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Winterizing Your Home 101 | Prepare For Winter Months To Come

Home Self Sufficiency Emergency Prep Planning Winterizing Your Home 101 | Prepare For Winter Months To Come

Whether you live on or off the grid, winterizing your home is very important. There are several tricks and tips to keeping your home, as well as, your farm animal’s homes a little warmer during the cold months ahead.

Winterizing Your Home 101

The House

Avoid Drafts:

Covering your windows with plastic will help keep out any cold drafts and airs from coming into the house and it will also help to keep the warm air in the house where it should be. The one thing I dislike about using plastic to help with winterizing your home is that it keeps the sun from shining directly inside. This not only takes away some extra warmth but it also eliminates such bright light. What I like to do instead is find heavy thick curtains for winter, this way I can keep out the cold but also welcome the light when it is shining.

If you have wooden floors now would be a good time to bring out the old or invest in some new area rugs. I save up any old clothes that are not suitable for donation because of their condition and I turn them into rag rugs for the house. It is also good to use window and door draft blockers around the doors and window sills. You can buy them in season or you can make them yourself using old tube socks or the legs of sweatpants. If you don’t have any extra socks or pant legs laying around you can follow this DIY Tutorial and make it from scratch.

Winterizing Your Home Under the Surface:

Now that you have all of the drafts covered, it’s time to make sure the water lines are properly insulated. You will want to insulate all of the water lines you have access to indoors, as well as, outdoors. You can purchase pipe insulation for a couple of bucks and get some heat tape to wrap the pipes in. The heat tape requires electricity so if you don’t have an outlet handy you can purchase solar powered heat tape. It is also a really good idea to disconnect the water flow to any outdoor faucets that will be out of use for the season and wrap the whole faucet with some sort of insulation, even a thick towel can help.

I like to make sure that all of my trails and paths are free and clear of debris, sticks, or any rocks poking through. This really helps when the snow falls to ensure that you have a free and clear area under the snow. Speaking of paths and trails, I like to set my bins of salt, kitty litter, or crushed gravel out so it is easy to access when it comes time to spread it.

The salt is great for melting away ice and snow but the gravel and kitty litter provide traction, not only for us humans, but for the critters as well. A little warning about using salt; If you have cats, dogs or any other animals with soft padded feet be careful how much salt you use. The ice and salt together against warm paw pads can cause a reaction and slightly irritate or even burn the pads.

The Outhouse

Using an outhouse isn’t so terribly bad until it is the middle of January and everything is freezing outside including the pit privy. It is just as important to winterize the outhouse as it is your house and the animal’s housing. Be sure that you have all of your lime, ash, cedar chips, and whatever else you specifically use. It is also very important to “stir the pot” which keeps it from freezing up and becoming a solid chunk of something you do not want to mess with.

outhouse-in-winter Winterizing Your Home 101 | Prepare For Winter Months To Come

Repair any drafty spaces to keep that cold breeze out as much as possible. To avoid a frozen bum you can use some sort of foam padding to cover the seat, the inside of a small life jacket works perfectly, as do certain pool noodles. Another trick I discovered is when I first wake up and stoke the fire in the morning I will get 4-6 hand warmers ready to go as if I was going to use them and I place them on the seat to warm it up. You wouldn’t believe how much it helps.

The Critters Housing

Aside from the regular cleaning that is done to the animal housing, I do a seasonal cleansing too. This consists of pulling everything out and disinfecting and sanitizing before it’s all closed up tight for the winter. Check for any drafts or breezes – it’s also important to check up along the rafters and vents in the chicken coop to be sure snow cannot drift in and land on them. Seal up necessary places and bring in loads of fresh straw and hay. I prefer to use a thicker rough straw for the bottom layers and a softer hay for the actual bedding. Even the pig gets a massive bed to cozy up in.

Proper Water and Nourishment:

It is crucial that your animals have access to fresh water in order for them to regulate their body temperature properly. There are all sorts of methods to use to keep the water from freezing. You can use hot rocks, solar heated water troughs, and the switch out and stir up. The switch out method is easy if you have a small scale farm, all you have to do is keep a bucket of warmer water indoors for the animals and if it gets too cold out switch out the buckets or add some warm water to it. I know personally during the winter, I make my rounds often to check on the animals so I bring a stir stick and stir up all of the water as I inspect.

horses-at-trough-in-snow Winterizing Your Home 101 | Prepare For Winter Months To Come

Animal Warmth is in the Details:

You can cover any windows with plastic but just as inside your home, the sun may be blocked out. I like to seal around any cracks and leave the windows clean and clear to provide an ample amount of sunshine since there is not much of it during the winter months.

If you have any large animals such as goats, horses, and cattle it is important to use old blankets or buy horse blankets to throw on the animals when it’s cold to help them stay warm when they venture outdoors. Winter can be just as hard on the animals as ourselves, so it is important to keep them in mind.

Winterizing your home is important and efficient. It will help the homestead stay running smoothly, as well as, keeping it nice and warm in the cold months. Be sure your animals have a safe space to go outdoors, witnessing a goat slip on the ice can be pretty bad. So seal up the homestead and stay warm this winter season!

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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

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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?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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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!

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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!

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!

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