Self Sufficiency
How To Use Native Plants For Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations didn’t use to be so stressful and needn’t be! Well, back then, decorating for the holidays was as easy as a walk in the park. Or should I say a walk in the garden? Decor stuff were mostly native plants available around the home. So, forget about fancy decorations because old school is the way to go for me this Holiday. I’m enlisting the help of nature to pull off fresh and unique Christmas decorations. Find out how you too can use native plants for a fresh and traditional way to decorating for the holidays as you read on.
Natural Christmas Decorations On The Budget
Deck The Halls Not Just With Boughs Of Hollies!
I’ve been using ready-made decor stuff for supposedly instant holiday decorations. However, disposing of the trash can be tough and messy after. Fancy store-bought decor stuff can make a pretty cut on the budget too. So now, I’m using garden plants for my Christmas decorations not only for their beauty. The scent and aroma of native plants are just lovely around the home. And I can just throw the trash in the compost pile after. So join me as I explore once again our native plants and how to use them smartly for Christmas decorations.
Look For Christmas Decoration Ideas

Christmas decoration ideas aren’t hard to come by especially online. Although my imagination works pretty fine, it’s nice to get a helping hand. Check out for more Christmas decor ideas here and some of my few samples below.
Christmas Tree Decoration


Pine cones may be simple but there’s just something rustic and cute about them making them great for decorations. Adding some paint adds beauty but they do just as they are or with bits of pretty ribbons.
Front Porch


Balance is important in design especially in decorating front door and porches. Create identical decor design on either side of a porch step or door for a curb appeal.
Fresh Christmas Wreath


Our good old wreath can never be outdated for Holiday decorations. Whether it’s the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and even Halloween, a wreath has to adorn a door or any part of the house.
Garland


Garlands are a traditional Christmas decorations dating centuries back. So, how else are Christmas garlands best made than with organic and natural resources found around you?
Container


Make use of planters and container stripped bare of plants in this cold winter season. Using native plants, arrange a Christmas container garden for an organic look. Which you won’t have to water every now and then, by the way.
Front Door


Whether you want your decorations simple or over the top, nothing beats natural decorations, especially for your front door. Take this boxwood wreath decor idea and a mistletoe to go!
Table Centerpiece


Make your Holiday meal feast scrumptious with a lovely table setting. Nothing will make your table look more festive than native plants such as trusty evergreens and red berries to accentuate.
Where To Find Native Plants


Native plants are practically accessible around you. Your very own garden may boost of plants great for decor purposes. Some native plants outside your garden may be more attractive but don’t take any without permission. Parks and public places are especially off limits. Make some plans instead to grow plants you like this Spring.
Types Of Native Plants


Native plants boost a variety of leaf forms, structure, and color. Use these factors to make organic and unique decorations.
Evergreens


Evergreens can have broad green leaves while some have blue to silvery, needle-like leaves. Fir, Spruce, and Pines are some of the most common evergreens used for Christmas decorations. Other evergreens, are Cypress, Juniper, Magnolia, and Boxwood.
Colors


A variety of colors in Christmas decorations can be achieved. Although lesser plants make it throughout winter, some native plants give a better color display this season.
The red twig dogwood, for example, is stripped of its leaves in winter, revealing attractive twigs which are fiery red in color. The ripened berries of native plants such as Holly and firethorn gives off a beautiful color display as well.
Texture


To add attraction to your decorations, use other plant parts like seed pods, twigs, and berries. Seed pods from Magnolia, Lotus, Acorns, and Pine cones adds drama to any decor arrangement. You will find the red twig dogwood interesting in Christmas containers just as Winterberry – twigs, berries, and all.
Alternatives


When using native plants for your decorations, learn to improvise when some plant species are hard to come by in your area. Herbs such as rosemary, sage, and laurel can substitute for evergreen fir and pine. Hollies can be substituted with Boxwood and Winterberries with Nandina Berries.
Preparing Plants For Decoration


As appealing as plant sounds for Holiday decoration, you must be aware plants cause fire hazards when prepared improperly. Use plants with high moisture level or those which retain moisture longer like evergreens. You can also follow these tips for preparing native plants properly.
- Use pruning shears when cutting plants.
- Use only fresh plants and avoid placing them under the sun or other heat sources.
- Crush the base of woody stems to better absorb water and soak the fresh plant pieces in water overnight.
- Check your plant decor’s freshness and replace them once dried up.
- Use anti-transpirant for low moisture plants.
Use Native Plants Safely


Remember, most native plants you may use like Ivy, Mistletoe, Yews, and Hollies have poisonous berries. Make sure to keep them out of reach of curious children and pets. Pick up after fallen berries to avoid poisoning hazards.
Watch out also for prickly plants like Firethorn and Holly, and prepare the plants with care. When using the discarded plant decor for compost, make sure no paint where used which can be toxic to microorganisms.
Planning For A Christmas Garden


There are some plants which you may like but got no access to for decor uses now. But you can always plan for next year. Knowing about native plants which are great for Holiday decorations will allow you to make plans for planting in Spring. With winter plants added, I can just imagine your garden with a year-round appeal.
Learn how to make your own fresh Christmas garland in this video from Garden Answer:
Whether for the main pieces or just to accentuate, native plants are perfect for Holiday decorations. Pretty inexpensive and even free if you know your garden. Knowing your plants will totally save you a lot of trouble and money when decorating for the holidays!
Christmas is pretty well-known for gift-giving, so send some love with this M&M Mason Jar Cookie Recipe this holiday!
Did you find the topic useful for your own Holiday decoration plans? I’d be delighted to know how you are getting about with yours. Tell me about it by posting in the comments section below.
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Feature Image source via garden answer
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NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

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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.”
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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?
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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.
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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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