Recent Observations While Visiting Family
Introduction
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit my family in the countryside. As someone who is passionate about survival and preparedness, I couldn’t help but notice some interesting things during my stay. From everyday habits to remarkable survival strategies, my family taught me valuable lessons that I’m excited to share with you. In this blog post, I will discuss my recent observations while visiting family and highlight the practical tips and tricks that can be applied to survival situations.
The Importance of Growing Your Own Food
One of the first things I noticed while staying with my family was their impressive vegetable garden. They had a wide variety of crops including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and lettuce. Their garden was not only a source of fresh produce but also an excellent example of self-sufficiency. Here are some valuable lessons I learned from their approach to growing their own food:
Start small and expand gradually:
Building a big garden from scratch can be overwhelming. My family started with a few raised beds and expanded as they gained experience and confidence. This approach allowed them to learn from their mistakes and optimize their garden layout.
Rotate your crops:
To maintain healthy soil and prevent pest infestations, my family practiced crop rotation. Each year, they planned their garden layout carefully to ensure that plants from the same family were not planted in the same spot. This method can be highly effective in a survival situation where food security is essential.
Save and store seeds:
My family had a designated area where they stored seeds from their harvest. By saving seeds, they were able to reduce the cost of buying new seeds each year and maintain a steady supply for future planting. This self-sufficiency practice is critical in a long-term survival scenario.
Harnessing Renewable Energy
In addition to their impressive garden, my family had also installed solar panels on their property. This allowed them to harness renewable energy and reduce their reliance on the grid. Here are some lessons I learned about incorporating renewable energy into your survival plans:
Assess your energy needs:
Before investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines, it’s important to assess your energy needs. Consider the appliances and devices you will need to power during an emergency and choose a system that can cater to those requirements.
Invest in energy storage:
While solar panels and wind turbines can generate electricity during the day or when there’s wind, it’s crucial to have a way to store that energy for use during the night or when conditions are not favorable. Battery banks or backup generators can be great solutions to store and access renewable energy.
Learn how to use energy efficiently:
In a survival situation, energy resources may be limited. My family emphasized the importance of using energy efficiently by turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and maximizing natural lighting during the day. These simple practices can go a long way in conserving energy and extending your available resources.
The Art of Food Preservation
My family also taught me the art of food preservation, a crucial skill for long-term survival. Here are some preservation methods they practiced:
Canning:
My family had a dedicated space in their basement where they stored jars of canned fruits, vegetables, and sauces. Canning is an excellent way to preserve food for an extended period without the need for refrigeration. Learning the canning process will allow you to enjoy homegrown produce even during the winter months.
Drying:
They also had a food dehydrator to dry herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Drying food not only extends its shelf life but also reduces its weight and volume, making it easier to store and transport. It’s a simple and effective method that can be done with minimal equipment.
Freezing:
My family utilized their freezer to store surplus produce, meat, and even homemade meals. Freezing is a convenient preservation method that maintains the nutritional value of food while keeping it fresh for an extended period. In a survival scenario, having a reliable power source for your freezer is crucial to maintain the integrity of frozen food.
My 2 Cents
Visiting my family was not only an opportunity to reconnect but also a chance to learn from their practical approach to survival and preparedness. Growing your own food, harnessing renewable energy, and mastering the art of food preservation are skills that can greatly enhance your chances of surviving in any situation. Take the time to learn and practice these valuable techniques, and you’ll be better prepared for whatever challenges come your way.
Remember, self-sufficiency is a journey, and every step you take towards independence brings you closer to true preparedness. Stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of observation. Your survival depends on it!
Stay safe and stay prepared!
