The In Between Ranch

END OF THE WORLD BE INVISIBLE IN 9 HOURS

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:19:00 +0000

When things fall apart (eventually it will) there’s a brief window where the world hasn’t yet sorted itself into predators and prey. Folks who lived through the Rodney King riots remember those first hours well. So do people who’ve watched towns unravel after hurricanes or blackouts. There’s a fog that sits over everything right after the blow hits. People are confused and dangerous in unpredictable ways. That’s the moment when being invisible becomes a survival tactic, and not a metaphorical one.

A good number of preppers spend decades stacking beans, sharpening blades, and tinkering with gear, but they forget something simple: the safest person during those first nine hours is the one nobody notices. But the thing is that you don’t have to disappear into the woods or paint yourself like a Marine sniper. You just need to manage your presence so you blend into the mess rather than stand out from it.

Why The Nine-Hour Mark Matters More Than You Realize

The point is that nine hours is just enough time to shift your entire presence from “visible and memorable” to “someone nobody can pin down.” Once things collapse, whether it’s a power failure or a government clampdown, you have a short, workable block of time to erase your footprint.

Nine hours gives you enough daylight (or darkness, depending when it starts) to change your location, adjust your clothing, fix your sound discipline, tighten up your gear, and move in ways that don’t draw attention.

It’s a generous window if you use it wisely, and a useless one if you run around advertising your intentions. People won’t be organized yet, but they’ll be alert. They’ll remember the loud ones, the frantic ones, the ones carrying supplies like trophies. By the time the ninth hour rolls past, the landscape shifts. Some folks band together for protection.

Some turn predatory. Some begin claiming streets, parking lots, or abandoned structures as if they’ve been waiting for permission. If you haven’t established your invisibility by then, you’ll be dealing with people who have already built mental maps of who’s around and who looked worth following or exploiting.

The First Rule: Blend Into The Noise

Anyone who’s spent time in unstable places knows that the folks who announce their fear get noticed immediately. They move fast, talk loud, wave their arms, and advertise their intentions. They become glowing beacons for opportunists.

The trick is to move like someone who’s got “somewhere to be, but nowhere special.” That’s a phrase an old Iraq vet once used while teaching a group of us about urban evasion. It stuck with me.

If you look frantic, people clock you. If you look overly calm, they clock you too.

There’s a sweet spot where your presence registers as unremarkable. In reality, you don’t need fancy gear for this. Instead, you need to walk at a steady pace and avoid the kind of head-on-a-swivel scanning that makes you look like prey.

How Your Clothing Affects Your Visibility More Than You’d Expect

A lot of preppers fall in love with camo. Nothing wrong with it in the woods, but in a populated area after SHTF, it’s like wearing a neon sign that says “I have supplies”. The same goes for pristine hiking packs, carbon-fiber trekking poles, and spotless boots that still smell like the store. Those things tell strangers that you’re prepared with food, tools, and medicine.

Neutral clothing is the closest thing to invisibility you can buy without signing forms. Browns, grays, washed-out denim, old work jackets, faded flannels – the things nobody remembers after looking at you. Brands don’t matter as much as wear-and-tear. A slightly beat-up jacket blends in far better than a thousand-dollar waterproof shell.

The Mistakes That Can Give You Away

After a blackout, for instance, anything that glows becomes a magnet for desperate eyes. Even during the day, reflections carry far more than people realize. Phones, watches, belt buckles, glossy backpacks, eyeglasses – they all flash light in quick bursts. That’s enough for someone a block away to lock onto your position.

If you’re forced to move at night, keep every source of light under control. Even a small flashlight held at waist height and cupped with your hand can look like a flare when someone’s pupils are dilated from darkness.

Imagine a bad windstorm knocked out the grid (it's night time), you watch your own neighbor ruin his own attempt to move quietly. He is trying to get to his brother’s house on the other side of the river, but he stopped to check his phone for directions. The screen flashed on, bright as day, and three folks down the block turned their heads immediately. Nobody was trying to catch him; it’s just that light travels farther than most people realize.

The Signature You Might Be Broadcasting

You don’t need special microphones or high-tech gadgets to pick up noise after SHTF. With power out and traffic slowed, even small sounds carry farther than people expect. We’re talking about menial noises, such as the jangling zipper on your pack or the plastic click of a water bottle cap. These are the signs that betray people more often than bright clothing ever does.

In this case, a simple fix is to secure every loose item before you move. Tape, cloth, or even stuffing gear into pockets keeps things silent.

There’s also another detail that can betray you in seconds – your smell. A man warming up a cup of instant soup on a small stove doesn’t think he’s broadcasting anything. But in the aftermath of chaos, when most people haven’t eaten and nerves are high, food smells carry meaning. Even sealed packages can give off odor when handled, especially oily foods, jerky, and anything smoked.

If you have to eat, do it away from open areas. Pick a spot with decent windbreaks so scent doesn’t drift down a street or open field. But be careful – don’t unwrap anything loudly and don’t open multiple food items at once. Also, be mindful not to leave scraps or packaging behind where someone could stumble on them and assume you’re close by.

Dogs are another issue. They roam fast during power outages and panic events. A hungry dog can follow food scent for impressive distances. You don’t want that kind of attention.

Why Invisibility Is A Mindset Before It’s A Skill

Old-timers who spent half their lives in the woods figured this out without reading a single survival book. Those habits came from years of hunting, tracking, and, frankly, being hunted by things with sharper senses. That mindset is worth more than any fancy concealment gear you can buy, and it works the same way whether

you’re slipping through pine needles or through a collapsed neighborhood.

The same principle applies to your supplies. Staying invisible it’s also about making sure no one can trace your presence back to anything worth stealing.

A stocked home, even a modest one, shines like a beacon to desperate eyes if you leave the wrong clues lying around. Empty packaging, regular footpaths, a certain way doors are opened and closed – people pick up on those details when they’re hungry enough.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a Navy SEAL to become invisible in those first chaotic hours. You only need discipline, a sense of proportion, and enough patience to let the initial storm burn itself out without dragging you into it.

The people who survive aren’t always the strongest or the best armed. More often than not, they’re the ones who understand that being unnoticed is the most powerful tool they’ll ever carry.

Making a Kratky Jar

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:18:00 +0000

Need a means of boosting your food production in a tiny, indoors space? Why not set up a Kratky jar?

This is a low-cost, low-maintenance, high-output means of food production that can help you to grow a wide number of foods in your kitchen. What does it entail? Let’s take a closer look…

What Is A Kratky Jar?

The Kratky method of hydroponics was discovered by Bernard Kratky, Emeritus Horticulturalist at the University of Hawaii.

It’s a passive method, requiring no pumps, fans, or anything fancy. Kratky jars can be made from just about anything, from a standard Mason jar to an old plastic creamer bottle. Some Kratky systems are very large and fancy, utilizing large totes or tanks. The only limit is your imagination and what’s in your possession.

This method is ideal for apartment & condo dwellers since it requires so little space or equipment. It’s also very adaptable and can be used to grow anything from greens & herbs to tomatoes, peppers, squashes, and cucumbers. (It’s not well suited to root crops, however, since the vegetables will tend to break the reservoir.)

This article will teach you the basic principles and setup of a Kratky passive hydroponics system. I’ll also include my experiences so far setting up my first Kratky system.

The Basic Setup Is Very Simple

The little plant is suspended in a net pot containing some kind of structural component, such as rock wool, coco coir, or peat moss. The reservoir is filled with nutrient-containing water, and there should be an air space in the jar. Most plants don’t like wet feet, and they need oxygen just as much as we do.

The plant roots will grow down into the solution as they feed, making the air space larger as the nutrient solution is used up.

What Do You Need To Set Up A Kratky Jar?

The reservoir can be just about anything, as noted above.

There are a number of YouTube videos on the subject, including several from Kratky himself. I’ve seen everything from standard Mason jars to, I kid you not, leftover coffee creamer bottles being used.

The size of the reservoir will be a factor in what exactly can be grown in your Kratky jar. If you’re using a Mason jar or creamer bottle, you’ll want to grow smaller things like greens, herbs, and micro-tomatoes. If you’re using a large tote with holes cut into the top, you can grow full-size tomatoes, taro, cucumbers, eggplants, and even strawberries.

I’m growing micro-tomatoes in mine. I’ll likely expand as I learn more and become more comfortable with the method. Also, note that covering the jar, so light doesn’t grow algae in it isn’t a bad idea if you’re using a clear glass reservoir.

Net pots come in many sizes, and which size you’ll need depends on the size of your reservoir. Wide mouth Mason jars will require a 3” pot.

Easy To Do

I made my first Kratky jar in a 1/2 gallon Ball jar using a 4” pot, cut down to fit and held in place by the jar ring. I was determined to use only what I had on hand and buy nothing, so I had to adapt a bit. Whatever works, right? The net pot is necessary so the roots can grow freely into the solution. A standard plant pot won’t work for this purpose.

Grow media is very easy to acquire, or you can make your own.

As noted above, rock wool and coco coir are the most common media but far from the only choices. Rock wool can be expensive but can be reused, ditto coco coir. The media holds the plant upright. It gives no nutrients and serves no other purpose, so in theory, just about anything will do as long as it’s not toxic to the system.

Perlite or packing peanuts are even workable as long as they can be kept in the pot. Mesh or even pantyhose can hold the media as long as the roots can grow through it. Similar parameters apply to using kitchen sponges, though please note you don’t want the sponges with soap or other chemicals for this use.

As long as they’re not too heavy for the plant roots to grow through, it’s an option. I chose long-fiber sphagnum moss since it’s what I had on hand and stuffed it into my net pot, tight but not too tight.

What Kind Of Nutrient Solution Do You need?

Many standard hydroponics mixes contain NPK plus calcium, magnesium, and iron. Remember, however, that plants require ten essential nutrients, not six. While plants can be grown using the standard mix, they’ll grow better if a few more of the essentials are present, such as boron, manganese, copper, and zinc.

There are a number of excellent commercial mixes, such as Masterblend International, or you can very easily make your own using compost from your own pile in the form of compost tea. Simply add a shovel full or two to a five-gallon bucket of water, let it sit for three days, strain out the sediment, and use.

Suspend the plant in the reservoir such that the roots touch the nutrient solution. This is a very important point! The nutrients won’t do the plant any good if the roots aren’t absorbing nutrients, right?

Lighting & pH

Windows are fine as long as the light is strong enough. Grow lights are a great option, and combining the two is perfectly acceptable. I placed my Kratky jar by an East-facing window beneath a single T5 grow light, and my micro tomato seems to be quite happy there.

LCD panels are certainly an option as well. Note that this is the only part of the Kratky system that requires power. Other than this, Kratky is a completely passive system.

A pH meter is totally optional but a nice thing to have, nonetheless.

Most vegetable plants prefer a pH in the 6.5-6.8 range, and some plants, such as strawberries and blueberries, prefer an environment even more acidic. If you have a pH meter handy, you can better help to ensure that you are giving your little plants the optimum environment for maximum growth.

So That’s All There Is To It!

All you need is a reservoir, a net pot, nutrients, and good lighting. There are no fans or pumps to worry about, so the power going out isn’t as deadly to this system as it is to others.

And that’s not the only benefit of passive hydroponics! For those with very short growing seasons, such as myself, this system can be used to provide fresh greens and other goodies through the winter, when those things are outrageously expensive to buy. Smaller reservoirs can turn unproductive tabletops into food-producing areas, and I believe that any item I can grow is one less thing I need to buy at the grocery store!

Hydroponics can add a layer to your food production system, and Kratky jars are the easiest way to get your feet wet if you’ve never worked with this particular method. A single jar can expand into totes worth of food, produced right in your own space.

This method is suitable for apartments and condos, where space is at a premium and yard gardening may not be an option. Keep the weight of a water-filled tote in mind before you put it on your lanai, however! Most lanai aren’t built to take a lot of weight. But within parameters, it’s very easy, so why not give it a try? You may be pleasantly surprised at what you can grow!

Preserving foods with Pantyhose

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:13:00 +0000

Wearing pantyhose is something that has more or less gone by the wayside with the traditional 9 to 5 – but you shouldn’t toss your favorite pair of worn-out stockings just yet.

Did you know that you can easily preserve a large assortment of foods in a pair of pantyhose?

There are several benefits to doing so, and it’s a great way to extend the life of your garden’s harvest without having to invest in a ton of fancy equipment. Although you shouldn’t sneak a pair fresh out of the laundry basket, using a clean or new pair of light-colored pantyhose should do the trick quite nicely.

Here are 20 foods you can preserve in pantyhose – and tips on how to do it safely.

Onions

Onions are some of the easiest foods to preserve in pantyhose. Doing so will give your onions plenty of room to breathe and will also allow you to store your onions separately from other produce – you can simply pull them out as they are needed.

To store an onion in pantyhose, simply feed it through the leg of the hose until it reaches the foot. Tie it off around the ankle to keep it separated.

You can fill the entire leg with onions to maximize freshness but tie off just before each bulb to keep each one fresh – when stored this way, your onions should last around six months.

Garlic

Just like onions, garlic can also be stored in pantyhose. You’ll stash the bulbs in the hose in the exact same way.

Since they are much smaller than onions, this is a great use to recycle old children’s pantyhose, too.

Cucumbers

Feel free to drop a few cukes into an old pair of pantyhose – but don’t put them in the refrigerator. Believe it or not, cucumbers hate being cold, and anything colder than 50 degrees will cause them to spoil much faster. They’re sensitive to ethylene gas, too, so after you’ve stashed them in the hose, keep them far away from melons, tomatoes, and bananas.

Herbs

You can preserve any kind of herb in pantyhose. In fact, it helps you make a beautiful bouquet garni. All you have to do is wrap the herbs in the cloth, tie it off, and you’re ready to go. Just tie the top with butcher’s twine. You can also use these herb clusters to make your own teabags.

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Shallots

As with onions and garlic, shallots can also be stashed in pantyhose. They are quite tiny, so you may have better luck using smaller pantyhose (or those designed for children).

Apples (picture)

Apples are best stored in pantyhose when you’re trying to protect them from fruit flies.

Again, as with onions, your best bet will be to stash each apple separately, then tie the hose off just before the stem.

Oranges

Just like apples, oranges can also be stashed in a pair of tights. Don’t feel the need to stash them in your refrigerator – right on the counter is fine and dandy.

Cheese

Rather than wrapping your fresh cheese in cheesecloth, consider using a pair of pantyhose. It’s far more economical and will work just as well.

Melons

Melons can be stored in pantyhose after they’ve been plucked from the vine. Believe it or not, most kinds of melons do not need to be refrigerated, and stashing them in pantyhose can help extend their shelf life ever so slightly.

Another way you can use pantyhose with melons is to tie pantyhose around them when they’re still on the vine. Melons are heavy, and tying a pair of pantyhose around the fruit can help prevent the stem from breaking.

Peaches (picture)

Peaches, pears, and other kinds of stone fruits should be stored at room temperature. You can stash them in a pair of old pantyhose as long as you put them with the stem-end down.

This is a great alternative to storing these fruits in plastic bags, which can cause them to over ripen.

Potatoes

Like onions and garlic, potatoes are pantry staples that are easy to store in pantyhose. Insert each one separately and then hang the set of pantyhose to promote good air circulation. This should help prevent your potatoes from rotting, too. Leave the dirt on them for best results – don’t wash first.

Yogurt

You can’t preserve yogurt in pantyhose, per se , but to make your own yogurt, you’re going to need some cheesecloth – or some pantyhose! You can easily strain the dairy for your yogurt with a piece of pantyhose instead of cheesecloth.

Celery

Celery does need to be refrigerated if you plan on storing it this way for the long term, but a good way to keep it crisp is to put the stalks in a glass of water with the top tightly covered with a piece of pantyhose. It’s as easy as that!

Winter Squash (picture)

Winter squash is already known for its incredible longevity throughout the dead of winter, but you can help it last even longer by stashing your fruits in a pair of pantyhose.

This hack works best with squashes that are more or less symmetrical – you may have a harder time fitting an oblong butternut squash inside a set of pantyhose than a spaghetti squash, for example!

Again, the key to preserving winter squash in pantyhose is to take the time to cure it first.

Carrots

Carrots are root vegetables that continue putting energy into their leaf development long after they’ve reached your kitchen shelves. You can encourage your carrots to become sweeter by chopping the tops off and then storing them in a pair of pantyhose. This will lock in nutrients – but as with potatoes, you should avoid washing them before you store them.

Bananas

Only have a few pieces of pantyhose to sacrifice? If so, bananas can be preserved for a short period of time with the bits and pieces. Simple wrap each stem in a bit of plastic wrap, which will reduce the rate at which ethylene gas is released. Your bananas will ripen more slowly as a result.

Meat (pitcure)

Just about any kind of meat can be temporarily preserved in pantyhose.

This isn’t something you would want to do for the long haul and it’s not going to prevent your meat from spoiling when exposed to inopportune temperatures.

However, when you place your meat in pantyhose before putting it in the refrigerator (ideally inside an additional plastic bag), this can help prevent air from entering the package and leading to a loss of color, flavor, and texture.

Avocados

Storing avocados in an old pair of pantyhose is a great way to keep them gathered together. Plus, it will prevent them from becoming overripe, which can happen if you stash them in your crisper.

Mushrooms

While you can only store mushrooms indefinitely, stashing them in a pair of light-colored pantyhose (rather than in the refrigerator) is the best way to keep them fresh.

Sweet Potatoes

Just like regular old white potatoes, sweet potatoes can also be preserved in pantyhose. You should take the time to cure your sweet potatoes before doing this, as it will help the tubers develop their characteristic sweet taste.

Store them at 80 degrees with 90% humidity for ten days, then transfer them to pantyhose. Once inside the hose, you should store them in a cool, dark location (55-60 degrees is ideal) for up to six months. (root cellar is ideal)

There are lots of good reasons to consider preserving your produce, meats, and cheese in pantyhose.

Not only will it reduce the amount of food that goes to waste because you have no other materials to store it in, but it can also give you a creative way to reuse old clothing that you were going to throw out anyway.

For best results, use a light-colored pair of pantyhose that is new or gently used – and always clean, of course. You’ll be amazed at the results!

Locating Property With No Address

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Finding a property with no address can be daunting. Whether you’re searching for personal reasons, legal purposes, or real estate investment, there are ways to get the information you need. This guide will walk you through practical methods, tools, and resources to find and identify properties with no official address, with a focus on the important stuff like property ownership, boundaries, and more.

Why Locate Properties Without an Address?

Before we get into the methods, let’s first understand why someone would search for properties with no address:

Real Estate Transactions: Investors come across rural or vacant lands with no address. You need to know the location and ownership before making an offer.

Property Disputes: Boundary disputes, easements, or disputes over access to properties require information on property lines and ownership.

Unclaimed Property Search: Land with no address may be abandoned or overlooked, an opportunity to invest.

Development Projects: Developers looking for large chunks of land often start with properties that are not tied to an address, like agricultural or forested areas.

Methods for Finding Property with No Address

1. Use the County Recorder’s Office

The county recorder’s office is a goldmine of property information. Most offices have detailed records of land parcels, ownership, and property boundaries.

Steps to Access Records:

Find the county where the property is located. Use a GPS or map to find the approximate area.

Visit the county recorder’s office website. Many offices have online search tools to access records.

Search using known details, like parcel numbers, coordinates, or descriptions from a property deed.

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2. Conduct a Title Search

A title search is a professional way to get ownership and legal information about a property. Title companies search through public and private databases to gather property records.

Benefits of a Title Search:

Get the property deed and ownership chain.

Reveal liens, disputes or claims against the property.

Confirm legal descriptions and boundaries.

Cost of a Title Search:

Expect to pay $75–$250 depending on the complexity of the search and the location of the property.

3. Search for Tax Records

Every piece of land in the US is subject to property taxes, even if it has no address. Tax records are tied to parcel numbers, not street addresses, so this is a good way to find rural or vacant properties.

How to Search:

Find the taxing authority (usually the county assessor or treasurer’s office).
Use their online tool to search by parcel number or location.
Review the records for property ownership and tax payment history.

4. Use GPS Coordinates and Mapping Tools

If the property has no address but you have the approximate location, GPS tools, and mapping platforms can help you find it. Tools like Google Earth, LandGlide, and county GIS maps are good ones.

Tool Purpose

Google Earth Pinpoint the property visually

County GIS Maps Identify property boundaries and parcels

LandGlide Cross-reference GPS coordinates with records

5. Talk to the Neighbors

If you’re near the property, a chat with the neighbors can often get you some good info. In rural areas, neighbors may know property lines, owners and even unregistered uses of the land.

Pro Tips:

Be nice and explain why you’re interested in the property.

Respect their privacy and don’t push for info if they’re not willing to share.

6. Explore Unclaimed Property Databases

Unregistered or vacant land may not have an address but is often recorded as unclaimed property in government records. State treasuries have databases of unclaimed property, including land, so it’s easier for buyers to find overlooked opportunities.

Key Challenges in Finding Property with No Address

Record Ambiguity: Without an address, properties are described by property lines or parcel numbers which can be hard to decipher.
Access: Physical or legal access to the property may require more research.
Old Info: Rural and vacant land records may not always be up to date on ownership or use.

How Property Deeds and Boundaries Help

A property deed is a legal document that proves ownership and describes the property. For properties with no address, deeds often have the following:

Lot lines and dimensions.

Adjacent properties or landmarks.

Ownership history.

From the deed you can determine the property boundaries which is important for resolving disputes or development planning.

Why It’s Important to Know Property Ownership

Knowing who owns the property is important for making informed decisions especially when buying land or resolving disputes. Knowing the owner allows you to:

Negotiate a Purchase: You need to contact the right person for any transaction.
Resolve Disputes: Legal actions require accurate ownership info.
Verify Legal Use: Make sure no claims or liens block your intended use of the land.

Steps to Claim Unclaimed Property

Search State Databases: Start with your state’s unclaimed property database.
File a Claim: Provide supporting documentation like deeds, tax records, or proof of inheritance.
Verify Ownership: Work with the state or county recorder’s office to confirm ownership.

The Role of Public Records

Public records held by the county recorder’s office play a significant role in finding properties with no address. These records often include:

Real property records for all land in the county.
Document archives, including surveys and plat maps.
Historical ownership and property tax information.

Final Thoughts: Why Finding Property with No Address Matters

Whether buying rural land, resolving a legal dispute, or searching for unclaimed property, knowing how to find and research properties with no address is a valuable skill. Use public records, mapping tools, and title searches to unlock the potential of vacant or unregistered land.

Why Amish Bury Their Food

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:42:00 +0000

The Amish have quietly preserved a way of life that values simplicity, self-reliance, and the natural rhythms of the earth. They offer a time-tested, proven example of how to not just survive, but thrive off the grid.

One of their lesser-known but deeply practical traditions is burying food—a method rooted in both necessity and wisdom. For the Amish, this practice isn’t just a charming relic of the past; it’s a critical survival technique that you might want to consider adding to your preparedness strategy.

Why the Amish Bury Their Food

The Amish practice of burying their food is a survival strategy that helps them live off the grid and maintain their high level of self-reliance. Though some finer points might help you integrate the practice.

Staying Off the Grid

Most Amish communities live entirely without electricity or rely only on limited solar or gas power. This means no refrigerators, freezers, or electric dehydrators. To keep food fresh year-round, they rely on the soil’s insulating properties.

A few feet below the surface, temperatures remain consistent throughout the year, typically between 45 to 55°F. This is great for storing many root vegetables, canned goods, and even canned meat.

Self-Reliance & Frugality

For the Amish, burying food is also about resourcefulness. Why spend money on ice, fuel, or modern tech when the ground under your feet offers reliable refrigeration for free? This low-tech approach aligns with their values of wasting nothing, living humbly, and relying on the land.

Maintaining a Safe Food Reserve

For the Amish, a barn or a house can burn down. A tornado can ravage their community, or blight can decimate their summer crops. Yet food stored in the ground is usually incredibly safe. This gives them the nourishment they need for the time they need to rebuild their basic way of life.

Preservation of Tradition

Burying food is a tradition passed down through generations. Grandparents teaching grandchildren how to build a root cellar, how to can properly, and how to use clay or sand for insulation. It’s not just about storing food, it’s about preserving a legacy of important life lessons.

What Foods Do the Amish Bury?

You might be surprised by the variety of foods the Amish safely store underground. Over the centuries, families have fine-tuned these methods to be able to preserve surplus food items.

Root Vegetables

Potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, and rutabagas are ideal candidates for buried storage. They’re typically stored in layers in bins or barrels. The Amish then scatter a modest layer of sand or sawdust between each layer to maintain moisture balance and prevent rot.

Fruits

Apples, pears, quince, and whole cranberries can be stored in cool underground cellars or buried in underground storage spaces. Amish families will often wrap them in paper or pack them in straw to prevent bruising and rot. Kept this way, these fruits can last 4 to 6 months.

Canned and Jarred Goods

The Amish will often store home-canned vegetables, fruits, meats, and pickled items underground where the temperature and darkness help extend shelf life. When dug deep enough, buried jars remain stable for years.

Alliums

Garlic, onions, and leeks are often braided and hung in underground spaces where they are safe from freezing, and hold the proper level of moisture. Hanging them from the ceiling of an underground storage cellar also keeps them up away from rodents and other pests that might try to eat them.

Fermented Foods

In colder seasons, some families bury crocks of fermented sauerkraut, cucumbers and other naturally picked vegetables. Once the fermentation process is complete, the salinity, natural acidity, and beneficial bacterial culture of the fermented foods help keep them safe in cool underground conditions for up to a year.

Butter

In cold, northern climates, the Amish will wrap butter in waxed cloth. Then, carefully store the blocks inside earthen pits lined with straw. This keeps them cold and edible for the winter months without taking up room in the kitchen where warm air will shorten their shelf life.

How the Amish Bury Their Food: Tools, Techniques & Tips

If you want to replicate Amish food storage methods, you don’t need high-tech gear or a big budget. All you really need is deep soil, time, and a little know-how.

A Root Cellar

A root cellar is the gold standard in Amish food storage. It’s a small underground room, often built into a hillside or dug several feet below ground. They reinforce the walls. Often, lining them with wooden shelves and a vent system for airflow.

Stone, concrete, or heavy timbers are used to support the walls. Then the earthen floors help regulate humidity. The vertical wooden timbers also provide a structure for securing

A modest amount of cross-ventilation prevents mold and controls condensation. Some Amish use adjustable vent pipes to let in cold air during winter and expel heat in summer. You’ll also want to account for the prevailing wind direction and avoid having inflowing air from a south-facing vent.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have space for a full cellar, a barrel or trash can be buried in the ground can function as a “mini cellar” for storing a smaller stash of food. Ideally, you want it buried with at least 2 to 3 feet of soil above the ceiling or lid to maximize the insulating qualities of the soil.

In-Ground Storage Bins & Pits

With a shovel, some heavy-duty totes, and scrap lumber, you can make a sturdy in-ground food storage locker. Ideally, the floor of this space would be at least 6 feet deep. Then you build a frame from old pallet lumber to keep the walls from collapsing in and create a makeshift ceiling.

If you find natural clay while digging the initial pit, set it aside. When you’re ready to bury the pit, put the clay on top of the ceiling or “Roof.” This will provide a little waterproofing.

Bury most of the ceiling area and pack the soil tightly to prevent rainwater seepage. Then leave enough of a hole big enough to let you pull up a tote bin.

After you’ve secured the tote bins, crocks, or clay pots inside, you need to fill the entrance. A lightweight wooden box or plastic bags filled with dried leaves is the natural option. However, my survivalist uncle’s best trick was to make a block of spray foam the right size. Then covered everything with sod.

Pro Tip: If you want to build an efficient root cellar for storing your supplies, I recommend choosing a solution that works well in the long term. The Easy Cellar costs less than $400—cheaper than the cheapest iPhone. You can assemble it yourself, anywhere on your property, and it provides ample space to store food, water, and other important items.

Final Thoughts on Burying Food Like the Amish

Keeping a buried stash of food, ammo, firearms, and medical supplies is a wise move in any preparedness strategy. Not only is it a handy way to store surplus food items. It also gives you a backup stash if your primary supplies are compromised.

Ultimately, the Amish don’t bury their food out of nostalgia. They do it because it works. Their methods have stood the test of time, winter, and recessions. So, whether you build a full-blown root cellar or start small with a buried bin of potatoes and apples, you’re tapping into a tradition that’s both practical and safe.

6 Homemade Bug Traps You Can Make Yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:21:00 +0000

As homeowners, the battle against common household pests is an ongoing challenge. From the persistent buzz of fruit flies in the kitchen to the elusive presence of spiders, pests can disrupt the quality of our living spaces.

Understanding the need for effective at-home solutions, we’re here to provide you with a detailed guide to homemade bug traps.‍

Keep in mind that, for infestations or preventative maintenance, it’s always best to contact a pest control professional for assistance. Let’s get started!

Homemade Bug Trap #1: Vinegar Fruit Fly Trap

Fruit flies are a common kitchen nuisance, drawn to ripened fruit and the comfort of your sink. Combat their persistence with our vinegar fruit fly trap, designed to lure them away from your fresh produce and into a trap they can't escape.

Ingredients:

Apple cider vinegar
Dish soap
Plastic wrap
Rubber band

Instructions:

Combine 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl with a few drops of dish soap.

Mix the solution gently to ensure even distribution.

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.

Use a toothpick to poke small holes in the plastic wrap.

Place the trap near fruit bowls, kitchen sinks, or other areas where fruit flies are present.

Additional Information:

This trap capitalizes on the fruit fly's attraction to the sweet scent of vinegar, while the dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing the flies to sink and drown.

Homemade Bug Trap #2: DIY Ant Bait Trap

Ant invasions are an age-old challenge for homeowners. Our DIY ant bait trap can entice and eliminate these invaders, providing a targeted solution to control their population.

Ingredients:

Borax
Sugar
Water

Instructions:

Combine a 1:1 ratio of borax and sugar in a mixing bowl.

Add enough water to create a thick paste.

Place small amounts of the mixture in strategic locations where ants frequent.

Make sure to place the bait in areas inaccessible to children and pets– borax isn’t safe to consume!

Monitor as ants are attracted to the sweet mixture but are effectively eliminated by the borax.

‍Additional Information:

Borax disrupts ants' digestive systems, and this bait trap works by luring worker ants that carry the poisoned bait back to the colony, effectively controlling the entire ant population.

Homemade Bug Trap #3: Sticky Cardboard Roach Trap

Cockroaches can infest homes and pose serious health risks as they crawl through your kitchen and bathroom.

Our sticky cardboard roach trap is a tactical defense, exploiting their movement patterns to keep them contained.

Ingredients:

Cardboard
Petroleum jelly

Instructions:

Cut a piece of cardboard into strips or squares.

Apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly to one side of each cardboard piece.

Leave a small section untreated to allow roaches to crawl onto it.

Place the traps in areas frequented by roaches, like under appliances or dark corners.

Additional Information:

Roaches are attracted to the cardboard and quickly become immobilized by the petroleum jelly, preventing them from escaping.

Homemade Bug Trap #4: Homemade Mosquito Trap

Mosquitoes not only irritate but also pose health risks. Our homemade mosquito trap harnesses their attraction to carbon dioxide, creating a containment system that keeps your living space mosquito-free.

Ingredients:

Plastic bottle
Brown sugar
Yeast
Warm water

Instructions:

Cut a plastic bottle in half, creating a funnel-like structure.

Mix one tablespoon of brown sugar with one cup of warm water and pour it into the bottom half of the bottle.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of yeast to the sugar-water mixture.

Place the top half of the bottle upside down inside the bottom half.

Monitor and replace the mixture often.‍

Additional Information:

Mosquitoes are drawn towards the carbon dioxide produced during yeast fermentation, ultimately becoming trapped inside the bottle.

Homemade Bug Trap #5: DIY Sticky Tape Spider Trap

Spiders can send shivers down anyone’s spine! Our DIY sticky tape spider trap is a strategic defense, using their natural movement patterns to keep them at bay.

Ingredients:

Double-sided sticky tape

Instructions:

Identify spider-prone areas, such as corners and baseboards.

Cut the double-sided sticky tape into strips or squares.

Carefully affix the tape along the identified areas, ensuring a snug fit.

Periodically replace the tape to maintain its effectiveness.

Additional Information:

This simple yet effective spider trap captures spiders as they hunt or move around, preventing them from freely roaming your living space.

Homemade Bug Trap #6: DIY Wasp Trap

Wasps can transform your outdoor haven into a hazardous zone. Our DIY wasp trap provides a secure and efficient remedy, employing a sweet liquid to allure and confine these dangerous and aggressive insects.

Ingredients:

Plastic bottle
Sweet liquid (fruit juice or soda)

Instructions:

Cut the top third of the plastic bottle and invert it to create a funnel.

Place the inverted top back into the bottom section, forming a trap.

Fill the bottom with a sweet liquid like fruit juice or soda.

Wasps are attracted to the scent, enter the trap, and find escaping challenging.

Dispose of trapped wasps carefully to ensure safety.

What other ideas do you got for removing these pests share below.

‍

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Why Growing Bees Is Easier Than You Think Might Be

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:23:00 +0000

What if I told you that one of the most powerful allies in your garden doesn’t come from a seed packet, but has wings? 🐝 Most people assume beekeeping is complicated, expensive, or only for seasoned homesteaders. But the truth might surprise you. Growing bees (yes, growing them) is far easier than you think, and the benefits go way beyond honey.

As homesteaders, we have all thought about having a beehive in our yard to enjoy fresh local honey while boosting pollination. But just when we’re about to dive in, a swarm of myths tends to cloud the way…

Let’s debunk all of these common misconceptions right now.

Breaking the Myths Revolving Around Beekeeping

Beekeeping is an exciting endeavor, however, it is still surrounded by several common myths such as:

Beekeeping Can Harm Bees

Many people do believe that beehives can disrupt the natural lives of bees. The reality is that beekeeping can actually support and strengthen bee populations. When done responsibly, this practice can provide bees with a safe environment to thrive. And this is the reason beekeepers often raise bees in areas where they are getting extinct due to pesticide use or habitat loss.

Bees Are Aggressive

Let’s be honest, growing up, we all have feared honey bees because of their aggressive nature. However, in reality, bees are docile and will never sting when unprovoked. Beekeepers, for this reason, use calm and slow movements when handling hives so the bees won’t feel threatened around them.

Beekeeping Is Not Beginner Friendly

Another myth about beekeeping is that it requires too much hard work. If you’re just starting, let me just tell you, beekeeping is the most beginner-friendly project you can work on. Why? Because bees are self-sufficient. They can get themselves food and build their combs. As a beekeeper, your only role would be to inspect occasionally and ensure favorable circumstances.

It Is Expensive to Raise Bees

Beekeeping can absolutely be started on a budget. While some equipment may seem expensive, there are plenty of affordable and DIY alternatives for beginners. Even if the initial setup costs a bit more, remember—a healthy hive is largely self-sustaining, requiring minimal maintenance.

How Can Growing Bees Reward Backyard Gardeners?

When you have beehives in your yard, expect them to gift your space with:

Enhanced Biodiversity

Bees can help in supporting plant diversity and local wildlife in your backyard. Wherever they reside, they ensure to attract other beneficial pollinators, which in turn encourages the growth of plants in the surrounding area.

Increased Pollination

When you have beehives on your homestead, expect everything to be green, thriving, and lively. The thing about bees is that they are natural pollination experts. As they buzz from one flower to another, they fertilize your plants and prepare them to produce healthier yields, juicier fruits, and bright blooms, all thanks to the bees.

Readily Available Organic Honey

One of the obvious reasons we all want to have beehives in our backyard is the perks of having fresh organic honey. Let’s be real, store-bought honey has lost all its charm. It is often processed and loaded with artificial flavors. In contrast, honey from your garden is flavorful, pure, and has all the natural goodness you simply can’t find on a supermarket shelf.

The Hidden Healing Power of Your Backyard Hive

Beyond the taste, raw honey has been used for generations as a natural remedy. It can soothe sore throats, ease coughs, help with seasonal allergies, and even speed up the healing of minor cuts and burns thanks to its antimicrobial properties. When you keep bees, you’re basically stocking your very own healing cabinet.

And if you go a step further, your hives will also provide beeswax and propolis. These two ingredients are staples in old-time salves, balms and tinctures, used for everything from chapped skin to boosting immunity. Having a beehive isn’t just about pollination or honey, it’s about reviving a self-sufficient way of living that’s hard to come by these days.

Here are just a few time-tested remedies you can create with ingredients straight from your hive:

🩸Heavy Metal Detoxifier – flushes out mercury, aluminum, and lead from your bloodstream using safe, herbal chelators

🦠Nature’s Amoxicillin – a plant-based antibacterial formula to help fight infections and boost immunity

🌿Herbal Parasite Flush – a powerful three-ingredient recipe to eliminate worms and cleanse your gut

🧬White Cell Boosting Juice – a raw blend of immune-supportive fruits and honey to help the body fight back.

👌“Better Than Collagen” Elixir – A mineral-rich blend said to support skin, nails, and joint health.

🔥Amish Fire Cider – A tonic made with raw honey, garlic, vinegar, and hot peppers to clear sinuses and boost circulation.

🌙Moon Milk – A honey-sweetened bedtime drink known to promote deeper, more restful sleep

🍯Antiviral Herbal Honey – Infused with immune-boosting herbs to help ward off seasonal bugs.

🐝Honey Lemon Ginger Cough Drops – A soothing classic that calms the throat, clears congestion, and supports immunity.

All of these recipes, and many more, can be found inside Nicole Apelian’s Forgotten Home Apothecary, where she brings back the powerful, plant-based healing traditions our grandparents once relied on.

You’ll learn exactly how to make your own tinctures, capsules, oils, teas, salves, elixirs, syrups, and poultices from plants you can find growing around you — or already in your kitchen.

How to Attract Bees on Your Homestead

Don’t worry, you can have beehives on your farmstead too. You only need to:

Plant as Many Flowers as You Can

The most fun and easiest way to attract bees into your garden is by planting a variety of attractive blooms. Especially the bright colored ones, as the bees are die-hard fans of them. Consider planting these plants at various locations across your garden and choose blooms that can thrive at different times of the year. This way, your bees will have a consistent food source all the time.

Provide Safe Shelter and Drinking Water

Bees are all up for a space that feels safe, secure, and away from the hustle and bustle of the weather. To invite them into your garden, offer them shelter in a shaded place. You can also bring bee houses and have them installed in your backyard. Don’t forget fresh drinking water too–a clay pot with water and some stones would work the best.

Ensure a Pest-Free Environment

Bees, most importantly, honeybees avoid spaces that have pest infestations. First of all, ensure your backyard is free of harmful insects. Secondly, regularly inspect beehives for signs of pest invasions to take action timely. Additionally, keep your backyard clean and avoid using unnecessary chemicals nearby to create a safe and welcoming environment for your bees.

Related: What Happens If You Place A Beehive In Your Backyard https://selfsufficientprojects.com/what-happens-if-you-place-a-beehive-in-your-backyard/

A Forgotten Amish Trick to Attract Pollinators

The Amish have long used honey not just for flavor, but as a practical preservative. Before refrigeration was common, they often coated cured or smoked meats in honey to create a natural barrier against moisture and bacteria. Honey’s antimicrobial properties help slow down spoilage, especially when combined with drying or smoking. In some communities, a thick honey glaze would be brushed over hams or sausages before storing them in a cool, dry cellar – an old-world method that still works wonders today.

A few hives in the backyard meant a steady supply of honey, beeswax, and even propolis, which they also used for everything, from wound care to waterproofing.

While most folks focus on planting flowers and keeping things pesticide-free, I recently stumbled across an old Amish method for drawing in pollinators, all while keeping pests away. It’s unlike anything I’ve tried before.

They’ve been using it for generations, and it works so well that their gardens practically hum with life, even when surrounding areas struggle with pollination. It’s simple, subtle, and surprisingly effective.

I won’t spill all the details here, but if you’re curious about what the Amish do differently, there’s a place you can find out. Just email me.

Things to Avoid When Beekeeping

Beekeeping is straightforward, it doesn’t require any rocket science. Nevertheless, like any homesteading project, there are a few things you need to avoid to have your beehive thrive the best. Some common mistakes to steer clear of are:

Harvesting Honey Too Soon: Unless honey is harvested within the proper time, it will later ferment or become spoiled completely. Always try to wait until cells get fully capped. This implies bees have cured the honey well, and the water content is reduced.

Forgetting New Colonies: Although bees are independent, new colonies need to be assisted in settling down, particularly within their first year. Keep an eye on food supplies, colony size, and hive temperature to establish a successful foundation that will be able to sustain itself in the future.

Not Verifying the Status of the Queen: Your queen is the focal point of your hive, and her health is paramount for productivity. If she is damaged, lost, or weakened, your colony will quickly disintegrate. Look for evidence of her daily presence by inspecting for eggs or larvae, even if you cannot always locate her personally.

Related: 10 Long-Lasting Foods You Can Make From Honey https://selfsufficientprojects.com/10-long-lasting-foods-you-can-make-from-honey/

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide has busted all those myths that tell you that bee raising is hard on your homestead. The truth is, beekeeping is low maintenance, easy, and does not entail you purchasing any high-tech equipment. With a bit of love, care, and patience, you will be able to foster a healthy and thriving ecosystem in your backyard.

So, get your sleeves rolled up and start getting your garden ready to welcome nature’s most vital pollinators. Your plants and crops will thank you for it.

How has your experience been with these awesome little pollinators let me know below!

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Manage Serious Wounds With Household Items

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Mon, 12 May 2025 13:39:00 +0000

I was using a knife outside and it slipped while I was trying to cut some insulation on a wire. One misjudged strike, and the blade glanced off , biting deep into my shin. Blood was oozing out within seconds.

Alone, with the nearest hospital two hours down washed-out backroads, I cradled my hand wrapped in my t-shirt I took off in haste to the porch, cursing my carelessness.

I yanked off my t shirt, tied it above the wound, and hobbled to the kitchen. Raw apple cider vinegar stung like fire but cleaned it.

A glob of honey smothered the gash, and a strip of boiled cotton held it all. Three days later: no infection. Just a scar and a lesson. Panic won’t save you. Ingenuity might.

Household Items for Treating Wounds

Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what works, tested through trial, error, and necessity:

🧂Clean Water & Salt

Clean water is your first weapon. I keep a designated stainless-steel pot in my barn for boiling water during emergencies.

Mix in non-iodized salt (1 teaspoon per 2 cups of water) to create a saline solution that rivals store-bought antiseptics.

After slicing my thumb open sharpening a knife, I soaked the cut twice daily. Salt’s osmotic pull yanks bacteria from tissue, and the wound closed clean despite grimy conditions.

🌿Natural Amoxicillin

Clean water and salt can work wonders. I’ve used that combo plenty of times to keep a wound clean and infection-free. But when the skin starts turning red, hot, and tight, I would rather use something that the Amish call their “natural amoxicillin ”

It’s not a pill, and it doesn’t come from the drugstore. But this old remedy hits harder than anything I’ve found off the shelf.

What it does:

Slams the brakes on infection before it gets a foothold
Drains swelling and calms down angry skin fast
Kicks your immune system into gear like it’s on a mission
Doesn’t just treat the surface - it goes deep where it counts

I’ve used it when a cut looked like it might seriously go sideways, and here’s how my experience went:

Pain started fading almost immediately
The swelling didn’t just ease up - it melted away within hours
By next day, the redness was gone

- Saline is step one. This 3-ingredients recipe is what I use when I need to end the fight before it even begins.

🍯Raw Honey

Its enzymes generate hydrogen peroxide, killing bacteria without harming healing tissue. Key detail: Processed honey is heat-treated, destroying its medicinal enzymes. Always use raw.Its enzymes generate hydrogen peroxide, killing bacteria without harming healing tissue. Key detail: Processed honey is heat-treated, destroying its medicinal enzymes. Always use raw.

🍵Black Tea Bags

Tannins in black tea act like nature’s clotting agent. Soak a tea bag in hot water, let it cool, and press firmly on a bleeding cut.

Green tea works, but black tea’s higher tannin content packs more punch.

🌱Dried Yarrow Powder

When bleeding won’t quit or you need something that does more than just soak it up, reach for this homemade stop-bleeding yarrow powder.

It’s not flashy. It doesn’t sting. And it works faster than most people expect.

What I’ve seen it do:

Stopped bleeding in seconds, even when pressure alone wasn’t cutting it
Calms angry, swollen skin like flipping a switch
Keeps infection at bay with natural antimicrobial power

- Helps damaged skin knit itself back together and supports tissue repair so healing kicks in right away.

The first time I used it was on a knuckle I sliced wide open while fixing a fence. Blood wouldn’t stop, and it wasn’t in a spot I could easily bandage. Sprinkled on some on this powder, held it for a minute, and just like that the bleeding slowed, then completely stopped. The next day, it already looked better than I expected.

I keep a jar in my kit, right next to the stuff I used to think I needed.

Activated Charcoal

Food-grade charcoal binds toxins in bites or infected wounds. When a dog in our hunting group was bitten by a non-venomous snake, we mixed charcoal powder with water into a paste, slathered it over the punctures, and wrapped the leg. It bought us three hours to reach a vet.

Warning: Never use charcoal on burns or open wounds—particles can embed in tissue.

🧴Superglue

Cyanoacrylate is a last-resort wound sealer for shallow, clean cuts. Use only on superficial wounds, avoid mucous membranes, and never glue dirty or infected cuts. Medical-grade glue (Dermabond) is safer, but superglue works in a pinch.

The Amish also have their own take on this wound sealing method, and it’s not something you’ll find in a hardware aisle.

They’ve been making their own version of medical superglue for generations. It’s not synthetic, but it holds just as well, and comes with natural compounds that don’t just seal the wound. They help heal it, too. The first time I saw it, someone had split their palm wide open working in the barn. Instead of reaching for a bandage, they dabbed this dark, sap-like glue across the cut.

Within seconds, the wound was sealed tight. The next morning, the skin around it already looked calm and clean. Learn the full step-by-step recipe here.

Step-by-Step Wound Management Process

Start by asking two questions:

Is this bleeding lethal? and What’s inside the wound?

For punctures, like when your dog steps on a thorn. Soak the paw in warm saline for 10 minutes to draw out infection.

Never skip this step, even under pressure.

Once the wound’s clean, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. If you don’t have any other options on hand, you could use Neosporin or another store-bought ointment, but it’s not always the best long-term solution. Most store-bought ointments contain a mix of antibiotics like neomycin and polymyxin B. While they can help prevent infection, overusing them can lead to antibiotic resistance, something that’s actually becoming more common than most people realize.

Some even have allergic reactions to ingredients like these, causing redness, itching or delayed healing.

And then there’s the petroleum jelly base, which is essentially a byproduct of the oil industry. It doesn’t actually nourish or support the healing process. It just sits there.

So why not make your own DIY antibiotic salve that works even better than most store-bought products, all without the harmful lab-made chemicals?

Not only does it give you full control over what goes on your skin, but it also supports your body’s natural healing process more effectively.

It’s simple to make, and the results often surprise those who try it. The best part? It can outperform store-bought options, all while being free from the unnecessary additives and chemicals you don’t want in your body. And you can find the exact recipe I use right here.

Match the remedy to the wound. For burns, slather honey thick as frosting. Its stickiness seals out bacteria.

For deep cuts, mix aloe gel and honey (50/50) to speed healing.

Bleeding? Press a cooled black tea bag directly on the wound. Tannins act like nature’s clotting agent.

Staying Safe on the Homestead and Beyond

Keep wounds clean. Know when to escalate. And never let pride override reason.

Teach every family member how to mix saline, stop bleeding, and apply pressure.

Stay sharp. Stay stocked. Stay alive. Your homestead depends on you.

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The Best Guard Animals for Your Homestead

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:39:00 +0000

There’s a description of dogs that protect livestock. They’re called “guardian” dogs. They protect poultry like chickens and ducks and even more timid livestock like sheep, goats and suckling pigs. The primary predators fall in a range from coyotes to foxes to raccoons and even wolves. The dog’s bond with the livestock and deter predators and defend their flocks. The question is, are there alternative guardians? The answer is yes, with some conditions.

Alternative Guardians

The definition of a guardian is an animal that will confront a predator or at least pose an ominous threat to an attack. Some of these guardians can also offer a degree of security around a homestead. Not so much because they have the intimidating bark or the teeth of a dog, but because they make a lot of noise when an intruder approaches. They won’t necessarily attack, but you’ll sure know something is approaching. Here are the animals often identified as alternative guardians to dogs.

Donkeys

Donkeys come in all sizes, down to miniature donkeys. It’s recommended that a guardian donkey be standard size or larger. All have highly territorial instincts and are naturally hostile to foxes, coyotes, bobcats and even stray dogs.

Donkeys bray loudly when threatened and even launch aggressive attacks using both their hooves and teeth to every part of an intruder’s body.

Female or castrated male donkeys are recommended, because an uncastrated male donkey may be aggressive towards the livestock they’re supposed to protect. The ''gelded'' or castrated male donkeys are typically recommended as the best guardians.

It’s often recommended that people stay away when a donkey is agitated or charging. Let it calm down a bit if it seems to be agitated. But there are no guarantees. Donkeys vary and some will ignore everything around them, while others will see everything as a threat.
The only downside to a donkey is that they require the same care and attention as a horse.

Mules

Mules are larger than donkeys and have the same instincts when it comes to predators. They can also serve a dual purpose on a homestead, pulling a cart or you can even ride them. A gelded mule is best, and they also have the same level of maintenance as a horse.

Goose

A single, solitary goose in the farmyard makes a surprisingly effective guardian. Their honking will alert you to something unusual going on around your chickens or sheep and they will fearlessly attack. Unfortunately, their attack is without teeth, and they won’t survive against a pack of coyotes. However, they can intimidate a fox or raccoon and their charge at anything that approaches will often be enough to deter the invader.

The reason you want a solitary goose is so they will bond with the other farm animals. If you have more than one goose they’ll bond with their kind and not feel as protective or territorial of other animals.

They’re easy to raise and feed and relatively inexpensive compared to donkeys. Speaking of early warnings, there’s actually a fascinating way to read what’s going on around you - without needing to see it yourself. It’s a skill known as recognizing bird language.

Birds give off specific alarms when they spot predators, both animal and human. Once you know how to recognize those signals, it’s like having a silent lookout system in the trees, perched all around your property. I never really thought much about bird calls until I started learning what they meant. Now, I can usually tell when something’s stirring nearby long before I see it.

Alpacas

Alpacas make good companions to a flock of chickens or sheep, and they will not only alert you to the presence of a predator, but more aggressive Alpacas will chase them away. They’re highly alert and they’re best used as a deterrent against smaller predators, like foxes and raccoons. Their relatively large size also serves as a deterrent to larger predators, but even an Alpaca would be challenged by a pack of coyotes. Then again, so would most dogs.

Here again, the recommendation is that the Alpaca should be gelded or castrated to diminish their aggressiveness. They’re also a new maintenance challenge in the farmyard requiring care, although most Alpaca owners feel they’re relatively easy to care for.

It’s also recommended that you have two Alpacas. They’re herd animals and the two will often work together to deter predators.

Llamas

Llamas are cousins of Alpacas, only larger.
The same recommendation applies to gelding or castration and, again, it’s recommended that you have at least two.

Llamas are larger than Alpacas and some homesteaders say they are better than Alpacas as guardians.

A lot depends on the size of your holding pen and homestead.
What’s always recommended with both Llamas and Alpacas is that you never put a new Alpaca or Llama directly into the livestock pen.

Put them next to your livestock in a separate pen for 2 weeks so the animals can become accustomed to each other. After that, introduce the Llama or Alpaca to the pen and carefully observe how they interact with your livestock. Hopefully, it’s a peaceful transition. If not, put them back in the separate pen for another week.

Which One is Best?

Like so many things, that depends on your situation and the kinds of predators you have in your area. If your primary challenge is from smaller predators like racoons and foxes, a goose could do the trick. If the threat is defined by larger predators like coyotes, you’ll probably need a donkey or a mule. As a middle ground, you could think of Llamas and Alpacas.

I also recommend you plant some specific plants in your garden, as part of your anti-predator strategy. Certain plants can play a role in deterring predators, by making your space less ''inviting'' to them. For example, lavender has a strong scent that might discourage animals from getting too close, while yarrow and feverfew give off odors that could keep smaller pests at bay.

Even calendula and California poppies, known more for attracting beneficial insects, might add an extra layer of deterrence with their fragrances. While they aren’t a replacement for a guard animal, these plants can work well alongside other strategies to create a more secure environment for your homestead.

If you're interested in incorporating these plants into your setup, there’s a kit that includes all of these seeds, along with a guide to help you use them effectively. The guide walks you through planting, maintaining, and leveraging these flowers to keep predators at bay, giving you a simple, natural way to boost your homestead’s defense.

What’s Wrong with a Dog?

Nothing. In fact, most homesteads rely on dogs not only to guard livestock, but for home security. The challenge for a dog, however, is that most don’t like being relegated to a pen or chicken run for the rest of their lives.

However, if the dog can roam around an enclosure surrounding the pens, it will give it at least some sense of freedom while it guards the farm and homestead.

One of the reasons some homesteaders look for dog alternatives is that some dogs end up eating the chickens. It varies.
If you would rather have a dog as a guardian, here are the dog breeds generally recommended as guardians on a homestead: Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, Akbash, Maremma.

It Works

If you’re considering an alternative to a dog for a guardian animal, it makes some sense to get on the Internet or YouTube and learn more. There are pros and cons to each, but if your greatest challenge is predators attacking your livestock, it’s worth finding the best solution.

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What To Do If You See A Bat On Your Homestead

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:25:00 +0000

We’ve all heard many stories about bats: they attack people, drink human blood, and build nests in your hair!

Despite these unpleasant myths, and also the fact that they are not the most beautiful animals to have around, bats are beneficial to the ecosystem. What are these benefits, and what can you do if you have bats on your property?

Insect Control

Many bat species are Microchiroptera (i.e., insect-eaters). They help reduce the insects on your property and save money spent on pesticides, especially for gardeners and farmers. It is said that one bat can devour over 1,000 mosquitoes in one night and many bats enjoy eating beetles that damage your gardens and crops. Imagine you want to spend the night relaxing out in your backyard, surrounded by hundreds of hungry mosquitoes, and no bats around. So if you find one, don’t kill it.

Pollinators

Bats enhance your plant production. There are some bat species in some areas of the world that routinely eat nectar. They transform pollen from one plant to another which helps produce even more plants right in your backyard. What To Do If You See A Bat On Your Homestead

Seed Dispersal

New plants and forested areas flourish from seed dispersal. The fruit-eating bats distribute seeds to help maintain plant and forest growth. While eating the fruit, the bats excrete the seeds away from the original source. So you might want to consider having bats around your plants.

Prey

Several animals in the ecosystem prey on bats for their daily meals. Mammals such as raccoons, ring-tailed cats, and weasels eat the bats while they are roosting. Hawks, falcons, and owls consume their share of bats in-flight.

The bats come in handy when there are unwanted invaders in your backyard or around your homestead. They feast on rodents and smaller birds which are nuisances to your garden, crops or home.

Guano

Bat guano enriches the soil: it improves the texture and drainage, controls nematodes, and acts as a natural fungicide.

Guano also makes an excellent fertilizer for your lawn or plants to make them greener and healthier. It is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, fast-acting, and has little odor. Compared to other types of manure, guano is applied in smaller quantities. If you are using it for your plants, the guano can be worked into the soil before planting or at any time during the growing process. It can be made into tea and used with regular watering practices for deep root feeding or used fresh or dried.

Also, guano speeds up the decomposition process when composting to create nutrient-rich compost.

Nesting Locations

As today’s buildings become better-constructed, bats and other wild creatures tend to lose their nesting spots. Since bats play such a significant role in natural pest control, it’s essential that we help to protect them and encourage nesting on our property.

One way to accomplish this is with a bat house. You can build your own house or buy one at a hardware store/bird store. There are several guidelines to ensure attracting bats (a typical bat box can host up to 50 brown bats).

Place close to water source

Locate at least 15 feet above ground

Face the sun (full sun is best) for most of the day

Be in darkened area at night

Have rough inside for clinging

What To Do If You See A Bat On Your Homestead?

A Bat In Your Attic. Now What?

If you have bats in your attic, you are not alone.

Maybe you see them entering and exiting your house, or you might smell their odor. And since they are nocturnal, you might hear them crawling around and squeaking in your ceiling or walls at night.

Since bat colonies multiply over time, it’s not unusual to have colonies of 100–1,000+ bats in one attic!

Bats can be health risks because their droppings grow fungus and cause respiratory problems. Their guano and urine can have a bad smell and cause structural damage to your house by corroding the drywall and damaging the ceiling and walls. And depending on how long the bats have enjoyed your attic space, you might need to deal with decomposing bats.

So, how do you get rid of the bats? Well, there are several humane methods that you can try yourself. None of these involve chemicals or poisons. In fact, it is often illegal to harm bats because of their value to the ecosystem.

Since the females give birth to the pups in late April to early June, bat removal should not occur during the summer months; the babies can’t fly until the end of August. You need to wait until winter. Bats hibernate when the temperatures remain around 35–40° F. If your attic temperature is colder, the bats are likely to relocate. Then you can seal up the entry and exit areas.

However, if your homestead is in a climate that has mild temperatures throughout the year, you may have bats remaining year-round. For this situation, after finding the entry points (look for piles of guano and a large amount of urine stains around the ridge caps, louvers, vents, and fascia boards; examine broken windowpanes, warped boards and siding, missing bricks, and any small gaps/openings), then you can use exclusion devices that attract the bats out of the attic. Place a device on each opening. Remember, bats can get into an opening of about 3/8 inches.

A typical exclusion device is a piece of 1/3 inch poly netting. This can be regular window screen purchased at a hardware or home building/supply store. Select the softest net so you can bend it more easily and it will be less harmful to the bat if a wing should get caught. Cut the net to fit and hang about a foot below the exit point on your house. Fasten with duct tape, a staple gun, or screws at the top and sides but allow the bottom to remain open. Mount with a downward angle to allow the bats to fly out but not fly back in. Leave up for several weeks.

When all the bats have vacated, you can take the screen and set it near your bat house or in an open area on your property. Next, it’s time to seal the openings. Use polyurethane foam with a foam gun to control the flow. Another product to use is a regular caulk; an all-weather rubberized kind is recommended. Squeeze into the cracks and gaps. If there are loose boards, bricks, or roofing, replace or securely attach.

Finally, it’s time to clean up. Examine your attic for signs of guano, urine, or hair. Be sure to wear protective gear (eye wear, a face mask, and rubber gloves) to protect yourself from any mold. Spray the fecal matter with a 10% bleach solution. Put the droppings into a heavy-duty plastic garbage bag. Be careful as the droppings are fragile and can turn into dust when touched. Sweep the smaller, broken pieces into a pan using a small plastic hand broom. Then throw away the broom and pan. Spray the area with an enzyme-based, deodorizing disinfectant so it poses limited or no health dangers.

Now, you can enjoy sharing your homestead with bats knowing that they are a strong contributor to your well being, and that you have provided an appropriate home (a bat house) for them. That’s not a myth!

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Making Beef Jerky

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:27:00 +0000

When purchasing a whole cow carcass, we start dreaming up what we can do with it. Roasts for the winter? Stew? Burgers on the grill all summer? Of course!

But what are you doing with those skirt steaks? They’re thin, flimsy, and usually aren’t usable for much other than two things: stir fry and jerky.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at how to make your own jerky. No special equipment is required and with a simple recipe that anyone can follow, we’ll get you preserving that bounty of beef in no time. Keep in mind that you can, of course, use other cuts of beef. I just prefer the skirt steaks and other, already thin cuts of beef because it makes my life a little easier when it comes to cutting everything down to size. Let’s get started!

Flavors and Marinades

Jerky can be made to taste like anything you prefer, but most people (at least in the US) are used to jerky with soy sauce and brown sugar. Your average bag that you grab at the grocery store is almost always some base combination of those two flavors with extras added depending on the variety they’re going for.

You can get recipes like that absolutely anywhere. We’re going a little more spicy this time around. My family loves my sweet and spicy recipe. We use pineapple juice, habaneros, and a handful of other ingredients that give the beef a kick and a sweetness that lingers in the back of your mouth after every bite.

At the end of the day, the biggest thing you need to worry about is making sure that you’re marinating long enough. If you can start your marinade 24 hours prior to baking your jerky, do that. Yes, it’s a big gloopy bag in your fridge. If you need to, you can double-bag the marinade to make sure it doesn’t leak. Or, by all means, put it in a bowl. We aren’t going to talk about all the accidental drips I’ve had over the years, right?

Cutting and Storing

“What?” I get that a lot when I bring this up. Toss your thawed meat in the freezer for an hour or two (per 3-4 pounds) to firm it up. It won’t wholly freeze, but it will stiffen the fibers and crystalize some of the fluid enough to make it easier to cut your jerky strips. This means less knife slippage and fewer accidents.

Storage should be in an airtight container. Your jerky will be okay on the counter for a week, but I prefer to put mine in the fridge. If there is any possibility of mice or rats in your house (as there often is during the cooler months in older homes and on farmsteads), this jerky is extremely attractive to them. Use glass if storing on your counter, if possible. Otherwise, you will wake up to a mouse gnawing a hole in your jerky container. Another good place to store it is this underground root cellar you can build in your backyard that is also hidden from any prying eyes.

The Recipe

We title this section like this just in case you want to skip ahead. We know what it’s like: ten billion words and no recipe. Not here.

You will need:

Skirt steak or round steak, at least 2 pounds. Feel free to ratio the recipe up or down depending on how much meat you have handy.

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1 dozen red habaneros

- 1 cup pineapple juice

- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

- dash or two of salt

- dash or two of garlic powder or 2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

- liquid smoke to taste: for beginners, we usually use 2-3 tablespoons for a charcoal BBQ-level flavor

Preheat your oven to 175 degrees F. Slice your beef into 1/8-1/4″ thick slices, as long or wide as you prefer. Personally, we go for about the length of the knife and no broader/wider than a credit card in most instances.

While wearing gloves, so you don’t hurt yourself later on, slice your habaneros into halves.

You can slice them further if you want to, but we’re really just using them for the heat. Not the pepper itself.

Pour your marinade mix (everything but the beef) together in the largest locking plastic bag you can find. One gallon is usually fine, but if you can find two-gallon, size up. More room is better. Zip the bag, and shake it all up until it seems to be relatively well combined. Add your meat, zip it again, shake it again, and pitch it in the fridge for the next 12-24 hours. It will keep up to 48 hours, but I prefer not to do this. At that point, all you are doing is adding cooking time and effort to your jerky.

When your marinade is finished, go ahead and fish out your beef. Place it all on a cooking wire rack (or two, or three; or however many you need, we’re not judging here). Bake in the oven until the meat is dried all the way through. This usually takes three to five hours. I highly recommend checking it every now and again. Once the meat is dry, it tends to char pretty fast.

If you want plans to smoke your meat I have a great plan here for doing so with a homebuilt smokehouse!

Or you could build a smokehouse barrel click here.

I use a smokehouse for my meat I use... it dries it out just fine and there is something about a smokehouse flavor that is to die for.

Some of the elements that will affect your personal drying time are your elevation, the fat content of your meat, the thickness of your slice, the type of oven you’re using (a convection oven is going to be towards that three-hour mark), and so on and so forth.

Since we don’t know the specifications of your house, your kitchen build, or the exact type of meat you’re using, it’s very difficult to say that your jerky will be done exactly at this time or another. Again, our suggestion is to simply make certain that you check on it every 10-15 minutes after the three-hour mark.

Final Thoughts

We mentioned this before, but we’ll say it again: this jerky should keep for up to a week on your counter. However, I keep mine in the fridge just to be on the safe side. This should be kept readily for short-term hiking and camping, especially in cooler weather. If using it in warmer weather, watch to see if the meat sweats significantly. If it does, please dispose of it.

The meat is not thoroughly dried and can easily make you ill.

That said, happy cooking! I would love to hear how our jerky recipe goes for you. Hit me up in the comments down below.

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6 Foods You Should Bury In Your Backyard

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:16:00 +0000

For modern people with small storage and high energy costs, burying food is a practical solution.

But not all foods are good for burying. We’ll talk about that later. First, let’s look at the foods you can and should store in your backyard.

Root Vegetables

Storing root vegetables underground is a great way to keep them fresh. For example, potatoes can stay fresh for up to 8 months when stored correctly. I cover the potatoes with straw and slightly acidic soil. The straw helps control moisture. Sand provides extra insulation. Spacing the potatoes right prevents rot. I learned this from past mistakes.

Carrots need special conditions for storage. The earth, about 4 feet deep, stays at 35-40°F. This is perfect for carrots. Clean sand acts as a moisture barrier. Proper spacing keeps the carrots from touching. After testing different soils and depths, I found this method works every time.

Beets and parsnips can be stored well underground. But you need to plan it well. The soil keeps the temperature stable. I put the veggies in diagonal rows. I add sand barriers to help air flow and avoid direct contact. When buried in sandy soil at the right depth, these veggies stay firm and healthy for months.

While underground storage can be a great way to keep root vegetables fresh, it’s not without its risks. In uncertain times, you can’t always rely on conventional methods.

That’s why learning from those who’ve survived through difficult times, like the Amish, can be incredibly valuable. The Amish Ways Book offers practical survival food tips and preservation techniques that ensure you won’t lose your harvest to spoilage, pests, or changing conditions.

If you’re worried about the risks of improper storage, this book can help guide you to a safer, more reliable food storage system.

Tubers and Bulbs

Storing sweet potatoes underground is an easy way to preserve them long-term. First, cure them at 80-85°F for 10 days. Then, move them to cool, dry conditions. The Earth’s natural temperature keeps compost undisturbed until you need it. Adding dry sand helps prevent moisture buildup and protects against temperature changes.

Onions need special care to stay fresh. Use chambers made from hardware cloth and straw. This keeps onions off the soil and allows airflow. Proper spacing and moisture control help them last longer.

Garlic can be stored underground easily. Use simple containers like milk crates with hardware cloth. Add a dry straw between the garlic to prevent moisture. This helps the airflow. The steady ground temperature protects the garlic from freezing or sprouting early.

Winter Squash and Pumpkins

Storing winter squash is different from storing root vegetables. In my early attempts, I learned that moisture control is important. Now, I use elevated platforms made of hardware cloth to keep the squash off the soil. This simple change improved the storage results.

Butternut and acorn squash can stay fresh for up to six months. You can keep them in dry straw beds inside underground rooms.

The earth protects them from changes in temperature that cause them to rot. It’s important to space them out properly. Even small touches between the squash can make them start to decay.

Hubbard squash can stay fresh longer with some extra care. You can wrap each one in newspaper before storing it. This prevents spoilage and keeps the squashes in great shape.

Hardy Fruits

Storing fruit underground works best with controlling moisture. For example, apples and pears store well when wrapped in paper and put in closed containers. The earth’s steady temperature slows the natural ripening without freezing them. Asian pears can be stored very well. They can last up to five months when preserved underground properly.

Traditional fruits like russet apples and bosc pears store better than hybrid fruits. Harvest them when they are fully ripe. Make sure the fruits have no bruises or marks before storing them.

Regular checks are vital. Remove damaged fruit early. This stops spoilage from spreading. Storing fruits in separate chambers prevents ethylene gas. This stops nearby produce from ripening too fast.

Foods Not Suitable for Burial

Knowing which foods to avoid can save time and money. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are tricky. Even when wrapped and stored carefully, they quickly become slimy and inedible. Underground storage doesn’t work well for these veggies as they spoil within days.

Soft fruits face major issues. Their high moisture and delicate nature make them vulnerable to mold. Berries, peaches, and plums spoil fast, especially in humid underground spaces. Stone fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up decay and impacts nearby items.

Packaged foods can attract pests. Rodents and insects target processed foods, even if they seem long-lasting. Dark, cool areas are perfect for infestations. Over time, metal containers can rust, ruining what’s inside.

Dairy and meats are risky for underground storage. Without cooling, bacteria grow fast. This leads to spoiled food and health issues. Their strong smells attract wildlife.

This damages the storage. Even sealed packages fail over time. The moisture and pressure cause problems.

Certain foods like chocolate, oils, and honey can have issues when stored underground. The changes in soil temperature can affect their texture and make them spoil. Condiments and preserves in glass jars can also break from the movement of soil. Above-ground storage is much better for these items.

Storing food underground may seem like a good idea, but it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t. If you’ve ever considered using your backyard as a long-term food storage solution, you’ll need to be prepared.

Without the right knowledge, you could end up with spoiled food, damaged cans, or infestations.

This video teaches you how to create a proper underground storage space that not only protects your food from spoilage but also shields it from disasters like EMPs or radiation. In a crisis, this could make all the difference.

Pros and Cons of Burying Food

Pros

Underground storage uses the earth’s natural coolness. This keeps steady temperatures without needing electricity. The earth’s natural coolness works better than modern refrigeration during long power outages.

For example, last summer, a power outage spoiled my neighbors’ refrigerated foods. But my underground storage kept the food fresh. This method saves space. Storing food underground frees up room inside your home. You can use this extra space for other things. The earth naturally provides insulation and moisture control.

This means you don’t need expensive equipment or special rooms to keep your food fresh. This makes storing food cost-effectively.

Underground storage is useful. It works well for any size. Even a small backyard can store enough vegetables to feed a family through winter. It’s a simple, reliable way to preserve food long-term.

Cons

Physical labor is a big challenge for underground storage. Digging and keeping storage pits in good condition takes a lot of work, especially in hard soil.

Winter presents another problem. The frozen ground makes it harder to access stored items. This adds extra challenges. Regular maintenance is key to keeping storage areas in good shape year-round.

Pests continue to be an issue. Even with good planning, rodents may sometimes find ways into storage areas. Staying alert is important to keep these pests away.

Moisture can cause big problems. Heavy rain or spring thaws may lead to water leaking in, even if the system is well-made. Adding drainage systems can help, but this makes the setup more complex.

Location can limit underground storage. High water or poor drainage makes this method hard in some areas. Clay soils are very hard to manage, and need extra care. Urban people often face issues like digging rules or not enough space for underground systems.

How to Safely Bury Food

Preparing well helps store food underground successfully. I’ve created a system that works well over time.

Start by picking the right place. Look for soil that drains well on slightly higher ground. This helps avoid water buildup. Partial shade keeps temperatures steady.

To test how well the soil drains, fill a hole with water. If the water goes away in 24 hours, the soil is good to use.

Dig the main pit to a depth of four feet. This depth helps keep the temperatures stable. Make the walls slope outward. This prevents cave-ins. Add a six-inch layer of gravel for drainage. Line the walls with hardware cloth. This keeps pests out.

Use cedar planks for shelves. They don’t rot or have bugs. Install a thermometer and humidity gauge to check the conditions. Make separate areas for different foods to stay organized.

Ventilation is very important. Put PVC pipes with screens on the ends in opposite corners. This lets air move and controls humidity. In extreme weather, partly close the vents. This keeps the conditions steady.

Looking ahead, underground storage is a good way to preserve things. It is reliable during power problems, natural disasters, and other disruptions.

Underground storage works well with modern preservation methods. It can keep things safe even when the power goes out or there

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Backyard Projects That Might Get You In Trouble With The Law

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:58:00 +0000

Living on a homestead can be awesome. The self-sufficiency you can develop can make you feel unmatched from the rest of the world.

However, there are still some laws that apply to your homestead most likely. If you do some of these projects without permission even if it’s on your homestead, you might get a large fine, or even get arrested, depending on where you live. So here are 6 backyard projects that might get you arrested.

It only takes one Karen or Kevin to put a monkey wrench into your plans.

Keeping Livestock

Keeping your livestock is imperative to homesteading success. It provides the bulk of the calories your household needs and gives you healthier food than you could find in the grocery store. From chickens to cattle, livestock is a must for a homestead!

Legality

Unfortunately, some districts have limits of livestock or disallow them altogether. Many cities don’t allow roosters, making a self-sufficient flock in the backyard impossible for breeding purposes. Usually, butchering chickens in your backyard is not allowed. That means you have to ship them out to a butcher. You have to pay more money for something you already know how to do!

Coops and other structures may violate building codes in your county and may require a permit. Animal control is typically involved if you try and keep large livestock on small lots.

If your livestock leaves the backyard and ends up damaging somebody else’s property, you’ll be liable for the fees.

All of these issues could lead to fines or arrest if you don’t fix the issues over time.

Related: Is It Legal To Go Off The Grid In Your State?

What To Do

Check with your local zoning authority for allowed livestock in your area. Find what you can legally do and go from there. For example, if you are in a strict area that doesn’t even allow laying hens, you can choose to raise rabbits for your protein needs instead.

Camping

If you are purchasing a homestead that is nothing but raw land and plan to build a home, you can use a camp trailer as a tiny house while you build the permanent house. This will save you a lot of money instead of renting something until you complete construction.

Legality

Many jurisdictions have a ban on unpermitted camping for longer than 2 weeks. Yes, this even includes your land!

What To Do

Apply for a permit of temporary housing or long term camping on your plot of land. Each jurisdiction will have a different process, but it’s important to get this done before getting fined.

Building A Small Extra Structure

Small structures can support livestock, garden supplies, be a greenhouse, a small shed, and much more on a homestead. The backyard is a good place to put something that you’d access regularly. However, even a small project like this one can get you in trouble.

Legality

Almost all types of structures require a permit of some type. Certain places have Ag-Exempt permits that aren’t as strict and other codes, but they still require a permit.

If you don’t get a permit, you may get away with it for a while. But, once the district catches on, you are subject to fines and paying property taxes that weren’t applied to the unpermitted building. This could result in liens placed on your homestead!

What To Do

Don’t build until you speak with your local officials about what permit(s) you need. It’s not worth paying a lump sum at a later date, and better to wait a bit now.

Selling Surplus Produce

Growing enough produce for your household and growing enough to feed two households is almost the same amount of work. That is if you have the right systems in place. Automatic watering systems and low maintenance no-till gardens make growing excess produce doable for the majority of homesteaders. Selling your extras creates extra cash flow and more self-sufficiency.

Legality

Most places don’t allow sales from a backyard garden without a permit and/or inspection first. Even going down to the local farmers market usually requires a business license for your produce.

What To Do

If you are serious about selling your harvests, and not just selling to your friends, get a license to do so and follow any regulations that your locality calls for.

Humanure

While it may seem foreign to the majority of people in the modern world, turning your waste into usable compost that can help your garden flourish is a fantastic idea.

Just like composting animal manure (chicken, horse, cow), “Humanure” contains vital nutrients that feed plant life. Septic sewage is even treated, composted, and sold back to us as potting soil, which most consumers don’t know.

Legality

You can’t just go and dump raw sewage on the ground and wait for it to compost. It can leach into water supplies either. It needs to compost properly and aged to the point of being unrecognizable.

You also won’t be using this rich compost in your market garden and sell the produce. Food production plots require industrially treated humanure compost.

What To Do

Compost it properly in a secured location. Don’t let it leach out anywhere and make sure you do it right so it doesn’t smell. Humanure is an awesome project on the homestead, but it offends many people.

If you plan on using your compost in the garden or around fruit trees, don’t sell those crops to customers.

Collecting Greywater And Rainwater

Collecting and reusing greywater and rainwater is a great way to preserve water and get multiple uses from one precious resource.

As long as you aren’t using harmful ingredients in your greywater, it is useful for watering lawns, trees, and even the garden. Rainwater can be for your livestock and everything else that requires freshwater.

Legality

Greywater isn’t legal to use everywhere. Some places allow intricate systems while some may allow free-flowing greywater as long as it doesn’t leach into water supplies. Some places don’t allow outside use at all but may allow it to fill toilets which converts it to blackwater.

Rainwater harvesting isn’t illegal in most places, but some districts have a limit of how much you can harvest and what it’s used for.

What To Do

Contact your local agencies responsible for water codes. Specifically rainwater collection and greywater usage. Some places may require a professional to install systems and they may require inspections as well.

If you decide to use greywater only use products designed for that specific use. Not everything that goes down the drain is suitable for reuse so your shopping habits may change as well. Natural and homemade soaps typically do great in greywater systems.

Being smart with water usage on the homestead is a great idea. If you are on a well, getting more use from the water already pumped will save you money on the power bill. Or, if your system is off-grid, it can save you space by needing less solar panels since you’ll use your pump less often.

Your homestead may feel like paradise but it’s not exempt from the law for the most part. Unless you want a fine or a police officer showing up to arrest for your unlawful backyard projects, it’s best to know your local codes and regulations before starting any.

Being self-reliant is great but sometimes the law doesn’t agree.

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How To Start A Homestead With No Money

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:29:00 +0000

So you want to start a homestead with no money hungh?? Hopefully the following article will help you with that. It's not going to be very realistic for someone starting a homestead with no money. That does not mean it cannot be done with a fairly small budget and some planning.

The number one thing that scares people away is the permitting process and buying the land in the first place.

You can get land all over the U.S. and they all have about the same restrictions and you are going to need permits and that has to all be part of your plan if you want to succeed.

So everyone's story is different as to why they want to go off grid it's all different motivators for everyone else. For me property in the Southwest is generally cheaper then others.

Always if at all humanly possible see the property you are attempting to purchase with your own eyes. Ask every department in the county all the questions you need.

Does your property have easement?

Can you get to the property year round?

Has property around you been perk tested? Are you likely to pass so you can put a septic on your property? Most places wont allow you to build until you get a septic.

How deep are the wells around you?

Do your due diligence so you can reduce the chances of buying a crap piece of land.

If you got the cash good for you if not a small down payment and owner financing is the way to go. You may be able to build on your property while you pay on it...

I got my piece of property from a county tax lien sale that normally happens once a year.

If you start a homestead you don't need to pay mortgage or rent anymore. If you grow your own food you can offset the cost or damn near get rid of it.

You will be literally saving thousands each year on food and mortgage!

So if you save $2000 a month that's $24,000 a year and the savings roll over to next year so year two you saving $48,000.

and then you create multiple streams of income on top of the savings!

So you think people are making a bunch of money on YouTube well some are most are not.

This day and age everyone has a YouTube channel but here is the keyword you have to put work into it! Anyone can start a YouTube channel and if you are putting in work daily or weekly it will be a great way to market your business not to mention add on social media.

Whatever your passion is you can make a website and sell it online. People will buy your products or services you come up with your price by reverse engineer I need X amount of dollars to survive so what the price per person you need?

Here is a example:

So you need $4000 dollars a month

So why don't you haul trash for people in your area? There has got to be at least 100 people within a hour of you... say to them once a week I will haul your trash... keep it in bags keep it nice and neat... charge $40 dollars per person that is how you reverse engineer.

Be good to people under promise and overdeliver and you will make money.

Find something you are passionate about.

You can have a building on your property for your business I know a off grid guy that sells herbal teas and makes money that way.

Make a vlog about your lifestyle... there is always someone that wants to hear your story. Don't think that just because it has been done before people don't want to hear it from your perspective.

Again get multiple streams of income its not like a normal 9-5 every other Friday you get paid.

But you get a trash hauling service. You get paid from a couple of eBooks that you have written and your website a couple sales a week. Build stuff out of scrap material. Save money. Buy used vs new.

In wrap up set up your schedule plan your work and work your plan. What crafts or things do you make or produce that you could share with others?

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How To Build A Smokehouse

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:07:00 +0000

One of the best and tastiest ways to conserve meat is to smoke it. The meat is delicious, and if you keep it in a cool, dry place, it can last up to a year and sometimes even longer. Here’s how to build a smokehouse in your backyard.

The system used is pretty simple. You make a fire, and the smoke goes through a long tube or pipe. The smoke will then cool down and reach the meat at the appropriate temperature (85 degrees to 125 degrees Fahrenheit).

Why Building a Smokehouse?

You ever think about building a smokehouse? It’s one of the best things I’ve added to my homestead. You can preserve meat, fish, even cheese, and the flavor you get—nothing beats that smoky goodness.

Plus, it keeps your food longer without relying on a freezer, which means less energy use and more space.

It’s not too expensive to build one yourself, and you know exactly what’s going into your food—no weird preservatives. Whether you’ve got a big harvest to save or just want amazing smoked meals, a smokehouse is totally worth it.

There is no parts list just basic measurements and what you have on hand to build.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Dig the groove. The fire pit will be built downward so that the smoke can go upward.

A pipe should be laid out between the holes so that the smoke can travel to the meat. Try to stay away from metal as it could rust decorate and even collapse over time.

Cement was put in the first hole to create a floor. You can use regular concrete for this.

The fire pit was built using bricks and cement. It will get hot regular concrete for the bricks can crack and split with heat. For the bricks be sure to use refractory cement / mortar.

A cast iron door was installed in front of the fire pit.

You will have to remove the ashes with a small garden shovel over time.

You need to use the right kind of wood, preferably hard wood, to build the top structure for the smokehouse. Ideally, the trees used to construct the smokehouse should be cherry, pear, apple, or apricot.

A space for the horn has been carved out and for the wires used to hang the meat on.

The finished product:

Dirt was put around and over the pipe, and wood pallets were used as steps.

Here are the meats being smoked.

The best types of wood for smoking meats are hickory, red oak, mesquite, cherry wood, and apple-wood. This smokehouse can be your next weekend project.

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10 Foods To Help You Survive A Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:49:00 +0000

The storm rages outside. the next whatever Power’s out. Roads are blocked.

Your wonderful garden?

Destroyed... Panic starts to set in as you wonder how you’ll feed your family.

But wait. You’ve got some dusty cans and boxes lurking in the back of your pantry.

Yep. Those ones with expiration dates from who-knows-when?

It turns out that these forgotten items might just be your saving grace.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 expired foods that’ll help you outlive any crisis.

Top 10 Expired Food Picks

Now, before we dive in, let’s talk about how these foods were selected.

These foods boast long shelf lives.

When stored properly, they’re less likely to spoil.

They pack a nutritional punch that’ll keep you fighting fit when the going gets tough.

Alright, with that out of the way, here’s my list of long-lasting lifesavers:

Canned Beans & Lentils

Expired Foods That Will Help You Outlive A Crisis

These little legumes should be number one in your crisis pantry.

Packed with protein, fiber, and enough essential nutrients to make a dietitian swoon, they’re like nature’s multivitamins in a can.

Whether you’re partial to black beans, chickpeas, or good ol’ pintos, these babies will keep your engine running in tough times.

Safe consumption window: Up to 5 years past the expiration date

Storage tips: Keep ’em in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Also, make sure they don’t get any dents or bulges as that could make them spoil.

Pro tip: Don’t toss that bean liquid! It’s called aquafaba and can be used as an egg substitute in baking.

Dry Pasta & Rice

When the world’s gone topsy-turvy, these pantry staples will be your best friends.

Pasta and rice form the backbone of countless meals, from simple sides to hearty main dishes. Plus, they’ll last longer than your patience during a week-long power outage.

Safe consumption window: Up to 2 years past the expiration date for pasta, indefinitely for white rice

Storage tips: Store these carbs in airtight containers to keep out moisture and those pesky pantry moths. For extra longevity, toss in a bay leaf – it’s like nature’s pest control!

Honey

This golden nectar is a must-have, as it doesn’t spoil easily. Archaeologists have found edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs, proving that this sweet stuff has serious staying power.

It’s not just a sweetener either – honey has natural antibacterial properties that make it a valuable addition to your crisis first aid kit.

Safe consumption window: Indefinitely (yes, really!)

Storage tips: Keep it sealed tight to prevent moisture absorption. If it crystallizes, don’t panic! Just warm it gently to restore its gooey goodness.

Canned Meat

Tuna, chicken, and spam will keep you going when fresh meat is hard to come by. They’re pre-cooked, meaning you can eat them straight from the can if you’re in a real pinch.

Plus, they’re versatile enough to jazz up pasta, and rice when you’re craving something with a bit more oomph.

Safe consumption window: Up to 5 years past the expiration date

Storage tips: Store in a cool place and rotate your stock regularly. first in, first out!

Powdered Milk

It might not be as tasty as fresh milk from your grocery store, but when the dairy milk supply stops, powdered milk will be your calcium-rich lifesaver. It’s not just for drinking either – use it in baking, making sauces, or even whipping up a batch of crisis ice cream! Safe consumption window: Up to 10 years past the expiration date if unopened

Storage tips: Keep it bone-dry in an airtight container. Any moisture will spoil the milk.

Granola Bars

These small bars are perfect for when you need a quick energy hit. They’re more portable than a sack of potatoes and tastier too (unless you really, really like potatoes).

Packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, they’re like a balanced meal in a wrapper.

Safe consumption window: Up to 6 months past the expiration date

Storage tips: Keep them cool and dry to prevent rancidity. And maybe hide them from the kids, or they’ll disappear before the crisis is over!

DIY tip: Make your own granola bars and vacuum seal them for an even longer shelf life.

Peanut Butter

Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter is like a jar of survival fuel. It’s also great for boosting morale – who doesn’t smile at the thought of a PB&J? In a crisis, you could smear this stuff on just about anything and call it a meal. Plus, it’s calorie-dense, meaning a little goes a long way when you’re watching your rations.

Safe consumption window: Up to 1 year past the expiration date

Storage tips: Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, natural peanut butter can be stored upside down to prevent oil separation.

Quirky use: In a pinch, peanut butter can be used as a makeshift candle. Just stick a wick in it and light up!

Bottled Waters

Okay, water doesn’t technically expire, but those plastic bottles do degrade over time. Still, in a pinch, old bottled water beats no water at all. It’s the ultimate survival essential – you can live for weeks without food, but only days without water.

Safe consumption window: Indefinitely, but replace plastic bottles every 2 years

Storage tips: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. And for Pete’s sake, don’t store them near any chemicals!

Pro tip: Use old bottled water for non-drinking purposes like washing or watering plants. Every drop counts in a crisis!

Dried Fruits

These chewy treats are like nature’s candy but with a hefty dose of vitamins and fiber. They’ll keep your taste buds happy. From raisins to dried apricots, these sweet morsels are a must-have in hard times.

Safe consumption window: Up to 6 months past the expiration date

Storage tips: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. If they start to look like they’re growing fur, it’s time to say goodbye.

Hard Cheeses

When properly stored, hard cheeses like Parmesan can outlast softer varieties by months or even years. They’ll add some much-needed flavor to your crisis food, turning a bland meal into something worth writing home about.

Safe consumption window: Up to 4 months past the expiration date

Storage tips: Wrap tightly in wax paper and store in the coolest part of your pantry. If you spot a bit of mold, just cut it off – the rest is still good!

Cheese wisdom: The harder the cheese, the longer it lasts. It’s like nature’s own preservation system!

Now, before you go chowing down expired food, let’s break down some crucial info:

Spoilage vs. Expiration

Here’s the deal: “Best by” dates are more about quality than safety. They’re the food manufacturer’s way of saying, “Hey, that’ll taste best if you eat it by this date.” But “Use by” dates? Those are the ones you want to pay attention to, especially for perishables like meat and dairy.

It’s like the difference between the “sell by” date on milk and the point at which it starts to smell like old gym socks. One’s a suggestion, the other’s a hard no.

The Sniff Test

Before you dig into any expired food, give it the once-over. Does it look or smell good? Does it feel slimy?

When in doubt, throw it out.

Preparing for Tomorrow, Today

So, there you have it, folks – your food guide that’ll help you outlive any crisis. Remember, a well-stocked pantry is like a good insurance policy – you hope you never need it, but boy, are you glad it’s there when you do.

So, start building that stockpile, keep it organized, and sleep easier knowing you’re ready for whatever curveballs life might throw your way.

And hey, why not share this article with your fellow homesteaders? After all, knowledge is power, and in a crisis, we’re all in this together.

Disclaimer: While this info is based on research and expert opinions, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions that could be impacted by consuming expired foods. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

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50 Tips From The Great Depression

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 27 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

The Great Depression was one of the most traumatic events in American history. Following the stock market crash of October 1929, industrial production crashed, construction shrank to a fraction of what it had been, and millions of people found themselves on short hours or without work. Until the economy picked up again in 1935 life was a real struggle for the average American.

To get through the economic collapse and the grinding poverty that followed it, people had to adapt and learn new skills – or re-learn old ones. For that reason, many people who lived through it looked back with a sense of, maybe not exactly nostalgia, but pride in how they managed to cope.

A lot of the things people did during the Great Depression still make a lot of sense today. With our own economy looking vulnerable, and the risk of a new collapse always lurking just around the corner, would we cope as well as our grandparents and great-grandparents did?

Here are some of the ways they took care of themselves and those around them through some of the hardest times the USA has ever seen.

Work

1. Entire families moved in search of work. By staying together, they could support each other while not missing employment opportunities.

2. Migrant farm work was a life-saver for many. Different crops needed harvesting at different times, so it was – and still is – possible to find several months’ work.

3. People were willing to try any job. They didn’t ask “Do you have any work for a…?”, but, “Do you have any work?”. They were flexible because they had to be.

4. Everyone in a family was prepared to earn money. Kids could make a valuable contribution too. Families worked for a common goal: earning enough to survive.

5. Almost anything had some value. Driftwood collected from the beach could be split and sold as firewood. Almost any kind of metal can be collected and sold as scrap.

6. Government “New Deal” employment programs provided jobs and taught skills. They also created a lot of new infrastructure, including many roads – and the Hoover Dam.

7. There was no such thing as retirement age. Anyone who could work did. When money is tight, everyone needs to contribute whatever they can earn.

8. A lot of jobs became part-time, as employers tried to save money. Many people worked several part-time jobs, often putting in very long days.

9. Many of the jobless spent all day going round employers, looking for any work they could find. Even an hour or two of labor would make a difference.

10. People created jobs for themselves. Some women would wake early to cook dozens of meals, then sell them outside factories and construction sites.

11. Flexibility helped. Someone who knew a little about several trades had a better chance of finding work, than someone who was an expert at one.

12. Farmers would take on workers they didn’t have the money to hire, and pay them in produce instead.

Housing

13. Many people lost their homes. Often, extended families – grandparents, aunts, uncles – ended up living in one house.

14. Others were forced to live in their car or truck, buying cheap meals and washing at public gyms or swimming pools.

15. The homeless often lived in tents – or shack or lean-tos they’d built themselves. Having a place to live, even a basic one, was better than sleeping rough.

16. To save energy, walls were insulated with anything that would help keep heat in through the winter: mud, newspapers or tar paper. It all helped cut fuel costs.

17. Homes were kept cooler than normal. Wearing more clothes indoors reduced the need to burn fuel, and that left more money for food.

18. In summer people hung wet sheets over doorways and windows. As the water evaporated, it drew in heat from the air, cooling the home slightly.

19. Refinancing a home was one way to keep up the payments – and it could also free up cash for living expenses.

Money

20. Life insurance policies were a safety net for those who had them. If money ran out, the policy could be cashed in, helping keep the family afloat for a few more months.

21. Many people rarely saw cash; barter economies quickly grew up. Small jobs might be paid with milk, fresh vegetables or fruit, especially in rural areas.

22. With millions out of work, begging was common – and seen as desperation, not antisocial behavior. Outside restaurant was a favorite spot and only the rich could afford to eat there.

23. People respected banks back then, but when banks started closing the trust soon faded. Nobody knew when their own might shut, so the wise kept cash at home.

24. Many stores gave credit and let regular payments slide. They just kept track of what was owed and hoped it would be paid someday. Many stores went bankrupt because of this.

Food

25. Having a vegetable plot made a huge difference. In 1929, 20% of Americans still lived on farms. Most of the rest had big gardens and the skills to grow their own food.

26. Hunting and fishing were major sources of protein. Meat was expensive, but if you could harvest your own, you had a better diet. Surplus was great for barter, too.

27. Foraging was also popular. Nuts, berries, and wild greens helped put meals on the table, and kids and older people could forage as well as anyone.

28. In the country, canning was an essential skill. A well-stocked pantry was both a source of pride and a life-saving reserve for the winter.

29. People learned that you can eat almost anything, if you’re hungry enough. Tumbleweed was used as fodder for cattle, then people found it could be eaten. Young plants are best.

30. No part of an animal was wasted. Offal was fried, boiled or turned into ground meat. Even chicken feet could be boiled to add some taste to a broth.

31. A little bit of bacon would add flavor to almost anything. The hard rinds or dry ends of a piece of bacon could be boiled – and butchers sold them for pennies.

32. Communities divided vacant lots and parks into family vegetable plots. Housewives and kids spent much of their time growing extra food.

33. To keep some variety in their diets, people traded the produce they grew with friends and neighbors.

34. Meals were cooked from scratch – there were hardly any prepared foods in the shops. Recipes were usually simpler than today’s. That mean they were cheaper to make.

35. Stores closed on Sundays, so fresh produce that would go bad by Monday would be sold off cheap late on Saturday. Shopping at that time was great for bargains.

36. Livestock was a great asset. If you had a cow or even a few chickens, you were sitting on a wealth creator. Milk and eggs helped your own diet, and could be bartered.

37. Meat and dairy products were expensive; bread, potatoes, and noodles were cheap and filling. People bulked out meals with carbohydrates. Lard or bacon fat added flavor.

38. Soup was a popular meal. It filled you up, and the main ingredient was water. Almost anything could be made into soup – beans, potatoes, even stale bread.

Clothes

39. Shoes were mended over and over. Holes in the sole were patched with leather from scrap belts or purses. Complete soles were cut from old tires.

40. People learned to make and repair clothes. Any fabric could be used. Rural families made clothes from feed sacks. One woman turned a casket’s fabric lining into kids’ dresses.

41. Fashion was canceled. People preferred to get more use out their old clothes and spend their money on food.

42. When kids outgrew their clothes, they were handed down to younger siblings or given to people who could use them.

43. Really old clothes were cut up for rags to get some more use out of them. Why spend money on dusters and cleaning cloths when rags worked just as well?

Society and Attitudes

44. Nobody felt entitled to be supported. People knew that they had to work as hard as they could to survive; if they didn’t, they could expect nothing.

45. On the other hand, people were willing to help those who were trying but struggling. They knew they could be the ones needing help next, so most gave all they could spare.

46. Communities became closer, giving mutual support and organizing donations of food or cash to those who needed them the most.

47. Many towns set up welfare loan schemes. Money could be loaned to people who needed it, but it was expected to be paid back. Detailed records were kept of what was owed.

48. Willingness to work hard, and to do what you could to support the community, was more highly valued than individualism and independence.

49. People learned to keep a positive outlook on life. They learned that they could lose a surprising amount – almost everything – and keep going.

50. Positivity was essential. There was no point in complaining how bad things were – they were just as bad for almost everyone. What mattered was trying to make them better.

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6 Signs To Avoid On Your Property

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 20 May 2022 16:23:00 +0000

Expressing how we feel as Americans is in our DNA. We love to tell the world exactly how we feel. Chinese manufacturers afford us the luxury to do so cheaply through bumper stickers, shirts, and signs that they make.

These signs consequently have a far greater effect on our livelihoods than we can ever imagine. You can easily make yourself a target, or in the worst case scenario – responsible for a crime, which I’m sure you don’t want.

Using Deterrents

Deterrents include things like locks, lights, cameras and even certain signs. These are lawful ways of making criminals to think twice about breaking into your home.

The more fortified your home is, the less appealing it is to break into than your neighbors’. Criminals constantly stroll around, looking for loopholes in people’s deterrent systems.

If they find one, they’ll enter your home, and that radical sign you put on your front porch may do you more harm than good.

Disclaimer

This article is meant for informative purposes only. I am not a lawyer. I simply wrote this article to point out various concerns that come with using certain types of signage in your property that can get you in trouble.

We live in turbulent times. Implementing what you’re are going to learn today will go a long way in ensuring your future survival.

Our decisions make us who we are, so we must always be conscious of all the actions we take in life.

Now comes the big question: what are these six signs that you should avoid using in your property?

No Trespassing, Violators Will Be Shot

I have this one prominently displayed when you come up to my gate.

This is one sign that bolsters the ego of the owner. It literally gives you the power to impart fear into anyone who dare thinks of stepping into your property.

To be frank, the crazy things that happen in our communities cause us to be scared, and when we are scared we tend to go overboard with our actions and pour our fears onto others in the process.

With my basic knowledge of law, I have learned that you can only shoot your gun in self-defense, any other reason, you’ll liable for a crime. There are states that have a castle-doctrine and right to defend from criminals.

If a perpetrator sees this sign and proceeds with his agenda anyway, they can pretty much do or take whatever they want as long as they don’t endanger your life and you cannot shoot them. (in the back) what you do is your purgative.

This sign can work against you in the court of law when you actually shoot somebody in self-defense. The perpetrator can simply make a case against you claiming that you’re crazy and have always been dying to shoot someone with your AR – you’ve even gone the lengths of hanging a sign that states your intentions.

Beware Of Dog

One innocent-looking sign that can get you into hot soup is the ‘Beware of Dog’ sign.

This sign won’t help you if your dog actually bites someone. Having it may even make matters worse depending on the state you live in.

Key Takeaway: If your dog is in fact vicious, and bites someone, you have given away some form of evidence through your sign, and you can lose the case if it’s taken to court.

Protected By Electronic Alarm System

Some people go the extent of giving away details about their alarm systems with the signs they put up.

As deterring as this may seem, it’s actually quite counter intuitive to your security efforts.

Burglars these days are armed with sophisticated skills of bypassing these types of systems thanks to the internet.

Putting up a sign telling them of the hurdle ahead of them somehow makes the job much easier for them. They will easily prepare their plan of attack to the tee knowing what to expect when they break in.

A better alternative deterrent method to this one would be plucking up a general monitoring sign to show you are protected.

Fake Security Signs

Plucking up fake signs on your property may seem like a good idea on the surface, but beware of this deterrent method.

Criminals who have been in the game for long can smell fake from a distance. If they spot it on your property, they instantly know that you have security flaws and they will launch an attack.

Seasoned criminal pros are well versed in natural security intelligence and will strike if they think for a second that you’re exposed.

Bumper Stickers

Everybody these days seems to have an opinion about everything. These opinions tend to be displayed graphically on bumper stickers and tee shirts.

You may be free of signs in your home but what you display in you bumper can also reveal a lot about you.

What do you think an anti-gun bumper sticker tells the criminal about you? That you are unarmed!

Different kinds of stickers give off different types of messages to the criminal about your parked car.

Flags

Flags where used to give out certain messages in the past – they still do that even today.

Don’t believe me?

Imagine driving down the street and seeing an ISIS flag waving on top of one of your neighbor’s house. How would you feel? Terrified! I know.

Just like the signs we’ve mentioned above, flags can put a bounty on your back. Flying a flag with AR 15 can make your property fall prey of looting incidences for example.

Signs, stickers, and flags don’t give you legal immunity, they only reveal who you really are to the world. Make sure that whatever medium you use to express your feelings is done so with some thought put into it first.

Your friends may think that it’s cool to blast out preposterous signage, but having read this article, you know not to, because it can backfire.

Simple signs with straightforward language are very effective. Using them wisely can deter perpetrators from sneaking into your property.

Less is more.

A sign like “No Trespassing,” simple as it may seem, is very effective. Using it will not only establish your authority, but can also be used against anyone who sees fit not to follow it.

My personal opinion is do what you want live how you want and in the end if a sign is a deterrent from someone breaking in and taking things off your property in my opinion that was worth it.

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DIY Cheap Washing Machine

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 13 May 2022 16:44:00 +0000

How many times have you been on the road, without anywhere to do laundry? Whether it’s homesteading, camping, a road trip or some other adventure, nobody wants to be caught wearing dirty clothes.

Laundromats can be expensive and difficult to find, especially if you are driving through the country. Many hotels don’t offer laundry services unless you are willing to pay an arm and a leg. If you live off-grid or are worried about your energy consumption, maybe a traditional laundry machine won’t work for you.

Luckily, I’ve got a DIY project to solve this problem. It’s cheap and easy to make a portable washing machine to use off grid or bring on the go. In fact, I was able to purchase the supplies (not including the drill and drill bits) for less than $20!

With a few basic items, that you may even have lying around, you won’t have to worry about being caught without clean clothes again.

Supplies

2 x 5-gallon buckets
1 x lid that fits the 5-gallon bucket
1 x plunger, 1 x drill, 1 x drill bit (I used 1/8” but you can use larger)1 x hole saw bit (1 1/2”)

Step 1

First, you’ll need to choose one bucket to the be the inner “basket” for your clothes. Use the drill bit to carefully drill holes into the side of the bucket. Stabilize the bucket to prevent it from slipping while you are drilling

Make sure that the holes are not too close together so that you can maintain the structural integrity of the bucket. You also don’t want the holes too far apart. The holes are where the water will drain after you have washed the clothes. If you don’t have enough holes for the water to drain out, it might take a while.

Don’t forget to drill holes into the bottom of the bucket, too!

Step 2

While you still have the drill bit attached, drill several holes in the head of the plunger. Like the bucket, you want enough holes so that water can move through the plunger but not too many holes so that it loses its strength.

The holes allow a route for the soap and water to escape from the plunger’s suction, so that the water becomes soapy. It basically replaces the agitator in a normal washing machine.

Step 3

Use the hole saw bit to make a hole in the center of the top of the bucket lid. The arm of the plunger will stick out through this hole so that you can easily access it. Make sure it is centered and not off to the side, or this might affect the efficacy of the washing machine.

Be very careful to stabilize the lid before you drill. The hole saw works quickly but won’t grip the plastic lid unless you use enough pressure. You don’t want it to slip and get injured.

Step 4

Place your dirty clothes into the “basket” bucket with the holes, and then put the “basket” bucket into the second bucket that is intact. In my case that is the red bucket. Fill a little less than halfway with water and add in powdered laundry detergent. You should use biodegradable soap since the water will be running off into the environment.

For this example, I comfortably washed 1x t-shirt, 1x pair of men’s boxers, 1x pair of socks, and 2x dish rags. I could have fit more items in the washing machine, but the clothes were dirty, so I wanted them to get some extra attention.

Step 5

Put the plunger in the “basket” bucket on top of the clothes and then the arm of the plunger through the lid. Close the lid securely so that water and suds do not escape.

Step 6

Plunge, plunge, plunge! Use the plunger exactly how you would on a toilet. The plunger will work as an agitator and the water will soon begin to get soapy. I recommend plunging for at least 5 minutes, but 10 minutes may be necessary if your clothes have stains or are particularly dirty.

Step 7

Open the laundry machine and take the “basket” bucket out of the second bucket. Let the water drain. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear and garments are no longer soapy.

You can have a helper hold the bucket while you rinse the clothes, or you can set it on the ground. You
can also hang the bucket to make it easier.

Step 8

Reverse the buckets so that the second bucket is inside of the “basket” bucket. Sit on top of the bucket and use the pressure to squeeze out extra water from your clothes. This pressure is in lieu of a spin cycle but works just as well!

Step 9

Remove freshly cleaned clothes and let them air dry!

Helpful Tips & Suggestions

This contraption really works, and my clothes came out looking and smelling great. I don’t mind sitting on the bucket, but you can always add a “spin cycle” to drain extra water if you prefer. To do this, tie up your “basket” bucket to a tree and spin it quickly so that the water runs out.

Depending on the plunger that you purchase for this project, you may need a different size hole saw bit. I’ve found that 1 ½ inch is large enough to fit most plungers without any issues, but there may be an exception out there. If you are worried about it, you can always size up. Alternatively, if you don’t have a hole saw bit, you can poke a hole through the plastic lid by some other means. All you need is for the plunger handle to fit out the top, it doesn’t have to look pretty.

Don’t overfill your bucket! This project is a great solution for a cheap and easy laundry machine that you can bring on the go, but it isn’t indestructible. If you over fill the “basket” bucket your clothes may not get as clean, and it might over-flow with suds.

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In Ground Garden beds VS Raised Beds

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 06 May 2022 15:19:00 +0000

The planting season is creeping up in the southern part of the country and many of us are starting plants indoors as we speak. After all, you’ll see a bountiful harvest of berries coming in soon for areas where these plants flourish in the milder winters.

However, there’s one debate that tends to overwhelm beginners: should you use the ground you already have or should you build a raised bed garden? Here, we’ll look at the pros and cons of both. Keep in mind that gardening soil available in any specific area is probably going to be a little different than another specific area, so definitely talk to your local gardening clubs to get the best advice for your soil.

Pros and Cons of Raised Bed Gardens

The pros of raised bed gardens depend on which type of raised bed garden you want to build and why you want to build it. Those wanting to grow squash in desert environments are going to need a raised bed garden (or may even need to work on container gardening). Or, perhaps your livestock is in need of an extended area to graze and you simply do not have good land where you can plant due to this.

These are wonderful reasons to build a raised bed garden. If you decide to build a table-type raised bed, you’ll have no issues with having to bend over to access your plants. Working on something a little lower to the ground? You’ve still got complete control over your soil quality, quantity, depth, and there’s no hoeing required. You just put down your bottom liner, pour your bed full of fresh soil, and away you go.

Related: DIY Elevated Raised Bed

Unfortunately, unless the bed is very deep, that means that you’ll be stuck with plants that don’t need the support of a heavy root system. With deep beds, yes, you can grow things like potatoes and peanuts, but they won’t get the same experience they get in the ground itself. We’ll get into picking your plants for each type of garden in a moment, but the largest cons for raised bed gardening systems is that they limit what you can grow both in space and in-depth.

Pros and Cons of In-Ground Gardens

Using your land, your simple patch of dirt, and making it produce something is an incredible feeling. It’s what keeps us coming back to gardening over and over again. The pros of using an in-ground gardening system are largely cost-related. You won’t have to source or buy any materials other than the amendments your soil needs for your specific plants (such as nitrogen for tomatoes) and something that can hoe up that ground. No matter whether you’re using a tiller or a hand hoe; or if you’re lucky enough to have incredibly loamy soil without it being rocky, a shovel, you’re going to need to turn over that raw earth.

The cons of in-ground gardening are usually labor-based. You’ll have to work the soil, work amendments into it, and then be ready to do it again next year. You may also have to call your county board of utilities before you start digging to make sure that nothing important is buried in the area you wish to garden. Some utilities, such as the internet, can be buried as little as a few inches deep. Your tiller will certainly eat that.

Picking Your Plants for Each Type of Garden

Two separate lists here.

For those wishing to do raised beds of up to 18″ deep (any deeper, consult the in-ground gardens list because you should be fine for those plants) :

All nightshades

Most cruciferous vegetables

Greens and lettuces

Beans of all types

Squash, zucchini, and cucumbers

Flowers that do not reach a height of over 24″ above ground

Bushes that are not deep-rooted (butterfly bushes should be fine)

Herbs of all sorts

Almost all annuals, regardless of what they are; these plants grow fast and die after only one season. They don’t have time to create deep root networks.

Berries

Fruit vines

Related: 7 Common Raised Bed Mistakes Every Person Should Avoid

For those with deeper raised beds or planting in-ground systems:

All of the above

Corn

Asparagus

Rhubarb

Long-lasting/perennial plants (explanation below)

Melons

Pumpkins

Cover crops

Fruit trees

Nut trees

All other flowers

While you can grow perennials in raised beds, keep in mind that raised beds will lose their nutrients much faster than in-ground gardens will simply due to exposure and being a tightly closed system. You can use fertilizers and soil amendments to fix these issues, but it is unlikely that you will get the same growing experience with these plants as you will if you simply place them in an in-ground garden (or a very deep container). Raised beds are wonderful, but they are usually used as temporary solutions or for those who have difficulties being on the ground for extended periods of time.

Homestead Gardens: Which Type To Work With?

That really depends on your soil, your location, and what you want to do with your garden. In all honesty, I recommend beginners to have a small raised bed or a few large pots in a container garden their first year. It is entirely possible that you aren’t hooked on growing things. Pick something colorful and exciting; something that you eat a lot of or that you enjoy. I personally recommend zinnias for flowers, basil or rosemary for herbs, and either beans or a type of squash for vegetables for beginners. All of these grow incredibly easily in most climates and should germinate well for you.

Remember, if you’re really in love with gardening, there’s always next season to expand and keep growing, but it can be hard to see so much work put into a beautiful garden and realize that you’re losing interest.

If you decide to (or have the ability to) work on an in-ground system, that’s great. Find a grassy area and get to work with your tiller; just be ready for those rock strikes because they can be a doozy. Even after the area has been tilled, it’s easy enough to smooth it down and let the land reclaim it if you find you don’t have time for your garden. Keep pets, livestock, and family members in mind when you place your garden, however. There are thousands of poisonous plants for both pets and livestock, and plenty that you probably don’t want your kids grabbing or chewing on, such as tomato leaves.

Final Thought

Ultimately, whichever method you decide is the one you want to try, gardening is a hobby that takes many by storm. The best vegetables you can introduce yourself and your family members to are the ones that you grow yourselves to; and the same goes for flowers, herbs, and fruits, too. There’s nothing like walking outside and picking dinner off the vine. So, pick your method and stick to it for a season. Even if nothing grows, it’s a learning experience and you’ve always got next year!

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10 Ways Cast Iron Cookware Will Help You When SHTF

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:19:00 +0000

One of the best types of cookware is cast iron, which is why it would be a great option to have in an SHTF scenario.

It might not be the lightest cookware, but it would prove handy. To survive, you’re going to need something to cook, and having a cast iron will enable you to cook and do many other things you’ll discover in this article.

Is Cast Iron Durable Enough for a SHTF Scenario?

If you’ve used cast iron before, you know how strong and heavy it is, but for a reason.

You won’t have to worry about breaking it while cooking. Nothing can chip these pans, and they can withstand very high temperatures, making them perfect for use directly on a campfire.

Most pans can’t withstand that much heat, but cast iron can withstand as much as 500°F without burning the cure off or being damaged.

The Food Tastes Better vs. False Belief

Food in a skillet tends to taste better.

That may seem crazy to think about in a chaotic situation, but trust me, it’s not. Good tasting food can boost your spirit when in crisis.

If having a great-tasting meal can motivate you to live another day, that’s a huge plus. The notion behind the better taste is because of the equal distribution of heat that cast iron provides.

The Healthier Choice: Cast Iron vs. Other Pans

Another reason to love cast iron is its health benefits.

With seasoned cast iron, you don’t need to oil your pan. This remarkable characteristic takes a load off as you won’t need to pack any oil, making your meals healthier. Cast iron is even healthier than non-stick pans because none-stick contains Teflon, which can release harmful chemicals as you cook. These chemicals can give you flu-like symptoms.

So why risk your health, even if you’re not in an SHTF scenario?

What Foods Can You Cook With Cast Iron Pans?

The short answer is: anything!

These are great choices, because they are deep enough to cook anything. You can even opt for a Dutch oven, which is heavier and more like a pot – great for making stews and soups. Whichever one you choose, both can cook any meal you desire.

What Impact Does Iron Have on Your Health?

Add to the previous points about health benefits – cast iron is a brilliant source of iron.

Your body needs iron, and during a chaotic situation, you might not have access to iron-rich foods like liver, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and shellfish. You probably won’t have access to such foods, and certainly won’t have access to the supermarket. Lack of iron can cause deficiencies.

Another Special Use for a Pan

I might sound crazy, but cast iron also makes fantastic weapons!

They are heavy-duty items – imagine being hit on the head with one of those! If you have any ammo at all, it’s probably going to run out, so you’re going to have to improvise to defend yourself.

How Long Do Cast Iron Pans Last?

They last forever! Their durability allows you to never worry about them breaking or rusting.

It would probably come out unscathed after the SHTF scenario.

The Prices

Cast iron is very affordable, depending on where you get it.

But the best place to get them for a bargain is at antique stores, flea markets, and yard sales.

Using them is also inexpensive as they require a little fuel. Whether you’re home or in the woods during a crisis, using energy wisely is vital. Cast iron gets an A+ in this department because they are good conductors of heat.

Cleaning Up

Cleaning cast iron pans is super easy! If you can avoid washing them, you should.

Washing your pan often removes the non-stick properties, rendering its best qualities obsolete. To clean it up, scrape off the visible residue. If the seasoning is still good, then the food won’t stick.

Are Cast Iron Pans Good Heat Conductors?

As previously mentioned, cast iron holds heat superbly well. You can test this out by heating the pan like any other.

After the pan is heated up, you should proceed to lower the temperature you’re using to cook or take the pan off the fire. You’ll realize that the pan will continue cooking the food as the pan will remain hot for some time. The best at doing this is the Dutch cast iron ovens.

Seasoning Cast Iron Pans

Seasoning is what gives your cast iron pans non-stick properties. It is something you should do before an SHTF scenario occurs, so you’re fully prepared when it’s time to go.

To do that, clean your pan. Then remove all the moisture from the pan with a cloth and leave it for a while to dry. Apply melted shortening that or vegetable oil. Put your pan in the oven for an hour at a temperature of 375°F. Shut off your oven after the hour has elapsed and left it to cool.

Though cast iron might be heavy, it’s worth having around as it allows you to cook, which is essential for a long-term survival plan.

Wherever you choose to go in a survival scenario, there’s no valid reason you couldn’t leave the cast iron there. That way, there would be no need to carry it in on your quest.

Whichever road you choose, or decisions you make, choose a cast iron.

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Raising Ducks: Easier Than Chickens And Less Changeling Than Rabbits

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:25:00 +0000

Regardless of whether you're acquainting poultry with your terrace ranch interestingly, or adding to a current activity that highlights chickens or different birds, ducks won't baffle.

Ducks are incredible foragers who will track down the greater part their eating regimen in your nursery whenever permitted, reducing down your feed expenses and assisting with bug control. A few varieties are strong egg layers, delivering 100-300 eggs each year. They are by and large solid and simple to really focus on, with few issues explicit to training. In conclusion, ducks are outright enjoyable to have around, with their senseless waddle, quacking and inclination to sprinkle around.

Regardless of whether your terrace is rustic or more rural, ducks will probably fit in. Among the meat-delivering creatures, ducks are second just to bunnies for simplicity of care. They can give an incredible task to a youthful rancher, or somebody who can dedicate low maintenance hours to domesticated animals the executives. With some supportive counsel, nearly anybody can have a decent year with ducks, and there is an abundance of guidance to be found. I've been lucky to have a group at a close to neighbor's home this year, and partook in the her rewards for so much hard work. Nonetheless, each time of accomplishment accompanies its illustrations. Here are probably the best tips learned for raising your first run of lawn ducks:

1. Pick the variety that works for you

Raising Ducks

The Pekin duck is an extraordinary adaptable variety with regards to raising ducks.

Assuming you're thinking about ducks, you've presumably started your variety research and discovered that a few varieties are better egg makers, while others are better for meat creation.

Diatomaceous Earth: The Best All-Natural De-Wormer For Your Livestock!

Numerous business ducks are flightless, yet some will require wings cut. A few varieties are noisier than others, and might be less agreeable with the requirements of the neighbors. Do your examination.

2. Find out with regards to sheds and safe house

Since ducks have diverse perching propensities than chickens, they don't require elaborate lodging. An all around encased shed with bedding and a raised stage furnish the ducks with a spot to stow away, rest securely, and lay. You should change bedding oftentimes to keep ducks clean. Prepared admittance to fenced rummage will permit the ducks a lot of food and movement during the day; pivot the fenced yard fortnightly or the ducks will go it to mud.

3. Remember water

All ducks need a dependable wellspring of clean water, which is reasonable going to mean waterer and perhaps a pool, box or lake for washing of some sort or another. Numerous terrace duck ranchers use youngster pools in their yard for the ducks during the day, and channel them around evening time. Nonetheless, it is vital to watch youthful ducks with admittance to more profound water. They can tire when swimming and suffocate without legitimate oversight.

4. Watch for indications of tormenting

You might be playing with getting an assortment of ducks for your different necessities. This can turn out great, with cautious presentation of the birds and observing to guarantee that bigger birds are not tormenting the more modest birds. This can be an issue with ducks of every one of the one variety, also, particularly on the off chance that you bring new grown-ups into a set up group. You might have to consider isolating or selling a portion of your ducks in the event that you notice indications of harassing (feathers being culled out, wounds, laziness, and so on)

5. Ensure your eggs

Raising Ducks

Raising ducks can compensation too. Ducks will give you new eggs and a stockpile of meat.

Your shed or coop is something other than an asylum for your ducks; it will get bothers far from your eggs. On the off chance that you don't need your eggs taken, introduce wire network over any openings to deter rodents and different irritations from attacking.

6. Utilize clean killing

At the point when it's an ideal opportunity to butcher birds, clean killing with a hatchet or ax is by and large the favored technique. To keep the duck from fluttering around during position, embed its head into a cone or pack with opening cut out, so just the head and neck are uncovered and it can't fold its wings. This will assist you with an altruistic and controlled cut.

7. Comprehend that patio ducks are not supermarket ducks

Don't naturally expect your ducks will be greasy when cooked. When cooking an entire hand-raised duck, evaluate the fat substance of the meat prior to starting. In the event that it is less greasy, similar to turkey or chicken, infuse margarine underneath the skin or season the duck with fat to keep skin fresh.

Ducks are an incredible method for considering making the plunge with poultry. Assuming that you're somewhat shy, discover a portion of the incredible assets accessible, similar to, "Story's Guide to Raising Ducks," or acquaint yourself with a neighbor with ducks. In no time, you'll partake in the fulfillment of giving your family food raised at home, and any previous vulnerabilities will be, all things considered, similar to water away from a duck

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DIY Rainwater Collection System

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 16:20:00 +0000

Start Collecting rainwater today!

Rainwater collection is a great way to reduce your water usage. Did you know the average person wastes about 30 gallons of water per day?!

Just imagine if you could save at least a third of your water usage. Well, you can!

A rainwater collection system is a really great way to recycle water during those hot summer months when water conservation is at its most necessary!

However, exercise caution. Some states enforce strict rainwater harvesting regulations. In Colorado, for example, collecting rainwater is illegal, as it is public property and belongs to the Colorado water table.

Make sure that you are not violating any laws by doing so...

Those who collect this water are diminishing the supply for agriculture. See more about rainwater regulations here. Rainwater collection has been practiced for centuries.

The growing movement for DIY water conservation only confirms our need to recycle our natural resources and replenish our own depleting supply.

This step-by-step tutorial will get you started on your DIY rainwater collection system: Materials:

Paint strainer
5-gallon bucket
55-gallon drum with lid
Downspout fittings
Gutter strainer
Cinder blocks (3)
3/4″ spigot with 1/4″ turn ball valve
Permanent black marker
Jigsaw
Power drill with 7/8″ spade bit
Half-round bastard file Utility knife
1 1’4″ galvanized wood screws

With the 7/8″ spade bit, drill a starter hole in the side of the 5 gallon bucket.

Use your jigsaw to cut around the bucket.

Using your permanent marker, trace the top of the 5 gallon bucket on top of the 55 gallon drum.

Just like you did with the top of the 5 gallon bucket, drill a hole in the top of the drum with your 7/8″ spade bit to get you started. Following the guideline you created with the permanent marker, cut out the circle with the jig saw. The top of the 5 gallon bucket should fit snug in the opening of the 55 gallon drum.

Drill a hole at the bottom side of the drum with the 7/8″ spade bit.

File down the inside of the hole with your half-round bastard file.

Screw in your 3/4″ spigot until it fits securely. It may need to be filed a little more to fit just right.

Prop the cinder blocks upright in a triangle manner next to the house. Place your drum on top of the cinder blocks.

Using the existing downspout from your gutters, add an extension to run down into the rainwater collection.

Measure and mark where you need to cut the fitting so that the end will run into the top of your collection barrel.

Cut the extension with a utility knife and fit to existing downspout.

Use the 7/8″ spade bit to drill starter holes.

Cut the remainder of your lid with the jigsaw.

Place the lid back on top of the bucket to check for a proper fit.

Standing water can be a haven for mosquitoes, so we want to keep them out of the rain barrel.

Tie a knot in the paint strainer and secure to the top of the bucket.

Place a gutter strainer in the opening of the gutter on the roof. This will keep large debris from making its way down the fittings and potentially clogging the gutters.

This rainwater collection system will be up and running in no time. Even your little ones will enjoy it!

OK now it's up to you to start your own system there is no right or wrong just that you get started today.

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10 Common Mistakes When Going OFF Grid

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 15:52:00 +0000

Are you tired of the rapid pace of everyday life? Are you ready to settle down on your own land while living life on your terms?

If you answered “Yes”, you’re not alone. Each year, thousands of people make the switch to self-sustainability. Unfortunately, many of them are ill-equipped when they do it, and so the experience isn’t as pleasant as they imagined.

To make going off the grid as smooth and seamless as possible, I recommend you avoid making the following 10 mistakes:

Mistake #1: Not using solar power.

Mistake #2: Not enriching the soil with organic material.

Mistake #3: Not taking advantage of elevated water sources.

Mistake #4: Not setting up a proper waste disposal system.

Mistake #5: Not bringing a gun.

Mistake #6: Not understanding local zoning laws.

Mistake #7: Not investing in production animals (bees, chickens, etc.).

Mistake #8: Not having basic gardening knowledge.

Mistake #9: Not being physically and mentally prepared.

Mistake #10: Not having fun. This isn’t an extensive list by any means. I simply wanted to show you, what I think, are the 10 biggest mistakes newbies make when going off the grid.

Going Off the Grid – How to Get Started

Going off the grid requires a high degree of self-sufficiency. I have many friends who’ve left behind the trappings of everyday life (materialism, mortgage payments, etc.). But it definitely wasn’t easy.

You have to learn a lot, as well as become tougher mentally. When someone moves off the grid for the first time, there will be a quite a bit of culture shock.

Think about it- your lifestyle will be completely labor-dependent. If you become lazy, you could die. As I mentioned in a previous article, there are nine things you need to go off the grid.

They include: Land Food Water Shelter Waste Disposal Security Medical Power Communication I’ll admit- this list looks a bit daunting.

By once you break it down, it becomes easier to manage. Why did I mention “power”? Well, because you need power when going off the grid. If definitely won’t be as much as you’d normally use, but a small amount will help.

This is where solar chargers, water-powered generators, and wind turbines all come into play.

Practice Self-Sufficiency Beforehand

If you’re a newbie, I highly recommend practicing self-sufficiency before going off the grid. By this, I mean you should do things where you currently live that will teach you how to be self-sufficient. Here are some examples:

PLANT A GARDEN

Going Off The Grid I’m not just talking about a garden with one or two types of vegetables. I’m talking about building a garden with a variety of vegetables. See if you can manage this where you currently live. If you can’t do it where you are now, how can you expect to do it going off the grid? In short, you won’t be able to. Even if you live in an urban environment, you can still plant a garden.

BECOME A REPAIRMAN

Going Off The Grid When things break in your home, don’t hire someone else to fix them. Try fixing them yourself. Remember, part of being self-sustainable is being able to fix your own stuff. This includes vehicles, appliances, clothing, and tools (among other things). When going off the grid, you won’t be able to call someone if your solar charger breaks. You’ll need to figure things out on your own.

LEARN ABOUT FOOD PRESERVATION

Going Off The GridAre you familiar with food preservation techniques like canning, dehydrating, or freezing? If not, start learning about them. These will be huge in your quest for going off the grid. You can preserve foods relatively inexpensively, especially with today’s modern-day techniques. Food preservation techniques are beyond the scope of this article.

PRACTICE FRUGALITY

Going Off The Grid I know I’m being a little philosophical here, but remember that going off the grid is about minimizing your “baggage” (both mental and physical). No matter where you are right now, learn to appreciate what you already have. Resist the urge to buy things you don’t need. Self-sustainability requires that you develop discipline like you’ve never had before. While hard in the beginning, I promise that you’ll become a better person because of it.

Learning New Skills – The Key to Self-Sustainability

The more you know, the more you’ll thrive. I’m sure that anyone who’s been off the grid for any significant amount of time would agree.

Learning new skills, even just the basics, can go a long way towards making your experience off the grid a pleasant one. Here’s a list of some of the things you need to learn before going off the grid:

Advanced food preservation techniques

Butchering and field dressing livestock Collecting water (hand pumps, rain barrels, etc.) Filtering and purifying water in large volumes Woodworking Clothing/knitting patterns Alternative medicine and basic first aid Basic surgery Vehicle, tool, and equipment repair Beekeeping Do you need to become an expert at each of these? Absolutely not.

I personally know people who live off the grid. And guess what? None of them are “gurus” (they certainly aren’t experts at everything mentioned above).

The key is to become good enough at keep yourself alive. By “good enough”, I mean that you’ve gotten to the point where you can apply a skill set at a moment’s notice. There’s no need to stress about becoming a master.

Acquiring Fresh Water

Going Off The Grid The human body can go weeks without food, but only days without water. If you don’t get your water situation handled when going off the grid, your experience will be far from pleasant. Rather than tap into a municipal water source (or drill a well), consider taking a more “primal approach”.

My favorite option is collecting rainwater and storing it in tanks. Once set up, this system is mostly automated. I also like it rainwater’s inexpensive.

Plus, with just a little filtration, rainwater can be turned into fresh and healthy drinking water.

Pee and Poop

When going off the grid, waste disposal should be a top priority. Many of you flush your toilets every day, never fully appreciating what you have. Off the grid, you won’t have this luxury (unless you get a septic system installed).

Personally, I’ve never been a big fan of toilets. Why? Because they waste perfectly good water to produce sewage. Not only does sewage smell bad, but it’s also nearly impossible to turn back into safe drinking water.

I have a better idea- use your poop as compost! If using human waste as compost doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then consider a commercial composting toilet. It will cost you about $1,000, but it will make your life far easier.

In all honesty, both options are fine. I’ve been using my poop as compost for a few years now, and I’ve never had any issues. However, I understand that many people might be uncomfortable with this.

So if you have the extra funds, investing in a commercial composting toilet might be the better option.

Electricity

Would you think I’m crazy if I told you that the entire power grid is incredibly inefficient? Well, it is. This complex network of electrical components requires constant maintenance and monitoring. Not to mention, if one line is lost, it could mean power outages for thousands of other people.

Imagine if everyone had their own way of generating electricity- this would be a non-existent problem! As I mentioned earlier in the article, the best ways to acquire energy are with solar chargers, wind turbines, or water-powered generators. Let’s talk about each one individually

Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panel

When going off the grid, this is a super-valuable tool to have. These panels produce electricity when exposed to direct sunlight. While they’re not strong enough to power an entire house, they’re good enough for simple electronic equipment off the grid. In short, it’s something you shouldn’t go off the grid without.

Wind Turbine

If you’re going off the grid somewhere with ample wind, then consider investing in a wind turbine. These can be a great addition to your setup and will add diversity to your power sources. Be sure to check out the WindPax. This tool will allow you to produce 400 watts of energy with nothing more than the wind.

Water-Powered Generator

There’s nothing like leveraging the power of running water to produce electricity. It’s simple, efficient, and isn’t associated with any ongoing costs (only an initial investment).

Be sure to check out the Power Sprout. Although expensive (between $900 and $1,800 depending on what model you buy), this little tool will allow you to convert running water into usable energy.

When going off the grid, don’t be reliant on any single form of energy. Diversify as much as possible. It’s very unlikely that all three systems will fail at the same time (if they do, then you’re very unlucky!).

But on a serious note, there’s no better feeling than producing your own electricity off the grid. It’s something you must experience to fully appreciate. Heating & Cooking Fuels Most modern homes use propane or natural gas as fuels.

But not only are these expensive, they’re also limited in nature. Moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a far better option in my opinion. Here are some alternative heating and cooking fuels to consider when going off the grid: Wood: When living off the land, wood will be your most abundant resource- so use it!

Stocking up on wood will have little environmental impact, and will allow you to survive the winters. This is where having a smaller living area comes into play. The smaller your home, the less wood you’ll need to use to keep it warm. Look up a rocket stove for more information.

Alcohol

Personally, I don’t think it’s that common. However, if you have a small still to distil alcohol to burn in an alcohol stove, this may be a great alternative to regular heating and cooking fuels.

I would look more into this to see if it’s a viable option for you when going off the grid. Methane: I’ve heard of people who created systems that produce methane from their waste. Personally, I’ve never seen one of these systems in person.

But from what I’ve heard, they can be tricky to build and operate. Nonetheless, it’s still an option to consider. Basically, the less you can rely on natural fossil fuels, the better.

Bottom Line

By no means is this a complete guide to going off the grid. I’ve only scratched the surface. I simply wanted to give you a glimpse of what to expect when making the switch. The first step is to decide that you’re serious about going off the grid.

This is something you need to completely dedicate yourself to. Otherwise, you’ll find it very difficult to sustain yourself. I’d love to hear your opinion. What do you think is the biggest mistake newbies make when going off the grid for the first time? Leave your answer in the comments below. Thanks for reading.

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You Shot A Intruder ... Now What?

noreply@blogger.com (In Between Ranch) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:06:00 +0000

I am not a lawyer and therefore cannot give legal advice it is up to you to defend your family and property however you feel is necessary.

When Someone breaks into your house and attacks you... you shoot him in self-defense... and like a good civilian, you call the cops to report the incident.

What happens next?

Well hopefully, The officer shows up alongside an ambulance... they remove the scumbag from your living room floor... and you show up on the next day's news as the "hero of the day" (maybe).

But too often, the story doesn't turn out this way and just one simple mistake on your part can drastically change how your night - and the rest of your life - plays out.

You see, the cops don’t have to remind you that anything you say can and will be used against you UNTIL you’re under arrest.

Yes, even if you were justified... even if you feared for your life... even if you were in your own home. In fact...

The Call That Can Save Your Life Can ALSO Put You In Prison!

Check out this news article about a single mom that shot an intruder that broke through the front door

It would be best to find out what your rights are if someone breaks into your house and if you have the legal I said "Legal" right to defend yourself.

Think about it...

When you're sitting their in court - forced to justify your actions - you can damn well bet that your 911 call is the first piece of evidence that will be presented in court.

You want it to work in your favor. Here’s how you do that...

>> 1. 911 Calls Are Recorded (Even When You’re On Hold!)

I’m not suggesting you’re going to call 911 and say you murdered someone.

Here’s what might happen, though:

You call... you report what happened... the operator puts you on hold... you turn to your kids and say...

“It’s okay. Daddy made sure he'll never hurt anyone again.”

The reasonable thing to say.

You’re reassuring your kids they're safe, right?

But believe me, the prosecution will take those words and twist them to imply that you weren't just trying to stop an attack on your family... but were actually on a "kill mission" the second you grabbed your gun - ready to save the world from the criminal thugs of our society.

Every word out of your mouth on that 911 call needs to be the facts and nothing but the facts.

State where you are... what your name is... and what kind of help you’re requesting (an ambulance and the police). And remember...

>> 2. The 911 Operator is Trained to Keep You Talking

This isn’t being "sneaky" on the operator’s part.

They’re dealing with crimes for most of the night, and it’s in their best interest (and the police’s best interest) to get as much information as they possibly can from you before you have time to stop and think about what you’re saying.

In cases where someone is trying to cover up a crime, this is an extremely useful tactic.

It’s good that 911 operators use it.

But you still don’t want to get trapped into saying something that can be used against you later in court.

If you’ve just shot someone, you'll be stressed.

You won’t be thinking clearly - and you'll have a tendency to rattle off at the mouth.

"Loose lips sink ships", right?

>> 3. You're Not Required to Stay On the Line

I personally never knew this...

Once you’ve delivered the important information, you aren’t required to stay on the line.

The operator will tell you to stay, but you are not legally required to do it, and hanging up will not have ramifications later on in court.

Hanging up is, in fact, the best thing you can do.

Tell them who you are, where you are, and what help you need.

Do not claim responsibility – say, “There was a shooting” rather than “I shot someone.”

And hang up.

Hang up and don’t look back.

Spend that time consoling your family while waiting for the police to arrive.

But the danger isn't over yet...

Once the police arrive, you’re going to need to stay on your game.

Another thing you got to be aware of people sue people for anything don't be surprised when you are slapped with a lawsuit for a wrongful death by a family member.

I know it's pretty far-fetched but welcome to the world we live in.

There are any number of little "accidents" you could make that will result in time behind bars – even if you were completely justified in shooting. I cannot tell you what you should do but if I have a wife and kids and I am armed and I am ready to defend them if needed.

If you would like to share you thought comment below...

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