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10 Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive

Not sure what winter survival skills can help your homestead survive this winter? I am already thinking of spring and how I plan to plant my garden, and I have my most loved seed indexes laid out. I have planned out what to request to fill in the crevices in my seed bank.

This whole winter blast somehow contained my spring dreaming, and driven me outside to guarantee my homestead safety this winter. If you are in the same scenario, I know you will be glad you found me today. Continue reading and learn some winter survival skills to help your homestead survive winter.

The Ultimate Winter Survival Skills For The Homestead

Many people are getting ready for winter by assembling a winter survival kit in their car. However, too few have winter survival skills in their homes, which can leave them ill-equipped when a winter ice or snowstorm hits. In my homestead, I make sure our tractor and lawn tractor are under the shelter of the barn when the weather is like this. If we had room to bring them inside a closed structure, I would. This allows an easy access to our means of transportation, in case we need to evacuate. Since preparing your home for winter is fundamental and a more complex undertaking than doing it for your car, here are a couple tips to help you prepare your homestead.

1. Create A Comprehensive List

Create A Comprehensive List | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
List down everything you need to work on your homestead. Think of the main things your homestead will require during winter and how you will accomplish them.

2. Prepare Your Home For Winter

Prepare Your Home For Winter | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThrivePrepare Your Home For Winter | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via homesteading

Winter readiness is a must! Check everything inside and outside your house, if there’s something that needs to be repaired. You might have some things not necessary for winter and maybe just crowding your space. Check your supplies, if you have the all the necessities, extra food, batteries, flashlight, water, etc. Don’t wait until you have abundant time to do it all at once, because that might never happen. It is better to do it piece by piece because it will give you some insight and enough time to find out what is missing while you prepare.

3. Prepare Your Livestock And Barn For Winter

Prepare Your Livestock And Barn For Winter | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThrivePrepare Your Livestock And Barn For Winter | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via homesteading

It is a must that your livestock dwelling place is weather proof. Winter is the season that gives me some hard time, especially giving proper care for my livestock. I always ensure that 2-4 weeks before winter starts, my barn and supplies are ready. This gives me plenty of time to have everything ready when winter comes.

4. Getting Your Winter Garden Ready

Getting Your Winter Garden Ready | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThriveGetting Your Winter Garden Ready | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via gardenseason

Don’t lose your garden to the cold weather, it would be devastating if you lose all your plants just because of the cold. Don’t forget that there are still some vegetables that flourish during winter. In my homestead, I have an indoor winter garden which has allowed me to continue growing my own food even during winter.

5. Keep Yourself Warm

Keep Yourself Warm | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThriveKeep Yourself Warm | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via noddle.co.uk

Knowing how to keep yourself warm is essential for survival. Winter storms more often than not, lead to power outages that can last for hours, days, and even weeks. What starts as an inconvenience can easily become dangerous, frightening, and deadly in freezing winter days. It is also very helpful to keep a fire starter handy.

6. Survive The Blizzard

Survive The Blizzard | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThriveSurvive The Blizzard | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via homesteading

Even before hearing the weatherman’s warning, it’s best to be ready than be sorry. You don’t need to be the greatest prepper to learn how to survive when the blizzard hits. However, having enough knowledge of the cold weather know-how is also important for everyone’s survival.

7. Know What Is Necessary For Your Bug-Out Kit

Know What Is Necessary For Your Bug-Out Kit | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThriveKnow What Is Necessary For Your Bug-Out Kit | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via travel.nationalgeographic

Winter is not just a preparation to have the exact winter clothes, it also involves having the necessities when you need to bug-out since you’ll never know when to. Know and prepare what are the necessary things inside your bug-out kit.

8. Shovel Some Snow

Shovel Some Snow | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThriveShovel Some Snow | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via chiropractornorwich

Shoveling the snow may seem like mundane work but keeping it off your lawn, especially on your driveway, really help. Find some ways to make this task enjoyable.

9. Evacuation Vehicle

Evacuation Vehicle | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThriveEvacuation Vehicle | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via fourwheeler

You might be facing a medical emergency or in the most unfortunate case your home might be severely damaged and it may no longer be safe to stay inside. It would be very helpful if you have transportation ready. Snowmobiles or even your car can come in handy. Make sure they are operational, filled with gasoline, and within easy access from your house.

10. Communication

Communication | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead ThriveCommunication | Winter Survival Skills You Should Know To Make Your Homestead Thrive
image via Amazon – Click to Shop!

Telephone lines can be affected by ice and the wind, despite the fact that it’s far-fetched that a whole cell system will be wiped out. Keep your smartphone or cell phone completely charged and make a point to have an extra battery, and an auto charger for your cell phone, in case the power goes out. Walkie-talkies in your winter survival kit is a smart thing to have as they can help you remain in contact with family and friends. Radios that keep running on batteries additionally are insightful to have so you can find out about what’s happening in the outside world.

Want to see cold weather survival skills? Check out this video from Primitive Skills:

Winter presents unique challenges and obstacles every person must know how to overcome and survive. Whether you are living in a homestead setting or not, it’s best you plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected situation. I hope you’ve found these 10 winter survival tips helpful and interesting.

Got some winter survival skills you want to share? Let me know in the comments below.

Want to find some joy this winter? Then check out these 12 ways on how you can have a joyful winter!

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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