moons ago when I was an active, devout member. I believe this is the same book. https://peggylayton.net/Item/Back__To_Basics_Provident_Living
Most of the recipes in these books are made from the basics.
The welcome to the farm book by the elliot homestead has SOME good recipes to do with things around the farm but it’s not a cookbook. The ball canning cookbook has recipes to utilize what you canned but also calls out less practical ingredients. I also would like a cookbook like what you are asking for.
I really love this book, Self-Sufficient Backyard: Urban Homestead by LJ Morgan. Got it for free the other day. Being new and still learning, its good to be reading books like this.
I really like my scrusher (Scrusher - Original Scrusher Boot and Shoe Cleaner https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0000AX6DE/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_CA297HK9EVPKKX3R9ZWP).
It's usa made and has lasted for years. We have a wooden entrance deck so I cut a small square underneath the scrusher, most of the junk goes out that way.
They have a "deluxe" version I might futz with for another entrance. But either way it really helps cut down on dirt getting into the house.
From there we have a washable entrance rug inside the house and the boot rack goes right by that. Over by the fire place there is a lipped metal baking tray where wet boots can go to dry. There's also a diy boot drier there too.
I am really enjoying Back to Basics:
Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills / Edition 3 by Abigail R. Gehring
Dude, over the last two months I have learn as much as I can on “No Till” methods, cover crops, and as you mention, your absolutely spot on with your recommendation.
When it’s time to remake the beds I am going to lay down tarps over the them to kill off everything for like 4-6 weeks. Then I am going to make “lasagna” beds of cardboard paper, compost. And cedar chips for the aisles. I am then going to look at what cover crop looks best for me.
I’v actually already started a smaller bed using the above methods, tarp has been there one week. I’ve lined up the 30 inch beds and I’m going with 16inch footpath. Their not very long beds and I’ll only be able to get maybe 6 beds. But they will be say 25/30 feet in length. I haven’t decided what I am going to grow in these small beds once their ready in a month. Such a late sow date not sure what I could even grow. So still looking at that....
I am also looking at investing tools to make the process easier, the tilther is something I think I will want to have. Currently I don’t have anything that could fill that role, also haven’t ignored designing something on my own and building it myself. (I’m crazy) any thoughts on this one?
Amazon! Lol Last year the only thing I could find is one that was like $400. But this year Amazon seems to have a decent selection
Manual Quad Soil Blocker, Soil Blocking Tool Plant Growing Tool Soil Blocker Soil Block Maker for Seedlings for Greenhouse https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B092LMCNMY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_CP0ZX5113YQYD128TW2W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I've bought three different brands of trailcams on Amazon, roughly 4-6 years ago. I just checked so I could give you my recommendation between the three, and all of them are unavailable haha.
FWIW, this one is the one that's still working flawlessly, although all of them worked pretty well for a while. They go thru batteries like crazy, so be prepared for that, and although they are supposed to be weatherproof, you'll have a lot less issues if you keep them out of direct rain. Some corroded, some got foggy lens, etc.
You might want to get a portable SD card reader so you can quickly replace the card and check.
I bought three "Browning Strike Force PRO" cameras for a family member and they are really happy with them. Used them for a few years now and they seem to take good pictures in day and night.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W2G7NY3/
Appears to be out on Amazon (like many things) though.
The short answer is from a book. http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=The+Stonebuilder%27s+Primer. The longer answer is from stacking it in retaining walls and generally having it around most of my life.
Same results for me, makes the site practically unusable.
I think the problem is your images, they need to be optimized for web. There's a lot of online tools to do this or if you use Photoshop there is a "save for web" option. Reduce the sizes to approx 1200 max pixels on the largest dimension and use save for web option.
Here's a useful tool that can also help optimize the site: https://developers.google.com/speed/pagespeed/insights/
I've had to do a TON of work on my personal site to make it respond well so I've been through this. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. My site is threeacreparadise.com and it is also hosted on wordpress.
1–there is NO such thing as unusable land unless it was a hazardous waste dump and wasn’t cleaned up by the superfund (or is unreachable because it is landlocked between other privately owned properties with no easement). It may seem like crappy land but everything is usable if you build the soil, in the worst cases should take three years only.
2–all legal matters for real estate vary by state, YOU are gonna have to narrow it down for us a bit.
3–buy two books and start reading:
The Have More Plan The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery
UK here, I have this book - https://www.amazon.ca/New-Complete-Book-Self-Sufficiency-Realists/dp/0241352460/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=complete+book+of+self+sufficiency&qid=1634210734&sr=8-1
It's got a little bit of most topics in it and I'd say it's well worth the read
As others have said, you need to dive into the specifics of what you need but this book will likely outline for you what doing everything off-grid could look like
set a tarp up like you were trying to stop rain, but dont put a center pole in, let the fruit fall on that then unload it daily. stop animals from getting it maybe and soften the blow. Or get two of these, connect them, and somehow get Popeye arms to hold it up and pick the fruit.
A hydraulic splitter makes the job easier. This is the one I chose based on price and reviews:
Bucket traps. Get a 5-gallon bucket and put a couple inches of water in the bottom. Keeps them from jumping out and eventually drowns them. Peanut butter goes above the water with a ramp up to the top and a way for them to fall in. You can make this yourself or buy kits.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SL6KJ29/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Newest one. This one is the original and made in the USA, but you'll find a bunch of chinese knockoffs for cheaper if you need it.
Some decent books out there on homesteading in smaller spaces that might give you some inspiration (buy from a local bookstore rather than Amazon tho)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0857843303/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_C8XZHTWYP7YT97K8EJ0M
letsFix Wiggle Wire & U-Channel for Greenhouse - PVC Coated Spring Wire and I just ordered these Aluminum Lock Channel Farmer, Greenhouse Poly Film or Shade Cloth Attachment System [10 Pack] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083H8NV1P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3Q8FE8P2SBXQBNMZMC24
So I've used a variety of incubators for years and this one has the best hatch rate and is fairly easy to setup. fully automatic and it less than 80 bucks..
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073XD9GZ1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_fW88Fb962SCTR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
seen these? I'm in a similar boat where it's usually sunny and not overly cold during daytime.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MDN81C3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_g6BVFbE1P4CDJ
I'm going to use one of these, aiming it towards some rocks bound up by chicken wire. Going with an arduino controller to turn it on based on temperature.
I'm doing something similar except I have my height gain which is more of an issue than distance. I'm really moving water 1000' through the cheap rainbird 1/2" line and the pump is a sub $100 pump that runs exclusively off of solor. This one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4EMBBJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabt1_mrVSFbYACZ7CP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I would absolutely NOT get anything that isn't submersible. I've burnt out a few other pumps running them non stop for an hour+ where the submersible ones stay cool/functional for me.
Look for a "smart" or "automatic" charger. Unlike the old single stage chargers, you can't overcharge your batteries. They can handle 6v or 12v, as well as different battery types like sla, glass mat, whatever.
Here's an example off amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0797KK3N2
I picked one up from autozone (I think) on sale for about $20. Still running strong 5 years on.
Bonus unsolicited advice because hey, this is the internet. The best 12v deep cycle batteries I've found have been the Interstates from Costco. Wish I'd never heard of Optima.
you want to start your tomato onion and pepper seeds about 4 weeks before the earliest time you can transplant them outside ... I use peet moss in my garden soil and 10-10-10 fertilizer i don't mess with worm casings or eggshells or compost... the peet moss will amend clay and sandy soil and give it lots of organic material.
I plant my seeds in a burpee seed greenhouse... i am sure you can find something similar.
https://www.amazon.com/Burpee-Cell-Seed-Starting-Size/dp/B008WYIE2C
it needs to have the lid to keep the moisture in... once the plants get too tall then remove the lid... tomatoes grow fast so I take them out of the tray once they are about 4 inches tall and put them in a plastic container with soil.. you could use a plastic drinking cup or i use tofu trays. that will let you keep the lid on the green house so the onions or other things can continue to grow.... as they get too tall .. transplant them to a larger container.
the little pellets are peet moss and you soak them with water and they expand and then you put 2-3 seeds in each
Carrots should have really loose soil for about a foot deep... again peet moss works for this.. but you want to direct sew those on the soil.. dust them with a tiny bit of soil and water .. then cover them for about a week with cardboard from a box and they will germinate
zucchini, lettuce, radish should also be direct sewn but i also do them in trays
as the season goes on i use miricle grow to get some initial growth but you have to make sure that you trim back the tomato plants.. once the tomatoes are about a foot tall you want to remove the bottom branches that touch the soil and as all of your plants grow if you see dying leaves then remove them and don't put them in your soil or you can get disease blight..
hope that helps
There's a lot of equipment and some would depend on what you have already and budget.
A butchers bandsaw is a serious piece of equipment and probably overkill unless you're getting into commercial operations.
A few good knives and a bone saw are probably a good starting point. For knives, Victorinox is usually a good balance for a quality saw without breaking the bank.
This book would be a good resource: https://www.amazon.com/Butchering-Poultry-Rabbit-Lamb-Goat/dp/1612121829/
This book is like the homestead bible!
Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills (Back to Basics Guides) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1629143693/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5-klFbAQAYCGC
Such a great resource for so many things!!
Amazon. Bought the hose and an elbow at Home Depot.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722DGKX3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I would not recommend the pump we bought. It doesn't get nearly the advertised throughput even on battery and tends to lose prime a lot. It was only $13 though. Just search for a 20w 12v brushless pump and look at the throughput and lift values.
This may think that I'm sharing is not an affiliate link, but it will take you to Amazon. These are the commercially available thermoelectric generator chipsthermoelectric generator
I used a we boost 4g in a house that had a metal roof and already had poor reception. It worked well but there weren't mountains in the way. You'll have to mount it fairly high if there are lots of trees or other obstructions.
I've done well with the rechargeable AAA from Amazon (the amazon branded ones) and my partner swears by the ones that use the 18650 rechargeable batteries. They are more expensive but the prices keep dropping, there's currently one on amazon for $20
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B074SH2KH7/ref=psdc_3180291_t2_B06ZYJJQM4
I feel like a unicorn with those so I stick to the small ones, but he prefers the light they put out. YMMV
I highly recommend the book Maple on Tap. Lots of good advice from a guy who did it wrong or learned the hard way the first time. Captures a lot of lessons learned so you don't have to learn them yourself.
Not actually fiction, but is a great read that tells a really great story. Letters of a Woman Homesteader. Free on Kindle.
What is the build cost on this? With the cost of the motor, pulleys ($70 per video), fingers ($60 per video), wiring/electrical, and miscellaneous materials, you're probably approaching the price of this which is listed for $425 on Amazon. And that thing is stainless steel (much easier to clean and sterilize, and we are talking about meat processing) and it's fully waterproofed (which is necessary, I know someone who got electrocuted using something like this that was not). It's a cool DIY and I give you props for that, but I'm wondering if it's actually cost effective in comparison.
You can actually just build a tripod from wood on site. The book, "Cooking with Fire" details it nicely and is a great book in general. In short, find appropriate branches and lash them together.
If you are wanting metal, this is a great introductory blacksmithing project. Charcoal blacksmithing can be done with very limited (possibly zero) initial investment. If you have a local steel supplier (almost all larger cities do) you want 1/2" round bar. If blacksmithing isn't your thing you can actually cold work mild steel but you'll need a bender.
No matter what you do, making one out of steel will probably cost more than just buying one but if you make the investment you'll end up with some tools and skills that you can use for other projects. If cheap is your goal just go with wood.
Should have linked this earlier. For those of you looking for more information on making hard cider, take a look at this thread.
It is a pretty extensive discussion of making hard cider, and some tips and trick people are trying. Notably in that discussion is /u/drewbage1847, who wrote the book on making hard cider.
I love The Weekend Homesteader by Anna Hess, and all her other books as well.
She also has a blog about homesteading with her husband in the mountains of Virginia. She has tons of enthusiasm and writes about homesteading in a way that inspires, and she explains how to do things in a way that is thorough without being patronizing.
Good luck with your homestead!
Congrats on the move!
I recommend this book to help get you started. It gives you a lot of ideas that you can fine tune to get you going...