Homesteading Simple Self Sufficient Off-The-Grid | Homesteading.com

At a Glance: Early Summer Preserving & Jam Recipes Start with high-acid summer fruits for a safe beginner canning experience. Never alter sugar or acid ratios; they are vital for structural safety. Let processed jars sit completely undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours to seal.

Don’t let your summer bounty go to waste.

Seasons fly by so f...

At a Glance: Drying Herbs Harvest in the morning after the dew dries completely. Air-dry your woody herbs but freeze your delicate soft herbs. Snap the stems to test for hidden moisture before putting them in jars.

Tired of spending five dollars on a tiny plastic clam-shell of basil only to watch it turn to black slime three days later? Or don’t...

At a Glance: Building Off-Grid Water Systems

Start with garden water before trying to filter your own drinking water. Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon; always place tanks on a perfectly flat, hard base. Elevate your storage tanks to use gravity instead of buying expensive electrical pumps.

It’s stressful watching city “boil water” advis...

At a Glance: Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe The Best Natural Alternative: Plain 5% distilled white vinegar is the safest, most effective alternative to chemical softeners. The 2-Ingredient Recipe: Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar with 30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil in a glass jar. The Golden Rule:

At a Glance: How to Pickle Summer Vegetables Keep summer vegetables raw so they stay crisp. Use a simple half-water, half-vinegar liquid. Store jars in the fridge to prevent spoiling.

Is your kitchen counter overflowing with summer bounty? Want to save those vegetables before they rot but kinda nervous about food preservation? T...