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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
My Beautiful Garden: How It Transforms From Snow To Strawberries
It seems like it takes forever for the winter snow to melt from our garden. As I look at the snow-covered plot in the early spring, it almost feels like our garden is a blank canvas, waiting patiently for the artist to come, pick up a brush, and start adding splashes...
Fungus Gnats - This Stops Them
Fungus gnats seem harmless enough. That is until your garden starts are thoroughly infested. The carnage begins to look like a gardener’s version of a battlefield. This spring, we experienced this worst-case scenario. Seedlings imploded overnight...
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Fingerling potatoes are one of our family's favorite varieties of potatoes to grow in our garden. They are long and skinny, but bursting with flavor, unlike many other potatoes. These are more sophisticated lunch or dinner potatoes and they make a great side dish....
How to Plant Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the very first crops that can be planted in early spring. It’s best to plant seed potatoes 2-3 weeks before the typical last frost date in your area. Potatoes are one of the most valuable and versatile veggies you can grow. Each potato piece...
How To Squeeze More Power From Solar Panels
If you'd like to get more power from your solar panels, without any additional cost, this is for you! And this tip especially helps in winter months when the weather causes your solar array to be less productive. Here we go... The Theory When the sun's rays arrive at...
The Story of our Solar System!
Hmmm... Where should I start? We purchased our current home nearly 6 years ago. It had been sitting empty for quite a number of years and it has needed a lot of 'elbow grease'. One area that was desperately needing an upgrade was the power system. The solar array was...