Self Sufficiency
How To Grow All The Food You Need | Homesteading Handbook

Welcome to “Back Yard Farmer: How To Grow All The Food You Need in 3 Square Feet of Land”! The purpose of this 11-chapter guide is to help your family with food self-sufficiency by turning 3 square feet of land in your yard into a productive garden. Keep reading to find the other chapters in this series on how to grow all the food you need!
Grow All the Food You Need for Your Homestead Today!
Chapter 1: Square Foot Gardening
Millions of Americans have transformed their family lifestyle by becoming successful gardeners. This may seem like a huge goal to some, but this step-by-step manual will help. This will serve as a guide for beginners and hobbyists alike through the process of building and harvest of their own garden crops.
There are a lot of would-be gardeners who actually never start gardening because of the hard work, time, and expense they need to deal with? If you are one of these millions, this guide will help you kick that doubt! This activity should not be a hard work—it should be fun for the whole family. You should learn how to grow all the food you need to survive!
Here you are introduced to square foot gardening which became popular back in 1981 and revolutionized the way people in America garden. The idea is to plant more in a concentrated space. Many gardeners were dissatisfied with the traditional “single row garden”—a technique many gardeners are familiar with. But there are lots of issues with single-row gardening. It takes up far too much space and sometimes doesn’t yield much produce.
Chapter 2: Planning Your Square Foot Garden
In single-row gardening, gardeners spread both enriched soil and fertilizer over the entire garden in a wasteful manner when plants are only in tiny rows. Of course, there is the watering of such a space, another wasteful endeavor, especially if one is living in a western state.
In this chapter, we will go into planning and design of a square foot garden. Issues about single row gardening are avoided with planning. The size, location, and design are considered when planning your garden.
Chapter 3: Raised Garden Beds
Gardening, despite its many health benefits, can be a tedious effort—back-breaking to say the least. Enters raised bed gardening which is the answer for people who are limited by ability like the elderly. This way, gardening as a therapeutic hobby becomes a reality.
Here you will learn to build a square foot raised bed garden and use them to its full potential. You will also be introduced to different materials you can use to build a square foot raised bed garden. It also comes with tips and tricks to keep your plants from pests.
Chapter 4: Soil Prep for Backyard Gardening
Gardeners familiar with single row gardening will surely share their stories of how plentiful and hearty the weeds in their gardens are. All because of soil and fertilizer mishandling! Hoeing such weeds is exactly what the three-foot rows between plants are for, but what if there was an easier way?
What if you could arrange your garden in a better way for the soil and seeds while also allowing the garden to act as its own weed-prevention? In a square foot raised bed garden, soil preparation and weed management will be better handled.
Chapter 5: Planting Seeds
Another issue with single-row gardening is how your plant and food yields are arranged. If you have a 20-foot long single-row garden, how likely is it your family is going to want to eat an entire 20-foot row of tomatoes or peppers? Unless you are a farmer or planning to sell your extra fruits at a market or to friends, this makes for a waste of time, space, and money. Your garden should reflect your family’s lifestyle and eating habits.
In this chapter, you will be introduced to seed-starting techniques. You will also learn about seeds, seed-selection, and transplanting.
What do you know about alliums, and would you grow any in your garden? Read up on our all… https://t.co/A3yLWlyNAZ pic.twitter.com/OO7LTxM3rN
— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) January 17, 2016
Chapter 6: Tending Your Vegetable Garden
The problem is, most “experts” on gardening, from academia on down, will swear by the single-row method. It’s simply how gardening has been done in the past. Tradition is all fine and well but it’s time to acknowledge the restrictions and needs of the modern family and upgrade the practice of gardening to fit those needs.
Help yourself to a walk-through of a vegetable gardening experience. From planting, weed and pest management to gardening techniques and harvest. You will get helpful tips to assist you with growing your own food year-round.
Chapter 7: Grow a Vertical Garden
If you’ve ever driven by a large scale or commercial farm, you will recognize the single-row technique, because this is what farmers use. Yet these farmers purposely intend to grow huge surpluses of a single crop. Typically, they have the room and money to “waste” on the said supplies. Unless your family is planning on going into the farming business, it’s time to ditch this tradition and go with actual efficiency!
You will be introduced to vertical gardening in this chapter. If you have limited space to go around, why not go up? There are countless ways and ideas to put this gardening technique to work.
Chapter 8: When to Plant a Garden
The changing of the season plays an important role in growing plants. But it isn’t only a question of when to plant but what crops to plant as well. For example, cool-season veggies like cabbages and cauliflowers are best planted from late summer to fall or in the early spring. Having mentioned ‘spring,’ it’s easy to get carried away during this exciting gardening season but some crops will have to wait. A successful harvest will depend on your timing. In this chapter, you will be catered to an in-depth discussion of the right timing for planting your garden.
Chapter 9: Tips for Unique Backyards
You know what else put off would-be gardeners? High expectations! We are inspired by lovely vegetable garden images with prim and healthy vegetables, but the truth is, most vegetable gardens are not as pretty as you would imagine them to be. The secret to a unique and productive garden? It’s in the landscape. By working with the contours of your land, the limited size of your backyard, or the height of your apartment, you get to garden effectively.
Chapter 10: Gardening Tips for the Family
Gardening isn’t only for the elderly but for the kids as well. It can be a perfect bonding activity for the whole family. Teaching kids about gardening is also a simple way of letting them be attached to nature. Give them their designated tasks and make them enjoy planting seeds, trimming weeds, and harvesting fresh fruits and veggies.
In this chapter, you’ll learn some helpful gardening tips so your family will enjoy this fulfilling activity altogether.
Chapter 11: How to Grow an Herb Garden
Herbs are some of the easiest edibles to grow. From growing herbs, you will be encouraged to grow your own food more. There is nothing like freshly-picked fruits and veggies, after all. You can grow herbs in a square-foot, raised-bed, or vertical garden. You will find out more in this chapter on how to grow an herb garden.
Learn the benefits of gardening in raised beds in this video from Milorganite Fertilizer:
Know how to grow all the food you need in your backyard. We are positive this Homestead Handbook will help you get started. This 11-chapter series will walk you through all the backyard gardening details for you to grow your urban survival garden. Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty, this is going to be fun!
What do you think of these homesteading tips about how to grow all the food you need? Let us know in the comments section below!
Up Next: 145 Homesteading Skills Every Homesteader Must Be Equipped With
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on May 19, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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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
This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here
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
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!
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In this article:
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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