Self Sufficiency
How To Grow Sunflowers | Homesteading Growing Guide

Want to learn how to grow sunflowers so you can have a sunny and cheery homestead? Find out how easy it is to grow sunflowers here!
Learn How To Grow Sunflowers With This Foolproof Guide
What’s not to love about sunflowers when they’re such amazing and gorgeous plants? There’s something warm and homey about these flowers, which is probably from the cheerful look they have. I’ve been growing sunflowers in my garden for some time and trust me, it has been rewarding. You can never go wrong with sunflowers, which are valuable as a crop and as ornamental plants. Learn more about sunflowers and how easy it is to grow them as you read on.
Why Grow Sunflowers?
If you love to munch on sunflower seeds for snacks, which is a great and healthy choice by the way, these other reasons will get you all the more endeared to sunflowers. So much so, you’ll be growing them anytime asap.
- Sunflowers are edible. From the young seedlings, the young flower heads or buds, young stalks, to the seeds, all of them can be eaten.
- Sunflowers have health-boosting properties. It even made the top 10 list of foods rich in vitamin E, vitamin B, Selenium, and others.
- It’s easy to grow sunflowers. You’ll find this out soon with steps as easy as one, two, three!
- They’re simply beautiful. Perhaps we can all agree on this point. Do you also use cut sunflowers to decorate your home?
- Helps save the bees. With the seeming decline in bee population, indeed sunflowers, which are one of the bee’s favorites, may come to the rescue.
- Excellent food for your pets and livestock. You won’t have to buy sunflower seeds for your bird feeders and your kid’s pet hamsters. Keep your chicken coop happy with sunflower seeds too.
- Excellent for your soil. Apparently, the root system of sunflowers helps condition the soil, which is great when rotating crops.
When To Grow Sunflower
Sunflowers are summer annual flowering-plants which bloom to the heat of the sun. You can grow sunflowers as soon as danger of frost has passed. Planting this time of the year will give you sunflowers with taller stalks and wider flower heads while sunflowers planted in mid summer grows shorter stalks.
Which Of The Sunflower Varieties Is For You
Depending on your purpose, there is one sunflower variety perfect for you. If you want sunflowers for your flower garden, you can choose shorter varieties with smaller flower heads. Other than yellow, hybrid sunflower varieties now offer a wide range of colors from red orange to red. For edible seeds you can harvest and eat, choose the good ol’ American sunflower “Helianthus annuus“.
How To Grow Sunflowers
Perhaps one of the easiest plants to grow and care for are the sunflowers. They’re so easy to grow–it’s practically child’s play. Just follow these three simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Location And Soil
Pick a sunny location where your plants can get at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day. Sunflowers are not picky when it comes to soil and are even drought-tolerant, but they will not tolerate soil with standing water. For maximum growth, pick a sandy well-draining soil to grow sunflowers. You can apply slow-release granular fertilizers with organic fertilizers to your soil to replenish lost nutrients since sunflowers are heavy feeders.
Step 2: Sow Sunflower Seeds
The most efficient way to plant sunflowers is to sow them directly in the ground rather than start them in pots first. Poke 2 to 3 inches deep holes into your soil 20-inch apart so they do not fight for space or room to grow. Drop a seed in each hole, then cover with soil. You can also plant sunflower seeds in smaller intervals, but make sure to thin them as they grow so only the most vigorous seedlings are left to grow.
Step 3: Water And Feed
You will notice seedling sprouts in 6 to 10 days if you keep the soil moist. Water and feed your sunflower seedlings regularly. You can use liquid fertilizer to help the plants with their growth. Remember to water the roots and not the stems or leaves, as this may cause the plants to rot.
When To Harvest Sunflower Seeds
Harvesting sunflower seeds can be exciting, but harvest early and they may not be suited for roasting, harvest too late and birds and the wind may beat you to it. Harvest sunflower seeds when the petals become dry and begin to fall off. There are two methods of harvesting sunflower seeds. One is to allow the seeds to fully ripen on the stem, then cut off the flower head once it is ready. The other is to cut flower heads when two-thirds of the seeds are mature, then wrap a paper bag around the flower head and hang to dry.
Follow the full details on how to grow sunflowers here in this video:
There you go, homesteaders! Now you know how to grow sunflowers. Isn’t it easy enough for your kids to try their hand at? Now you can get the rest of the family involved in gardening with easy to grow sunflowers!
Are you ready now to grow your own sunflowers on your homestead? Let us know in the comments below.
UP NEXT: How To Grow Rainbow Corn | Glass Gem Corn
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This post was originally published on August 2016 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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