Sustainable / Replenishable / Renewable Food & Water Sources

Consider this: Living things, like humans, consume food and water to survive. When we can no longer buy what we need to survive, will we revert to savagery, die or peacefully and lawfully raise and gather our own? In a serious national or global food shortage, where will you get your food when your supplies have been depleted? It is not enough to hoard food and water. Applying methods to self-replenish these resources is necessary for anyone serious about emergency planning.

HOMESTEADING:

The Biggest Obstacles That Discourage Homesteading Can Be Overcome: We've spent generations moving away from our family farms and wide open spaces into cities with better job opportunities and more activities to occupy our time. But many have found that, at some point, we passed a feeling of more security and entered into some sort of stress-breeding hamster wheel we can't exit. If you've dreamed of homesteading, that analogy hits home for you. If you've had enough of the race to nowhere, know that there are ways to make a living working exclusively within the parameters of a homestead, but with modern technology. Even if you haven't figured out how canned jams and jellies or organic sausages convert to sustainable wages, you can still make a living from your own private paradise. So what's holding you back? Read more . . . Most Asked Homesteading Questions: There is a movement going on to learn how to live more self-sufficiently and without all the trappings of a "normal" American lifestyle. This movement has inspired many questions, some of which are addressed here. How to Start Homesteading: The idea of starting your very first homestead is crazy exciting. Start small with Urban Homesteading while planning to go full-bore. The links, above, provide lists of things to consider and work through to know how to start a homestead in a way that works best for you! Here are some homesteading websites to help with the journey. Download the Free E-Book - Starting a Homestead from Scratch

WATER:

Rain Water Collection:
Harvesting rainwater is the process of catching rainwater in tanks for use in the home and landscaping. It is a process that has been around for thousands of years and, as our distant ancestors knew, it's one that has many benefits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2qoLtvTYN0 - Printable Instructions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFM-J5OGR7c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3vpSzT4aI8 (RainBrothers.com Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkGIM0RUVWQ (RainBrothers.com Part 2)
Other YouTube DIY "How To Build a Rain-Collection Barrel" Videos

Well / Spring:
Hand-Made Water Well and Hand Pump
Finding a Natural Spring

Stream, Lake, Pond:

Transpiration Bag, Solar Still & Fog/Dew Catching: How To Gather Water From the Air, Ground and Water-retaining plants

FOOD:

Start Your Garden: Gardening may seem like a chore to many people, but for those who love to get our hands in the dirt, it can be a rewarding, zen-like experience. But the actual growing part is easy. The steps taken when planning a garden are key to a successful season. Because the secret to a bountiful garden starts long before blooms or fruit produce. Here's how to get your victory garden started.

Gardening - Vegetables & Fruits (25 best plants [seeds]):
Seeds may become more valuable than GOLD in an economic collapse. Building and maintaing a storehouse of seeds (Seed Vault ) will feed your family and friends this year and into the future. These seeds were chosen based on their yield quantities, *ease in growing, nutritional content and for the season they are planted in. 3 of the top seeds gathered in the International Doomsday Seed Vault on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen are corn, rice and wheat. Click here for a list of the top 25 staple crops worldwide.

1. Asparagus – Although this plant variety takes a few years to get started, it will come back each year thus keeping you continuously supplied with a harvest.

2. Barley – Can be planted in the spring and winter and has the best results when planted early in the season. This grain has loads of health benefits and a variety of purposes. Such as feeding livestock, grinding the grains for flour, as well as making beer. Barley is high in dietary fiber and magnesium.

3. Beans* – Beans should be planted in the early summer. One of the easiest vegetables to grow. Beans have different varieties such as pole beans and bush beans, kidney beans, etc. Pole beans begin and end earlier than bush beans. In comparison, pole beans give a high yield production. A stake is needed for the pole beans. Staggering your plantings will give continuous yields. Beans are very high in fiber, calcium, Vitamins A, C and K.

4. Broccoli* – Plant seeds in mid to late summer to be ready for the fall harvest. One of the easiest vegetables to grow. This plant has a tendency to give yields past it’s first harvest. And can take light frost with no problem. Broccoli is a good source of protein, Vitamins A and K.

5. Carrots* – Carrots prefer cooler weather and should be grown in the fall, winter and early spring. One of the easiest vegetables to grow. High in beta carotene and vitamin A.

6. Cauliflower – This vegetable is a cool season vegetable. It harvests over a short period of time and cuts out a high head yield. High in dietary fiber, Vitamin C and K.

7. Corn – This is a warm weather crop and should be planted after last frost. Has a good amount of proteins, calcium and iron. The plant will produce two ears per stalk.

8. Cucumber* – This is a warm weather crop. This is one of the easiest vegetables to grow. There are large varieties and smaller varieties for pickling. Continuous picking increases the plants production. Cucumbers are good sources of Vitamins A, C, K and potassium.

9. Eggplant – Eggplants are warm weather plants and should be planted after last frost. This night shade vegetable is high in fiber, antioxidants, and a good source of vitamins B1 and B6. This is a very versatile vegetable to cook with.

10. Kale - This green is considered a superfood due to its high vitamin content and very easy to grow.

11. Lettuce* – Plant two weeks before last frost as well as in the fall 6-8 weeks before the first frost date. One of the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the earliest crops to harvest. There are many different varieties that offer different nutritional content. This plant grows quickly and harvest can be extended by taking a few leaves at a time. Lettuce is packed with essential vitamins and proteins, iron and calcium. Vitamins such as A, B6, C, and K.

12. Melon – Plant 4 weeks after the last frost as these fruits are intolerant to cold weather. Cantaloupes and Melon varieties need lots of space to grow. Getting the dwarf size of these fruits can save space. One melon plant will produce two melons. Good source of fiber, B6 and folate.

13. Okra – Plant 2 weeks after last frost. This vegetable has a variety of uses such as in soups, pickled or canned. High in vitamin A, K and folate, and calcium.

14. Onion/Garlic* – One of the easiest vegetables to grow. Plant onion in mid to late October. Onions can be pulled earlier and used for green onions. A good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, folate and potassium.

15. Peanuts – This is a hot season plant and should be planted in April until Early June. Peanuts are a good source for healthy fats, Vitamin E, protein and antioxidants.

16. Peas* – This is a winter loving plant who is resistant to frost. One of the easiest vegetables to grow. There are many varieties of the pea plant, such as shelling, snap, snow and sugar pod. Most varieties are fast growing. This is a good source of protein, fiber and has a good source of 8 different vitamins including vitamin A, B6, and K.

17. Peppers* – Grow after the last frost. There are many varieties of peppers as well as choices on if you want them to be hot or mild. Sweet peppers are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. The more peppers are harvested, the more the plant will produce. Peppers are high in Vitamin A and C.

18. Potatoes – Plant 4-6 weeks before last frost. 1 plant yields 5-6 young potatoes. Potatoes are high in fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Vitamin C.

19. Pumpkin – Start pumpkin seeds in the late spring. Pumpkins require lots of room for the vines to grow. Pumpkins are packed with vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, iron, Vitamin A, C and E.

20. Radish* – Can be started 4-6 weeks before last frost. Many have had success growing radishes in the fall as well. One of the easiest vegetables to grow. They are very tolerant of weather conditions. Radishes are high in Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, Vitamin C and iron.

21. Spinach – Spinach grows best in cool weather. However, there are some varieties that like warm weather. Many call this a super food based upon it’s large array of vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, iron, thiamine, thiamine and folic acid.

22. Squash* - There are both summer squash and winter squash varieties. One of the easiest vegetables to grow and most are prolific producers. Picking squash regularly encourages a higher yield. A Good source of Vitamin A, B6, C, K, and dietary fiber.

23. Tomato* – Plant tomatoes in the late spring and again in the late summer. One of the easiest vegetables to grow. Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin A, C, K, E, Potassium, thiamine and Niacin.

24. Turnips/Rutabagas – Seeds should be sown in late May or early summer. Turnips are fairly disease free and easily cared for. The greens as well as the root can be eaten. Turnips are high in B6, Vitamin C, Iron and Calcium.

25. Wheat – Winter wheat can be planted from late September to mid October. This is the preferred variety due to the nutritional content as well as the protection it gives the soil in the wintertime compared to spring wheat. Spring wheat is planted in early spring. This is one of the most commonly used food crops in the world. Wheat is high in copper, zinc, iron and potassium. Planting a 10×10 plot will yield between 10-25 loaves of bread. Moreover, wheat can be sprouted for added nutrients or trimmed for wheat grass in fresh juice.

Perennial Vegetables and Fruits to Grow Once and Harvest Year after Year

* Easy-to-grow

Edible Landscaping    [Blog Link]

Edible landscaping refers to mixing food plants in with your ornamental ones, to create a setting that is not only visually appealing, but productive as well. This post will provide suggestions for How to Design It and What Plants to Choose. Edible landscapes are nothing new, with the Ancient Egyptians being one of the first to create gardens featuring flowers, grape vines, and fruit trees, mixed with seating areas where one could enjoy the scenery. In the 10th century, the rose gardens that were sprinkled with fragrant herbs became a signature creation of Benedictine monks. Examples include: Using different types of loose-leaf lettuce as border plants Creating a hedge from blueberries or currants, rather than unproductive shrubs Replacing non-edible trees with fruit trees Using tomato plants or grape vines, instead of conventional climbing vines to cascade over a trellis Having pots and baskets of colorful, fragrant herbs, rather than non-edible flowers Incorporating striking vegetables, such as Swiss chard and pak choi, into flower beds Using strawberries, thyme and mint as ground cover Resources: Design Suggestions and What Plants to Choose YouTube Videos Edible Landscaping by Rosalind Creasy


Herb Garden

Outdoor Herb Garden | A Beginner’s Guide To Survival Gardening: Herbs are not only a tasty addition to meals, they are packed with essential medicinal properties proven beneficial for many ailments such as stomach upset and skin conditions such as psoriasis, muscle aches, joint inflammation, and MUCH MORE! As a food ingredient, the abundant vitamins and minerals contained in the plants will help boost immunity and overall health needed for survival. Top 5 Herbs for Your Survival Garden:    Basil    Cilantro    Lemon Balm    Oregano    Parsley Culinary Herbs To Grow for Flavor and Health Check Out the AeroGarden for growing herbs and vegetables indoors.


Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

Growing fruit-bearing trees is a good option for gardens. Apart from yielding delicious fruits for food, they also provide the garden with shade and some amount of protection from direct sunlight heat. The type of fruit tree to be grown in the garden depends on the climate, kind of soil, amount of care required and the personal preferences of the grower. NOTE: Many fruit trees require another, Cross Pollination, tree in order to bear fruit. For example, a HoneyCrisp Apple tree needs a Gala, Fuji or other apple tree planted nearby for the HoneyCrisp to bear fruit. How to Plant Fruit Trees – the Ultimate Guide How to Plant Fruit Trees – Miracle-Gro How And When To Prune Fruit Trees Apples     Pears     Peaches     Plums     Apricots


Indoor (Year-Round) Gardening: [Blog Link]

Just because warm weather takes a vacation doesn’t mean you have to stop gardening. Garden indoors. Videos


Growing Mini Vegetables and Fruits:

Most things are cuter when they're small. Miniature fruits and vegetables are no exception. Perfect for small gardens and children's lunchboxes, these tiny versions of everyday fruit and vegs are bound to be a hit in the household. Not only are they perfect for garnishing a cocktail, or adding interest to a Sunday roast, it's also cheaper to grow your own. Read Also: Nine Adorable Miniature Fruits and Vegetables to Grow and Tips For Growing Baby Vegetables In The Garden and Dwarf Fruit Trees to Grow Indoors or Outdoors


Space-Saving Garden Options:

Metro-Grower Easy DIY Aquaponics AeroGarden


Vertical Farming and Microgreens:

Vertical Farming is the practice of producing food in vertically stacked layers, such as in a skyscraper, used warehouse, or shipping container. The modern ideas of vertical farming use indoor farming techniques and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology, where all environmental factors can be controlled. MicroGreens are a tiny form of young edible greens produced from vegetable, herb or other plants. They range in size from one to one and a half inches long, including the stem and leaves. A microgreen has a single central stem.


Livestock (Best to Raise): Nature's farming system creates a diverse, stable community of plants and animals that efficiently captures the sun's energy, cycles nutrients and conserves water. Across the planet, she has created climax ecosystems that are exquisitely suited to the climate and soils of the location where they are found. Every niche is filled; every resource is used and recycled over and over again. Along with growing an abundant garden, round out your personal ecosystem by raising some kind of livestock that suits your environment.
Starting a Small Livestock Homestead/Farm:    [Video 1]    [Video 2]    [Video 3]
Reasons Why All Farmers Should Raise Livestock
Takin' Care of Livestock
Why Do Humans Keep Animals?
Guard Animals

Rabbits: The decision to raise rabbits, for me, came down to a few factors. I wanted an animal that would supplement the usual meats in my diet: chicken, beef, and pork. I also wanted an animal that would be easy to take care of, easy to clean, wouldn't cost too much, and one where I would not have a big allergic reaction. I found out later that rabbit meat is very high in protein and very low in fat.
Raising Rabbits for Food

If you raise or hunt rabbits for food, you need to know how to kill and butcher one. The following tutorial will teach how to butcher a rabbit Step-By-Step. Warning: Instructions contain graphic images that may be disturbing to some people, especially to younger readers.
How to Dispatch and Butcher a Rabbit    [Blog Link]

Chickens: General Information on My Chickens Page

Ducks: Domesticated duck breeds are, generally, as easy to care for as chickens. They are too large to fly very high or very far and will not fly away come winter. Like chickens, they are a natural food source (meat and eggs), pest control, companionship, entertainment, fertilizer for a garden, source of income and bartering resource. Their eggs are larger than chicken eggs and have a thicker shell which may extend their shelf life. The egg contents are thicker and richer than chicken eggs that. Some say they taste better.

Ducks are excellent foragers and will work harder to get bugs than their lazy chicken counterparts. Also, with their flat bills and webbed feet, they are much gentler on the yard and garden than chickens which can do more damage than the bugs they eat. Ducks are not quite so sensitive to the cold. They lay eggs year round and don't require as much effort to keep warm as chickens to entice laying their eggs.

Chickens are also more susceptible to disease. Many flock owners expect to lose a chicken or two during the winter because of some disease or an intolerance to the cold. Ducks love the cold water so a little cold weather is not a big deal to them. They can still go out in the cold and snow and thrive. They co-exist with chickens very well are are just as, it not more, useful, friendly and entertaining as chickens.

The Ultimate Guide to Raising Ducks   -   Why Raise Ducks instead of Chickens?
HOW TO BUILD A LONG-LASTING, PREDATOR-PROOF DUCK COOP AND DUCK RUN

More About Eggs

Goats for Milk, Meat or Fleece
Milk goats are different from meat goats or fleece goats. When considering the purpose of the goat(s), it will be necessary to select the correct breed (15+ breeds) to match the purpose.

Sheep:
• Wool clothing and other materials
• Meat
• Milk, cheese and yogurt
• Breeding to sell
• Natural Lawn Mowers
• Pets
  [Beginner's Guide to Raising Sheep]    [Complete Guide to Raising Sheep]
  East Friesian Sheep:    [General Information]    [For Milk]    [For Wool]    [For Sale]

Bees:    [Blog Link]

The hobby of beekeeping, also called apiculture, got started on a wide scale in the United States during World War II when sugar was tightly rationed. For many, during this time, what started out as a hobby burgeoned into a cottage industry. It was a very practical pursuit too because the whole family could pitch in, even the smaller children. Today, beekeeping has become one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. Further, some professional beekeepers started out as a small-time hobbyist but then grew into a full-time business because, not only can the honey be sold, but the wax as well and the bees as they multiply -- and bees are very good at multiplying! These are also good for Bartering. And bees can be raised in urban settings (on rooftops) as well as the country. Read the book, Beekeeping for Beginners. Get Honey Bee Hive Supplies on Amazon.com Read about Honey as One of the Best foods to have in the Emergency Food Pantry for Health and Sweetening.

Intangible benefits of keeping livestock
• Companionship; animals could serve as pets or companions to humans.
• Income generation; we have people who raise animals to sell when matured.
• Some can be used as draught animals in carrying out farm operations such as plowing and harrowing while they can be used for house .chores. Animals in this category are Cattle, Oxen, Horse, Donkey, and dog.
• Some animals can be used as beasts of burden to help in carrying heavy loads.
• Some animals are natural weeders around the home.

FENCING:

Regardless of what you raise, protecting it from above, below and ground level is necessary. Do lots of research how to apply the best fencing techniques to protect your garden or livestock. Generally, an 8-feet tall fence will keep out deer from jumping over, netting over the fence top will keep out most birds, small-grid fence material will keep out most ground animals and cinder blocks around the perimeter, and below fence level, will deter burrowing animals.
[Garden Fencing]    [Livestock Fencing]

COMPOSTING:

Composting is the end of the cycle for Sustainablity. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 28 percent of what we throw away. Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow.