Raised Garden

I found this video on YouTube, and thought it was such a good idea I would share it. I did the same thing building my garden box. I used a would frame placing leaves in the bottom and adding soil on top. Worms love the leaves and the garden loves the worms. I have so many seeds taking off I am currently working on building a new raised garden for zucchini and eggplant.

Atlas Shrugged, the inspiration to become self sustaining.

Atlas Shrugged


I saw this movie and had to read the book, it is a long read but well worth it. Even though this book was published in 1957, it easily depicts society of today and if no changes our near future. For anyone who doesn't think becoming self sustainable or being part of a sustainable community this book / movie is an eye opener.  In the years past I worked at a nice union job. Not to bash unions, but lots of times I could see co-workers only doing as much work as they had to while others who took pride in a job well done did all the work. I was the one who enjoyed accomplishments of my efforts. While others would take advantage of my efforts and do as little as possible receiving  same benefits and sometimes more. I could have slowed down and only did as much as anyone else. This is not me I have pride in what I do.
The book Atlas Shrugged, is a good read and much more informative then the movie. As of right now the movie is in three parts. 

Atlas Shrugged is a novel by Ayn Rand, first published in 1957 in the United States. Rand's fourth and last novel, it was also her longest, and the one she considered to be her magnum opus in the realm of fiction writing.^[4] Atlas Shrugged includes elements of romance,^[1][2][3] mystery, and science fiction,^[5] and it contains Rand's most extensive statement of Objectivism in any of her works of fiction.
The book explores a dystopian United States where many of society's most productive citizens refuse to be exploited by increasing taxation and government regulations and disappear, shutting down their vital industries. The disappearances evoke the imagery of what would happen if the mythological Atlas refused to continue to hold up the world. They are led by John Galt. Galt describes the disappearances as "stopping the motor of the world" by withdrawing the minds that drive society's growth and productivity. In their efforts, these people "of the mind" hope to demonstrate that a world in which the individual is not free to create and profit is doomed, that civilization cannot exist where every person is a slave to society and government, and that the destruction of the profit motive leads to the collapse of society. The protagonist, Dagny Taggart, sees society collapse around her as the government increasingly asserts control over all industry.

Comunity Sustainable Living Blog and Updates, SEGO Center City Hub Update, and More

I found this blog site and would love to share.
New Aquapini Drawings, Open Source Blog and Updates, SEGO Center City Hub Update, and More

Starting my life off grid

Kathy Hunt8:28 AMEdit

My update; I am currently back on grid. Giving me a chance to do more research and reach out to others. Not to mention reconnect with some of my family and friends. For the last 6 years I lived in Berry Creek California, off grid. It all started by coincident. But, I think that things happen for a reason. Got married and found a great priced property in the mountains. Had an old modular home on it, year round creek and even a natural spring. We knew it was going to take a lot of work but I don't think I knew how much. The house was unlivable and we decided to live in a camper. With the modular being so old no PG&E was hooked up to it any more. With a power pole on the property I had great hopes of having it turned back on. Getting things up to code would take some time.

 With this time we learned how to conserve our energy usage. Power being supplied by solar, generator and batteries. We converted the garage into a studio and wired it for 12 volt to run low voltage lights and appliances saving power usage. A water storage tank placed up the hill provided gravity feed to the studio. Cleaning the spring and maintaining it was work well worth it. Now we could fill the water tank with the spring instead of pumping water from the creek. Every thing was one step at a time for us. Cleaning the property up, starting a compose heap and building retaining walls to protect against rain washing away driveway and soil. We got chickens to get rid of the ticks. Our second year there we started the organic garden, utilizing the natural environment for bug control. For TV we used a car DVD player and watched rentals and borrowed DVD from friends. Soon we found a 12 volt television and a Western Digital tv converter. About once a week I would go to town sit in a cafe and down load shows. I got to enjoy coffee and visit with other people. Not only could I get tv but valuable radio shows to listen to. A little money spent on entertainment would go a far way for me to still feel connected to the world. Hope I can inspire others to find their own way of becoming self sufficient. Paying off the property and the next step is to build a home. My hopes are to build something like earthship that can be self sustaining. Living in the studio we where able to see first hand how heating and cooling a smaller space was valuable to save energy. The use of our surroundings for cooling the house was inexpensive and inspiring for making plans for the new home. 

 

Garden bugs and plants that keep them away

When planning a garden be prepared for bugs. Some bugs are essential to a thriving garden while others feed on it. Knowing what to plant in the garden is as important as watering. Thriving gardens need the good bugs like bees, lady bugs and praying mantises to pollinate and keep other bugs in check. Knowing what plants to grow that attract predators of aphids, such as parasitic wasps (sweet alyssum, parsley, buckwheat, hairy vetch, yarrow, sunflowers and cosmos), ladybugs (dill, Queen Anne’s Lace yarrows, golden marguerite and fennel), hoverflies (tagetes), lacewings and praying mantids. Aphids also shy away from certain strongly scented plants, such as chives, basil, catnip, yarrow, and mint. On the plus side growing herbs in the garden has multiple benefits such as, keeping the garden bug free and a fresh source of herbs for cooking with.

I have found reusing my egg shells in the garden helps to keep slugs out of the garden. Save your egg shells, dry and crumple them around the plant base or garden edge prevent them from crossing it. Slugs and snails have soft bodies and get damaged from the sharp egg shells.


Plant base liquid soaps are great to mix in water and spray plants as a natural insecticide. Mix no more then 1 to 2 tablespoons of Castile Soap with 1 quart of water. The soap mixture gets into insects skin and dehydrates them, providing you with a non harmful pesticide.
Marigold flowers add color to the garden and can provide as a bug repellant. 

Catnip - P Sun/part shade 18" Zones 3-9

Drives cats nuts! Although most people think of Catnip as an herb for cats, it has been used by people for over 2,000 years. Although it has been used for everything from colds to cancer, it has been found that it contains a volatile oil that is considered to be a sedative. Therefore, tea from this plant is used as digestive and sleeping aids. It has been eaten in salads and even candied and served as an after dinner digestive aid.



 Echinacea - P Sun/part shade 12-28" Zones 3-10

Also called Purple Coneflower. American Indians in the plains states used Echinacea for many things including snakebite and the bites of poisonous insects. Others used it as a blood purifier to cure everything from bites to syphilis and hemorrhoids. It is not the cure-all they accredited it to be. Today, herbalists still consider it to be one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. There are some that claim it can cure the common cold but this is not true. It can, however, help prevent getting colds by cleansing the blood and helping your own system to fight germs. This plant is also grown for its ornamental value. Large, cone-shaped flowers in midsummer. 

You can find more information about herbs and gardens at
 http://www.rebelhome.net/herbs.html

Seeds of change kits

Seeds Of Change starter kits http://www.seedsofchange.com

Looking to start a garden but don't know where to start. Seeds of change provides these box kits to get you started.

 

Big Berkey Water Filtration System

http://www.getberkey.com/big-berkey-water-filter-system-2-25-gallons/?gclid=CJ7737fOlrYCFQzhQgodLSkAEA

Check out the Berkey Water Filtration, the only problem I had was they can not sale to California.

 

I have copied information about the Berkey Water Filtration. For more information see www.getberkey.com

We had a natural spring that ran through filters and ultraviolet light purification for drinking water. Then we came across the Berkey, and thought it was wonderful.

This powerful system purifies both treated water and untreated raw water from such sources as remote lakes, streams, stagnant ponds and water supplies in foreign countries, where regulations may be substandard at best. Perfect for outdoor activities and a must in hostile environments where electricity, water pressure or treated water may not be available.
The Travel Berkey system removes pathogenic bacteria, cysts and parasites entirely and extracts harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, organic solvents, radon 222 and trihalomethanes. It also reduces nitrates, nitrites and unhealthy minerals such as lead and mercury. This system is so powerful it can remove red food coloring from water without removing the beneficial minerals your body needs. Virtually no other system can duplicate this performance.
Constructed of highly polished 304 stainless steel the system comes complete with two purification elements and utilizes the latest technological advances. This system has a storage capacity of about 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) and when in use it stands 18" in height with a diameter of 7.5". The upper chamber nests within the lower chamber for transport and stands only 12" in height.
Configured with two Black Berkey purification elements the system will purify up to 2.5 Gallons (9.5 liters) per hour.

How to Grow a Green Bean Teepee

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This is a nice youtube site about a garden and encouraging the family to participate. 

from food to seed preparedness

www.beprepared.com

You can get food items to heirloom garden seeds. Don’t forget how important it is to have seeds to grow your own food. In the end it may be the only valuable trade item you have. Why heirloom seeds, well they have not been genetically altered. This web site provides insight on how to store food, water and how to be ready for an emergency.

Survival books are great. But, make sure you know the basic survival water and food. How are you going to get water? Do you have a water source and can you filter it. Renewable food source is important for the future. Learn every thing you can about growing fruits, vegetables and nuts. Grow the essential foods that will grow in your area. Know the seasons and when to plant. If you are not the kind of person who can grow plants connect with your local farmers and farmers markets. Connecting with other people who can provide a new resource of food gives you someone to trade with. You can trade services you can provide for something else. Protecting your self doesn’t mean that every one else must be the enemy. Not every one is good at the same things and that is what a community is for.

Find rental Living Off Grid

Living Off the Grid group on Airbnb – Vacation rentals, private rooms, sublets by the night https://www.airbnb.com/groups/Living-Off-the-Grid Rent your room to other Living Off the Grid enthusiasts. Living Off the Grid. Shared room Find a place. Private room $28 / night. Entire apt $138 / night.

Treehouse Above San Francisco Bay

Treehouse sleeps 1 on raised lower level bed, 2 in queen-size sleeping loft above. Serenity for 1, ideal for 2 or 3 and sleeps 4 if you reeeeally like each other! Accommodation includes indoor bath/shower & kitchenette, privately accessible in adjacent lower level of family log cabin home. Secluded, wooded property on cul-du-sac street. Family organic vegetable/herb garden, greenhouse and chicken coop in backyard. Would love to share this with you during your visit. Continental breakfast with fruits, breads, coffee/tea. Have a magical stay.

I once went on vacation to Organ, and staid in a tree house. It was great to be up in the trees. I got one of the more luxury tree house it had running water and it's own private bathroom.

I recommend trying to find off grid self sufficient rentals to begin your experience first hand. You also may like to visit places like The Solar Living Institute in Hopland, CA. www.solarliving.org

Bulk Food Storage Guidelines

The many ideas for survival at http://www.provident-living-today.com/Bulk-Food-Storage.html

food storage / seeds / gardening / cooking / water filtering / health / sanitation

You can look up food storage and supplies on line there are so many. LDS has been storing food for so long they even have their own cannery, food calculator charts and food supplies. Remember knowledge is power.

Stocking up

Storage

Buy amounts that you can afford.

Stock up on items like;

socks, blankets, outer ware clothing / work in the yard clothing, gloves, first aid, food storage and supplies.

Make a list of items you will need and shop for them when they are on sale. End of summer you can usually find garden supplies, camping and clothing discounted. Same goes for winter supplies. At the end of a season many things you would not normally think about storing are being discounted to get out of the stores inventory. Don’t forget the toilet paper and other hygiene products. You don’t have to by a bulk all at once just watch for ads and what you can afford and storage space.

Can food is good, chili, stew or ravioli is fine.

Even better canning your own food. Glass jars are less likely to omit the can flavor into the food. Smoked foods such as fish last for a long time and are relatively easy to store. Pancake mix, flour, oil, rice, pasta, beans and many other items that can be kept in dry storage.

House hold items such as;

detergent, batteries, matches, slow burning candles and disinfectant for emergencies are very handy. Don’t forget kitchen items such as aluminum foil and dish soap. Get mop buckets and wash boards for cleaning. Vinegar is good to cook with and clean.

Above all have a plan to store and filter water for drinking.

FOOD AND SURVIVAL ITEMS 100 Items to Disappear First

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)

2. Water Filters/Purifiers

3. Portable Toilets

4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.

5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)

6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.

7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.

8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.

9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar

10. Rice - Beans - Wheat

11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)

12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)

13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.

16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)

17. Survival Guide Book.

18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)

19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.

20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)

21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)

22. Vitamins

23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)

24. Feminine Hygiene/Hair care/Skin products.

25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)

26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)

27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)

28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)

29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).

30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels

31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)

32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)

33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)

34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit

35. Tuna Fish (in oil)

36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)

37. First aid kits

38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates) rechargeable by solar power

39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies

40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)

41. Flour, yeast, sugar & salt

42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first

43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators

44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)

45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts

46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS

47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)

48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)

49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc

50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

51. Fishing supplies/tools

52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams

53. Duct Tape

54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes

55. Candles

56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)

57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags

58. Garden tools & supplies

59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies

60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypo chlorite)

62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)

63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel

64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc

65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats

66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)

67. Board Games, Cards, Dice

68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer

69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets

70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)

71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)

72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)

74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)

75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullion/gravy/soup base

76. Reading glasses

77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)

78. "Survival-in-a-Can"

79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens

80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog

81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)

82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky

83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts

84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)

85. Lumber (all types)

86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)

87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's

88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.

89. Lantern Hangers

90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts

91. Teas

92. Coffee

93. Cigarettes

94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)

95. Paraffin wax

96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

97. Chewing gum/candies

98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)

99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs

100. Goats/chickens

I am not saying the world has to come to this. Preparedness is always good. Knowing that if things got bad for even a couple of weeks you can survive comfortably. One thing I didn't really think much of at first was toilet paper. What did the cowboys and Indians do for toilet paper. No offense to cowboys or Indians, just the closest reference to the days of being self sufficient on the land.

We as a community have crumbled to the daily convenience of electronics and big chain stores. Not to mention all the food chains and people forgetting how to cook for our self. Macaroni and cheese can very easily be made from scratch at home. While a box of Craft Mac and Cheese is so much easier. I see people spend $6 a sandwich for 4 people coasting $24.00 to feed 4 for one meal. How much cheaper would it be to buy the bread, lunch meat, and condiments to have more then one meal.

It use to take a village to raise a child. Now it takes multiple electronic gadgets to keep the kids preoccupied. I really think that the smart phones and social media are enabling us from connecting to each other. My step daughter has gotten so involved with having to have a phone and the newest iphone that is all she talks about. As it is she rides in the car texting and never stopping to speak with her family. What are we to do if we rely on electronics and no longer know how to communicate with each other.

All though, I do appreciate my computer and the internet that allows me to research information and share with so many people. Nothing wrong with technology just the use of and abuse of. After all with the inventors and dreamers of the world where would we be.

Live Life Love Life

Update Gro-ables in California

2014 March 1
I would change or delet this post if it didn't get so much attention. With reserch and phone calls the ads for this product is no longer in use in California. This is in thanks to the many educated people who responded the the information getting out. As people who care about the world we should also care about each other. Speaking up and informing does not mean critisizing others. You can spread good information with kindness and understanding.
Live Life Love Life

This is the response I received for Growables

Hello, Thank you for your email! At this time, our product has not been approved for sale in the state of California. We apologize for the inconvenience. CA state law does not permit the sale/shipping to your state for our product. We do advertise in the state, as perhaps there is someone outside the state that you could ship the product to. Regards, Amanda Gro-Ables! Customer Service www.buygroables.com Phone: 888-880-1402 Fax: 517-552-0400 Hours: Mon- Fri: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

This was the solution for us when ordering the water filter system. We had friends in Reno, Nevada, that let us mail the order to them and then they mailed it to us. Like a gift from a friend.

Live Life Love Life

Someone sent me a not so nice email about this post. This is a copy of it and my reply. I will get around to looking info up on this but it would have been nice if they explained rather then criticize.

Anonymous <noreply-comment@blogger.com>	2:28 PM (7 hours ago)
to me

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Miracle-Gro Gro-ables up date":

Miracle Gro is related to Monsanto. Seriously? You run a blog about living off the grid and gardening, and you don't know this?!


Posted by Anonymous to Living Off Grid Self Sustainable Living at April 6, 2013 at 2:28 PM

Kathy Hunt	10:14 PM (3 minutes ago)
to Anonymous

I write the blog about my experiences. If you have so much to say about any thing why don't you explain your answer/ comment in a more constructive helpful way. Really you just come off like some kind of know it all with an attitude. So seriously, I think I am providing information and you are just anonymous, get some courage and at least educate your answer. Other then that I don't think you have any back bone to be leaving nasty comments on my site. And yes seriously I do not know what you are talking about. I use organic ways for gardening and the post was just a comment on the miracle growables for the beginner gardener. I just provide and pass on information. If you wish to explain yourself good, otherwise no sarcastic comments needed.

Thanks for Reading My Blog just the same

This is what I found on Monsanto. All I can say is GROWABLES do not have weed killer aka round up. I always say pull weeds don't spray.  The spray you put on the weed goes into your other fruits and vegetables and then you eat it.

Monsanto | A Sustainable Agriculture Company

If there was one word to explain what Monsanto is about, it would have to be farmers. It is our purpose to help them meet the needs of a growing population -- by ...
http://www.monsanto.com/

Monsanto - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a publicly traded American multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsanto

Organic Consumers Association: Millions Against Monsanto

Percy Schmeiser is a farmer from Saskatchewan Canada, whose Canola fields were contaminated with Monsanto's genetically engineered Round-Up Ready ...

I have been receiving comments from magnolia earth aka Laura, about this post. She is a very angry person  who attaches anyone to mention merical grow and such. This is a copy of her comments to me and my return comment. All I can say is for someone who hates me so much, why does she keep coming back to my blog and making comments.

Garden update May 18, 2013

http://kathrane.blogspot.com/2013/05/garden-update-may-18-2013.html

Laura Delamater

6:53 PM

I am not going to approve your comment. Nor am I going to argue with you. Come to my house again, you will be blocked. It is sad for OUR movement when a poser who simply wants attention attempts to pose while not actually doing research and learning about it.

Kathy Hunt

9:08 PM

Now Now Who Is really the POSSER>?
I posted on your site because you posted on mine. I am not an attacker of others and their beliefs, unlike you. This will be publicly posted so many people can see who you really are. Not the nice make love not war. Sending beauty out to the world. No you are full of anger and hate. What movement do you hold? I have seen nothing from you that provides support for a movement. No process of providing education only hate. Your attempts to attach my character has show who you are. Do not leave mean comments on other peoples blogs if you can not handle comments coming back to you. You came to my blog and either read or not read my post and attached me. I would never have known of you or had access to your site. So, what is OUR movement and who stands with you??? 

I feel sorry for her.

Port of Stockton Nursery

I remember going to this nursery when I was a kid. It is so great to see after all these years it is still there.

I encourage every one to find a good nursery and take a walk through. It can be quite inspirational to walk among so many plants. If you are no good at sitting around and waiting on seeds to sprout this is a good way to start.

Please go out there and find those great nurseries that keep on with the traditions of the past. Look forward to hearing from you and what you have found. Take some photos and share with others.

Lockhart Seeds, Inc.

Lockhart Seeds located on 3 N Wilson Way, Stockton, CA 95205

My Mom, took me here when I was a kid. How could I have forgotten about this place. Now that I am back in Stockton, my Dad took me by the store. I was so amazed by the amount of seeds and service.

What looks like a library catalog, is drawers full of seeds. Caring a variety of 400 seeds that you can buy by the packet or the pound. Lockhart has been supplying, nurseries, farmers, landscaping and the garden enthuses for over 50 years.

Business Details Seeds & Bulbs / Farms / Lawns / Pastures / Field Seed / Farm & Garden Supply / Garden Equipment / Insecticides

LOCKHART SEEDS ; If It's Seeds. We Have It

I encourage you to go out and find seed stores in your area.

Starter kits for the garden enthuses.

Seeds March 2013

Thank you Steve Auten, for allowing me to take photo's and post information.