Latest News
The off-grid homesteading
Blog
Welcome to our blog!
Lessons learned on the journey toward independence
In our blog is a wealth of knowledge that we've accumulated over many years of off-grid living, as well as the lessons we've learned through trial and error. Our experience in the School of Hard Knocks has taught us valuable lessons that we are excited to share with you. In addition to our own expertise, we've also hand-selected a group of guest contributors who are experts in their respective fields. Their contributions provide even more valuable insights into homesteading, off-grid living, and emergency preparedness. We hope you enjoy learning from their knowledge and experience as much as we have!
Blog Categories
Off-Grid Power
Electricity is the kingpin in modern homes. Without it, many essential systems can't function. Learn how to make your own power with solar, micro hydro, and other sources.
Growing Food
Learn to grow your own food with tips on starting a homestead garden, including vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, small fruits, composting, and more in this section.
Storing Food
Learn to preserve and store your own food with off grid kitchen tips, recipes, and info about canning, dehydrating, and other food preservation related topics in this section.
Water
Most water systems are completely dependent on the power company. Learn how to make yours as independent as possible so your family has a reliable source of water.
Safety
Prevention and preparation are key to ensuring safety, covering physical security, home fire protection, wildland fire preparedness, and more in this section.
Communication
Communications is an often overlooked part of preparedness and homesteading. Learn how to stay in touch while living in a remote location as well as during emergencies.
most recent posts
How To Purify Water On Your Off Grid Homestead
Whatever your water source, it's important to know how pure it is. And if the water quality is not acceptable, you'll need to sanitize it before using as drinking water, cooking water, etc. In this article, we'll look at non-electric options for purifying your...
Independent Water Systems
Water is so critical! You simply can't live without it. Yet the typical country homestead is totally dependent on utility companies for water. With an asset of such vital importance, it is only wise to set up your homestead in such a way that will enable you to have...
Renewable Energy Systems Overview
In this article, we are going to give you an overview of the different components of a renewable energy power system. So to start, lets look at power: In your home, right now, you have electrical outlets which power your appliances with 120 volts AC (alternating...
Renewable Energy Definitions
Feeling overwhelmed with all this new terminology relating to power systems? Watts... kW, Volts, Amps... it's enough to make your head spin! Well, if that describes you - don't worry! Here is a quick, laymen - terms definitions. Watts Used to measure the amount of...
Water System Example #1 - Spring or Water Source 40 Feet or More Above House
Example : There is a spring, creek, or any usable water source at least 40 feet in elevation above the building site (2nd story of house if plumbing is there). Yield is at least 15 gallons per hour (.25 gal/min) during the driest time of the year. Click here for more...
Water System Example #2 - Spring or Water Source Less Than 40 Feet Above House
Example: The water source is 5 - 40 feet in elevation above your building site and produces at least 15 gallons per hour (.25 gal./min.) during the driest time of the year. Solution: The situation described above and the solution we are about to suggest are identical...