The use of fertilizers dates back 8,000 years, when early farmers used manure to fertilize their crops. However, modern, commercial agriculture has now become heavily dependent on toxic synthetic fertilizers. These man-made chemicals allow farmers to temporarily increase the yield of their crops, but they also destroy beneficial soil microorganisms, cause air and water pollution and increase … Continue reading Top 6 organic fertilizers for your garden
Weed-free gardening: 4 tips for effective weed control
Weeds are a gardener’s worst nightmare. For starters, they compete with plants for nutrients and water. Weeds can also overrun a garden if left unchecked. As such, weeds can cause plants to wither or stunt their growth. Fortunately, there are many ways to get rid of weeds and prevent them from coming back without having to use toxic … Continue reading Weed-free gardening: 4 tips for effective weed control
6 Most important skills every homesteader should learn
Living on a homestead seems like sunshine and rainbows from afar. But there’s actually more to homesteading once you get up close and personal. You’ll need to know more than just how to keep the house clean, the animals fed and the vegetables watered. But don’t fret. Each homesteading skill you learn will take you one step … Continue reading 6 Most important skills every homesteader should learn
This fascinating off-grid lamp is powered by photosynthesis
Dutch designer Ermi van Oers has created an off-grid lamp that uses a living plant to produce light. The device, dubbed “Living Light,” uses microorganisms of plant origin to convert the chemical energy that a plant naturally produces during photosynthesis into an electric current. The lamp is fully self-sufficient, meaning it doesn’t have to be plugged into … Continue reading This fascinating off-grid lamp is powered by photosynthesis
Home gardening tips: How to plant, grow and harvest 3 oregano varieties
Oregano is a versatile herb with many ornamental and culinary uses. Grow different varieties of oregano in your home garden or container garden if you want access to a fragrant, flavorful herb. (h/t to TheHomesteadingHippy.com) 3 Oregano varieties for your home garden Choose among the three oregano varieties below and plant one that suits your culinary needs. … Continue reading Home gardening tips: How to plant, grow and harvest 3 oregano varieties
Homesteading hacks: 8 Non-toxic cleaners made with natural ingredients
Potentially dangerous chemicals can be found in virtually every home in the form of household cleaners. These products contain chemicals, such as ammonia and sulfuric acid, that have been linked to a wide range of serious health problems, from brain damage to cancer. Although commercial household cleaners are effective, they simply pose too huge a risk … Continue reading Homesteading hacks: 8 Non-toxic cleaners made with natural ingredients
How to harness solar energy to power an off-grid air conditioner
You don’t have to sacrifice the comforts of a grid-tied home when you go off-grid. Thanks to recent advances in technology, you can now operate an air conditioner without relying on the power grid. Harnessing solar energy is one of the best ways to power an air conditioner. Here’s what you need to set up a solar power system in your … Continue reading How to harness solar energy to power an off-grid air conditioner
Forager favorites: How to make dandelion tea, salad and jelly
To a non-prepper, dandelions are weeds that should be destroyed. However, preppers know that dandelions can be used to make tasty and nutritious beverages and dishes. (h/t to ModernSurvivalBlog.com) The entire dandelion plant is edible, from its bright flowers to its roots. You can harvest dandelions in early spring or late fall. Only harvest dandelions from areas that … Continue reading Forager favorites: How to make dandelion tea, salad and jelly
Seed starting 101: 4 Good reasons to start seeds indoors
Though it’s possible to grow a vegetable garden by buying seedlings from your local garden center, it’s better to start your garden by growing seeds indoors. For one, it’s way cheaper than buying seedlings every time you want to grow something. Plus, you can buy seeds for more varieties than you will find for sale as … Continue reading Seed starting 101: 4 Good reasons to start seeds indoors
Self-sustainability and independence: A beginner’s guide to living off the grid
Going off-grid isn’t a decision preppers make lightly, especially since there are many factors to consider before you can be more self-sufficient. If living somewhere secluded is one of your goals as a prepper, read on to learn how to prep your own off-grid homestead. (h/t to LivingEtc.com) Living off-grid is an ideal lifestyle for preppers who … Continue reading Self-sustainability and independence: A beginner’s guide to living off the grid
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 