Self-sufficient

Most homes, and especially older ones, are beset by one stubborn room that just never quite warms up—whether it’s a remote second floor bedroom, a kitchen or dining room with large, north-facing wind…

The discovery of preservin milk as cheese is to me one of civilization’s finest accomplishments. I can only imagine the look of surprise on a nomad’s face when, after a long journey, he developed a t…

Growing strawberries is equally popular among gardeners and animals. Gardeners love them because they grow like weeds in almost any climate, and ther…

When I'm visitng a garden, I can’t help but let my fingertips graze the leaves, occasionally rubbing one on my skin for the aroma imparted by its…

Canning is a traditional method for preserving produce. It is not difficult to master, but it’s important to pace yourself. Try not to plan more than…

There are many advantages to dehydrating produce from your garden. Most dehydration methods require very little extra energy other than that already provided by the sun. Also, dehydrated foods, if pr…

In the world of fish nomenclature, humans are lazy. Rather than pay respect to each type of tiny silver fish in the ocean, we have lumped these fast swimmers into an amorphous category called "t…

When I first tried my hand at woodworking, my friends and family were surprised. I’ve never been a hands-on, crafty person, but I’ve always been draw…

Sprouts are consumed as quickly as they are produced. All the nutrients required to grow microgreens and sprouts are provided by the seed and the cotyledons, so fertilizing is not necessary. But grow…

Sprouts are packed with nutrients and come in a variety of flavors, from mild to spicy. Have a batch growing at all times so you can quickly snip a few to add to a sandwich, throw into a salad, or ja…

More and more of us are going nuts about nut butters as we embrace a healthier lifestyle and more wholesome diet. For many of us they have become a staple, and their popularity has expanded way beyon…