Homesteading

Intro to Simple Hydroponic Gardening

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The Kratky method is a passive hydroponic technique for growing plants suspended above a reservoir of nutrient-rich water. It is a simple and low-maintenance method that can be used to grow a variety of plants, including leafy greens, herbs, and tomatoes.

The Kratky method works by allowing the roots of the plants to absorb water and nutrients from the reservoir. The roots are able to get oxygen from the air above the water. As the plants grow, the water level in the reservoir will drop, which will expose more of the roots to the air.

The Kratky method is a very simple and easy way to grow plants hydroponically. It does not require any pumps or other equipment, which makes it a very low-maintenance method. The Kratky method is also a very efficient way to grow plants, as the plants are able to use all of the nutrients in the water.

To get started with the Kratky method, you will need the following supplies:

  • A container for the reservoir
  • A net pot
  • Growing medium
  • Nutrient solution
  • Seedlings or cuttings of plants

The container for the reservoir can be anything that will hold water, such as a bucket, a jar, or a plastic container. The net pot should be made of a material that will allow the roots to breathe, such as plastic or ceramic. The growing medium can be anything that will hold the roots of the plants in place, such as hydroton, rockwool, or perlite. The nutrient solution can be purchased from a hydroponics store or made at home.

Once you have gathered your supplies, you can begin setting up your Kratky system. Fill the container with nutrient solution, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top. Place the net pot in the container and fill it with growing medium. Plant the seedlings or cuttings in the growing medium.

Place the Kratky system in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. The plants will need to be watered regularly, but you do not need to add any more nutrient solution. As the plants grow, the water level in the reservoir will drop. When the water level reaches the bottom of the net pot, it is time to harvest the plants.

The Kratky method is a simple and easy way to grow plants hydroponically. It is a low-maintenance method that is very efficient. The Kratky method is a great way to grow plants indoors or outdoors.

Here are some additional tips for using the Kratky method:

  • Use a nutrient solution that is designed for hydroponics.
  • Start with a small amount of nutrient solution and add more as needed.
  • Monitor the water level in the reservoir and add more water as needed.
  • Harvest the plants when they are ready.

The Kratky method is a great way to grow plants hydroponically. It is a simple, low-maintenance, and efficient method that can be used to grow a variety of plants.

I have been using Masterblend for the past couple of years and it works great for me.

Edible Plants for the Yard

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Edible Plants for Home Decoration

Edible plants can be a great way to add both beauty and function to your home. They can be used to create borders, fill in empty spaces, or even be used as a focal point. And, of course, they can also provide you with fresh, homegrown food.

When choosing edible plants for your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to consider the climate in your area. Some edible plants are only suited for certain climates, so it’s important to choose plants that will thrive in yours.

Second, you need to think about the amount of sunlight your home gets. Some edible plants need full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade.

Third, you need to consider the size of the plants. Some edible plants can grow quite large, so it’s important to choose plants that will fit in the space you have available.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start choosing edible plants for your home. Here are a few ideas:

  • Herbs: Herbs are a great choice for edible plants because they are relatively small and easy to care for. They can be used to add flavor to food, and they can also be used to make tea or infused oils. Some popular herbs for home decoration include:
    • Basil
    • Chives
    • Mint
    • Oregano
    • Rosemary
    • Thyme
    • Sage
    • Parsley
    • Dill
    • Cilantro
  • Fruit trees: Fruit trees can add a touch of elegance to your home, and they can also provide you with fresh fruit throughout the year. Some popular fruit trees for home decoration include:
    • Apple trees
    • Cherry trees
    • Peach trees
    • Pear trees
    • Plum trees
    • Apricot trees
    • Nectarine trees
    • Grapefruit trees
    • Lemon trees
    • Lime trees
  • Berry bushes: Berry bushes are another great option for edible plants for home decoration. They are relatively low-maintenance, and they can provide you with a bountiful harvest of berries in the summer. Some popular berry bushes for home decoration include:
    • Blackberries
    • Blueberries
    • Raspberries
    • Strawberries
    • Loganberries
    • Boysenberries
    • Currants
    • Gooseberries
  • Vegetables: Vegetables can also be used to decorate your home. Some popular vegetables for home decoration include:
    • Tomatoes
    • Cucumbers
    • Peppers
    • Squash
    • Melons
    • Beans
    • Peas
    • Lettuce
    • Spinach
    • Chard

No matter what type of edible plants you choose, be sure to follow the proper care instructions to ensure that they thrive. Most edible plants need regular watering, fertilizing, and weeding. They may also need to be pruned or trained to grow in the desired shape.

With a little care and attention, edible plants can add beauty, function, and flavor to your home. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your edible landscape today!

Here are some additional tips for caring for edible plants in your home:

  • Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Fertilize your plants according to the directions on the fertilizer label.
  • Weed your plants regularly to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
  • Protect your plants from pests and diseases.
  • Harvest your plants when they are ripe.

By following these tips, you can help your edible plants thrive and provide you with fresh, homegrown food for years to come.

Here are some specific edible plants that are well-suited for home decoration:

Herbs:

  • Basil can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, and salads. It can also be used to make pesto, a delicious sauce made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
  • Chives are a versatile herb that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes, including eggs, potatoes, and vegetables. They can also be used to make chive butter, a delicious spread made with chives, butter, and salt.
  • Mint is a refreshing herb that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes, including iced tea, lemonade, and fruit salads. It can also be used to make mint jelly, a delicious spread made with mint, sugar, and water.
  • Oregano is a flavorful herb that can be used to add flavor to a lot of different recipies.

Building a Chicken Coop

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Have you considered raising chickens? I have and here are some plans for building a small backyard chicken coop…

Materials:

  • 2x4s (10)
  • Plywood (1 sheet)
  • Chicken wire (1 roll)
  • Roofing material (1 roll)
  • Screws (1 box)
  • Nails (1 box)
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Wood glue
  • Sandpaper
  • Stain or paint

Approximate costs:

  • Materials: $200-300
  • Tools: $50-100
  • Total: $250-400

Instructions:

  1. Choose a location for your chicken coop. It should be in a sunny spot, away from trees and shrubs. The coop should also be located in a quiet area so that your chickens can get a good night’s sleep.
  2. Build the frame of the coop using 2x4s. The frame should be 6 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 4 feet tall. The frame should be square, with all four corners at 90 degrees.
  3. Attach the plywood to the frame. The plywood should be attached to the frame using screws or nails. The plywood should be attached flush with the edges of the frame.
  4. Cover the coop with chicken wire. The chicken wire should be attached to the plywood using screws or nails. The chicken wire should be attached so that there are no gaps larger than 1/2 inch.
  5. Add a roof. The roof should be made of roofing material, such as shingles or metal. The roof should slope down so that water can drain away from the coop. The roof should be attached to the frame using screws or nails.
  6. Install a door. The door should be large enough for you to easily access the coop. The door should be made of plywood and should be attached to the frame using screws or nails. The door should be hinged on one side and should have a latch on the other side.
  7. Add a nesting box and a roost. The nesting box should be made of plywood and should be large enough for each chicken to have its own space. The nesting box should be placed in a dark, quiet corner of the coop. The roost should be made of a sturdy material, such as a 2×4, and should be placed at least 2 feet off the ground. The roost should be placed in a corner of the coop so that the chickens can perch on it at night.
  8. Fill the coop with bedding. The bedding should be made of a material that will absorb moisture, such as straw or wood shavings. The bedding should be at least 2 inches thick.
  9. Add your chickens! Once the coop is complete, you can add your chickens. Be sure to introduce them to the coop slowly and give them time to adjust to their new surroundings.

Here are some additional tips for building a chicken coop:

  • Make sure the coop is big enough for your chickens. A good rule of thumb is 4 square feet per chicken.
  • The coop should be well-ventilated, but not drafty. You can provide ventilation by installing vents in the walls or roof of the coop.
  • The coop should be secure so that predators cannot get in. You can secure the coop by installing chicken wire around the perimeter and by adding a lock to the door.
  • The coop should be located in a quiet area so that your chickens can get a good night’s sleep.
  • The coop should be raised off the ground to help prevent predators from digging under it.
  • The coop should have a run attached to it so that the chickens can have access to fresh air and sunshine.

With a little planning and effort, you can build a chicken coop that will provide a safe and comfortable home for your chickens.

Long Term Food Storage

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Long-term food storage is a useful technique for preserving food for extended periods of time. There are many different methods of long-term food storage, including canning, freezing, and dehydrating. Here are a few key considerations for long-term food storage:

Choose the right method: There are several different methods of long-term food storage, and the best method for you will depend on the type of food you’re storing and the conditions in which it will be stored. For example, freezing is a good option for most types of food, while canning is best for high-acid foods such as fruits and tomatoes.

Use appropriate containers: It’s important to use the right containers for long-term food storage to ensure that the food stays fresh and safe to eat. For example, canned foods should be stored in metal cans or glass jars with airtight lids, while frozen foods should be stored in airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.

Label and date your food: Proper labeling and dating is important for keeping track of when food was stored and how long it has been stored. This can help you use up food before it goes bad and reduce waste.

Store food in a cool, dry place: Long-term food storage works best when the food is stored in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and other contaminants that can spoil the food.

Rotate your food: It’s important to rotate your stored food regularly to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat. This means using up the oldest food first and replacing it with fresh supplies.

Overall, long-term food storage can be a useful technique for preserving food for extended periods of time. By choosing the right method, using appropriate containers, labeling and dating your food, and storing it in a cool, dry place, you can help ensure that your stored food stays fresh and safe to eat.

It is always a good idea to have some stored food on hand in the event of natural disasters, Three days worth of food and water is suggested. Long term food storage is also a good method of hedging inflation, storing food when it is affordable and using it up when foods are expensive, think about it as a food savings account.

I’m adding a Link to some Amazon long term food storage ideas.

I have several long term food storage solutions in place, I use Mylar bags to store dry foods (Rice, Beans, Sugar and such) along with oxygen absorbers and this ensures that we are good for three days in the event of an issue. Food safe 5 gallon buckets are also available at Loews and I use them to store foods that we use cycle through on a regular basis.