Connect with us

Self Sufficiency

Beat-the-Heat Summer Plants For Yours Garden

As summer draws nearer, temperatures are skyrocketing and most living things are retreating indoors to the comfort of cool air-conditioning. You might think that nothing can survive in the sizzling summer heat, and as a homesteader, you might be particularly concerned about how your garden will hold up under the sun. However, you shouldn’t fear – plenty of crops can be grown and maintained even as temperatures climb into the 90s or 100s. Read on for a list of summer plants that can survive and thrive in the sun, as well as some gardening tips that will ensure your pre-existing plants can stand the heat!

Summer Plants For Yours Garden

First, let’s tackle the tricky tactics behind correct planting methods. Even if the plant you select can grow and last in the thick summer heat, it’s important to follow these tips in order to make sure that your summer plants are reaching its maximum lifespan throughout the summer:

Find the right spot

A seasoned homesteader will know that summer plants are usually in their full growth span, which makes it easier to envision the finished product. Observing the span of the foliage and the dimensional reach of any offshoots will help you to select the perfect spot in your garden for the plant in question. However, there are more things to consider other than the visual appeal of the selected space. It’s good to be aware of the spot’s position in relation to the sun: if the space is particularly sunny and you are planting in the full swing of the summer, you might consider temporarily shading the plant for the first week or so using an umbrella or shade cloth.

Planting preparation

These small steps will go a long way in sustaining your plant’s lifespan:

  • Try to plant on a cloudy day, or in the later evening when temperatures are down.
  • Dig a hole a little bit deeper and twice as wide as the plant’s root ball.
  • Backfill the soil mixed with a little bit of compost to ensure maximum growth is reached.
  • For extra sizzling summers, fill the hole with water first and let it drain before planting. This provides an easier transition for the plant since the hole and the soil are moist.

Beat the heat

In order to give your plants an edge over the summer sun, apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch immediately after planting. This locks in the moisture of the soil and suppresses the growth of weeds, which compete with your plant for water and nutrients.

Water, water everywhere

For the first couple of weeks of a new planting, you might want to water daily if temperatures are scorching, or even every other day if it’s warmer than usual. It’s important to keep the soil slightly moist until the plant is fully absorbed in the garden.

Beat-the-Heat Summer Plants For Yours Garden

Now that you’re prepped and ready to go with some summer gardening tips, you’ll need to make a careful selection of the types of plants that you can grow. There are plenty to choose from, each a tough contender that are known to withstand the brutal summer heat.

Bean plants

Although the common green bean does not withstand high temperatures, you can substitute this traditional favorite for a number of suitable alternatives that thrive in the thick summer sun. Southern Peas (such as Whippoorwill and Purple Hull) love humidity and heat. They also last slightly longer than green beans and have a tougher texture. For any Deep South homesteaders, consider Chinese Red Noodles, which grow throughout a long period of high heat. Lima beans are another resilient plant that can even tough it out through periods of drought!

Tomatoes

Types that come from the Deep South are typically going to be the most heat-resistant. Blemish-free medium-sized tomatoes such as Tropic VFN and Ozark Pink VF have a crisp flavor that is not only refreshing in the summer sun, but withstand the scorching temperatures.

Eggplant

Most types of eggplant produce well throughout the summer. Three gardening favorites include Listada de Gandia, Black Beauty, and Ping Tung Long, all of which are notably resistant to long bouts of heat.

Want more homesteading tricks, tips and tidbits? Click here to sign up NOW! We'll even throw in some FREE Survival Seeds Playing Cards!

Peppers

Multiple types of peppers will thrive in high heat. Some notable gardener-approved types include hot peppers, which are true to their name and grow in the heat and humidity. Aji Dulce peppers, which are both sweet and spicy, are considered generally heat-resistant and also offer an additional benefit: they’re typically unaffected by pests and diseases.

Beat-the-Heat Summer Plants For Yours Garden

Beat-the-Heat Summer Plants For Yours Garden

Cucumbers

Cucumbers love the heat and do well developing throughout the long summer months. Some noteworthy types include the Little Leaf H-19 and the Ashley, which are not only recommended to gardeners during summer growing season, but are additionally known for their resistance to disease. The Suyo Long can even be grown on trellises, as their long slender fruits will brighten up your days even more than the sun!

Summer squash and zucchini

The Moschata type of summer squash and zucchini is particularly recommended for gardeners who tend to have trouble growing this crop in the heat. With better pest and disease tolerances, Moschatas also develop consistently well throughout long stretches of heat. It should be noted that the Moschata type requires night temperatures well above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in order to grow well.

Melons

Types such as Top Mark, Kansas, and Sweet Passion come ready to grow throughout the summer and remain resilient to pest and disease infestations. Additionally, watermelon types like Crimson Sweet and Strawberry repel fungal diseases that are common in summer heat.

It’s easy to get discouraged when summer rolls around, and many gardeners or homesteaders dread the toll that the hotter months might take on their crops. However, if you follow these preparation tips and choose the right vegetation that can withhold the heat, you’re sure to have a blooming and thriving garden even during the dog days!

What did you think of our post on summer plants? Let us know in the comment section below!

Up Next: 12 Food Storage Ideas for Small Homes

SubscribeSubscribe

Follow us onInstagram,Twitter,Pinterest, andFacebook!

Suggested Videos

This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article

Continue Reading

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

This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here

Continue Reading

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?

|

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!

UP NEXT:

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!

Comments

comments

Suggested Videos

This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article

Continue Reading

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!

UP NEXT

Comments

comments

Suggested Videos

This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article

Continue Reading

Trending