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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
Maintaining a Fire Extinguisher
Today I did some regular maintenance in the fire safety department of our homestead. I needed to make sure our fire extinguisher was in good shape. So I marched off to the corner of our home where it is safely stashed and did a quick check and some regular...
Inverter Comparison: Magnum MS series vs Outback VFX series
For the last 6 years I have lived with an Outback VFX inverter. That may sound like a pretty close relationship and it is! When you live off the grid and need good clean electricity for work, the inverter play an important part in one's life. But a truly fine...
Review: Magnum MS Series Inverter
For a comparison, see Inverter comparison: Magnum MS series vs Outback VFX series. If there is one word that could summarize the Magnum MS series inverters, it would be "simplicity". That can be a good thing as long as its not so simple and automatic that necessary...
Automatic Generator Start - to use or not to use?
Any recent inverter worth it's salt has the capability to automatically start a generator. At least one that is equipped with electric start and remote control capabilities. Of course there are a number of pieces of criteria to be met. Things like battery voltage...
Vita-mix Blender vs Modified Sine Wave Inverter
The vita-mix blender doesn't work?! That was our discovery not long after we moved in. It only runs when it is on high speed, not on any of the variable speed options. Why? Well, it turns out to be the modified sine wave inverter in our renewable energy system....
Pressure Canning Beans
Why pressure can beans when you can store them dry? Well, actually, I store my beans dry. But for the sake of convenience I like to pressure can a batch or two up and have them on the shelf. Then at a moments notice I can have a meal with beans ready to go. And if...