Self Sufficiency
Ultimate Guide To Have An Indoor Garden For Winter | [Inforgraphic]
Isn’t it great to have an indoor garden for winter? Many homes have patios or sunrooms where house plants can bathe with the winter sun. Vegetables and other greens can flourish along with your houseplants if given an extra light.
Most vegetables do love a sunny window. If you have a big window facing south, a cucumber or tomato plant can flourish with help, and some extra light to make up for the shorter days of winter. Using indoor grow lights does the trick in providing extra light for your plants. Indoor grow lights are easy to setup and provide additional sunlight vegetables requires. Read on and learn how you can have an indoor garden for winter.
How To Have An Indoor Garden For Winter
I usually get anxious when winter rolls around and I begin to crave fresh tomatoes and greens from my garden. But then, this time of the year my garden is asleep. This is where my indoor garden for winter fulfills the urge to get my hands in the dirt.
Kudos to the guys of Fix.com who have come up with this amazing infographic. It provides tips and guidelines specific to your USDA Plant Hardiness Zones that can help you make your indoor garden for winter flourish.
Winter Gardening: Tips and Guidelines Specific To Your Zone
Slowly Maturing | Cold-Hardy Crops
These crops usually mature in approximately 100 days.
Beets
Try these hardy varieties:
- Albina Verduna
- Lutz Winterkeeper
Cabbage
Try these hardy varieties:
- January King
- Marabel
Carrots
Try these hardy varieties:
- Scarlet Nantes
- Autumn King
- Danvers
- Oxheart
Onion
Try this hardy variety:
- Walla Walla
Parsnip
Try these hardy varieties:
- Hollow Crown
- Lancer
Middle Maturing | Cold-Hardy Crops
These crops usually mature in approximately 55 to 70 days.
Kale
Try these hardy varieties:
- Vates
- Lacinato
- Siberian
- Winterbor
- Westland Winter
Radish
Try these hardy varieties:
- Daikon
- Tinto
- D’Avignon
- Cherry Belle
Turnips
Try these hardy varieties:
- Golden Globe
- Hakurei
- White Egg
- Colletto Viola
Collards
Try these hardy varieties:
- Blue Max
- Morris Heading
- Winner
Chard
Try these hardy varieties:
- Green types
- Verde de Taglio
- Fordhook Giant
Leeks
Try these hardy varieties:
- Lexton
- Tadorna
- Jaune du Poiteau
- King Sieg
- Bleu de Solaise
- Bandit
- Lincoln
- King Richard
- American Flag
- Alaska
- Durabel
Kohlrabi
Try these hardy varieties:
- Azur Star
- Kolibri
Scallion
Try this hardy variety:
- White Lisbon
Quickly Maturing | Cold-Hardy Crops
These crops usually mature in approximately 40 days.
Salad Greens
Try these hardy varieties:
- Claytonia (also called Winter Purslane)
- Dandelion
- Escarole
- Mache (also called Corn Salad)
- Mustard Greens
- Sorrel
- Tatsoi
- Watercress
Bok Choi
Try this hardy variety:
- Mei Qing Choi
Lettuce
Try these hardy varieties:
- Marvel of Four Seasons
- Rouge d’Hiver
- Winter Density
- Romaine
- Leaf
- Lollo
- Or scatter a mixed seed packet and see which varieties thrive.
Chicory
Try these hardy varieties:
- Radicchio
- Sugarloaf
Spinach
Try these hardy varieties:
- Savory Types
- Winter Bloomsday
- Tyee
- Giant Winter
- Tarpy
- Olympia
Endive
Try these hardy varieties:
- Perfect
- President
- De Meaux
Arugula
Try these hardy varieties:
- Astro
- Sylvetta
Get More Out Of Your Garden With These Season Extenders
Mulch
A two-to-three-inch layer of straw, leaves, or pine needles, which keeps plants’ bases and roots warm and prevents evaporation.
Does it need ventilation? No. It is self-ventilating.
Cold Frame
A box with a clear top and no bottom. It can be made from an old window on a wooden, metal, or straw-bale base.
Does it need ventilation? Yes. Prop the frame open on sunny or warm days.
Unheated Greenhouse
An unheated glass or translucent plastic building that absorbs heat from the sun and protects plants against the elements.
Does it need ventilation? Yes. Open the windows on sunny or warm days.
Row Cover
Lightweight, semi-transparent fabric (often called Reemay and available from seed companies and at garden stores) that allows light, water, and air through but holds warmth and protects against wind. The fabric can float directly on plains with rocks on the edges to hold it down or be suspended on wire or PVC hoops.
Does it need ventilation? No. It is self-ventilating.
Cloche
A small, transparent covering that protects a single plant from the elements. It could be a traditional bell-shaped glass cloche or a recycled plastic milk jug cut in half.
Does it need ventilation? Yes. Remove cloche’s on sunny days.
Hoop Tunnel
Heavy translucent plastic or greenhouse fabric suspended on metal conduit or PVC hoops.
Does it need ventilation? Yes. Open the ends or remove the covering on sunny or warm days.
Hot Bed
A cold frame with an extra heating device. Manure may let off sufficient heat, or electric lights (such as a string of Christmas lights) can be added.
Does it need ventilation? Yes. Prop the frame open on sunny or warm days.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
Zone 4: First Frost Date September 15
Slowly Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by June 1
Middle Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by July 1
Quickly Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by August 1
Try a combination of these coverings:
Mulch and a cold frame placed beneath a well-supported hoop tunnel or inside an unheated greenhouse. Drape an insulated blanket over the device or add electric lights if needed.
Zone 5, 6, and 7: First Frost Date October 15
Slowly Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by July 1
Middle Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by August 1
Quickly Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by September 1
Try a combination of these coverings:
Mulch and a cold frame or row cover placed beneath a well-supported hoop tunnel or inside an unheated greenhouse. Drape an insulated blanket over the device or add electric lights if needed.
Zone 8: First Frost Date November 15
Slowly Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by August 1
Middle Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by September 1
Quickly Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by October 1
Try a combination of these coverings:
Mulch and row covers. Add a hoop tunnel if needed.
Zone 9: First Frost Date December 15
Slowly Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by September 1
Middle Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by October 1
Quickly Maturing Cold-Hardy Crops
- Plant by November 1
Try a combination of these coverings:
Mulch. Row covers or cloches if needed.
Winter gardening may not be for everyone. However, whoever is willing to experiment and willing to try something new will be rewarded with delicious produce plus the fun and satisfaction of being able to pick fresh vegetables and herbs from your own garden to cook will definitely compensate all your effort. Start you indoor garden for winter now!
Do you have some indoor garden for winter tips that you want to share? I’d love to learn how you make your garden for winter flourish! Let me know in the comments below.
Want more winter homesteading tips? Here are the top 5 winter activities to keep you busy and boost your homesteading skills this winter.
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Featured Image Via Zmart Co.
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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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