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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
Lemon Oil - Swiss Army Knife Of Oils
When space is at a premium and you need an all-purpose tool, it's hard to beat a Swiss Army Knife (or in my case, I use a Leatherman). These multi-purpose tools hold an assortment of tools and fold up into a compact package. The Swiss Army Knife was popularized in...
Oregano - The Herb For This Season
Ahhhhh-CHOO! Hearing much of that lately? Bless you… or Gesundheit! Sneezing is actually one of the body's defense mechanisms against airborne pathogens (translation: cold and flu bugs that float around in the air). The force of the sneeze expels those nasty little...
Firewood - When You're Short On Time & Money
Here in the Northwest, fall is in full swing—and the wood stove is seeing action again. Right about now, lots of wood burners are taking stock of their firewood supply to make sure they have enough for winter. If it’s been a busy summer, you might be running late and...
How To Choose The Best Off Grid Freezer
Last year we decided to add a freezer on our homestead. Up until then, we had been doing fine with just a fridge, but there are some things that are just better when frozen, and it was a convenience thing for us. Also, having a freezer enables us to stock...
Non-Toxic Cleaners for a Healthy Homestead
It’s been bugging me for a long time… When it was just me cleaning my house, I could find excuses for using toxic, chemical-laden house cleaners. But the last straw for me was once I had little hands and feet with curious eyes wanting desperately to help their Mama....
How We Use Charcoal At Our Homestead
Activated charcoal is one of those marvelous substances that is so often overlooked. But on our homestead, we use it quite frequently for everything from upset stomachs to bee stings. In this video, Lisa will demonstrate the 3 methods that we use for applying...