As winter nears you may be wondering how your garden will fare as the temperatures drop. If you are like me then one of your latest crops is peppers. For most species of peppers temperatures below 50 to 55 degrees will cause them to begin to go dormant, slowing their growth. If temperatures drop below…
When selecting items to store for an emergency, it is important to consider more than one primary use for the item. In some cases an item is necessary but can only be used for one purpose. However, in most cases you can find multiple viable and even necessary uses for the items you choose to…
If you have been canning for a while then it is likely you have been told how important it is to sterilize your canning jars. Newer research seems to indicate that you may not need to always sterilize your jars. For instance the University of Utah indicates sterilization isn’t needed for water bath canning in…
When it comes to digging holes, a shovel is the first thing that comes to most people’s minds. A shovel can be found everywhere from construction sites to homesteads. A shovel is an integral part of a homestead or prepping scenario, from digging holes for fence posts to planting a new orchard of fruit trees…
1. What does vinegar do in canning? Vinegar is one of the main types of acid used during canning to lower the pH level of your liquid. This helps to control or eliminate the growth of bacteria and is required in many water bath recipes. Generally vinegar is added to reach a pH level below…
When considering alternative heating sources, one that comes to mind almost immediately for me is the Kerosene Heater. In some older homes where central heating and air are not available or there is no easy access to fuels such as propane and natural gas a kerosene heater could be one of the few viable options. …
Many beginning preppers find themselves overwhelmed by all of the information out there. They often begin prepping by simply buying up everything they can that looks tacticool and says it lasts forever on a shelf. However, oftentimes they miss some simple things in their preps. Supplies they need, supplies they don’t need, how they are…
For the avid hunter the end of hunting season often triggers a sullen time where they simply wait around for the next season to open up. However, many of these hunters have never considered trapping. In ways it can be far more challenging then a normal hunting trip and often the seasons extend longer into…
Kerosene is generally considered a better option than heating oil due to its more efficient heat output and cleaner burning. This is due in large part to the more in depth refining process and removal of more impurities from kerosene fuel. The additional refining does cause Kerosene to be slightly more expensive though. Modern Heating…