Homesteading
This is the place to post about self sufficiency or just about anything having to do with lifestyle, like Gardening, Farming, Beekeeping, Canning, Husbandry, Hunting, Fishing, Crafts, Hobbies, Alternative Energy, Wood Working, Off Grid Living.
43 topics in this forum
-
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 75 views
Agricultural Warfare
Last reply by Alan, -
- 3 followers
- 42 replies
- 3.1k views
I started woodworking in 9th or 10th grade then ramped it up quite a bit after I was married and began to acquire more tools.. I made this rocking horse for our daughter, who was two at the time, and used my Dad's old meatcutting bandsaw to cut it out. There was a ton of rasping and sanding with hand tools to do afterwards but it was finally finished. I built several and sold them after that. Fast-forward about 25 years and I've made one for each of the three grandchildren. One more grandchild is on the way and, Lord willing, he will get one too. I now use my CNC to cut them out, which saves a lot of time. This is the first horse, sitting on the CNC, after I refinished it…
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 2 followers
- 3 replies
- 833 views
Hurricane Michael wreaked havoc in our part of the world. Many folks lost their homes and some lost their lives. We were fortunate in that, even though the western eyewall passed directly over our home, we had minimal damage, thank the Lord. A big oak tree fell against our house but basically just crushed the chimney cap, bent about 8' of the eve drip metal and tore a few window screens. Our fences were not so fortunate. All along the north and west fences, big trees had fallen from the neighbor's side onto ours, crushing down the fences Since I knew we would be removing big oak trees for awhile(about 18 or so) I searched online and bought a "grapple" to attach to the loa…
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 4 followers
- 10 replies
- 811 views
So I'm excited! I'm moving to a new rental in a couple of weeks (a trailer - so my own walls! No more apartment neighbors, yay!) with a bit more storage space. Yesterday on Kijiji a shelf reliance can rotation storage system came up for sale. I'll be picking it up tomorrow night, Lord willing. I've been wanting to try can rotation for a while - it'll be neat to have the space for a proper system. Anyone else do the whole food storage bit? It's a little bit a.l.a. LDS, I know, but it's the one thing I think they're right on. 😄
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 2 followers
- 9 replies
- 1.3k views
We have two of these. They were fairly young and much smaller when we bought the place over 30 years ago. I was putting out hay yesterday on the 'back 40' and decided to take a couple photos of this one.
Last reply by Jim_Alaska, -
Hunting yummy things 1 2 3
by DaveW- 3 followers
- 56 replies
- 3.9k views
I love the country but was brought up a city boy, so hunting has never really been on my radar. My meat comes cold packed from a supermarket. Never had Caribou ( have flown in one, but that is an entirely different subject!), but I do enjoy a bit of Bambi when I come across it. I never understood the idea of trophy hunting or sport hunting..... For food, absolutely ( even though I have never done it), but killing for fun or for bragging rights??????? Makes no sense to me. If you want hunt for sport use a camera or find range with targets. Oh yeah - it makes sense to me if it is me or the bear....... But the real point is getting …
Last reply by Andrea, -
- 3 followers
- 14 replies
- 1.8k views
What is homesteading, and why does it matter today?
Last reply by Alimantado, -
- 2 followers
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
I would so like to build this, and it is a steal. Free shipping, no FFL needed.....but I already have one and would need a very good excuse........ Good excuse suggestions welcome....... :) https://www.deltateamtactical.com/AR-15-Complete-Deluxe-16-Rifle-Kit-with-80-Lower-Bolt-Carrier-Group-Comes-With-Everything_p_6260.html
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 3 followers
- 4 replies
- 854 views
The sheep wanted more food and needed a more efficient means of growing forage and transporting hay. So they had a few meetings, pooled their resources, and bought this.........
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 782 views
Last weekend, the controller on our well pump went out. The capacitor had melted down. I went to town, bought another, and installed it: quick fix. But yesterday morning, the points (contacts) on the pump's pressure switch burned out on one side so there were no baths until I got home from work with a new unit. I changed it out after dark with my sweetie holding the flashlight. The parts on a farm's well do take a beating. Surprised this one lasted as long as it did.
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 0 replies
- 603 views
When we were children during the war we used to have nasturtium flowers, leaves and seeds on salads. Although we never ate them my dad used to grow Calendula, pot marigold, English marigold, aka, poor man's saffron. but we never ate it. Some time ago I went into a supermarket where there were packets of edible flowers in the salad section. I just did a search and found a number of sites that listed edible flowers. Here is one. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=764
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 2 followers
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
Been itching to try this out for awhile now, and finally broke down and ordered one. The real fun will be in assembling it piece by piece and hopefully I can get my grandson involved. We'll see. http://www.ebay.com/itm/P802MA-Large-Size-Precision-home-DIY-i3-3D-Printer-Self-assembl-Card-material/192039421176?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Last reply by heartstrings, -
Gardens 1 2
by Jim_Alaska- 4 followers
- 28 replies
- 2.3k views
Ok you folks. I know that some of you are getting your gardens started, but I see no posts about what you are doing or planning this year. I am pretty sure that the southern zones are frost free by now. Remember that this new forum was put up specifically for subjects of this nature and we need to liven it up. I can't post anything about gardens because I have a "brown thumb". But some of you may have, or may benefit from what others are doing. It seems like there are always tips and tricks that others do that can helps someone out.
Last reply by Salyan, -
- 2 followers
- 8 replies
- 1.1k views
The first one is a cluster of three on a crookneck yellow squash plant. See the teeny little squash? This one is a zucchini. The leaves are almost the size of two dinner plates.
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 2 followers
- 6 replies
- 962 views
It has about 7 or 8 blooms now. I don't eat them but planted this one for my step-dad.
Last reply by Jim_Alaska, -
- 2 followers
- 4 replies
- 1k views
Three years ago, I started out with a hand-broadcaster and later a tractor-mounted one. In both cases, after broadcasting, I had to try to cover the seed with a home made drag made of heavy timbers and chain-link fence. Much of the seed did not get covered, "had no depth of earth", and the "fowls of the air" ate bellyfuls of it. This year I bought an old grain drill from a junk yard for $425. I had to buy some parts, do some repairs and use up a couple cans of WD-40 but It's working fine now. I think we have about $1000 in it now but that's pretty good for a contraption that, when new, costs about as much as a new truck. So far, I have planted seven acres with it and the …
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 828 views
I'm almost certain that a "rod and staff", as used by Old Testament Middle Eastern shepherds, was most likely a "comfort" to the shepherd instead of the sheep. This is me trying top walk in the pasture as my "lead sheep" (actually a pet) constantly crosses in front of me against my legs. I have to bump her with my knees to keep from tripping and falling. I will try to post another video later, to show you the difference it makes when I carry a staff. However, I have to admit; Sissy and Honeybun seem to enjoy using the staff for a scratching post.
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 6 followers
- 11 replies
- 1.1k views
I was moving some landscaping materials yesterday and found these skink eggs. I assume they're skink eggs because mama skink was bravely standing guard over them. Or maybe she was dining on them? I gently covered them back up, but will check back later. What if they were snake eggs?
Last reply by Ukulelemike, -
- 3 followers
- 4 replies
- 779 views
One end of my tractor's drawbar was broken off and it could no longer hold a linch pin.. So I found an old nut and welded it on....Not too pretty but it works. :)
Last reply by DaveW, -
air rifles
by Orval- 2 followers
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
Squirrels are killing my flowers this year and really frustrating me. I have had a few problems over the years but with my neighbor passing away a couple of years ago (he would trap them) the squirrels are breeding to fast and are really digging up my flowers this year. I borrowed a Ruger Blackhawk Elite .177 Pellet Air Rifle with Scope and have not zeroed it in. I am wondering if it is powerful enough to kill a squirrel. I am on the very edge of town and cannot use my 22 rifle but the squirrels need to move or end up in my frying pan. the fps is around 1000 - 1200 which should be enough to kill at 25 yrds. your thoughts?
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 1.1k views
I am wanting to start canning with my wife but I am kind of at a loss as of where to start. I have researched pressure canners some but am not sure exactly what to buy or other methods of doing it. I am wanting to can vegetables and meat if that makes any difference. Anyone that has experience that wouldn't mind sharing I would really appreciate it.
Last reply by Salyan, -
Beekeeping
by AdamL- 4 followers
- 13 replies
- 1.3k views
Does anyone keep bees? I have never done it and looking for some advice. I have done some research on langstroth hives. What things are needed to get started? How do you know if the hive is doing well or sick? How often and how much honey is harvested and how do you make sure you don't take too much? Anyone that has any experience I would be all ears. Thanks!
Last reply by AdamL, -
- 2 followers
- 6 replies
- 1k views
I am about two weeks behind this year. I should have had my straw bales out already and prepping them but will get them set tomorrow and provide some pictures. I was surprised by how much residual straw I had left over from last year a small pickup truck full. So I have decided I will use that all that good plant food for my flower and herbs beds on the south side of my house. It should drain well and if I do 10ft by 4ft bed I should be able to plant pretty much what I want for this year. I will set out between 10 and 16 bales this year and will attempt to plant pole beans and sweet corn together so the beans can climb the sweet corn and I should not have to sta…
Last reply by Orval, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 840 views
Many of the older folks around here, including my grandparents, planted "by the signs" with a good measure of superstition thrown in. An old guy, former member of our church, once asked one of the young ladies in the church to drop the seed in his garden because she was with child at the time: She complied. He really believed a pregnant woman planting the seeds would benefit his crop somehow. My Dad, on the other hand, planted big gardens for years and never put any stock in "signs", superstitions, or "old wives tales". Dad just planted when the weather was right and as time permitted and he grew enough vegetables to feed a family six, while Mom canned and froze tons of i…
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 2 followers
- 5 replies
- 872 views
Here is something that I thought folks might like to see. My wife makes these hair sticks by hand, using all natural wood. Most of the wood is gathered by her in the forest. There are many hours of work in each one. The sanding and oil sanding is meticulous, starting out with graduated sanding grit from 100 grit and all the way up to 1500 grit with oil on highly polished sticks. I edited this post because I just remembered that my wife makes sticks out of stuff other than natural wood that she has gathered herself. She has also made them out of bone and antler, they were gorgeous and looked a lot like ivory. She has also made some custom sticks from exotic wood …
Last reply by Jim_Alaska, -
Firearms 1 2 3
by heartstrings- 5 followers
- 52 replies
- 3.6k views
This isn't hunting but is a "hobby" of sorts. I know it's a sensitive topic for some so, if it is offensive, it can be deleted at the admins discretion. This is the home defense shotgun my Wife and kids gave me for Christmas last year.. It has a "saddle" with picatinny rails for mounting a sight, which in this case is a holographic dot unit. It also sports an M4/military-style six position adjustable stock and an 8-round capacity magazine. The only problem I have with it is that it is a little heavy for me as I have a lot of pain in my shoulders. But on the plus side, it doesn't recoil too bad in spite of being 12-gauge. ...and yes, those are my feet. :)
Last reply by 1611mac, -
- 1 reply
- 560 views
For those who want indoor herb gardens here is some nice info for you. Indoor herbs can be grown in nearly anything from old mayonnaise or pickle jars to more elaborate flower boxes built to set on indoor window sills. The key is in the soil and water content since most herbs need just a little sunshine, a nice grainy rich soil and very little water. Soil should not be packed down but a bit loose for breathing. Breathing allows the soil to retain some moisture but not enough for the roots to mildew. Since most herbs need very little water herbs such as Rosemary, Dill, Thyme, Oregano, Sage and Lavender can be grown indoors either in full sunlight or partial sun li…
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 2 followers
- 8 replies
- 754 views
This is a very simple tip and may surprise no one. However, if you're a fan of beans and growing your own, did you know that you can buy a pack of dried beans in the supermarket and plant those? That's what we always did, and it's usually a lot less expensive than buying bean "seeds"...which are what the dried beans in the supermarket are. ;) My daughter didn't think it would work for some reason, so I planted a couple of beans in a flower pot a few years ago, and they produced enough for one very sparse meal. LOL! Now go plant some beans!
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 2 followers
- 6 replies
- 888 views
I was going to post a progress on my Spring garden but, unfortunately it will first be a progress report on the tiller. The tires were flat so I replaced one of the tubes. Almost immediately one rotten tire disintegrated. So I searched for tires online and found that the ones made for this Italian-made tiller were an unheard-of size and are super expensive. BUT, they so fit an 8" rim. So I found some cheaper "Carlisle" brand which were 8' but a good deal larger and taller; however they're also a fraction of the price. Now the tiller is jacked up a little high on the front and looks like it's ready to go mudding. Anyway, I tilled my Monster truck/tiller over the garden one…
Last reply by No Nicolaitans, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 477 views
If you accidentally (or on accidentally on purpose) dent a piece of wood (raw wood), lay a wet rag or towel over the spot. Let it set there a few minutes then iron the spot with an ordinary clothes iron. Doesn't have to be a steam Iron but I'm sure that would help too. Keep ironing over it untill the grain of the wood miraculously raises back to its original or near original position. Most of the dent will be gone. let it dry and sand as usual.
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 2 followers
- 4 replies
- 612 views
Firewood selection: Depending on your location you may be limited in the types and quantities of firewood you can harvest. Many communities as well as agencies have strict permitting regulations regarding this. Your selection of wood should reflect your needs as much as possible. For instance, if you are using wood as your main heat source you will want specific quantities and types of wood for your needs. You will need dry wood, preferably conifer (spruce, pine, fir) for fire starting and fast intense heat. Then you will need hard wood for long lasting fires and holding fire overnight. Hardwood can be any that you have access to in your location. If you are all…
Last reply by Jim_Alaska, -
- 0 replies
- 391 views
Easiest salad Watercress. Also my favourite. If you have a pond with a filter you can grow watercress with practically no effort. You can buy plants at inflated prices at the garden centre, or seeds and follow the instructions, our you can do as I do and buy a bunch of watercress cut the bottoms off and plant them and eat the rest. You could plant them in a large tub of pea shingle or gravel. If you buy it from a builders merchant wash it throroughly till the water runs clear, run the water from your pump into the shingle, make an overflw into your pond.You can plant your watercress into the gravel and wait for the crop. Or you can just throw a han…
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 685 views
I'm going to be planting as many edible perennials as I can this year. Does anyone have recommendations for good, high yield perennials? This is what I am planning so far: Asparagus Jerusalem Artichoke (sunchoke) Raspberries Blueberries Blackberries By the way, I'm in Southeast Michigan (Zone 6a)
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 3 followers
- 7 replies
- 671 views
We haven't raised chickens in a lot of years, but I have to wonder if they'd be happier with some toys - like these swings. Does anyone here raise chickens? If so, would you ever get them a swing? (the link is to the online store, but it should open to the page of videos) I also saw a clip of chickens pecking at a head of cabbage that was hanging from a rope. Playing with their food... https://www.fowlplayproducts.com/videos
Last reply by Ukulelemike, -
- 0 replies
- 343 views
We haven't raised chickens in a lot of years, but I have to wonder if they'd be happier with some toys - like these swings. Does anyone here raise chickens? If so, would you ever get them a swing? (the link is to the online store, but it should open to the page of videos) I also saw a clip of chickens pecking at a head of cabbage that was hanging from a rope. Playing with their food... https://www.fowlplayproducts.com/videos
Last reply by HappyChristian, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 364 views
Here is a video that explains how trees get water up higher than what should be possible. I don't know what's more astonishing; God's ingenious design for dealing with the issue or the fact that people can know this information and still believe in evolution. Watch the awe and wonder that the host has in the process and know that he still believes it came about by random, unguided, coincidental mutations. This is a very good example of why I don't believe that typical apologetics and Creationism vs Evolutionism debates are a good way to spend our time. No amount of rational observation of reality will wake most people like this out of their foolishness. It why …
Last reply by Alan, -
- 2 followers
- 1 reply
- 480 views
The Basics. Having lived in Alaska for over thirty years, in temperatures that can reach 50 below zero, I have learned a few things about heating with wood. Although I no longer live in Alaska, I have been able to use what I learned there even in Northern California. As with most things in life, there are benefits as well as drawbacks to heating with wood. If you are familiar with wood heating this information may be elementary for you. But if you have not had experience with wood heating, or are considering it as a main heat source or a supplemental one, this may be of some benefit to you. I would preface this information with some preliminary insight. First un…
Last reply by heartstrings, -
- 2 followers
- 4 replies
- 419 views
To Split or Not To Split: Splitting your firewood has a lot to do with personal preference, your stove and the size of the logs you cut. Both dry and green wood will burn longer if it is not split. Green rounds are usually preferred for holding a fire overnight. Splitting can be done in three ways, one is with a hand held splitting maul and another is an electric or gas powered hydraulic log splitter. Some people like to use a steel wedge and a short handle two pound hammer. The hydraulic splitter is easier on you, but cost may be a consideration. You will spend anywhere from $400 to $1,000 for a splitter. If you cut large trees the rounds will have to be split …
Last reply by DaveW, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 682 views
Has anyone here ever grown fiddlehead ferns; the kind you pick and eat while they're still curled up? If so, how to you start them? can you buy fiddlehead seeds or plants? DO you have to find them in the wild and transplant them? I'd love to know.
Last reply by Brother Stafford, -
- 2 followers
- 7 replies
- 710 views
OK folks, here it is. I am going to move the gardening threads that were started on the other forum to this one. I hope you enjoy your new forum.
Last reply by Invicta, -
- 2 followers
- 1 reply
- 305 views
Whenever any project is started, a workspace is required and supplies are needed. This area of the forum will contain many discussions about many different aspects of what occurs on homesteads; from large, multi acre farms, to small, possibly suburban plots. As we gather our supplies and begin our projects, let us first take a moment to consider the original and grandest of all homesteading projects ever undertaken. (Genesis 1:1-31) "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. {2} And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. {3} And God said, Let there be li…
Last reply by Jim_Alaska, -
- 1 follower
- 7 replies
- 545 views
@Orval I saw the photos of Orval's straw bale plantings and am very interested in them. I have heard that you can purchase straw bales for only a few dollars each and that it may be a much cheaper way to get gardens started as opposed to purchasing soil to fill raised beds &c. Orval, could you share a bit more of your bale gardening experience?
Last reply by Orval, -
- 6 followers
- 50 replies
- 2.5k views
Hello members and admins, Would anyone be in support of there being a gardening section in the General Forums section? Perhaps between "Kitchen" and "Book & Movie Reviews." There could be sub sections for flowers, fruits & veggies and other things. The reason that I ask is that, among other things, I would like to learn how to garden proficiently and then start a fruit & vegetable garden at church and even set something up to teach others how to grow their own food as cheaply and efficiently as possible. Give a man a tomato and he eats for a day. Teach a man how to grow tomatoes and he eats for a lifetime. I am certain that there are members…
Last reply by Jim_Alaska,
-
Recently Browsing 0 members
No registered users viewing this page.
-
Recent Topics
-
-
Recent Posts
-
By John Young · Posted
Gene Kim Teaches hyper-dispensational salvation and is into Jewish fables. Has some good stuff but tends to do click-bait teaching. He boarders on the heretical. I don't recommend him as a bible teacher. Someone like Brother James Knox or Bro. Douglas Stauffer would be much better for general teaching and online preaching. James Knox Website: https://jameswknox.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZPl1MeGSxe2ocXZPgbsfw Douglas Stauffer Website: https://www.bibledoug.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/docdoug4/videos -
I like him. He has one video about the line of bible believers since the time of the so-called "Ante-Nicene Fathers". It's about 2 1/2 hrs long. Good stuff. Some might dismiss him because he's a "Ruckmanite" but he's really mild compared to Dr. Ruckman. -
He apparently had some knowledge of the Christianity of those days though probably one based off of heretical views. He claimed to receive his vision from the angel Gabriel. His first wife was possibly a Roman Catholic who spent time in a convent. Wikipedia used to attest to this but has since scrubbed it out and locked down her entry. Alberto Rivera claimed she was though many doubt a lot about what he claimed. She had two cousin's who were Nestorian priests one of them being a convert of Muhammad and some have suggested he may have ghost written the Quran since Muhammad was illiterate. Muhammad did have one wife who was definitely a Coptic Christian. I find it interesting also that Yasser Arafat's widow is Roman Catholic.
-
By NotAshamed · Posted
Has anyone else here listened to Gene Kim on YouTube? What’s the general consensus? -
By Bouncing Bill · Posted
I made a general statement. I did not specify a party or person. So, I am not sure where in the you are coming from in you rant. Try to understand. If you live in a democracy and you do not keep up with the changing populace you are on your way to a footnote in history. You and I may or may not like how the country is changing, but it is changing and we'd best learn how to live in this new world. It is like my life. As I experience a health change I have a choice, rant and rage because I have changed or look at the new ballpark I am now in and adapt to the new set of rules so I can continue to have a good life. I will not get into specifics on politics. Nothing is accomplished. I do look at the big picture and make conclusions on what I see ahead. Blessings to you and yours.
-
