Your set of skills and your bank of knowledge are two things that will always come in handy. Here, you’ll find tips and instruction for everything from first aid knowledge to knitting, gardening, and homesteading skills.
Imagine building your own treasure chest of seeds for your garden. It’s like creating a special collection of seeds that are perfect for your garden, just the way you like it. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create your customized seed bank, showing you why it’s a fantastic choice compared to the store-bought option.
I have lived in many countries over the years, and have always had a vegetable garden. But gardening in a drought can be difficult and sometimes near impossible, but it can be done. Here’s what I learned in Kenya and Botswana.
Snake bites are undeniably alarming, but with the right knowledge and composure, you can increase your chances of survival. Remember that even in the remotest of locations, you are your best advocate for survival. Learn about the critical first aid measures that can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Learning to ride a motorcycle is not just about enjoying the freedom of the open road or seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures. It goes beyond that, transforming into a valuable tool for enhancing your survival preparedness. It could be the unexpected skill you didn’t know you needed to learn.
There’s no shortage of prepper and survival books and websites, but when a survivor of a disaster talks and tells his or her personal story, it’s another thing altogether. By embracing the lessons embedded within these stories, we can navigate life’s uncertainties with greater wisdom, strength, and determination.
How would you rate yourself when responding to crises? Did you know you can train your brain to improve your reactions? Here are 10 ideas to begin using on a daily basis.
Learning what wild edibles are in your local area is an excellent way to connect with nature, learn about traditional food sources, and gain a greater appreciation for the environment around you. It’s important to research and identify the plants, fungi, and other organisms that grow in your area, and to learn how to distinguish edible species from poisonous ones. There are many resources available, such as field guides, online forums, and local experts, that can help you get started.
There are several reasons why someone might choose not to keep bees. These can include allergies to bee stings or bee-related products, limitations in available space or time for beekeeping, and concerns related to local regulations, health risks, fear of stings, personal preferences, financial constraints, environmental impact, or ethical considerations. Ultimately, the decision to not keep bees may be based on a combination of practical, personal, and ethical factors that vary from individual to individual.
Chicory is a natural addition to a prepper’s holistic survival plan. The root of the chicory plant can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute, providing a caffeine-free alternative that can be stored for long periods of time. Chicory leaves are also edible and can be added to salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Additionally, chicory has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, liver problems, and inflammation. With its versatility and health benefits, chicory is a smart choice for preppers looking to stock up on essential supplies.
In long-term scenarios with no higher medical care, the prevention of infection becomes a crucial step in the healing process. By using herbs to encourage healthy wound healing and support the immune system, you have a backup plan in case medical supplies run short.
Volunteering can be a valuable addition to your prepping plan. It helps you develop crucial skills, build a network of like-minded individuals, and improve your overall preparedness for emergencies. You’ll also learn how to work effectively under pressure, develop your problem-solving skills, and gain experience in a variety of situations that can prepare you for unexpected events.
Last year we decided to develop a close, personal relationship with bees by adding beehives to our busy backyard. Already we have an owl habitat and both herbs and vegetables growing alongside pines, oaks, and crepe myrtle trees. It’s an odd assortment, to be sure, but we figured that bees would fit right in. Here’s what we did.
While you may not ever plan on doing winter camping, it’s still worth thinking about so you can be prepared if you had to.
Our beliefs play a significant role in shaping our attitudes and actions toward self-reliance. By acknowledging the ways in which they can hinder our ability to be self-sufficient, we can work towards breaking free from limiting thoughts and embracing a mindset that supports our goals. By examining our beliefs and making intentional changes, we can cultivate the self-reliance that will serve us well in all aspects of life.
Tapping maple trees, collecting the sap, and making maple syrup is not only a fulfilling experience but also increases self-reliance. No worries about supply chain issues disrupting your pancake breakfast! Plus, making maple syrup is not something that everyone can do; it’s unique and therefore potentially of great value for a side business.
Making bread from homemade yeast is a bit of science and a bit of art. The more loaves you make and the more recipes you try, the better the results will be. Be sure to have some butter (never margarine!!) on hand and maybe even a jar of honey. Once you get the hang of it, though, you’ll never have to worry when the world runs out of yeast for no good reason. These tips will help you successfully make a delicious loaf of bread from DIY yeast!
Off-grid living is an attractive option for those who wish to live sustainably, be self-sufficient, and reduce their dependence on traditional systems. From sourcing and storing water, to generating and storing power, to maintaining proper hygiene and handling illness, there are many things to consider when living off-grid. However, with the right skills, knowledge, and mindset, it is possible to successfully implement an off-grid lifestyle and live with more self-reliance.
Guerrilla prepping is all about learning survival skills and becoming fully prepped, all while staying under the radar. Unless you like the idea of being an obvious prepper and possible target, start thinking about how you might incorporate this concept into your own life and prepping. To help you get started, everything on this list doubles as a “fad” AND an important survival skill, but not one eyebrow will be raised when you sign up for a class, buy necessary supplies, or start checking out related books at the library.
Since this article was first written in 2019, we’ve had a pandemic, more hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and most recently, the winter storm that locked most of the U.S. in killing-cold temperatures and conditions. Still, this question remains: Why do people ignore common sense in a crisis, especially when they are forewarned of its severity?
We preppers love acronyms and catchphrases, don’t we? Store what you eat, eat what you store is a popular one. TEOTWAWKI stands for The End Of The World As We Know It, of course. I’m not sure why this stuff is so popular other than it might make you feel like you’re part of the club when you learn the meaning behind those letters and sayings. One very popular catchphrase is, “Two is one, one is none.”
Garden? Check. Water source? Check. Alternate power source? Check. You’re on your way to self sufficiency, the Holy Grail of preppers. But what if there’s more to being self-sufficient than you thought?
There are actually many ‘cold crops’ that prefer spring and fall temperatures. A little research may surprise you and help you see that you can do so much more with your garden than you ever thought, even when it’s chilly outside. This article helps you get started!
Weather wisdom from the pioneer days, and earlier, can be surprisingly accurate. Take a look at what I’ve learned from my own observations.
Dutch oven cooking is a versatile off-grid cooking option anyone can learn. It can function with several different fuel sources and can cook a wide variety of foods. Here’s what you need to know to be successful. Plus, recipes!
Saving vegetable and flower seeds is an easy way to be self-reliant and grow exactly the plants you want to grow the next year. Read on to learn 27 important things you should know about saving seeds and improving your family’s food security.
The essence of suburban homesteading is not how big the garden is or how many solar panels are on the roof. Instead, it is the practice of self-sufficiency and independence. It’s a lifestyle of making do, using, up, and wearing out while conserving resources. All while living in suburbia.
Parasites are organisms that rely on other organisms for survival. They may live inside the human body or on the surface of the skin and cause illnesses and other health problems. Find out how to identify and treat common parasites, including lice and pinworms, here.
Once you know how to store charcoal and stock up when the prices are low, you’ll be ready for outdoor cooking and a long-term power outage. Plus, of the potential fuels for emergency cooking using grills, storing charcoal long-term is the easiest and safest for a prepper.
You don’t have to wait forever for your garden produce. You just have to grow food fast! Try these 13 vegetables that mature quickly.
A pond’s ability to sustain wildlife extends to sustaining us as well if you learn how to use ponds as emergency water sources. Let’s look at how your beautiful little pond can help sustain your family in a disaster.
Do you plan to use an RV for bugging out? Learn the reality of RV life, pros and cons, to be better prepared for life on the road if SHTF.
Wild violets aren’t just a nuisance that takes over your lawn. They have numerous restorative properties. Our simple guide shows you how you can use this common edible weed for both food and medicine.
Are you thinking about learning herbalism as a readiness skill to better help yourself and your loved ones during an emergency? Let me be the first to tell you that getting a solid herbal education can be tough, but it’s also rewarding. Anyone can learn herbalism, but it’s helpful to know which approach is right for you.
30 percent of women globally have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. Safety for women should be everyone’s job but you can’t count on that. If you’re a woman, you could be a target someday, but you don’t have to be a victim. Learn some of the same skills used and taught at the CIA to improve your street smarts and avoid violence.
Spinning your own yarn is a time-honored skill and also one that is enjoyable and practical. Here’s how to get started.
Vacuum sealers are terrific for food preservation and other prepping. If you’re looking to get one for the first time, upgrading, or even replacing one because you’ve worked it so hard it stopped working, then you need our tips for selecting vacuum sealers.
Hold on to your hat! Spring and its warmer cousin, summer, are just around the corner. Yes, even if you’re looking out the window at piles of crystalline, white snow — believe! One day soon, the days will lengthen and your summer garden will become just as real as those freezing temperatures! Here are seven things you can do right now to get ready for your most fabulous summer garden yet!
Ever wondered if it’s possible to can orange juice? Or lemon juice? It is possible! And it’s easy! Just follow these simple steps for how to can citrus juice!
In a crisis, how will you communicate with your loved ones if cellphones and the internet don’t work? How would you get in touch with each other? A ham radio might be the answer. Here’s what you need to know.
