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Off Grid Survival Projects Book
No Grid Survival Handbook, Living Essentials, Must Haves, Shelter, Food, Off-the-Grid Power, Canning and Other Life-Saving Strategies for Self-reliant Living
Raphael Poke
Copyright © 2022 Raphael Poke All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Printed in the United States of America
Contents Introduction ....................................................................................... 1 Project 1: How to Install a Solar Energy System .................................. 1 Project 2: How to Harvest Rainwater .................................................. 7 Project 3: How to Drill Your Own Water Well ................................... 12 Project 4: How to Build a Non-Compressor Air Conditioner .............. 17 Project 5: The Process of Constructing a Root Cellar ........................ 20 Project 6: Instructions For Building A DIY Rocket Stove Oven .... 24 Project 7: Instructions for constructing a solar oven........................27 Project 8: How to Make Homemade Liquid Dish Soap ....................... 31 Biological filtering ........................................................................ 38 Stovetop Distillery ........................................................................ 39 Created Coal Filtration .................................................................. 40 Boiling of Water ........................................................................... 43 Water Decontamination by Sunlight .............................................. 44 Project
9:
HOW
TO
MAKE
SOLAR
WAYER
PURIFIER/DISTILLATION SYSTEM WITH PLASTIC BOTTLES 49 Project 10: What to Do to Get Started with the Free Heater ................ 53 Project 11: How to Dehydrate Foods ................................................. 60 Project 12: DIY Vinegar Pickling ...................................................... 65
3. Making pickles ..........................................................................68 Spicy Pickles ................................................................................. 70 Project 13: How to Get Wood and Let It Dry ................................. 78 Project 14: Trapping for Game...........................................................86 Project 15: How to Raise Cattle ......................................................... 97 Project 16: How to Cultivate Your Own Food Garden ....................... 111 Project 17: How to Fish for Pros .......................................................120 Project 18: How to Plant a Garden: A Comprehensive Guide ............ 138 Project 19: Compost Pile Construction Instructions ..........................145 Conclusion .......................................................................................156
Project 1: How to Install a Solar Energy System
Introduction Whether you're constructing a cottage in the woods that's separated from power and water
Solar energy is more expensive
supplies or you just want to cut
than conventional electricity,
your
but it never runs out of fuel
energy
bills,
moving
partially or completely off the
(except on a cloudy day). A gas
grid may be accomplished on a
or propane generator will often
budget with a little ingenuity.
provide more energy for less
There
money. Even if solar panels are
are
numerous
minor
ways to minimize your energy
installed, a generator will be
and water consumption, as well
required for use at night and on
as eliminate the need for a
overcast days.
sewage or septic system. Solar
If you currently have solar
cookers, Mini
panels,
turbines, water tech
wind filtration, low-
refrigeration,
consider
a
grid -
independent inverter, a battery
and
backup, and/or a generator. The
greywater systems are included
solar
in these DIY off-grid home
which is then sent to the solar
projects.
charged
panels
charges
Make this unique way of life more entertaining and productive. These off -grid hack projects, lifestyle ideas, and homesteading advice will be of assistance!
collect
controller, the
battery
energy, -
which before
sending power bac k to the controller. Then, energy is sent to the solar inverter, which
1
powers your electronics and
Procedures:
home appliances.
Connect
the
solar
panel's
negative
and
positive wires to the charge
controller's
positive and negative solar panel terminals. 4 basic components: 1.
Solar charge controller
2. A 12V20ah sealed lead acid battery with a maximum charging current of 6 amps. Note that you ca n improve the life of your battery by adding distilled
water
to
its
connections. 500 watts 12 volt to 220 volt solar
power
inverter
that
converts solar panel and battery power o The solar panel consumes 0.50 watts.
2
Note: Be sure to secure one of the solar panel's terminals with electrical tape to prevent short circuiting. As soon as light strikes the solar panel, both wires immediately become live. Tip: To avoid confusion, I always connect the positive terminal to the wire that has a label on it.
Connect and
the
positive
negative
battery
terminals of the charged controller to the positive and negative terminals of
the
battery,
respectively. Note: When the solar battery and solar panel are connected to 3
the charged controller, some of the LED lights will turn on.
Connect
the
charged
controller's negative and positive terminals to the positive and negati ve terminals of the power inverter. Tip: The wire with the printed label will be connected to the positive terminal.
Tip: To turn on the inverter, press the orange power button on the solar-powered inverter. This will turn on the inverter's fan and make the load LED light
on
the
solar
controller light up. 4
charger
To activate the AC output and USB port, push the on button on the inverter.
Try
charging
your
electronics. That is all. 5
# 1 – First, fill the water containers. Considering I live on a hill and
a few days while I devise a
water does not flow uphill,
The 500 gallons of water i n my
water is my next problem. If
hot tub is disinfected with
there is still water pressure, I
bromine instead of chlorine,
would fill all empty containers,
and
such as sinks, tubs (using a
consumed, it can be used for
water
personal hygiene and watering
bob),
pitchers,
more permanent solution.
and
washbasins, as well as my hot
while
it
cannot
be
my garden.
tub. I have 500 gallons of water Before filling the sinks, as I am
stored in bottles and barrels in
aware that the drains all leak, I
addition to the hot tub. Again,
would cover the drain with duct
this is not a permanent solution,
tape. Without Water Bob, I
but it buys me more time to
would do the same thing to my
find one. More information will
bathtub.
be forthcoming.
#2 – Turn Water Off at the Meter When the lines are completely drained, I would turn off the water at the meter to prevent any upstream problems from contaminating the remaining water. Yes, I am aware that all of this is transitory and won't last, but it will tide me over for 6
1. Place a 55-gallon barrel in
Project 2: How to Harvest Rainwater
position. You may need to surround it with stone or
Collecting rainwater: is one of
place it on cinder blocks for
the simplest ways to obtain water,
provided
the
stability.
local
climate is sufficiently hu mid. Just collect the rainwater in water barrels or a cistern, but keep in mind that it will still need to be filtered and purified. Tool:
Ensure that your barrel is clean.
✔ A 55 gallon barrel with a removable top ✔ A screen ✔ A faucet system with an adapter ✔ A tape
2. Measure the downspout on
✔ A cordless drill
the 55-gallon barrel's lid
✔ A hole saw
and
cut
it
to
✔ Measuring tape
allowing
a
small
gap
✔ Ten snips
between
the
barrel
and
✔ Razor
downspout
✔ A big saw or a jig saw ✔ A sharpie for marking 7
length.
straight,
as
it
may
be
deformed during the cutting process.
Cut an angle using your ten snips.
You can use some small set screws to secure it. 4. Test the barrel to see if it provides additional space.
3. Adjust
the
barrel
to
accommodate the shortened downspout. Ensure that it is 8
5. Put a screen right under the downspout
to
stop
mosquitoes and other bugs from
getting
into
your It is possible to start a saw by
water.
drilling a few holes.
6. Draw a line around the screen's
perimeter.
Take
care not to move it.
Utilize a saw to cut -open your hole.
7. Remove
the
lid
before
cutting.
9
8. Make your Screen fit
10. Install your faucet. You will need to stoop very low.
The component with the ring goes inside, and we'll attach the other component from the back to the exterior. 9. Drill a hole for the faucet.
10
Insert silicone tape to prevent a leak. Allow the metal to enter the thread and continue to turn until it fits.
Turn it clockwise against the
11. Adjust the lid so that it is
threads to tighten it.
compatible
with
downspout.
Apply some Teflon tape to your faucet. And secure lock your barrel. 11
the
Project 3: How to Drill Your Own Water Well The following is a list of the steps that you are required to take:
And that concludes it!
Step 1: The first thing you need to do is buy a huge bore water well kit •
You are going to need a large-bore water well kit, which consists of a hand pump that is 25 feet long, a
Note: You can connect a pipe to
water well auger, a decent
your faucet in order to access
screen
the water, or you can place cinder blocks beneath
assembly,
and
a
good cap assembly.
your
•
barrel in order to use a bucket.
You will also need pliers, a hacksaw,
pipe
wrenches,
PVC primer with cement, 12
parachute cord, well casing, bags
of
the
required
length of PVC pipe has
addition to cement, and drill
been joined to it wi th PVC
pipes.
collars, PVC primer, and 2:
gravel
that
in
Step
pea
1. Now
Locate
cement, the well screen
an
assembly
Appropriate Digging Site
2. The side of the pipe that
site. After that, you are need
to
contains the well screen
start
assembly
digging with the auger for the
water
well.
It
put
the pipe is above ground.
to find a suita ble digging
to
be
together so that one foot of
1. It is now your responsibility
going
can
needs
to
be
installed first.
is
The fourth step is to use caulk
recommended to drill a hole
to fill in any gaps that are
that is 7 inches in diameter.
around the PVC pipe
2. As the hole gets deeper, you will need to attach drill
The following step is to seal the
pipes to the auger. It is
gaps that are around the PVC
necessary to penetrate the
pipe by filling them with pea
top soil layer, the clay layer,
gravel, clay that has been dug
and the water -bearing sand
out, and cement that has been
layer, and continue until
mixed with water.
you reach the second clay
Connect the pump to the fifth
layer.
step
Step 3: Assemble the screen
1. At long last, you can begin
using the provided parts
installing the pump itself. 13
Before the water pump can
4. Use a connector to make the
be installed in the PVC
connection
pipe, it first needs to be
handle and the pipe.
constructed by connecting
the
5. Your water pump will be
the riser pipes.
operational whenever you
2. You are required to remove all
between
traces
of
need it! Try out this method
the
to construct your very own
contaminated water from
do-it-yourself water well by
the system. Af ter that, you
using the huge bore water
should secure the parachute
well kit.
cord to the well cap by tying it to the bottom of the
The Undeniable Benefits That
pump
Come
where
it
was
originally attached.
this,
These are some strong reasons
the
why you should buy or find
additional layer of PVC
another way to get a do-it-
pipe that is wrapped arou nd
yourself water well drilling kit.
the pump pipe needs to be removed
in
a
Do-It-
Kits
to be put back on. In to
With
Yourself Water Well Drilling
3. The cover of the well needs
addition
Along
1.
precise
Self-help
Drilling
your
manner. This inner pipe
own water well gives you
needs to be cut to the length
independence.
that will put the pump
One of the most significant
handle
benefits of drilling a water well
in
the
desired
is the opportunity to achieve
position. 14
complete
self -sufficiency
in
home. This gives you complete
water supply. If you have your
control over the water supply
own water supply on -site, you
you use.
are not dependent on the local
2.
municipal water authority for
groundwater has health and
water. This indicates that the
safety benefits that may not be
government will not place any
found in public water sources.
constraints on the amount of
By drilling water wells, you r
water that you have access to.
water can take advantage of the
In addition, drilling your own
Earth's natural filtration system.
water well at home eliminates
This means that your water is of
the need for a private water regulate
Water
There is no doubt that natural
are in control of your own
to
the
Quality
your water needs. Instead, you
corporation
Improve
a higher quality and still has all
the
the minerals it needs.
conditions under which you are permitted to access water. You
Also, the chemical treatment of
will no longer have to worry
municipal water has a much
about arbitrary price increases
bigger
or fees eating into your bottom
environment than the use of do-
line or your available funds. In
it-yourself water well drilling
the long run, you will be able to
equipment, so this type of water
save
supply is usually the best for
time,
money,
and
effect
the environment.
resources if you have your very own water well located on the premises of your b usiness or 15
on
the
to
pursuing solar energy. I possess
Convenience in Terms of
a modest 12-volt cooler that can
Maintenance
store my 1.5-year supply of
3. Give
Priority
In conclusion, it is important to
insulin. To keep my insulin
point out the ease of use and the
cool, I would fill the cooler and
amount of time that can be
connect it to a power source.
saved by having your own
Because
water well. If you are connected
extension cables, I can place
to the public water supply and
my cooler in a more shady area.
you have a broken pipe or a supply problem, you must wait for the municipal authorities to come out and fix it, which can take a long time. If you are not connected to the public water supply, you are not required to
\
wait. You won't have to deal with the issues that are typical of public water systems if you dig your own water well and provide your own supply of water. #3 – Build up Temporary Power As a diabetic, insulin is my next priority and the sole reason I'm 16
I
have
12-volt
Project 4: How to Build a NonCompressor Air Conditioner How to Keep Your Cool in Extreme Heat
A bucket, styrofoam liner, pvc
When it's terribly hot outside,
tubing, a tiny fan, and ice are
make sure to drink plenty of
required supplies (a small solar
water. If feasible, strenuous
panel is optional).
labor should be avoided during the hottest parts of the day. Stay on the first floor of your home. Cover all daytime windows that receive direct sunlight. Create paper fans for air movement. If you can afford it, purchase battery-powered fans. Consequently, you can create a non-compressor air conditioner at home using our DIY guide.
17
It is quite simple to construct and provides an abundance of cool air.
Step 3: Insert the 1 1/2 -inch
Step 1: Drill three 21/4 -inch
PVC pipes into the three holes.
holes in the bucket.
Step 4: Cut a hole in the bucket's lid and the Styrofoam.
Step 2: Insert the liner and drill
Take care to compare it to your
2 1/8 inch holes. Make sure
fan.
your fingers are not near the hole you're drilling.
18
Step 5: Put a frozen gallon in the bucket
Step 7: Connect the fan to the power source. Here, a solar panel was employed to power the fan. Step 6: Place the bucket's cover on top and insert the fan at the top. You may also lay the fan without the bucket cover on the styrofoam. In either case, it is effective. Based on past experience, we can get at least five hours from this. You can position the bucket on a stool or anywhere else you think is appropriate, most likely near the bed or a chair, or anywhere you want it 19
to go, in order to obtain fresh,
Project 5: The Process of Constructing a Root Cellar
chilly air.
Food is next, specifically the fast-warming
food
in
the
refrigerator and freezer. As long as the freezer's door is not opened, a few days can pass before
the
food
must
be
removed. With the refrigerator, I would empty everything into three coolers with food for the first, second, and third days. I do not anticipate it lasting longer. Thus, I do not need to access the contents of coolers #2 and #3, and they can remain chilled for longer. I would pack the food cooler with as much ice and frozen blue ice packs as possible. Milk and other dairy items should likely not be stored in cooler number three. Eggs, 20
ketchup, mustard, and many
constant temperature over
other items that we wish to
time).
keep cool can sit for a very long time on a counter. Determine discarded
what to
can
avoid
be
wasting
valuable cooler space. Each cooler should be labeled with its contents and the items that must be consumed first. We •
will discuss the freezer later.
bottom to allow some of the
Depending on your needs and
moisture
preferences, a root cellar can be
escape.
in this case, we're going to with
a
that
has
been
building up inside it to
quite large or quite small. But
experiment
Drill some holes in the can's
This
will
help
prevent mold from growing
solution
inside the can.
that's just the right size for us right now and doesn't cost very much money: we're going to use a garbage can and some straw or sawdust. •
•
Dig a hole that is roughly
Position the trash can so that it is inside the hole.
the same size as your trash can (this helps to retain a 21
•
Bury garbage
the can
brand -new made
of
galvanized steel along with the cover. The majority of root •
crops,
including
Arrange some hay in a layer
carrots, potatoes, Chinese
all the way around the trash
cabbage, and a great many
can.
more, can be stored in this..
•
Build several layers in your root cellar. Put in the cellar some straw or sawdust to a depth of approximately 5
•
inches.
Cut a hole in the cover of the garbage can and place it at an angle so that warm air can escape.
• 22
Place some potatoes.
•
Surround your root cellar with a sufficient amount of straw, and that's it!
•
Place the subsequent layer of straws or sawdust, then the
subsequent
layer
of
heavy fruit. •
Maintain
a
regular
inspection schedule for your root cellar,
and fit any
openings to the cellar with some kind of screen to prevent •
Put a lid on your root cellar.
rodents
from
entering. (Ensure that your vent at the very top of the can
is
protected
by
a
screen.) #6 - Plan for an Early Power •
Outage in the Kitchen
To ensure that the surface is adequately insulated, cover
As important as it is to be able
it with a layer of rigid
to cook my food, I will install
styrofoam insulation.
camp stoves on my back patio that
will
function
propane runs out.
23
till
the
Project 6: Instructions For Building A DIY Rocket Stove Oven Here is another inexpensive method of cooking without using gas; it is an outdoor stove that is simple to run and maintain. The construction of a rocket stove is uncomplicated and simple. I am certain that you will
find
this
work
How to Arrange it
straightforward. This design is 1. Begin by arranging a single
quite simple, and assembly will take
no
longer
than
block as shown below.
two
minutes. Here are the ass ets you should employ: 1. The Brick 2. 3 cylinder blocks
2. Place an H -shaped block on
3. 2paver sets
top of the cinderblock if you have one. 24
3. Next, position a cinderblock in
front
of
the
existing
cinderblocks.
4. Add the remaining brick to the top of the stack. The chimney is now complete, and you may place a grill or cooking surface over the entrance.
25
5. You may now add fuel to the fire and light it.
You can add a second block towards the back of the stove to create a double-burner stove with two cooking zones. This item costs between $6 and $8. It may be erected in minutes with no technical knowledge or skills required. This gadget will allow you to cook or boil water with
minimum
emergency.
26
fuel
in
an
this point, which will result in a
Project 7: Instructions for constructing a solar oven
square-shaped shape.
There is always a way out of a problem. The key is to find it and use it well. This
is
a
straightforward
method for using solar energy
2. Cut the box along the
as a source of cooking heat.
indicated line.
Materials essential: •
Marker
•
Cutter
•
Gum
•
Carton(pizza box)
•
Scissor
•
Paper wrap
•
Black paper
•
Ruler
•
Foil paper
3. Fold the flap backward using a
folding
rule.
Steps 1.
Measure
an
inch
4. Determine the size of the
of
border around the pizza box.
aluminum foil based on the
Utilize your marker to connect
square, or flap.
27
5.
Spread gum on the flap's 7. Remove any excess foil.
surface.
8. Spread gum around the box's edges and cut a square -shaped
6. Cover the area where you put
plastic wrap to fit the box's top.
the gum with aluminum foil.
Then, hold the plastic wrap to
6. Smoothing out the creases and
air
pockets
the top of the box in order to
before
form an airtight seal.
applying the gum on the opposite side. Then, push the foil onto the adhesive surface. 28
9. Apply gum to the borders of
11. Glue the insulation layer of
the bottom of the top cover,
aluminum to the bottom of the
then cover it with the wrap.
pizza box.
12. Cover the bottom with black foil paper. This will aid in heat absorption.
10. Apply gum to the bottom of the box first.
29
Our
oven
is
now
ready.
#7 – Install a hand washing
You can prepare the cookies and
marshmello
using
station and a toilet
a
chocolate combination.
Maintaining sobriety from the start will prevent a multitude of medical complications in the future.
I
would
install
a
sanitation station in the kitchen and bathroom. In the restroom with a window, place a portable Place
your
oven
in
toilet.
direct
sunlight for increased heat.
Our cookies are done baking.
30
Liquid
Project 8: How to Make Homemade Liquid Dish Soap
commercially
additions produced
Soap
● ¼ cup (9 ml) grated castile bar soap, tightly packed ● 15 to 40 drops essential oil
in
● 2
dish
¼
teaspoon
1
to14
g)
tablespoon
soap at home with natural
super washing soda
found
in
(10
to
soap? You may ma ke your own
components
with
Essential Oil
Not a fan of the chemicals and unknown
Dish
● ½ teaspoon (1.5 g) glycerin
your
kitchen or laundry area. Make a
● 1 ½ cups (353 ml) water
basic version with only three
● ¼ cup (60 ml) liquid castile
ingredients,
a
soap
delicious -
smelling version with essential
Liquid Dish Soap with Borax
oils, or a really powerful soap with the cleaning powerhouse
● 1 tablespoon (2 g) Borax
Borax – or try all three and find
● ½ cup (120 ml) liquid castile soap
which works best for your
● 1 tablespoon (14 g) washing
requirements.
soda Ingredients
● 2 ½ cups (600 ml) water
Basic Liquid Dish Soap
● 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white distilled vinegar
● 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 Method
ml) distilled white vinegar
1:
Traditional
Dishwashing Liquid
● 2 cups (470 ml) water ● ¼ cup (9 g) soap flakes 31
1. Combine the water and grated soap in a mixing bowl.
Set the saucepan containing the water and soap on the heat. Allow the mixture to slowly heat on medium for 10 to 15 In
a
medium
sauc e
pan,
minutes, or until the soap has
combine 2 cups (470 mL) water
completely melted. When all of
and 1/4 cup (9 g) soap flakes.
the soap has melted, remove the
Stir the ingredients together
pan from the heat and set it
with a spoon to ensure that the soap
is
evenly
aside for 5 to 10 minutes to
distributed
cool.
throughout the water. ● On the stove, do not allow
● Soap flakes are typically
the mixture to come to a
found in the laundry section
boil. Reduce the heat if it
of supermarkets.
begins to boil.
● If you like, you can use
● Stirring the liquid as it h eats
soap shavings instead of
can aid in the melting of the
store-bought flakes.
soap.
2. Warm the mixture until
3. Incorporate the vinegar.
the soap dissolves.
32
4. Allow the liquid to cool completely before pouring it into a soap dispenser.
After a few minutes, add 1 to 2 teaspoons (15 to 30 mL) of distilled white vinegar to the pan. Stir thoroughly to ensure
Allow the soap to cool entirely
that the vinegar is completely
in the saucepan, which may
incorporated.
take 15 to 20 minutes. Place the
● If you like, you can replace the
vinegar
with
soap in a soap dispenser or
fresh
pump
lemon juice. Both will aid
bottle
next
● A funnel makes it much
when washing dishes.
easier to transfer soap from
● The amount of vinegar you
the pan to the dispenser.
should add to the soap is determined by the thickness
Method
of the mixture. If it's too
Liquid Dish Soap
add
around
2
1. Warm
teaspoons (30 ml) of wa ter
2:
Essentia l
the
water
Oil
and
grated soap together until
to help soften it up. If the soap mixture is
your
kitchen sink.
in the removal of grease
thick,
to
the soap melts.
already
liquid, just add 1 tablespoon (15 ml). 33
Once the soap has completely dissolved and the mixture has been removed from the heat, stir in 1/4 cup (60 ml) liquid castile soap, 2 1/4 teaspoons In
a
medium
saucepan,
(10 g) super washing soda, and
combine 1 1/2 cup (353 ml)
1/2 teaspoons (1.5 g) glycerin.
water and 1/4 cup (9 ml) tightly
Stir until all of the ingredients
packed, grated castile bar soap.
are properly combined.
Turn the heat to medium-high ● Washing soda is commonly
and cook the mixture for 5 to
found in the laundry section
10 minutes, or until the soap is
of large supermarkets. If
completely dissolved. Take the
you can't find it locally, you
pan off the heat.
can get it from one of ● Stir the mixture while it heats
to
let
the
several online retailers.
soap Expert Tip: Simply combine
dissolve faster.
boiling water, castile soap, and
2. Combine the liquid castile
essential
soap, washing soda, and
oil
for
a
qui ck
alternative. 1 1/2 cups boiling
glycerin in a mixing bowl.
water and 1/4 cup castile soap, grated. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of liquid soap. After completely mixing the solution, add 25 –50 drops of your choice essential oil using an eye dropper. Allow 34
the solution to set for 24 hours ,
washing soda, and let it set
stirring every now and then to
again.
check
the
consistency.
The
● If you want to add more
solution will thicken slightly
washing soda, start with 3/4
over time, so adjust with a little
teaspoon (3 g) and let the
warm water as necessary. The
soap soak again. If it's still
solution is then placed in a
too thin, add the washing
container with a pump and is
soda in 1/2 teaspoon (2 g)
ready to use!
amounts until it's the proper consistency.
3. Allow the soap to dry
● Smooth your soap with a
completely.
mixer or immersion blender if it contains chunks or lumps. 4. Add the essential oils and pour the soap into a soap dispenser.
Allow the soap mixture to remain in the pan for 24 hours. During
this
time,
stir
it
occasionally to obtain a sense of the consistency. The soap will thicken up with time, so it's fine if it's a little liquid at first.
When the soap has reached the
If it appears to be too thin,
desired consistency, add 15 to
warm it up, stir in more
40 drops of your preferred essential oil. Pour it into a soap 35
dispenser for use alongside the
Borax, 1 tablespoon (14 g)
kitchen sink after thoroughly
washing soda, 2 tablespoons
stirring to ensure that the oil is
(30 mL) white distilled vinegar,
evenly distributed throughout
and 1/2 cup (120 mL) liquid
the soap for a fresh scent.
castile soap. Stir thoroughly to ensure
● You can use whatever
citrus
oils
all
of
the
components are well combined.
essential oil you like, but
that
● Borax
like
is
a
natural
lemon, lime, and orange
mineral
are
powdered and used in
very
good
removing
at
grease.
that
is
cleaning products like
Juniper and lavender are
dish soap and laundry
also excellent choices.
detergent. Most grocery stores
Method 3: Liquid Dish Soap
it
with
washing soda in the
with Borax 1. Borax,
sell
laundry aisle. washing
● If you wish to perfume
soda,
vinegar, and castile soap
your
should all be combined.
fragrant
dish
such
soap,
castile as
use soap,
lavender,
peppermint, citrus, or tea tree. 2. Bring the water to a boil, then In
a
large
mixing
add
mixture.
bowl,
combine 1 tablespoon (2 g) 36
the
borax
In a medium pot, bring 2 1/2
Allow the soap mixture to cool
cups (600 ml) of water to a boil
to room temperature (about 20
over high heat for 5 to 10
to 30 minutes). Pour it into a
minutes. Remove the pan from
dispenser and set it next to the
the heat and gradually pour in
kitchen sink.
the borax mixture, stirring after each
addition
to
Expert Tip: Combine 1/3 cup
properly
Sals Suds, 3/4 cup water, 1
combine the soap.
tablespoon washing soda (not
● If you want a stronger
baking soda), and ten drops of
aroma in your soap, blend
your favorite essential oil scent.
in 3 to 5 drops of your
Shake the ingredients well, and
preferred essential oil, such
you have powerful dish soap.
as lavender or tea tree.
You can also use Sals Suds to
● It is acceptable if your soap
make a floor or bathroom
is thin and liquidy. As it
cleaner.
cools, it will thicken.
#8 – Create Water Filters
3. Allow the soap to cool before transferring it to a
Installing a Berke y water filter
soap dispenser.
with multiple pre-filters in the kitchen will help keep my drinking water clean and safe. 37
How to Construct Your Very
construct your very own water
Own Filtration System for
filtration system. There are a
Water
multitude of options available, so take your pick.
You could save money in the long run by constructing your
Biological filtering
own filtration system rather This system is for homes. It has
than buying one that is already
three levels, and each level has
made, which is just one of the
sand,
many compelling arguments in
gravel,
and
activated
charcoal. It is a m odern way to
favor of this course of action.
clean water that is simple and And after you've established a
works
base, you can always add on to
filtered so that large particles
it in any way that you see fit.
rise to the top and smaller ones
well.
The
water
is
sink to the bottom.
Also, It is possible that you will need to learn how to make a
The following items are going
water filter in order to survive
to be necessary for assembling
while you are out adventuring,
this water filtration system:
camping, or even if you get lost ✔ Sand
in the woods.
✔ Five five -gallon food -grade Despite the fact that these are extreme unfortunately,
buckets
examples, situations
✔ Hole saw
like
✔ Gravel
these do arise. Therefore, we
✔ Active coal
will
✔ Screen
demonstrate
how
to 38
✔ Plastic piping connections
5. As a direct consequence of this process, potable water is
1. To begin with, invert the
created. Be sure to drill a hole
gallon container so that it is
that is sufficiently large to
facing down. After that, you
enable you to empty the water
will cut a hole in the top in
and dirt out of the container at
order
the end.
to
insert
the
components.
6. Putting it in a catch basin is
2. The first layer is made of
another way to make it simpler
gravel, which is a type of
for you. Aside from t hat, all
rock that looks like small
you've done is creating your
pebbles and will keep trash
own personal carbon filter. You
and maybe even animals
are
out.
make
any
the design that you see fit,
sand, which acts as a filter to any
to
modifications or additions to
3. The next layer is made up of
remove
free
including
microscopic
adding
more
components. There is more than
pollutants that were able to pass
one approach to taking care of
through the previous layer.
things.
4. The fourth and final step involves
the
utilization
Stovetop Distillery
of
activated charcoal. It is possible
This is especially helpful if you
to use it in an effort to get rid of
have a newborn and want to
any chemicals or pathogens that
ensure that it has access to
might have been left behind in
water that is free of any
the liquid.
impurities 39
or
contaminants.
Verify that it has been in
the temperature so that it is
circulation for at least half a
warm but not too hot to
year.
handle. 3. After that, place ice cubes
You will have to put in more
on
effort to s et up this system, but
top
of
installed
once it is completed, you will
the
lid
newly in
the
container. It will help the
be able to draw water from a
vapor in the pot to condense
marsh. It's also possible to
into liquid more quickly.
accomplish this with a wide
4. When you are finished, take
variety of everyday items found
the
around the house.
dish
containing
the
distilled water out of the
Procedures for Distilling on a
oven and turn off the heat.
Stovetop
Created Coal Filtration 1. Water can be distilled usi ng If you think you've heard this
a stove, a grill, or even a
before, you're absolutely right!
campfire. To get started, put
The idea behind the do -it-
about a third of the water in
yourself
a large pot. Place a large
filtration
enough collection basin in
comparable
the pan to make sure the
charcoal
water
system
is
to
what
very we
accomplished with the bio -
distilled water doesn't leak
filter, with the exception that it
back into the main pot.
does not include gravel.
2. Position the lid of the pot in an inverted position on top
On the other hand, if you are
of the container. Increase
working outside and can't make 40
a full bio-filter, you might want
1. Obtain coal that has been
to use this distiller instead.
washed and cooled. 2. Start a campfire, and once it has
✔ A piece of fabric
a beautiful coal bed, bank it
✔ Charcoal
by surrounding it with soil
✔ Two 2-liter plastic bottles
or ash, and then come back
✔ Sand
to it after a day or three.
Sand is placed on top of the
2. Before taking the charcoal
charcoal cover in exactly the
out of the oven, make sure
same way as it is done in the
it
bio-filter. Because this is the
is
completely
cooled
down first.
primary purifier, it has to be set
3. Crush the charcoal
up in stages so that the water
into
small pieces, from powder
can pass through its various
to gravel -sized pieces, for
stages. The water that you get
aquariums.
from this system, in contrast to
4. Obtain
the water that we got from the
or
fashion
a
container in the shape of a
system that we used before, will
cylinder with open ends
be cloudy and not suitable for
(taller
drinking right away.
is
preferable
to
wider). This is something
You have to first boil it before
that Julie is doing with the
you can enjoy the flavor of it.
cut-off end of a 2 -liter drink bottle right now.
Developed a Process for the
5. Stop
Coal Filtration
the
charcoal
from
being lost or washed away by the water by stuffing the 41
smaller opening with tightly
to be used as a partial
packed grass or a piece of
covering for the reservoir.
cloth to prevent it (if both
7. To prevent the charcoal
ends are the same diameter,
from becoming displaced
select
when water is added, cover
either
one).
Alternately, if you are using
the surface of the charcoal
a bottle with the cap still on
with
like we are, you can drill a
compacted grass, sand, or
small hole in the cap before
another piece of fabric and
inserting
then follow step 8 below.
your
fabric
or
grass. This is the method
the
thin
layer
of
8. To collect water, place your
that we are using. 6. PACK
a
filter on top of a container
pulverized
and then pour the water into
charcoal into the container
a container. In order to
as tightly as possible. The
highlight the diff erences,
objective here is to generate
we are using a glass jar, but
a fine matrix through which
when you are out in the
water
drip,
wilderness, it is best to filter
silt
the water directly into the
can
slowly
entrapping additional
and "small beasties." If the
pot you will be boiling the
water flows quickly through
water in rather than the one
the
you will be drinking from
filter
rather
than
dripping, the charcoal in it
(in the event they are not
needs to have a denser
the same).
packing job. There will be
9. Pour the re maining water
enough crushed coal for it
into 42
the
cylindrical
container and slowly pour it
eliminate
through. Slowly pour the
pathogens. (By putting a
water that has not been
pinch of charcoal in the
treated
into
water that's already boiling,
(being
cautious
your
filter
not
to
the
risk
of
you can make the flavor
dislodge your sand). It is
even
better.)
important to keep in mind
advantage
that water should SLOWLY
water you have!
Take
full
the
clean
of
DRIP from the bot tom of
Boiling of Water
the filter. 10. After the entire amount of water through
has the
been
The vast majority of people
filtered
filter,
overlook this step, despite the
you
fact that it is one of the stages
should run it again as many
that is the most fundamen tal
times as is necessary to
and important.
clean it. In most cases, I Experiments
will go through it twice, and
are
needed
because the results are very
in the best case scenario,
different and depend on many
three times.
things, such as the amount of
11. When the water has reached
water used and the type of heat
the level of cleanliness that
source.
you require, bring it to a boil for a few minutes in
When it comes to this situation,
order to effectively sterilize
the most important thing to
it. Keep in mind that boiling
keep in mind is that once the
is the only method that can
liquid 43
begins
to
boil,
the
temperature must be maintained
"Max" are typically found
for three minutes.
on cooktops. 3. Bring the water to a rolling
Methods for Bringing Water
boil and continue to cook it
to a Boil
until
you
see
bubbles
The process of bringing water
forming on the surface.
up to a temperature of 212
When the pot is covered,
degrees
Fahrenheit
in
surface
preparation
for
is
inside, which speeds up the
cooking
called "boiling." However, you
heat
is
trapped
process.
do not need a thermometer in
Water Decontamination by Sunlight
order to bring water to a boil. The process of bringing water and other liquids to a boil is a
Investigate the SODIS method,
straightforward
which stands for Solar Water
one
that
Disinfection, if you haven't
consists of only a few steps.
already come across a solution 1. Pour enough water to cover
that addresses your needs and
the bottom of a skillet or a
works effectively.
saucepan. 2. If we fi ll it up to the very top, there is a
To get started, all you need is a
risk that some of the liquid
location that gets a lot of
will spill out as the bubbles
sunlight and a container for the
form.
water,
as
implied
phrase's own meaning.
2. Put the burner cover on and allow it to get extremely hot. The terms "Hi" or 44
by
the
It could take mo re time to filter
mechanical
the water using this method
assistance.
depending on the water source,
or
chemical
Even if the water has already
which is one of the method's
been
potential drawbacks.
filte red
through
one
system, it is still recommended
1. The first simple step is to put
that it be boiled before being
the water you'll be using into
consumed.
direct sunlight. This will help sterilize
the
water.
It
Methods for Sanitizing Water
is
Using Direct Exposure to the
recommended that a fine screen
Sun
be placed on top of it to prevent
The Solvatten is a transportable
the entry of pollutants.
water filtration and heating
2. If the liquid is clear and uncontaminated,
the
system that was designed for
process
families living off the grid in
should take about two hours.
developing countries. It is a
If the sources were the cause of
simple and clever way for
the murky water, you should
people living in poverty all over
put it away for a few
the world to get access to clean
days.
Keep in mind that doing so
and hot water.
might make the water less pure
Because the part usually lasts
than it otherwise would be.
between seven and ten years, it
It is best to use two different
can still work when kids are
methods of filtering if you do
most lik ely to get sick from
not
water.
have
access
to
either 45
Solvates are also capable of
houses
producing hot water (up to 75
measuring 35 microns in
degrees Celsius).
size.
cotton
filter
2. Powered by the sun: After
This temperature of water is
placing the device so that it
appropriate for a wide range of
gets direct sunlight,
domestic and hygienic tasks,
the
water is heated and then
such as cooking, washing one's
exposed to ultraviolet rays.
hands and other body parts,
3. Radiation purification: A
taking a bath, and cleaning the
combination of heat and
house. After
a
ultraviolet illumination is an the
water
has
been
extremely
successful
purified, customers who would
method of cleaning water.
rather drink water at a cooler
Depending
temperature need only move
circumstances, the water is
their device into the shade.
free of pathogens in two to
Solvatten may be utilized on
six hours using this method.
days with a partly cloudy sky,
on
the
4. The treatment
has been
but this medicati on should not
completed
successfully
be used on days that are cloudy
when
or rainy.
switches from a sad red face
the
indication
to a happy green face after
1. Each of the devices includes
it has been given the go -
two five-liter containers that
ahead.
can be refilled with water through an aperture that opens up like a book and 46
What exactly is meant by the
Unfortunately,
term "water cycle"?
consequence of the damage that
the pollution that we cause to it.
filter is going to be a lot of fun for the children.
The pollutants from our homes, along with the chemicals and
Children will learn about the
fertilizers we use to take care of
water cycle by doing a simple
our
activity that involves a hands-
pollute
the
for human consumption before
can be found either inside or
it even reaches our faucets.
outside the home.
Everything ultimately winds up
When water soaks into the
in our water supply at s ome
ground and is stored in aquifers,
point.
our planet, our world, filters the water naturally.
Read on to find out about the best portable filtration systems
The natural soil of the earth,
that have ever been made.
much like the homemade water make,
lawns,
groundwater, making it unfit
on experiment with things that
we
a
humans cause to our planet and
The construction of their water
filters
as
removes
How Can I Locate the Most
organisms, plants, and other
Effective Filtering Option in
contaminants from the water.
the
Most
Time -Efficient
Manner?
This is an example of what happens during the infiltration
There is a wide variety of
phase of the water cycle.
selections available to choose
47
from when it comes to water
important to keep in mind that
filtration systems.
although this testing method is
Nevertheless, responsible
you for
not as precise as using a test kit,
are
it
determining
can
provide
information
which of these is necessary
you
that
is
with more
fundamental and helpful.
given the circumstances. Now that we have your attention, we
More than just our five senses
will
to
can help us form an opinion
examine the quality of the
about the world around us. For
water.
the purpose of figuring out how
demonstrate
how
good the water is, you can look
First things first, you should be
at it, smell it, and taste it.
aware that there are many
•
different approaches to learning it. Either by using a reliable
Our abilities to sme ll, taste, and see
water testing kit, trusting your
Different smells can sometimes
intuition, or getting an expert
tell whether or not a certain
opinion, you can determine the
substance is in water.
quality of the water.
For instance, if it smells like
The last available choice gives
bleach, it is likely that the water
the impression of being the
treatment plant in your area
most accurate, but it also has
uses chlorine to disinfect the
the highest price tag.
water. This is because ch lorine
If
you
perceptual
are
interested
evaluation,
it
is an effective disinfectant.
in is 48
When exposed to air, this odor
Project 9: HOW TO MAKE SOLAR WAYER PURIFIER/DISTIL LATION SYSTEM WITH PLASTIC BOTTLES
may become less noticeable. Conclusion These
technologies
are
typically more effective than methods based on carbon when it comes to the removal of contaminants.
Requirements: These filters are better than
carbon filters and can be just as
2 plastic bottles with their caps
good as RO systems while
being cheaper, wasting less
A 20mm PVC pipe slightly shorter than the bottle
water, and taking out important minerals from the water.
Procedures:
By filtering it, it is possible to
1. Get the two plastic bottles
improve the flavor of your water while also helping to remove pollutants and particles from it. Also, because you don't have to use single -use plastic bottles, this way of getting pure water to drink may be better for the 2. Take off grid caps/covers
environment. 49
3. Put the two caps against each 6. Burrow a 20mm hole on the
other like this
caps
4. Take apart and add glue to the surface
7. Measure the length of your PVC pipe with the bottle 5. Put both caps together and press firmly to hold 50
10. Let the other bottle go through the PVC pipe and 8. Wear/attach the caps to one
tighten it up
end of the PVC pipe
11. Tighten it up 9. Attach the PVC pipe having the caps on to one of the plastic bottles
The system is ready
51
15. Put the system under the sun to be heated up
12. Now unattach the bottles and feel the down bottle with
16. After few hours, heated
your water
water evaporates through the PVC tube/pipe leaving dirty water behind. Tip: Water vapour condenses and clean water is collected in
13. Put back the other upper
the catchment bottle.
bottle having the caps and PVC 17. Unscrew the process when
pipe
you're done
14. Tighten everything up
52
18. Collect your clean water.
Project 10: What to Do to Get Started with the Free Heater During the winter, everyone will likely sleep close to the fireplace
or
wood -burning
stove. It is essential to get those running and bring in adequate wood from the woodpile. 1. Gather your old newspapers and
unwanted
mail
(gather
them up instead of putting them Clean water
into the garbage).
Tip: You can repeat the process as much as you like to get clean water. Ensure to have your
2. Obtain three buckets in total.
bottles clean and free from contaminants.
53
4. Grab the subsequent pail and 3. Using a drill, put holes in the
insert the first pail with holes
bottom of one of the buckets,
inside this one.
and afterwards, create holes all around the exterior of the bucket to allow water to flow through.
54
5. Put all of your garbage, including your documents, in the bucket with holes.
8. After letting it soak the night before, you must grind it all up (you can use a mixer that is 6. Add water to produce paper mache
or
pulp,
based
used for mixing up concrete in
on
buckets).
personal choice.
9. Add a great deal of water and continue grinding.
7. Add a bunch of sawdust (optional).
55
10. Grab the third bucket and
11. Lift the bucket containing
place it in a mill creek so that
the mixture and place it directly
the combination can drain from
on top of the bucket containing
the bucket.
the drain.
56
12. Remember that the bucket containing the mixture has a number of holes. Put the second bucket, which also has water in it, on top of the mixture to help get the water out. 14.
Remove/separate
the
mixture.
15. To extract the mixture from the pail, invert the pail over a surface and then remove the
13. Allow it to completely drain
mixture.
before proceeding. You can provide it with a small amount of provocation. 57
17.
You
could
attempt
to
fashion it into logs for the fire.
16. You may now cut it into the proper size for the fire bricks so that it can dry more rapidly.
58
18. Leave it alone for a week or two, and it will be entirely dry.
And that concludes everything!
#12 – Serve the Ice Cream Due to our inability to preserve 19. Place it there to be burned
it, eating all of the ice cream in
in your fireplace.
the freezer would likely be the
59
last thing we a ccomplish in the allotted time.
Project 11: How to Dehydrate Foods
I should be mostly settled in by
Drying food is another method
now and can begin working on
for preserving food that can be
the next list of tasks.
used in addition to canning an d freezing. Certain foods have their moisture removed so as to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other organisms that would otherwise lead to spoilage or deterioration. The most efficient method of drying is when it is done in the open air, in an oven, or in a food dehydrator. All foods that are able to withstand the drying process
include
vegetables,
fruits, herbs, meats, and fish. Certain preparation steps need to be followed before foods can be dried properly. Method 1: Preparing The Food For The Drying Process
60
you
cut
them
into
smaller pieces that are at least half an inch (3.8 centimeters) thick. 1.
Begin
by
thoroughly
washing your hands with soap and water, and then disinfect
any
equipment
tools
that
or •
you
Wrap one quart (0.94 liters)
intend to use.
of
chopped
vegetables in a piece of cheesecloth that is 36 inches (91 centimeters) long.
2. Very clean and recently harvested
vegetables, •
such as green beans, corn, and
peppers,
On the stovetop, blanch the vegetables in the
among
others.
cheesecloth
•
Using a knife, carefully
placing
remove
saucepan that is only
any
bag
them
a
half
skin.
water. In addition, you
drying
could
vegetables, it's easier if 61
put
of
in
imperfections from the When
full
by
a
boiling
quarter
teaspoon, which is equal
or halves measuring half
to
an inch (1.27 cm) on a
1.2
citric water.
milliliters, acid
into
the
side. Put in a minimum
blanching
of one quart (0.94 liters)
process can take up to
of water into the large
six minutes, after which
saucepan.
the
The
of
bag
should
be
immersed in cold water for the same amount of time. •
To the water, add up to 1.5 teaspoons
(7.3
ml)
of
sodium sulfate or sodium bisulfate that is of a quality suitable
for
human
consumption. Soak the fruit for approximately five to fifteen minutes, the length of time varying according to the thickness of the slices. First, give the fruit a quick
3. Prepare the fruit, such as apples,
cherries,
rinse in ice water, and then
and
place it on a rack to dry.
peaches, by washing and chopping them. •
For more even drying, cut the fruit into cubes 62
•
Thinly slice the lean meat or salmon to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch (1.27 cm).It is necessary to remove the
4.
•
•
It is time to gather the
fat from the meat before
herbs once the morning
drying it because the fat
dew has dried up and the
will cause the meat to
sun has come up.
become damaged. •
To prevent the herbs from
Freeze for approximately
wilting, it is important to
one month any meat or fish
collect them as soon as the
that is going to be dried.
morning dew has dried.
The temperature at which
After washing the herbs
the freezing point is reached
with lukewarm water, give
should be at or below 32
them
degrees Celsius (17 degrees
a
remove
good any
shake
to
Celsius).
excess •
moisture.
You'll need to defrost the meat
and
refrigerator.
fish
in
Add
the salt,
various seasonings, and any marinades of your choice before drying the meat. Keep in mind that you need 5.
Chop and prepare the
to wash your hands once
seafood and lean meats as
more after tou ching any
desired.
meat, vegetables, or herbs. 63
Method 2: Choose the Best
3.
Drying Method
Position the drying trays inside
the
appropriate
piece of equipment.
1.
Arrange slices of meat, vegetables, and fruit in a
4. You should get started
single layer on drying
with the drying process.
trays. Put the trays in the
•
If you use an oven,
food dehydrator or oven
keep the door cracked
and start the process.
open just a crack and a ventilation fan nearby. •
Since
the
food
dehydrator already has a ventilation fan, you 2.
If the meat was seasoned
should close the door to
with a marinade, line the
the appliance.
bottom of the device used for
drying
it
•
with
You can either hang the herbs to dry in the air
aluminum foil. This will
or put them in a food
catch any drips that may
dehydrator. Herbs like
occur.
basil, sage, rosemary, and
thyme
can
be
strung up in the garden in tight little bunches. 64
To hasten the drying
Project 12: DIY Vinegar Pickling
process, place the herbs in a food dehydrator.
The first pickling method involves vinegar.
Canning
1. Simply soak the food in acidic
vinegar
containing at least 5 percent acidity. Some techniques
involve
boiling the food in the vinegar solution. There is much debate as to whether
these
"quick
pickles"
require
refrigeration. As long as the lid remains intact, the vinegar should preserve the food for up to a few weeks, even
if
refrigerated.
65
it
is
not
Method 2: The Easy Pickle
When the vinegar pickles are
left
out
of
the
refrigerator, there is a risk of
contamination.
Therefore, for the pickles to last a very long time,
1.
The
they must be canned after being
pickled.
Gather your materials. following
components
When
making
preserved, pickles can last
are
the
essential
pickles
for from
scratch:
for more than five years.
● 4 onions ● 1 cup vinegar ● 2
tbsp.
chopped
fresh
parsley ● Salt ● 2 cups sugar ● 4 medium cucumbers
These beans are placed in a
2. Thin slices are cut into
vinegar solution and afterwards
four medium cucumbers
canned to extend their shelf life
and four onions. Peel the
from weeks to years.
cucumber and cut it into 66
thin medallions after you've removed
the
skin.
5. The container must be at
The
least 1 foot (0.3 m) x 9
onions are cut into bite-
inches (30.5 x 22.8 cm) in
sized pieces using a dicer.
size and at least half a foot (15.2 cm) tall. T he ratios described here will make it easier for the cucumbers to take in the liquids.
3. A
container
alternating cucumbers After
has
layers and
the
of
onions.
layer
of
cucumbers, the next layer should consist of onions.
6. Refrigerate overnight. The
Using a fork will allow you
next day, remove the jar
to distribute the onions over
from the refrigerator and
the pickles in an even
allow the cucumbers to
manner. After adding a tiny
come to room temperature.
sprinkle of salt to the layer, 4. Add
another
layer
of
cucumbers and onions and salt once more. Keep piling the cucumbers and onions
7. Prepare and set aside the
on top of each other until all
pickling
of the vegetables have been
liquid.
Mix
together two cups of sugar,
used up.
one cup of white vinegar, 67
and two tablespoons of salt
life of several weeks when
to
stored in the refrigerator.
make pickling liquid
(29.6 ml). Fresh parsley was cut up and placed in a pot. On the stovetop, bring this mixture to a simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Serve. Take the pickles out of the refrigerator the following day and use them in a salad, on a sandwich, or as a side dish with another food.
8. Pickle
the
Remove
the
cucumbers.
3. Making pickles
cucumbers
from the refrigerator and
You will appreciate pickles
drain out any additional
even more if you make them
juice
yourself, despite the fact that
that
accumulated.
may After
have
they
that,
are
already
fantastic
pour the sugar syrup that
themselves. You will not only
has been brought to a boil
be able to control the level of
over the cucumbers and put
sweetness or heat
them
the
pickles, but you will also be
refrigerator. The pickles can
able to appreciate the flavor of
be eaten as soon as the
homemade pickles that have
following day after being
been properly prepared. If you
prepared. They have a shelf
want to learn how to make
back
in
68
in
your
pickles, all you have to do is follow these steps. The
basics
of
producing
pickles 2. The blossom end of the cucumber should never be left intact. The flower end can be identified by the small brown circle at its tip. 1.
Choose cucumbers that
Because the end includes an
are as fresh as possible.
enzyme, it has the potential
The more crunchy your
to loosen and, as a result,
pickles turn out to be, the
make your pickles mushier.
more recently picked your cucumbers
were.
cucumbers
you
If
the
use
are
already on the softer side,
3. Give some thought to your
the pickles you make will follow
suit.
Before
cuts. When you cut or slice
you
the cucumbers more, the
begin pickling, you should
pieces will grow thinner; as
make a trip to the market or
a result, they will lose some
the area of the store that
of their crunchiness. Simply
specializes in produce.
slice
the
cucumber
numerous times in such a way that it maintains more 69
of its natural form will
Spicy Pickles
result in pickles that have a crunch that is authentic. If you use whole pickles, your dish will have a much more robust level of heat. 1. Gather
all
of
your
ingredients. The following are the components that must be present in order to
4. Use salt. The use of salt is essential for extending the
make hot pickles:
pickling
and
•
1 dried bay leaf
wringing more water out of
•
¾ cup water
the cucumbers. If you are
•
½ tsp. whole mustard
process
seed
on a diet, you can reduce •
the amount of sugar and
6½
tbsp.
white -wine
vinegar
other components, but if the
•
1 lb. medium cucumbers
appropriate amount of salt,
•
3 cloves garlic
the pickles you make w ill
•
6½ tbsp. white distilled
you
be
don't
add
tasteless
vinegar
and •
unappealing.
½
tsp.
black
peppercorns •
70
1 tsp. fresh dill weed
•
2/3 cup organic light
preserving
brown sugar
pickling brine.
2. pound
cucumbers
in
medium-sized
peeled cucumbers
5. Put one dried b ay leaf,
3.
Slice the cucumbers into
three
chopped
garlic
cloves,
one
of
half
a
teaspoon of whole black
thin half-moons. By slicing
peppercorns, one half of a
them into thin medallions, you will be able to store them in a jar or another type
teaspoon
of
whole
mustard
seed,
one
teaspoon of fresh dill, and
of container.
one
in
Combine
the all
container. of
the
ingredients in the container so that they spread
out
equally over the cucumber.
4. Put the cucumbers in a jar or other container that holds two quarts. This size will
be
perfect
for 71
Get the mixture for the brine ready. Mix together 2/3 cup organic light brown sugar, 6 tablespoons
white -distilled
vinegar, 6 tablespoons white wine vinegar, and 3/4 cup water. Give this combination a good stir until the sugar and vinegar
are
completely 7. Refrigerate, covered. To
combined and the sugar has
bring out the full flavor of
dissolved entirely.
the cucumbers, place them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
6. To brine the cucumbers, pour the brining solution 8. Serve. You can put the
over them. To make sure
pickles on a sandwich or
the mixture covers all of the
serve them as a complement
pickles evenly, put the lid
to
on the jar or other container
other
foods.
These
pickles can be stored in the
and shake it hard.
refrigerator for up to three months without going bad.
72
spears. Take off the top of
Method 4: Garlic Dill Pickles
the bloom.
1. Gather your materials. The following are the
3. Make the salty solution.
components that must be
2 tablespoons of honey,
present in order to make
together with 1 and a half
garlic dill pickles: •
2 tsp. black peppercorns
•
4 tsp. dill seed
•
1½ cups apple cider vinegar
•
3 lbs. kirby cucumbers
•
8 peeled garlic cloves
•
1 tsp. red chili flakes
•
2 tbsp. pickling salt
•
1½ cups filtered water
cups
of
apple
cider
vinegar and 1 and a half cups
of
filtered
water
(29.6 ml). Pickling salt in a saucepan It is important that this mixture be heated to a boil.
4. Split into two one -quart jars: eight garlic cloves,
2. Scrub and pat dry three
four teaspoons of dill
pounds' worth of Kirby
seed, two teaspoons of
cucumbers. They were
black peppercorns, and
hacked into the shape of 73
one teaspoon of dried
be
left
between
the
red chili flakes. If you do
surface of the brine and
not have access to two
the rim of the jar. Tap the
quart jars, you may use
jars lightly to remove any
four pint jars in their
air bubbles that may have
place.
formed.
The
process
is
pickling negatively
impacted by the presence of air bubbles.
5. After
cutting
cucumbers,
the
arrange
them in the jars in the appropriate order. It is
7. Place the caps on the
important that they be packed possible
as
tightly
without
bottles. Put the lids on the
as
jars, but don't screw them
being
on too tightly; you want
crushed in the process.
the mixture to be able to breathe while it's in there.
6. The container receives the brine that was just
8. Allow
poured in. Only a quarter
the
jars
to
completely cool. Wait at
of an inch of space should
least ten to fifteen minutes 74
for the jars to reach room temperature.
1. Gather The 9. Refrigerate. The pickles
your
following
materials. are
the
components that must be
should be kept in the
present in order to make
refrigerator for at least a
sweet pickles:
week before being eaten.
•
1/8 cup salt
•
2 lbs. cucumbers
•
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
•
1
cup
apple
cider
vinegar •
1/2 tsp. mustard seed
the pickles as a side dish
•
1 cup white sugar
with any dinner, or you
•
2 sweet onions
10. Serve. You can include
can
snack
on
them
whenever you like.
Method
5:
Making
Some 2. Prepare the brine or salty
Delicious Pickles
water. In a small pot set over medium heat, combine one cup of apple cider 75
vinegar, one eighth of a cup
sweet
onions
of salt, one cup of white
small pieces.
into
very
sugar, one quarter of a teaspoon
of
ground
turmeric, and half of a teaspoon of mustard seeds. 5. The
vegetables
are
crammed into a canning jar that is a quart in size. Put
the
objects
in
the
3. Bring this mixture to a
container carefully so that
boil, then reduce the heat
they don't get crushed. If
to a simmer and let it cook
you do not have a jar that is
for at least five minutes.
a quart in size, you can use two jars that are a pint in size instead.
4. Two
onions
and
two
pounds of cucumbers are peeled and sliced. It is recommended
that
each
6. Pour the brine into the
cucumber be cut into at
container
least three to four spears,
that
contains
the veggies. After putting
depending on the thickness
the lid back on, shaking the
of the cucumber. Cut the 76
# 2 - Protect the Woodpile I would store my woodpile in
container hard will make sure that all of the parts are
my garage, which is mostly dry
mixed well.
and
safe,
disappear.
7. Refrigerate. combination
Put
this
in
the
refrigerator for at least a day to get the best possible outcomes.
8. Serve.
Pickle
these
asparagus stalks and serve them
with
your
next
sandwich or dinner as an appetizer or a side dish. Smoking
dehydrator.
77
so
it
wouldn't
air. If you can, get the wood
Project 13: How to Get Wood and Let It Dry
a year ahead of time so that it has enough time to dry
Freshly cut wood holds on to a
out.
lot of water, which makes it
hard to start a fire and keep it
The drying time can depend on the weather. If you live
going. Even if it does burn, wet
in a very wet area, give
wood creates more smoke and
yourself more time.
soot and gives off less heat.
Denser types of wood, like
Effectively drying wood does
elm and oak, also take
take time, so it's best to plan at
longer to dry.
least six months in advance.
2. Choose
But once the wood has been cut
workplace. If you didn't
to the right size and carefully
buy split firewood, find a
stacked, all you have to do is
place outside where you can
wait for the sun and air to dry it
cut and split the wood
out.
yourself. Make sure the area
a
secure
is clear enough so that you Part 1: Splitting the Wood
can use a saw and/or an ax
1. Gather the wood early.
without getting in the way.
You should buy firewood or
If you want to work safely,
cut it down at least six
choose a flat surface over
months before you want to
one that isn't even.
use it. For the best results,
Keep people and animals
do it even earlier to give it
far away from
the area
even more time to dry in the
where
working.
78
you're
When you start to cut and
them into rounds of equal
split, make sure to look
length.
behind you often to make
sure no one is coming. 3.
Some people like to cut rounds that are bigger than
Cut whole logs into
they need because wood
rounds of the same size.
shrinks as it dries.
If you're just starting out, it's best to be safe and cut smaller pieces until you know how much the wood will shrink.
If you live in a wet area, cut the rounds even smaller so they dry faster.
First, measure the size of your
fireplace, furnace, or any other
Cutting wood into the same lengths will make it easier
place where y ou will burn
to stack it.
wood. Then, take three inches
4. Cut the wood in half
(7.6 cm) away from either the length or width of the wood, depending on how it needs to fit into the space. Use this number to figure out how long each whole log is and mark where to cut it. Use a saw or an ax to cut
79
5.
Put your cutting block
Part 2: Storing Your Cut
on a flat surface. Place a round
Wood
on top with the side that was cut facing up. The round can be cut or sawed in half from the top down. 6.
Repeat with each half to
make splits of wood that will fit in your fireplace, furnace, or other wood-burning appliance.
Split the wood at least once, 1. Locate a suitable location
even if your wood burner
for stacking items. To get
can fit a whole round. Since
the most out of solar drying,
the bark seals in moisture, it
choose a spot outside that
is important to show as
gets little to no shade. Use
much of the inner wood as
the air by choosing a place
possible.
that is open t o the winds or
Cut the wood into smaller
other air currents that are
pieces than you need to dry
already there.
it faster.
from places where water is
Also, cut the wood into
likely to flood, run off, or
pieces of different sizes. Make
small
pieces
Stay away
stand.
for
kindling and larger pieces
Use almanacs or weather stations to find out which
that will burn longer.
way the winds usually blow in your area. 80
If your land has a lot of
3. Build a raised garden
hills, air currents will flow
bed.
up and down the sides of the hills. 2.
Sketch your row(s).
4.
Don't put firewood on
the ground. Don't let the water that collects below cause rot. Use something that won't soak up water, like concrete or a grid of poles laid out in a straight Plan to stack your wood in a
line. In a pinch, you can use
single row if you can, so that
pallets or lumber that you
the cut ends face the strongest
don't need for anything else.
air currents. Use this method
Make the bed as level as
instead of adding up rows.
you can so that you can
Allow all of your wood to
stack it safely.
get
the same amount of air.
If you use wood, cover the
Have enough room for one
top of the bed with tarps,
long row of wood, put each
plastic sheets, or something
row as far apart as you can
similar to stop moisture
to let the most air flow
from getting from the wood
between them.
below to the wood on top. 81
5.
At the same time, make
build them all at the same
holes in the materials so
time, stop when they are
water doesn't pool on top.
about 4 feet (1.2 m) tall.
Build bookends.
This way, if the pile falls, the top will still be below the heads of most adults.
Put your best pieces at the ends of the books. Check that each piece of wood is
First, put the bottom layer of
even on all sides. Throw
split wood along the length of
away any that looks like it's
the raised bed to make the first
getting smaller from one
row. Set each piece up so that
end to the other. If such
the cut ends all point in the
pieces
same direction.
structure may not be as
used,
the
stable as we want it to be. Then, make a second layer
at each end of your row
absorb water, this will help
opposite way. To make stable
bookends,
protect the wood from rain.
keep
6.
adding to both ends of your
in
a
Stack your wood on
top of one another.
row by making each layer face
Put the bark side up on each piece. Since bark does not
with the cut ends facing the
different
direction.
are
You can finish the ends all at once or as you go. If you 82
Between the bookends is where you should start the second layer. Place the cut ends so that they face the same way as the ends of the bottom layer. Set each piece so that it covers two pieces in the bottom layer by
Decide if you want to leave the
going across where the two
pile as it is, or cover it so it
bottom
doesn't get wet when it rains.
pieces
meet.
Keep
doing this until the pile is 4 feet
Use black or clear plastic
(1.2 m) high.
sheeting to cover it if you
Put each piece in place so
decide t o. For the best results,
that the bark is facing up.
support the sheeting with things
This will protect the wood
other than the pile, like stakes
from rain.
or poles, so they don't touch.
7.
When gaps need to be filled
When
the
sheeting
and
for stability, use smaller
wood are in direct contact,
pieces to fill them.
the wood can soak up
If the layer is capable o f
condensation
supporting the next one,
plastic. It also makes it
leave the spaces as they are
harder for air to move, and
for better airflow.
the friction could cause the
Cover if desired.
from
the
plastic to tear.
Use things that can black up heat and speed up the rate at which
83
water
evaporates.
Clear things let the sun
2. Check for sap. Hold a
shine right through.
piece of the wood up to
If you leave your pile open,
your nose and take a deep
the wood should be dry by
breath when you first split
the time you need it, unless
it.
you get a lot of rain or have a very short drying season. Part 3: Checking to see if it's dry
Learn what the smell of its sap is like. Then, when you're ready to burn the wood, pick a piece from the pile to use as a test. 1. Take a look at the color.
Cut it open and smell it. If you
Even though each type of
can still smell the sap, put it
wood is a different color,
back in the pile to dry some
you can expect your wood
more.
to get darker as it dries. Observe how b right the
3.
inside is when you first split
the wood safe to burn if most or
the wood. Wait until the
all of the bark has fallen off on
mostly white wood turns
its own. If not, use a knife to
yellow or grayish before
cut off the bark. Check out the
you burn it.
wood right underneath. Pieces
84
Give it a try. Consider
that look green need more time
pieces nor the bigger ones catch
to dry before they can be used.
fire, it means they are still too
4.
wet and need more time to dry.
Decide by weight. Note
how heavy each piece feels
If they do catch something,
when you first split the wood.
listen for a hissing sound,
Once the water weight is gone,
which means there is water in
the same piece will weigh a lot
it.
less. Knock two pieces together
My advice is to start getting this
to make sure that they are dry.
project done now for the woods
If they sound hollow, they are
to dry out properly in case we
likely to be dead.
need to make use of them any day and any time. #4-Water Acquisition
To capture additional water, I would detach my downspouts 5.
Set up a fire.
from my roof gutters (where they are already chopped in half and reconnected) and place a barrel or bucket underneath them to collect rainwater. This will add several more rain barrels to my collection.
If you are still not sure, put together a few pieces and try
If there is no EMP, transport a
them out. If neither the small
truck and trailer to the Murdock 85
Canal first for extra water. If so,
Project 14: Trapping for Game
utilize the handcart.
For various reasons, snares and traps are the preferable methods for capturing game in a survival situation. You may have a gun, but firing it could give away your location and scare away the wildlife, so you may need to hide
your
ammunition
to
protect yourself. Developing proficiency with snares and traps will give you the courage to live in the most perilous environments. Where can I locate miniature games? The
identification
of
game
tracks and runs is crucial. Trails are commonly utilized by a range of animals, including huge predators, to access and depart
from
water
sources.
Animal runs, on the other hand, 86
are often used by the same kind
functions of a small game
of animal until it moves its
trap. Each begins with an
burrow or den.
engine consisting of a young tree attached to a snare that
The animal utilizing the run has
captures
discovered the safest and most convenient
route
to
to a base stick that is sunk in the ground. In addition, a leader
the
line tied to the top of the hook
surrounding area for animal droppings chewed
and
gnawed
vegetation.
A
stick, which is notch -connected
there is also a "bolt hole" or Examine
animals.
noose is attached to a hook
food
sources and dens. Typically,
backdoor.
small
stick connects it to the engine's
or
branch. Whenever an animal
Once
walks through the nose, the
you've found the areas where
sticks are removed and the
you want to set your traps, try
leader line raises the noose to
not to walk through them too
capture it.
much so you don't leave a trail.
Method 1: Creating a Small
The connection between the two sticks is referred to as a
Game Trap
"hook trigger."
The force that pulls the animal up using a noose is sustained by the tension between the engine's branch pulling up on the leader line
1. Acquaint yourself with the many
components
and also the base stick
and 87
holding
the
hook
stick
firmly in place. 2. Locate a young, sturdy tree near
animal
signals
of
activity.
If feasible, use craft wire, picture hanging wire, or copper strands. If you choose to use a different material, make sure it is both flexible enough to tighten quickly when pulled and
Select a tree that is both young
sturdy enough to keep little
and robust but not so rigid that
games in the air.
it cannot flex, as it will function
as the engine. Search potential
In addition to shoelaces,
locations for animal shelters,
dental floss, and fishing
animal footprints, and other
line, additional supplies are
signs of animal activity.
shoelaces, dental floss, and
•
fishing line.
Select a tree that will
hold the game until it is
If
you
unprepared
discovered.
find
yourself in
the
wilderness,
use dogbane,
3. Select between 18 and 24
milkweed,
and
inches (46 and 61 cm) of
nettle to fashion a noose.
stinging
material for the noose. 4. Use the desired material to create a noose. 88
must still use an odd number
to
create
a
proper knot. •
To finish the noose,
Make a U -shaped curve with
tighten it by pu lling
the opening on the left (also
down on the right edge
known as a bight).Create an "S"
of the noose made by
shape by bending a second
the first bight.
bend in the opposite direction at
5. At one end of the leading
the end of the first curve. Place
line, fashion a pencil -sized
the material's end underneath
loop.
all three legs and wrap it over them; replicate at least six times. To create a loop, the top of the second bend must extend over the topmost turn. Pass the loose end of the fabric through
Create a wire loop by forming a
the front -to-back loop made by
circle
the second bight.
repeatedly twisting the other
•
Tighten
each
end
and
thread's loose end back upon itself, then tie an overhand
turn
knot. Pass the remaining free
individually as you go. •
one
end back onto itself. Fold the
Verify that all three legs of the "S" are parallel.
•
with
end of the material through the
You can make well over
loop after constructing a loop.
seven twists, but you 89
•
Tie an overhand knot by
axe or saw, and make small,
grabbing the material 2
even strokes away from you.
to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6
Continue removing sections of
cm) from the noose's
the stick while rotating it until a
end. Slip the material
point is formed.
over the gripping point
(known as the standing
Ensure that the point is sufficiently
part) and tuck it into the
sharp
to
penetrate the dirt.
opposite loop. Using the loop, draw it towards
7. Get a hook stick that is
you. Now, separate the
slightly shorter than the base
ends to tighten the knot.
stick.
6. Sharpen the end of a base stick of 2 feet (0.61 meters) in length.
One end of the hook stick will be attached to the noose and the other end will be attached to the Find
a
stick
made
of
leader engine. In addition, its
a
hardwood such as ash, oak,
notched design will fasten it to
hickory,
the ground stick.
maple,
or
Osage.
Attain a 45-degree angle toward
•
the stick with a knife or other
Search for a stick of comparable thickness to
cutting instrument, such as an
the base stick. 90
8. Carve a notch into the tip of each stick.
Connect the detached end to the place slightly above the notch connecting the hook stick to the Begin by tracing the lines of the
base stick on the hook stick.
notch with a knife. Ensure that
After attaching the noose to the
each notch is between 2 and 3
hook, secure it by pulling up on
inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) in length
the thread and down on the
and that it begins between 2 and
hook.
3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from
•
the end of each stick. •
Ensure that the noose is as firmly tied to the stick as possible.
At completion, attach the sticks using their notches.
Ensure
when
they
10. Connect the hook using
that
the leader line to the motor.
are
connected, you can pull them
in
different
directions without them coming apart.
Verify that the hook's noose is
9. Attach the free end of the
secured
noose to the base of the hook.
notch. Attach the unattached
directly
above
the
end of the leader line to the unattached end of the hook, and 91
then attach the unattached end of the leader line to the engine tree. Ensure that the hook can reach the base of the sapling by tying a knot approximately 6 to
The sapling ought to be bent at
12 inches (15 to 30 cm) from
a 90-degree angle following the
the top of the sapling's branch
attachment of the sticks. Ensure
and then lowering the hook to
that the noose is on the ground
the base stick.
and that the loop is open so that
•
your target can be captured.
Confirm that the sapling is
sturdy
enough
to
•
Your trap is now ready!
attach to the foundation
Test it by placing a stick
piece by conducting a
into
test. If it is excessively
activate it.
loose, shorten the string.
•
To
the
disarm
If the leader line is too
disconnect
short
the
stick
without
stick.
to
branch's
reach root
from
trigger
the the the
to
trap, hook base
breaking it, replace it Method 2: Construction of
with a longer one.
Fish Traps 11. To arm the trap, join the 1. Using a knife, remove the
notches just on the hook stick
cap from a 0. 52 gallon (2.0 L)
to the base stick.
soda bottle.
92
Hold the opening of the bottle upward. Turn the cap so that the point points downward and insert it into the hole. Gently press it inside the bottle until it In this trap, any form of plastic
fits snugly.
bottle can be used. Horizontally •
insert the knife into the bottle
Don't worry if the cap of
so that the curve becomes
the bottle is somewhat
straight. Holding the bottle still,
slack
move the knife inside and out
you may tighten it with
as you draw it around the
screws.
bottle's circle. •
To
after
insertion;
3. Drive two screws through avoid
to the bottle's sides at the top -
cutting
side junction.
yourself, be certain to keep the bottle away from the cutline. 2. Put the bottle's cap into the body of the bottle.
After fixing the cap, lay the bottle on its side on a level surface. Obtain the screw hole locations by angling the tip of an electric drill downward 45 degrees. Drill the holes while 93
the bottle is held stationary. The
allow the trap to be fastened to
top of the bottle is then attached
the lakebed. To attract fish, add
to the bottom by putting screws
small pieces of bait, insects, or
through the holes and putting
fish food to the water.
nuts over them. •
•
optimal
Use small M3*8 (3 mm
success,
x 6 mm) stainless steel
maggots,
304 screws with M3
cereal as bait.
nuts if possible. •
For
use
fishing worms,
hotdogs,
or
5. Place the bottle in shallow
If you don't have a
water, such as a lake.
power drill, make the initial holes using tacks. With your hands or a screwdriver, tighten the screws into position. 4. Fill the bottle with stones
After placing the bottle, you are
and fish food.
required to wait. Once the fish swim through t he hole, they will
be
Continue
unable
to
escape.
building
and
deploying traps to increase your chances of capturing fish. Put several pebbles or small rocks
through
the
opening.
To
make
your
trap
travel-friendly, drag it
Filter it just sufficiently to
across densely inhabited 94
water locations. Perform
before
this on a regular basis,
water and soap.
and
you
may
•
be
fortunate!
washing
with
If you're unable to find pine trees, look for any tree whose bark has a
Method 3: Constructing a
pitch-like material.
Bird Trap
2. Apply pine sap to the inner surface
of
a
plastic
cup.
1. Pine trees' bark should be stripped of pine resin. Put on some discarded clothing and gloves. Use a little knife to remove the outer layer of resin
Utilize the knife to scrape the
from nearby pine trees. After
inside of the glass jar. Apply
extracting it, scrape it int o a
pine sap to the interior of the
glass jar with a hunting knife.
plastic cup with your knife.
In chilly weather, it may be
Keep rub bing until a thin layer
essential to break off the resin
of sap completely coats the
rather than scrape it off.
interior.
•
•
To remove pine resin,
maximum results.
apply melted animal fat to
the
affected
Utilize Dixie cups for
area
95
3. The inside of the cone must
4. Put the cup on its side in a
be lined with bird food or
location frequented by active
bait.
birds.
Purchase
bird
food
Ideal are open areas near trees
or
alternative bait, like peanuts,
and vegetation, as well as spots
millet,
with vantage points, including
or
Sprinkle
safflower them
seeds.
trees
liberally
and
power
addition
cup. Cover the cup's rim with
chirping and bird sounds, look
your palm and violently shake
for popular perching areas, such
it.
as those close to or above the
spreading
and
for
nest.
shaking the seeds until an inner seed layer forms. •
listening
In
throughout the interior of the
Continue
to
lines.
Male
birds
sing define
Using a knife, evenly
regularly
to
distribute
territorial
boundaries;
the
seeds
throughout the interior
by
of the cup to create a
locations on a map, you
consistent covering of
can
bait.
location of the nest.
marking
these
estimate
the
Females frequently call to their mates on their
96
way to the nest; listen
Project 15: How to Raise Cattle
for their cries to locate the nest!
There
are
a
variety
of
approaches to raising cattle, and anyone who works with cattle, whether they have experience or not, will agree with this statement. The manner in which cattle are raised is contingent not only on the person who is responsible for their upbringing but also on the breed, class, and species of cattle that are in question. Beef cows, for e xample, are raised to be low -maintenance and to produce calves that are 95 percent of the time sold for beef, whereas dairy cows are raised to produce milk but not calves. Beef cows are raised to be low -maintenance and to produce calves that are 95 percent of the time sold for beef. When compared to dairy 97
cattle, beef cattle are reared in a
to get the business you are
significantly wider variety of
managing off the ground,
ways than these animals are in
you will need to
order to produce beef.
chosen your cattle carefully before going out and buying
As a consequence of this, the
them.
focus of this article will be limited
to
discussing
have
2. You put into action the
th e
operational
fundamentals of raising cattle,
and
strategic
plans you made before you
with some passing mention of
started your cattle business.
the processes involved in beef
You tried to stick as closely
and dairy production.
as
possible
to
the
Please do not consider the
operational
information on this page to be a
goals you wrote down in
step-by-step tutorial. Think of it
your business plan before
as a chance to learn about what
you
to expect and what tasks need
business. It is possible that
to be done when raising cattle.
you will quickly learn that
and
started
strategic
your
cattle
some of your plans will not
Steps
work
out
as
you
had
envisioned and that you will be
required
to
make
concessions whenever and wherever necessary.
1. Get some cattle and start building your herd. In order 98
they
are
•
•
On the other hand, if
Marketing and selling a wide
you have done as much
range of cattle, such as dairy,
research
beef
as
possible
cow -calf,
before purchasing your
backgrounding/stocker,
animals, very few, if
feedlot cattle.
any, of your plans will
The
require
replacement heifers and the
significant
criteria
for
and
selecting
changes or rethinking
management of the herd (dairy
on your part.
and beef cow-calf only)
The following is a list of the
most
significant
Requirements
for
the
management of cows,
aspects of the plan for
bulls, and heifers in
your company that you
terms of culling (dairy
are required to put int o
and beef cow-calf only).
action (some of these
Herd
will be discussed in the
(primarily beef cow -calf, some
following steps):
dairy)
Breeding (dairy and beef cow -
Milk
calf only)
only)
o Calving (only dairy and beef
bull
management
manufacturing
(dairy
Take care of bottle c alves,
cows are allowed to have calves)
which are only used for dairy
(dairy and beef cow-calf only).
production, as well as orphaned
Weaning (n.) (primarily
beef
calves (beef cow-calf).
cow-calf; dairy as well if calves
Management
are raised on-farm)
health,
the
including
establishment 99
of
of
herd's the
vaccination
and deworming schedules (all
3. Stay
sectors)
current
feeding
Management
of
pastures,
on
and/or
the
pasture
businesses' operations. If
feeding, and feed supplies (all
there is no food available or
sectors)
grass for the cattle to graze
Handling
and
disposal
of
on, it is impossible to raise
deadstock (all sectors)
cattle. Before you invest in
The cultivation of plants and/or
livestock
forage (all sectors)
pasture, check to see that
The management of human
you have a sufficient supply
resources (primarily dairy and
of feed. Although grass,
feedlot, with some beef cow -
hay, silage, and grain are all
calf operations, particularly on
things
cattle ranches)
typically only the first two
Capital and assets in terms of
or three of these are needed
upkeep,
to raise a cattle herd.
repair,
and
new
or
that
adequate
cattle
eat,
construction, including things
The breed of cattle you are
like
raising, y our goals for the
fences,
machines,
and
buildings (all sectors). Aims
and
improvements
operation, and the region in
priorities
for
which you are located will
in
the
determine the kind of feed that
foreseeable future (all sectors)
you give to your animals. For
The passing on of livestock
instance, growing a cow -calf
and/or farms, as well as their
herd or backgrounder/stocker
dispersion (all sectors)
calves on grass during the summer 100
is
a
relatively
straightforward
process.
In
grazing management as
addition to grain and silage,
much as possible.
feeding dairy cattle necessitates the addition of moist hay in the form of haylage. This is in contrast method
to of
the
traditional
fattening
cattle,
which involves feeding only
4. Ensure
grain and silage. •
•
that
a
robust
program for herd health is
If the dairy is grass -fed
kept in place.
and organic, some dairy
especially true in the event
cattle may be allowed to
that it is necessary. It is
graze for part of the
especially important to have
year or the entire year.
a herd health program if
This, of course, depends
you
on whether or not the
purchasing new cattle and
dairy is grass-fed.
adding
Ensure
that
appropriate
the
are
going
them
This is
to
to
be
your
existing herd because the
stocking
new cattle may be disease
rate or stocking density
carriers that could cause
is maintained on t he
damage to your existing
pasture
herd. It is of the utmost
prevent
in
order
to
overgrazing.
importance, in particular, if
The best way to take
you are cultivating animals
care of pastures is to use
in an area where sickness
intensive
and illness are common,
or
rotating 101
such as in a barn or on a dirt
an effective and strict
lot, or if you are feeding
culling program are all
them problematic feed, such
ways to keep diseases
as grain. Both of these
from spreading. •
scenarios present a high risk
In
the
event
of
an
for disease transmission.
emergency,
•
A herd health program
required to be familiar
not only considers what
with certain items and
products are available to
possess them yourself.
vaccinate,
Included
deworm/delice, or treat
emergency kit should be
animals,
calving
but
it
also
you
in
are
an
chains,
considers what can be
epinephrine,
done to prevent illnesses
dexamethazone, a trocar
and
This
and canola, latex gloves,
includes products that
a calf puller, mineral oil,
can be used to treat
rope
animals,
cotton or poly rope), an
diseases.
as
well
as
(lariat
and/or
dewormers and delices.
esophageal tube with a
Vaccinations,
frick
quarantine periods, not
length
doing
needles and syringes,
certain
things
tube,
gloves,
with cattle at certain
Dettol
times, making sure there
disinfectant),
is
alcohol, and
enough
feed
and
minerals, and keeping 102
shoulder -
(or
a
extra
similar 70%
•
At some point, you may
suffering
find that you have no
misery..
out
of
its
choice but to face the unsettling
truth
that
some animals cannot be saved, and you may be required to put an end to 5.
their lives on your own.
Acquire
the
The vast majority of
skills
farmers euthanize their
deadstock. When caring for
animals with firearms
cattle, it is inevitable that at
by placing a bullet in
some point you will have to
the
the
deal with the passing of one
forehead,
of your animals (or several).
middle
animal's
of
to
necessary
deal
with
directly above the eyes.
You will be able to figure
This method is known
out how to dispose of a
as
"center-of-the-
dead animal's carcass in the
method.
right manner if you research
the
head" contrast
to
In
the rules for disposing of
the
livestock in your area.
alternative of allowing the animal to die a slow and agonizing death on its own, this method is the most humane as well
6. Educate yourself on the
as the quickest way to
best times, places, and
put an animal that is
methods 103
for
marketing
and selling your animals.
being sent to the kill pen
Cattle can be bought and
or sold for slaughter.
sold in a variety of settings,
Unless
the most common of which
exceptionally high and
are salebarns and auction
ranchers are willing to
marts;
sell more than their fair
private
treaties;
prices
direct sales; purebred sales;
share
and dispersal sales.
regardless of whe ther or
•
The vast majority of
not they have problems,
cattle
replacement
are
purchased
of
are
cattle
stock
is
difficult
to
either through auctions
typically
or
come by in this region.
sale
barns.
Cull
animals, weaned calves,
The only exception to
and fats make up the
this rule is when there is
bulk of the inventory
a shortage of cattle. You
here (cattle ready for
can sell cattle at a live
slaughter).
Weaned
internet auction or by
calves
typically
taking them in a trailer
are
moved from the ranch
to the nearest auction
on which they were
mart.
born to a feedlot or
options are available to
facility
prepares
you. This method is
them for sla ughter. In
used to sell dairy cattle
most cases, "problem
as well as beef cattle.
cattle" are brought here
•
that
to be dropped off before
The
Both
of
manner
these
in
which you negotiate 104
the sale or purchase
treaty sales can also
of cattle in a private
happen
treaty is determined
word-of-mouth
by the nature of your
marketing instead of
relationship with the
public
other party to the
newspapers or on
transaction. You can
the Internet.
publicize
the
•
fact
through
ads
in
Direct sales would
that you are selling
operate in a manner
cattle by advertising
very similar to that
the
of
sale
in
the
private
treaty,
regional newspaper,
with
in a magazine, or on
difference being that
a classifieds website
you would primarily
like
sell
Craigslist
or
the
beef
key
to
a
Kijiji. People who
consumer who was
read
interested
your
in
advertisement might
purchasing
be interested in the
opposed to selling
cattle you are selling
live
and want to get in
sales can take place
touch with you for
as a result of word -
more information or
of-mouth marketing,
simply because they
an
are curious about the
posted on a website
animals.
touting the quality
Private 105
cattle.
it,
as
Direct
advertisement
of
the
seller's
majority of yearling
products as "nothing
bulls
but the greatest," or
and it can take place
a
either
brief
article
published
in
a
farm
newspaper. It
through
can
or
through
advertisements that
also take place while
encourage
you are attempting
treaty sales. •
to sell your product at
a
stall
at
heifers,
auctions held on the
neighborhood
•
and
a
private -
Dispersal sales let you sell your whole
farmer's market.
herd or just a part of
The
only
people
it
who
can
make
to
meat
people
like
packers
or
purebred sales are
other farmers who
those
are interested. You
who
purebred
own
seedstock
can also sell just a
or cow -calf herds
portion of your herd
and
to
sell
live
these
parties.
purebred cattle to
Instead
other
stocker cattle that
producers,
of
selling
whether or not those
would
other producers are
several
purebred. This is the
dispersal sales are
method that is used
held solely for the
to
purpose of selling as
sell
the
vast 106
last
for
mont hs,
much of your cow-
traditional manner (graze in
calf herd as possible.
the summer, confine and feed in the winter) or in a more natural and low -cost manner
(graze
in
the
summer, confine and f eed in the winter) (graze all year round, grass -only, no grain
7. Oversee the management
or silage to feed). No matter
of other businesses, such
what you decide, you have
as crop production, hay production,
and
to make sure that the way
silage
you run these businesses
production. This is one of
provides you with high -
the most important aspects
quality
of your operation, and it is
food
for
your
livestock.
especially important if you
•
are a producer who chooses
The
planting
and
harvesting of crops
to produce your own feed
must be done at the
rather than buy it from a
appropriate times.
third party. You might run a •
company that specializes in
The harvesting of silage
all three of these things, just
must
take
place at the precise
one of them, or both of the
moment
other options. That depends
designated,
on the breed of cattle you
that
is
neither
too early nor too
raise and whether you want
late.
to raise them in a more 107
•
The proper handling
continue
operating
of hay is necessary
smoothly
and
to prevent it from
efficiently; however,
rotting
the
they do need to be
of
it
greased, oiled, and
fire.
It
maintained,
and
possibility catching
should be cut at the
have
right
parts repaired.
time
and
any
and broken
allowed to dry out before being raked and baled. Because square
bales
are
more
prone
to
deterioration
•
than
8. Be sure to keep detailed
round bales, it is
records of all of your
imperative that they
activities. Everything is fair
be kept in storage
game in this section, from
until
straightforward
they
are
paper
required.
records to comprehensive
It is imperative that
electronic worksheets. Be
all of a company's
consistent in keeping all
machinery be kept
records up to date as time
in proper working
progresses, regardless of the
order. They do not
type
need to be brand-
maintain. This applies to
new
in
order
to 108
of
records
you
any and all records you
breeding season,
keep.
etc.
•
The
following
raising
o Calvinist
cattle-
records
documents
are
included, but are not
(which
limited to:
had which calf,
o Medical records (which
female
calving difficulties,
cattle
were sick; illness
when which cow
ID,
calved, calf sex,
treatment,
and so on).
vaccinations,
o Financial
deworming, etc.)
documents o Records
of
mating,
which
(expenses, loans, rent, utility bills, income, etc.)
include information like which
cow
or
heifer was bred to which bull,
9. Keep a close eye on your
when they were bred, females
bank
which
cash
flow, balance sheets, and
were
income statements so that
found to be open after
statements,
you are aware of your
the
current financial situation 109
at
all
times. You
can
employment. Because cattle
determine whether you are
raising is now and has
making money or losing
always been more of a way
money using this method,
of life than a means of
which is effective. If you
making money, one needs
are in the process of starting
to have a stronger desire to
a cattle business, the fact
keep cattle than they do a
that you are losing money
pressing
should
requirement to do so. You
not
alarm
you.
financial
However, you should be
will
concerned if you are still
challenging and difficult at
losing money after ten years
times, and you will question
have passed. If you are able
why you got involved in the
to keep making the same
first place with raising these
amount of money or even
animals,
make a small profit, you
continue to enjoy it and
should be proud of yourself.
want to do it..
10. Enjoy it. However, if your primary
motivation
is
financial gain, you should look
elsewhere
for 110
find
that
but
it
you
is
will
Growing food in the climate
Project 16: How to Cultivate Your Own Food Garden
of your immediate area is the first method
People have always found a way to provide for themselves, whether
it
be
through
subsistence
farming,
subsistence fishing, subsistence hunting, gathering.
or
subsistence
These
1. During the warm summer
days,
months,
cultivate
the
shopping for groceries at the
majority of your edible
supermarket is a simple and
plants, focusing on leafy
convenient experience. On the
greens
other hand, growing one's own
Planting your vegetables in
food can be a satisfying and
May or June is a good idea
cost-efficient way to eat. If you
if
want to grow your own food,
temperature is expected to
you will first need to learn
be higher than 24 degrees
about the climate where you
Celsius
live. Then you will need to lay
Fahrenheit). Make sure they
out rows for your crops, and
are planted only after there
then you will need to harvest
is no longer a risk of frost
them when they are ready.
hitting them. •
the
and
vegetabl es.
average
(75
summer
degrees
Lettuce, cabbage, kale, and tomatoes are all wonderful options for
111
planting
during
the
fruit trees do no t
start
summer months.
producing fruit until they
A word of advice: temperate
are two to three years old at
rainforests are the perfect place
the earliest.
for legumes, which are a great
•
source of protein, to grow.
Vines that produce fruit, like
grapes,
can
be
planted anywhere that
2. Fruit trees are typically
they can find support
planted at the beginning
from a trellis..
of spring in regions with mild climates. On trees planted
area
3. Cultivate winter grains in
measuring 12,000 square
an environment that is
feet,
to
both cold and da mp. If
cultivate the vast majority
you live in an area where
of fruit, including apples,
the temperature regularly
oranges, lemons, and limes
falls below freezing and
(1,100
meters).
there is a significant amount
When you first plant a fruit
of precipitation, you should
tree, do so in a container for
plant grains such as rye.
the first year so that you can
Rye is able to withstand the
evaluate the quality of the
subfreezing
soil and the amount of
and heavy precipitation that
water it needs. After the
are
first year, transplant the tree
experienced in many parts
into the ground in early
of the world. Plant your rye
it
in
is
an
possible
square
spring. The vast majority of 112
temperatures
forecasted
to
be
early in the fall, before the
fullest potential in the
ground has frozen solid.
climate
•
Asia.
The yield that winter grains
produce
of
Southeast
is
frequently higher than the yield that summer grains produce. 5. Give your root vegetables
4. Cultivate summer grains in
a
climate
temperate Warm
that
and
plenty of time to mature
is
in the fall.
warm.
temperatures
During the
cooler months, underground
are
ideal for the growth of
crops like potatoes, beets,
summer cereals such as
and radishes typically have
corn. Planting maize in May
the best chance of growing.
or June will give it the best
Planting root vegetables in
chance of surviving and
July or August will ensure
flourishing
the
that you will have a harv est
warmest months of the year
in the autumn. Because they
in your region. People in the
are able to thrive in chilly
Midwest
conditions,
during
of
the
United
you
can
States know that corn grows
cultivate them even if there
well there.
is a chance of frost in the
•
near future.
Rice can only be grown successfully in warm,
Planting the Various Crops
humid
Method 2
climates.
Rice
can be grown to its 113
•
A test probe or test strips are available at most garden centers.
• 1. Make certain that the pH
Dolomite is available at most garden centers.
of your soil is between 5.5 and 7.You can measure the acidity or alkalinity of your soil by using a test probe or paper strips to determine the soil's pH. This will give you
2. To aerate the soil, you can
an indication of the soil's
either use a plow or a
acidity or alkalinity. The pH
tiller.
of the majority of foods
branches,
type of crushed mineral that
plant
accumulations that are too
can be used to increase the
thick, and any other debris.
level of basicity in soil with
To aerate the soil and turn it
a pH that is lower than 5.5.
over, the top layer should be
If the pH level is higher
turned over with a plow or a
than 7.0, you can bring it adding
start
any large stones, roots and
5.5 and 7.0. Dolomite is a
by
you
tilling, you should get rid of
falls somewhere between
down
Before
rototiller. In this way, the
pine
soil's nutrients will be easier
needles or peat moss.
to access, and the top layer of the soil will have the opportunity to renew itself. 114
•
Plant enough grains and
space has been covered with
vegetables to feed a
rows.
family of four on a plot
•
Rototillers
and
of land measuring 1,100
attachments
square
along with them can be
feet
(1,200
square meters).
that
the go
rented at a var iety of
Tip: If you only have a small
different
plot of land, you can turn the
stores.
hardware
soil by hand using a pick, shovel, and hoe instead. 3. Use a hoe or a plow to create
rows
in
your
garden. Draw a boundary 4. Dig the furrows to the
around the area you intend to plant. Using a hoe or a
appropriate
depth,
plow, make a bed that is
then
your
seeds
slightly raised above the
there.
is
some
surrounding loose soil and
leeway in the planting depth
run it the length of the
depending on the plants that
allotment. Make a slit-like
are selected. If you want to
cut in the ground with the
know how deep you should
help of your rototiller and
plant your see ds, look on
an attachment for making
the back of the seed packet.
furrows.
doing
Your fingertips should be
this until all of the available
used to create a small hole,
Continue
plant There
and
and then two or three seeds 115
should be placed in each
sun-dried as a result of this
hole.
action. Apply some pressure
•
The depth at which you
with the palm of your hand
plant legumes, melons,
to the seeds that have just
squash, and cucumbers
been planted. Make sure
can
that they are adequately
range
from
34
inches (1.9 cm) to 1
covered so that animals
inch (2.5 cm), whereas
won't be able to consume
the depth at which you
them. Carry on working in
plant corn and potatoes
this manner until you have
can
reached
range
from
2.5
inches (8.9 cm). Seeds
can
Method
also
outside
of
three:
Harvesting
And The Management Of The
be
Crops
started indoors and then moved
number
planting rows you desire.
inches (6.4 cm) to 3.5
•
the
once
they have germinated.
1. You are required to give your garden at least an inch of water each d ay
5. After the seeds have been
during the summer.
covered with soil, lightly
If
your crops do not have
pack the soil down. The
access
seed bed will not become 116
to
an
adequate
amount
of
water
for
you have chosen to cultivate
rehydration, they will be
this crop in rows, you will
killed by the sun's drying
have the ability to move
rays. During the months of
freely among the rows as
May
you
use
through a
September,
garden
During
the
or
growing season, you should
sprinkler system to provide
pull by hand any weeds that
your
appear. When you pull the
plants
hose
work.
with
an
adequate amount of water
weed, it is important to
each day. If it's going to be
make sure that you get all of
at least 32 degrees Celsius
the roots out so that it does
(90
degrees
Fahrenheit),
not come back.
you
should
water
•
your
When the soil is loose
plants twice a day.
or damp, it is much
•
Winter crops such as rye
simpler to pull weeds
do not need irrigation
out of the ground. •
unless the season is
When pulling weeds, it
unusually dry, but this is
is
not always the case.
careful not to damage
important
to
be
the crop's roots.
2. If your garden is starting 3.
to become overgrown, you
To prevent animals from entering your property,
should weed it. Because 117
install
fences
and
leaves with a fine mist
use
natural sprays. If you find
once a day.
that some of the leaves on a plant have been eaten, this could be an indication that insects
or
rodents
are
present. To prevent rabbits
4. When the tim e is right,
and rodents from entering
you should harvest your
your yard, install a fence
crops.
made of chicken wire. If
garden vegetables can be
you want to keep insects
picked as they mature and
away, you can either get rid
will continue to produce
of them as soon as you see
food even after the growing
them
season has ended if they are
or
use
a
natural
Many
common
repellent like peppermint
given
oil.
Grain, on the other hand, is
•
the
proper
care.
To make a peppermint
typically harvested after it
spray, mix together one
has reached its full maturity
gallon (3,800 mL) of
and has been allowed to dry
water and two drops of
on the plant before being
peppermint essential oil
collected. When harvesting
in
or chopping your plants, it
a
dropper
bottle.
Most common pests can
is
be
gardening tools that are
kept
away
from
plants by spraying the
important
to
both clean and sharp.
118
use
vegetables include Put your root crops in a spot that is dry and chilly, on a bed made of straw. 5. If you have more food than you ca n use, you should
consider
preserving it. If you have grown your own grains, you should put them away in barns where they will be protected from moisture and vermin such as insects and rodents. The most efficient approach to avoiding the waste of food is t o use a combination of storage and preservation methods. It's possible to preserve food by dehydrating it, putting it in jars, putting it in the freezer, or even storing it in a bed. •
Bedding is used to store root
vegetables
like
potatoes, rutabagas, and beets.
Other
root 119
1. Go to a lake, river, or
Project 17: How to Fish for Pros
pond in your area that has a lot of fish.
Whether
you’re
looking
to
Choose a
place where you won't mind
spend time with friends and
being for a few hours.
family or catch dinner, fishing
Public lakes, rivers, and
is a great way to enjoy the
ponds are home to many
outdoors. You can catch a wide
different kinds of fish, so
variety of colorful fish in the
you
water. Plan your trip well
can
always
find
something good to catch. In
before you go fishing. Get your
the spring and fall, when the
fishing gear together and go to
fish are getting ready for
a good spot when the fish are
winter, they swim close to
most active. Then, cast your
the shore. In the summer,
line and reel it in to ca tch your
they are usually in deeper
trophy. Then, if you want, you
water, so take a boat from
can catch the fish and take it
the shore out to where they
home with you, or you can let it
are.
go back into the water.
Ponds or levees outside of town
Part 1: Choosing a Fishing
are good places to find peace
Location
and quiet. Make sure you don't cross private property or fish where it's not allowed. Also, don't step on any plants near the shore.
120
If you live near the ocean, you
many
newspapers.
You
should consider going ocean
could also ask around at
fishing. If you get a separate
places like fishing shops,
license, rods, and bait for the
marinas, and stores that sell
fish you want to catch in the
camping gear. There are so
ocean, it's the same as fishing in
many kinds of fish that it
fresh water.
can be hard to know where to start. Pick one type of
Tip: Many pub lic parks have
fish to learn about. Some
ponds with fish that anyone can
types of fish that are easy
fish in. Check with your local
for beginners to catch are
Fish and Wildlife Department
bass,
to find out when the fish will be
crappies,
sunfish,
bluegills, and catfish.
stocked. Even though these
•
sports are good for beginners, a
For example, catfish are found all over the U.S.
lot of people do them.
Look for places with deep water around large creeks and rivers. Go there in the spring and fall to catch a fish that you can fry and eat for dinner.
2. Learn about the types of fish that are commonly caught in the fishing spots near you. Local fishing spots and what fish are biting there are listed in 121
•
3. Search for a trophy fish or a fish to eat. You'll have to
swamps in the southern
go out on the ocean if you
U.S. Some common fish to
want to catch a blue marlin.
try to catch out there are
Spend some time learning
flounder and perch. •
about the kind of fish you
Rainbow trout are abundant
want to catch, where they
in the northwest of the
live, and what kind of bait
United States. You can eat
you need to catch them.
them or take pictures of
Fish
them to show your friends.
populations
are
different in different places
There are also a lot of
and
crappie, walleye, and bass,
in
freshwater
and
saltwater. Sometimes you
all of which are easy to
have to plan a trip to get
catch. •
what you want, but it's a
•
Gar and bowfin live in
If you don't know what kind
chance to see something
of fish live in a body of
new!
water, throw some leftover
For example, you can find
food in and wait. Look to
many different types of
see what fish swim to the
freshwater fish in the Great
top. When you first start
Lakes area of the United
fishing, it's hard
States. People often catch
which
walleyes
northern
because you don't know
pikes. Set your line out
how different fish act. But if
from the shore.
you go fishing often, you'll
and
fish
are
to tell which
learn how different fish act. 122
•
look for fish in shallow water.
4. To catch more fish, go out at dawn and dusk. These 5. Ask
are the best times to catch a
an
health
lot of fish because that's
department
safety
when they come out to eat.
environmental
advice.
for Water
pollution makes it so that
Setting your alarm for 4:30
fish aren't always safe to
in the morning is not the
eat. Several groups put out
most fun part of a trip, but it's worth it when the fish start biting. Use the early
warnings
online.
with
state's
the
Check health
department, department of
morning hours, especially in
natural
the summer, to get to your
resources,
or
something similar. If you
favorite fishing spots before
fish in a park, you could
other people.
also call to talk to a park •
If the idea of getting up
ranger. If you don't plan to
before dawn makes you
eat the fish you catch, you
groan, make plans for the
don't have to worry as much
evening. Get out on the
about this.
water at nightfall. Spring
•
and fall are good times to
Pollution is generally higher in
123
larger
fish
that
eat
•
smaller fish. Mercury levels
of by the Department of
are usually higher in big
Fish and Wildlife or the
fish
Department
like
tuna
than
in
of
Natural
smaller fish that e at insects.
Resources. All you have to
Also, it depends on how
do to get a license is type in
good the water is where you
your personal information
are fishing.
and pay a small fee. The
Keep in mind any "catch
license is then sent to your
and release" rules that your
email that day, so you can
city or town may have.
print it out and take it with
Some places have rules
you on your trip. •
about which fish you can keep or release.
You can also pay for your license over the phone or in person. If you do n't want to
Part 2: How to Select Fishing
wait 2 –4 weeks for it to
Equipment
come in the mail, have them email it to you or print it out at the office. •
You need a license for every state or province you plan to visit. A driver's
1. Get a fishing license from
license from one area won't
your state's government
work in another.
office. Visit the website of •
your government to apply. In
the
U.S.,
Most places have different licenses that last anywhere
most
from one day to ten years.
applications are taken care 124
•
There are also licenses for
Flexible
rods
aren't
as
kids, but sometimes kids
strong as stiff ones, but they
under 16 don't need one to
break less often. Your basic
fish.
rod won't help you catch big game fish, but it will help you catch a wide range of common fish. •
If you don't know what to buy, ask a store worker for
2. Purchase
a
help.
medium -
strength spinning fishing
Tip: As a general rule, choose a
rod and reel. When you
rod that is about as tall as you
first look at the fishing rods
are. Hold it up to your casting
in a sporting goods store,
arm to see if its weight feels
you might be amazed, but
right.
you don't have to spend a lot of money. Beginners should
use
a
medium -
strength rod that is 7 feet long (2.1 m) and has a good balance
of
range
and
3. Choose a monofilament
flexibility. Choose one with
fishing line that is the
a spinning reel instead of a
right length for your rod.
baitcaster reel because it is
Match the line to the type of
easier to set up and cast.
fishing pole you have. If you're 125
fishing
in
fresh
water, use a 6 to 12 lb (2.7
bait they are after. A small
to 5.4 kg) line. If you're
fish won't go after a big
fishing in salt water, use a
hook that looks scary. So, to
10 to 12 lb (4.5 to 5.4 kg)
catch a lot of fish, start with
line. The test, which i s the
a 6 to 10 hook. Change your
weight, shows how strong
hook to a size between 2
the line is. Only fish that
and 3/0 so you can use
weigh less than the line can
bigger bait for bigger fish. •
be caught. •
The
way
hooks
are
Use the lightest fishing gear
numbered is a little strange,
possible to avoid becoming
but it's not too hard to
overly tired while having
understand. A 16 is the
fun. If you want to catch a
smallest hook, and a 1 is the
certain kind of fish, find out
middle size. From size 1/0
how much they
to
usually
weigh so you know what
size
6/0,
hooks
get
bigger. •
line weight to bring.
If you don't know what size hook to get, talk to someone at your local tackle shop about how the sizes work. If you fish a lot, have hooks of different sizes so you can
4. Use a small hook to catch
adapt to different situations.
a variety of fish. Fish will only go after hooks that are about the same size as the 126
your own bait. For example, catch some minnows to attract pike,
bass,
and
walleye, which eat 5. Choose a lure, such as
smaller fish.
minnows, shrimp, worms,
•
or crickets. If you don't like
If you want to catch a specific type of
moving things, stick with
fish, learn what bait
something made of plastic.
it
Lures look like real food
prefers.
For
example, many fish
and can trick fish into
that
eating them. To stay alive,
live
in
salt
water, like shrimp,
live bait needs to be kept in
Other fish eat things
water in an insulated cooler.
like
Most fish eat insects and
salmon
eggs,
bacon, and cheese,
other aquatic life, so bait
among other things.
shops have a lot to choose from if you want to fish in a more natural way. •
Try to get a variety of baits so you can change your setup based on where the
6. Choose a cooler or cage
fish are moving. •
with insulation to keep the
If you want to catch
fish you catch. If you want
something without a rod,
try
to keep what you catch, you
catching 127
will need a lot of ice to keep
sense of adventure and don't be
it from going bad. A plastic
afraid to make mistakes!
bucket is the best tool for
Part 3: Using a Rod to Catch
this job. Mix the dead fish
Fish
with some ice from the cooler. Keep the fish well chilled until you can get home and put them in the freezer. •
A fish cage is a good way to keep fish alive and in the water.
•
1. Attach the hook to the
Many cages can also be used to
line. Stick with a simple
catch small fish like minnows.
clinch knot when you first
When you fish, you don't have
start out. Thread the line
to kill anything. Use the catch -
through
and-release method to put fish
bring it back toward the reel
back in the water. Unless you
and wrap it around itself 4
want to bring live bait, you
to 6 times. Pull the end tight
won't need an ice chest.
and put it back through the
Expert Tip: Always bring rain
loop. Now that you have a
gear with you on a fishing trip,
simple knot, use scissors to
just
cut off any extra line at the
in
case
the
weather
the
hook,
then
end of the tail.
changes. Bring extra fishing
•
line, flies, and a spare rod, too.
Tying the right knot is half the fun of fly
But most importantly, bring a
fishing. 128
Fly
fishermen use a lot
water, where fish are
of different knots.
likely to be. If you
The clinch knot is a
want a larger bobber
good place to start.
to stay in the water but still be seen, add sinkers to it. Tip:
When
you
first
start
fishing, use a bigger bobber that 2. Tie
Add
weights
and
is easy to see from the shore.
bobbers above the hook to
Look for the bobber to move
help you find fish. Use a
and go under the water. That
clinch knot to tie these
means it's time to bring in the
things together about 12
line and catch the big one!
inches (30 cm) above your hook. Use a weight called a "sinker" to get your bait to the
fish
in
fast-moving
water like a river or stream. 3. Pierce the bait with the
A bobber is a small ball that
point of your hook.
helps you see when a fish
the bait as many times as
bites the hook when the
you can to keep it in place.
water is still. •
Don't let those fish get away
Sinkers, which are
with the bait you worked
metal weights, pull your deeper
Hook
fishing into
hard to catch. Hold the hook
line
firmly in one hand and then
the 129
push it straight through the
Keep an eye out for signs of
bait. Try to pierce it twice
fish, like bubbles, splashes, or
or three times.
even flocks of birds that are
•
Putting
a
looking for food.
hook
through a worm is
•
kind of gross, but if
there is food. Look for
the worm falls off,
places with reeds, logs,
you can't catch a
and
fish. For example,
worm's
ground
body
do
off
places to hide when they
the
feel like they are being
same thing at the
chased.
other end. Fish where
drops
also give fish a lot of
way from its head, then
especially
quickly. These places
about a third of the
and
rocks,
near places where the
put the hook through the
Fish swim to where
•
If you see water moving
there is deep
in currents, look for
water or water that is moving.
places where fast and
Most big fish spend their days
slow
in deeper water and come to
Most of the time, the
shallow areas to eat at night.
fish
They don't swim around in
these places to catch
these shallow areas very often.
food that is moving with
They also don't like to swim
the currents.
against strong currents, so find the end of one and stay there. 130
currents
hang
out
meet.
under
the line goes out, and when you let go, it stops.
4. To cast, pull your line back and throw the hook forward. Hold the rod near the reel with your stronger
5. Be patient and wait until a
hand. Adjust the line with
fish bites. Fishing is a game
the reel, leaving about 6
of waiting, so be ready to sit
inches (15 cm) hanging off
quietly
the end of the ro d. Then,
bites
use your thumb and index
Some
little to make the fish think the bait is alive. If sitting
is standing up straight, then
back and waiting doesn't
snap it forward again. [
work, try moving the line a
How you let go of
little bit.
the line depends on
•
the type of reel you
Loud
sounds
and
thrashing can scare
have, but it's pretty
fish. You can bring
simple if you have a closed
bait.
line and move the rod a
To throw it, pull
your arm back until the rod
•
your
something
fishermen slowly pull in the
finger to pinch the line to the rod.
until
a radio and talk to
push-button
people, but keep the
spinner reel. When
volume
you push the button,
down,
especially if other 131
people are fishing at
•
the same time.
the rod to set the hook. Set
Pay close attention
your hook to catch the fish
to
when you feel a big pull on
your line and When
your line. Just pull the rod
something bites, you
back up like you did when
can tell because the
you cast the line to get it to
line jerks forward.
point up. When you hook a
Wait until the line is
fish, you can expect it to
no
fight back. If you don't feel
bobber.
•
6. When the fish bites, raise
longer
slack
before pulling the
anything pulling on the line
fish in.
anymore, the fish probably
You may end up in
got away with the bait and
areas where the fish
swam away. •
aren't biting. If it's
Sometimes it's hard
been 15 minutes and
to tell if you have a
you
bite. With time and
eaten,
still try
haven't
practice,
going
can
tell
the
somewhere else. It
learn
can take a little bit
difference
of time to find a
water currents and
good spot.
fish bait.
132
to
you
between
bumping
the
from
happening,
keep the line tight and the tip of the rod above your head. 7. Bring
the
pumping
fish the
in
rod
by and
reeling at the same time. Raising the rod back up into the air at an angle of about
8. When you can reach the
45 degrees will pull the fish
fish, catch it in a net. Use
toward you. This gives the
your water net to catch the
line some tension, so lower
tired fish once it is close to
the rod and keep spinning
where you are standing.
the reel. Pull in the line to
You could have a friend use
get rid of any slack, then
a fishing net t o catch it.
raise the rod again to bring
With
the fish closer. Do this
carefully reach down and
again and again to get that
get the fish yourself without
catch back to shore.
losing it.
•
Loose
lines
kill
more
fish
than
•
practice,
you
can
Be careful of fish spines
and
the
anything else. If the
hook's
sharp
tip.
line is too loose, the
Hold the fish by the
fish has a chance to
back of its head as
get away from the
you pull it out of the
hook. To keep this
net. 133
Part 4: Keeping a Fish or
head, and the other
Letting It Go?
hand under the fish before its tail.
1. Hold the fish's body so it doesn't move while
2. Use needle-nose pliers
you work with it. Be
to pull the hook out of
careful, fish are stronger
the fish. This part may
than they look. Hold the
seem hard at first, but as
fish's body firmly, right
long as you have a good
behind its head. Watch
grip on the fish, it's not
out for both the flailing
too hard. Grab the hook
tail and the fins, which
coming out of the fish's
can cut you if you're not
mouth with the pliers.
careful. To keep the fish
Pull it back toward the
from getting hurt, hold
fish to get it off the
it horizontally and keep
hook. Then, slide it back
it in or near the water.
out of the fish's mouth,
•
If you catch a large
turning it as needed so
fish, use both hands
you don't poke the fish.
to hold it. Put one
[26]
hand
•
around
the
fish's body near its
The pliers could be used to break the
134
•
hook's barb, which
more
fishermen
would make it easier
putting back what they
to take off. Some
catch. Since fish can't
seasoned fishermen
breathe out of the water,
do this even before
keep your catches in the
they cast.
water
Be very patient if
possible.
the hook gets stuck.
put the fish back in if
You could use your
you have to take it out.
fingers or pliers to
Keep the fish wet and
reach into the fish's
be gentle with it so it
mouth. Keep the fish
doesn't get stressed out.
in the water, crush
•
as
much
are
as
Immediately
One problem with
the barb if you need
taking a fish out of
to, and twist and
its
pull
environment is that
the
hook
natural
without wiggling it
it gets stressed. The
out.
fight with your hook may have already worn the fish out. Taking it out of the water and touching it a lot makes it
3. If you don't want to
more likely to die
keep the fish, let it go.
even after you put it
To
back.
protect
ecosystem,
more
the and 135
will
inspect
your
catch. They could also punish you if they
saw
4. Measure the fish to
catches
find out if you can
photos
or
keep it by law. Most
media
posts
places
made.
to
fish
are •
protected by state or
If
you
illegal
in
any social you
break
federal laws that are
fishing
meant to protect the
might have to pay a
environment. Most of
big fine or even go
the time, these rules tell
to jail. If you catch a
you how many fish you
fish that is too small
can take home and what
or not in season, you
size they h ave to be.
could get a $500
Grab the fish firmly by
fine and go to jail
its back, just behind its
for 6 months. •
head. With your other
Bring
rule,
a
a
you
fish
hand, carefully stretch a
identification guide
measuring
and a copy of the
tape
from
head to tail across the
rules
fish.
favorite fishing spot.
•
You may be stopped
Most of the time,
by a park warden or
these
a police officer who
written 136
to
rules on
your
are park
websites or on signs
the water. It keeps
near fishing spots.
the fish alive and safe while you keep fishing. Then, when you're ready to go home, you can fillet all the fish at once.
5. Use a knife to gut the Tip: Kill and fillet your catches
fish if you want to tak e
as soon as you pull them out of
it with you. You have
the water for the best results.
to kill and cut up your
That keeps the meat from going
catch, which is not a
bad. Also, keep your fish cool
pleasant task. If you
in a cooler as you drive home.
have a sharp knife or spear, stick it through the fish's brain right behind its eyes. It kills the fish right away, so it doesn't have to suffer.
6. Another way to kill a
Then, clean the fi sh by
fish is to cut off i ts
cutting out the gills,
gills. Hit the fish over
scales, and guts. Finally,
the head with a club
put the fish on ice. •
once to stun it before
You can also keep
you cut it. Then, cut off
live fish in a mesh
all of the gills on one
cage that is put in
side with your knife. It 137
kills the fish by making
Project 18: How to Plant a Garden: A Comprehensive Guide
it bleed out. Put the fish in water until it dies, like in a mesh cage or a bucket full of water. •
Bleeding
is
So you've chosen to cultivate a
still
garden? It's much simpler than
considered humane
you may believe! The first step
because it doesn't
is determining what you want
take long and a good
to grow, followed by providing
hit with a club is
the proper conditions for your
enough to put the
plants, such as soil, sunlight,
fish to sleep. It's a
and water. In this article, we
great way to get rid
will walk you through each step
of the acids that
of gardening so that you can
make meat taste bad.
successfully plant a garden.
Many people who fish for a living do it
1. Choose a locati on with
to catch big fish like
well-drained, sunny soil.
salmon and tuna. When you're done, fillet the fish and put it away as usual.
Choose
a
location
that
receives roughly eight hours of direct sunlight. Sun-loving 138
plants like tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers, in particular, require a great deal of sunlight for healthy growth. Place your garden on th e south-facing side of your yard, where it will
If you are a novice, begin with
receive
a
the
most
sunlight.
small
garden.
Consider
Select a location where there
planting a 10 ft x 10 ft (3 m x 3
are no puddles after heavy rain.
m) plot. In a space of this size,
•
you may cultivate up to five
If the soil in your garden
different types of vegetables, at
does not drain well, water
a maximum of five plants per
will pool around the plant's
type. In addi tion, working in a
roots, causing root rot. •
small garden will allow you to
To make gardening easier,
gain experience with designing,
choose a location that is
planting,
level and free of trees and
to work around.
•
Don't give up if you lack
Some vegetables, such as
space
radishes, turnips, and beets,
garden! If you have patio
can thrive with six hours of
space, you could plant herbs
sunlight,
in containers or constr uct
but
the
more
sunlight, the better! 2.
and
maintaining the area.
bushes that you would have
•
watering,
for
an
in -ground
raised beds for vegetables.
Select a loc ation for your
•
garden.
If you have some gardening experience and desire a larger garden, you should
139
•
aim for a space between
If you are still uncertain
300 and 500 square feet (28
about
to 46 m2).
consider the produce you
3. Choose
vegetables
that
what
to
grow,
purchase each week. Try
thrive in your region.
them out if you consume a lot of lettuce or zucchini. •
Use companion planting to deter pests; grow fragrant marigolds throughout your garden,
Choose vegetables and herbs
cabbages
that you also enjoy eating.
especially or
near
melons,
to
deter beetles.
When purchasing seeds or plant
4.
Plan your garden layout.
starts, read the labels and select varieties that will thrive in your region. Thus, you can ensure that the plants can thrive in your region's climate. If you are new to gardening, choose plants
Determine which vegetables
like lettuce, carrots, cucumbers,
will be planted in each row as
and tomatoes that are simple to
you draw them out on a
cultivate. Some plants, such as
diagram. This allows you to
spinach and radishes, grow
keep track of what
rapidly, making them excellent
growing and to control the
options for containers.
distance between rows; consult the
plant
recommended 140
labels
you're
for
distance.
the For
example, you could plant cool -
In addition to seeds or plants,
season
gather gardening equipment.
crops
in
rows
and
designate another portion of
When planting a small garden,
your garden for warm -season
simple hand tools such as a
plants.
garden trowel for digging, a
•
rake for leveling the soil, a
Use the recommended
shovel, and a watering can are
spacing as a guide when
sufficient.
designing your garden.
okra
require
your
a
•
m) between their rows. could
alternate
onions
local
nursery,
garden
Gardening
gloves
to
protect your hands from
rows of onions and okra since
some
center, or online:
distance of 3 feet (0.91
You
are
additional items available at
For instance, plants such as
Here
calluses and splinters. •
only
Soil-improving fertilizer
require a minimum of 1
or compost to enrich the
foot (0.30 m) of space
soil. •
between them. 5. Gather
your
essential
A hose or sprinkler for watering larger gardens.
•
gardening supplies.
A ruler for determining planting
depth
and
spacing. •
String and stakes for tall or trailing plants like beans and cucumbers.
141
•
Garden
•
pest-proof
fencing materials •
Plan
on
applying
1
pound (450 grams) of
A garden journal
fertilizer per 100 square
to
keep track of what was
feet (9.3 square meters)
planted and how it did.
of soil. •
6. Add fertilizer or compost,
The
majority
of
vegetables will thrive if
then level the soil.
you
fertilize
beginning
at of
the the
growing season. 7. Plant warm-season crops after the final frost has passed.
Remove any rocks, roots, or sticks, and amend the soil with
nutrients.
Remove
anything from the soil that could impede the growth of plant
roots
as
you
move
through your garden. Then,
If you want a summer garden,
incorporate
cultivate plants that require a
an
all -purpose
fertilizer (such as 13 -13-13) or
great deal of light and heat.
compost
Most
into the top four
beginning
gardeners
inches (10 centimeters) of soil.
begin their plots in the spring or
The soil is level ed by dragging
early summer because so many
a rake across it.
plants thrive in ample sunlight and warmth. These are some of 142
the most recommended warm-
warms up. If you prefer to plant
season plants for beginners:
cool-season plants, you should
•
Watermelons, cantaloupes, cucumbers,
wait until late summer and
beans,
plant until the first frost of
corn,
autumn.
eggplant,
•
okra,
peppers,
pumpkins,
southern
sprouts,
cabbage,
sweet
carrots,
cauliflower,
peas,
squash,
Beets, broccoli, Brussels
potatoes, tomatoes, and
collards, kale, kohlrabi,
cantaloupes are some of
lettuce, mustard, onions,
the fruits and vegetables
peas, potatoes, radishes,
available.
rutabagas, Swiss chard, spinach, and turnips
8. Plant crops for the cool season in late summer.
9. Plant your seeds or your seedlings.
Maintain
your
garden
by
planting crops that can be harvested
in
the
Dig holes or bury seeds 14 to
autumn.
12 inches (0.64 to 1.27 cm)
There are numerous crops that
deep for your plant starts or
thrive in cooler temperatures
seeds. Consult the plant's label
and less sunlight, so you do not
to determine the recommended
need to wait until the weather
planting depth. Then, dig a hole 143
and place the plant's roots inside. Fill the hole with dirt and lightly compact it. Spread seeds across the soil's surface and
cover
them
with
the When the top 2 inches (5.1
recommended amount of soil.
cm) of soil feels dry, water •
Keep in mind that seeds
your garden. If the seeds or
are not planted very deeply
because
plant starts become dry, they
they
will not grow. Check the garden
require sunlight upon
in the morning and water the
germination. •
soil with a hose or watering
Use a ruler to mark straight
rows if
can. If you live in a dry or hot
you
climate, you may need to water
prefer to plant seeds in
your lawn more often. [10]
rows. Then, lightly drag •
your finger through the
Watering during the day
soil to create a very
allows
shallow
evaporate
depression.
water
to
from
the
leaves.
Cover your seeds with
11. Pull weeds at least several
soil and place them in
times per week.
rows. 10. Keep the soil in your garden moist.
144
Use a small trowel to remove weeds
that
threaten
Project 19: Compost Pile Construction Instructions
your
plants. Spread mulch or leafy organic material across your garden bed to reduce the time
The formation of a compost
you spend pulling weeds. The mulch
suffocates
pile is simultaneously one of
weeds,
the easiest and most significant
preventing them from stealing vital
nutrients
from
gardening tasks you will ever
your
undertake. Organic matter will
vegetables.
deteriorate into its component •
If wildlife is a problem
parts on its own if given enough
in your yard, erect a
time and allowed to be exposed
fence
to the elements.
around
your
garden to keep pests However, you also have the
out.
option of speeding up the process.
The
practice
of
composting come s into play at this
point.
Compost
is
an
excellent source of nutrition for plants. It enhances the quality of soil, it feeds beneficial microorganisms, and it prevents valuable materials from being thrown away in landfills. Not to mention enjoyable! Here i s a 145
guide on how to build your very
their compost pile in their
own compost pile.
garden. •
First and foremost, lay the groundwork
for
The pile needs to be easily
your
accessible
in
order to accommodate
compost pile [Part 1]
the high volume of work that will be performed on it. Because you will be adding to the mound, turning it, and removing
1. Decide where you want to
finished compost from
stand. Depending on your
it, getting to the pile
preferences, the pile should
shouldn't be too difficult
be placed in such a way that
for you.
it is easily accessible but
•
If there is a drought, you
hidden from the primary
will need to water the
view
pile, so keep it close to
of
your
yard
or
garden. If you do not want
the
to be able to see your
Composting is a process
compost
that involves decay, so
pile
in
your
watering
hose.
garden, you should either
it is vital to keep the pile
put it in a location that is
of compost away from
not easily visible or screen
your house, shed, and
it off with something. Some
fence so that it does not
people do not mind seeing
cause damage to these structures. 146
•
local
whereas carbon materials
government to find out
are in short supply during
if there are any local
these seasons. In the fall,
regulations that prohibi t
there is a profusion of
the
materials that are high in
Contact
your
placement
of
compost
piles
near
property
lines.
It's
nitrogen clippings)
possible that you won't
carbon
be
leaves).
able
to
put
(such
the
and
(such
as high
grass
as
in dead
compost pile wherever you want to if there are such regulations.
3. Decide how much control 2. Begin
the
of
you want to have over the
creating your compost pile
situation. A simple mound
at the right time of year.
can be used as a compost
Even though you can start a
pile; to mak e one, simply
compost pile at any time of
toss
year,
materials onto the mound
there
process
are
specific
all
compostable
times of year when it will
and
be most successful. High -
decompose. You can also
nitrogen
put rocks, boards, pieces of
elements
are
wait
for
them
to
always present during the
concrete, or fences around
spring
the pile to keep it in.
and
summer, 147
•
Utilize a compost bin
4.
Contemplate
the
and set up your own
possibility of building a
vermicomposting
straightforward container
system to
for your pile. There are as
ach ieve a
quicker
and
effective
method
many
more
different
ways
to
build a pile foundation as
of
composting. This will
there are ways to conceive
allow you to save time
of what it might look like.
and
effort.
You only need
bins
are
superior
to
Compost
a very
typically
simple pile, but if you want,
compost
you
can
upgrade
to
mounds when it comes
containers that are better
to the breakdown of
quality
organic matter due to
aesthetically pleasing. Here
the fact that compost
is how to put together your
bins keep everything in
most
one location.
container: •
and
more
fundamental
Create a plot that is at least three feet by three feet in size. This will be big enough to hide in your backyard, despite being able to hold a significant amount of organic waste and not look unsightly doing it.
148
•
Get
some
2x4s
and
Part 2: Establishing a Cycle
wooden stakes of the
for Your Routine
right size. For extra credit,
get
some
medium-sized branches with a more rustic look. •
Gather eno ugh so that 1. You should not add to the
you can drive the 2x4s
mountain that you already
into a 3' x 3' square at an approximate
have.
half -foot
you
between
will 15
organic material, with the
need
and
exception
20
of
oily
or
diseased plants. Foods such
stakes. •
is
possible with almost any
interval. To accomplish this,
Composting
as cheese and meat do not
Once you've formed a
decompose in the correct
square, drive a stake
manner, which can lead to
every half foot into the
problems with rodents and
ground. It is possible
harmful bugs.
that you w ill want to keep one of the sides open. This will make it easier for you to get to your pile and turn it over with a shovel or fork.
149
based (dead, brown, or dry) and nitrogen-based (green) materials. In most cases, it is
suggested
combination •
Plants
that
disease
have
a
should
be
in
a
composted
lightly sprayed with water from a garden hose, but it should not be allowed to
pathogens. If a compost
become soaked.
pile is not turned every
•
few days and all plant
all you have is green
center, the temperature
plant
uneven
sources biodegradable
throughout
possible:
✔ Shredded cardboard
leaving
✔ Sawdust and wood chips
2. Make an effort to strike a between
carbon
✔ Paper towel
thing
damaged plants alone.
balance
of
include the following:
your garden by doing simplest
(like
only have grass. Other
best to avoid spreading
the
material
grass), such as if you
pile.
Because of thi s, it is
problems
You can use newspaper as a source of carbon if
matter is placed in the
the
sixty
of your materials should be
temperature to kill the
throughout
a
percent nitrogen. Each layer
heated to a high enough
be
of
use
percent carbon and forty
container that can be
will
to
carbon150
✔ Used
•
animal
bedding
What
does
do?
When
shredding organic
✔ Dry leaves
materials are shredded,
✔ Straw
the amount of surface
✔ Small
area that they have is
branches/twigs
increased, which makes them more susceptible to
bacterial
Larger
invasion.
fragments
of
organic material inhibit the aerobic breakdown
3. Make a decision regarding
of the material.
whether or not you want •
to shred your documents.
high vegetal content or
material instead of throwing away.
that
Shredding
significantly quickens the pace of the cycle,
composting
making
it
wet.
These
materials
absorb
an
excessive
amount
of
high aerobic
who value efficiency. When
water
content,
decomposition
is made much more
you shred something, you
difficult by this factor.
end up with a heap that is organized
are
water. Because of their
an
excellent c hoice for those
more
shredding
organic materials with a
You can choose to shred the
it
Avoid
and
requires less effort to turn. 151
the bottom of the pile, and the ones with the least weight on top. • 4. Begin
constructing
The
second
layer
is
made up of nitrogen,
the
layers. This is the most
which is often referred
exciting part of it all. You
to as the spark that gets
should make an effort to
the composting process
add layers to your compos t
going. Nitrogen can be
pile whenever you add new
found
materials to it. There are
manures and fertilizers,
three primary layers that
as well as in the waste
make up a compost pile,
products of vegetable
and it is essential that they
gardens, grass clippings,
be
and other garden waste,
assembled
in
the
The
first
composed
animal
as well as in starters for
following order: •
in
layer of
microbial armies.
is
•
carbon,
Sterile potting soils
which can be found in
and
hay, sod, straw, leaves,
treated soils should
untreated
be avoided because
sawdust,
insecticide-
chopped corncobs, corn
they do not contain
stalks, and small twigs,
or
among other carbon-rich
microorganisms. •
materials. Put the items
nourish
Topsoil potting
with the most mass at 152
vital
Sterile soils
and
insecticide-treated soils
should
insects, be
and
worms
responsible
avoided.
for
are the
decomposition process. In order to be healthy, each of these organisms must have access to oxygen and water.
5. If you have any twigs, you should
definitely
The Third Part: Taking Care
add
of the Compost Stack
those in. To ensure that there is sufficient airflow, add material of a coarser texture approximately every 8 inches (20.3 cm). It's 1. "Stir"
possible that large plant
the
pile
of
stems or twigs will come in
debris every once in a
handy. You are also free to
while. A pitchfork is
use
non -compostable
used to lift the middle to
materials so long as they do
the outer edges and the
not introduce any harmful
outer
chemicals
middle to accomplish
into
your
edges
to
the
compost pile. Compost can
this goal. In addition,
be
water the ground if it is
thought
of
as
an
organism that both lives and
dry. This will ensure
breathes
that the decomposition
on
its
own.
takes
Microorganisms, beneficial 153
place
in
an
appropriate
and
weather is warmer,
consistent manner.
it is possible to feel the
heat
when
turning the pile. •
It is important to keep in mind that
2. Ensure that the stack
adding an excessive
is kept up to date. It is
amount of water will
imperative
kill the bacteria and
that
the
center of the pile be
scare
kept hot and evenly
worms.
saturated.
the
also
the
compost pile to emit
When
temperature
in
away
the
This
may
cause
middle of the pile falls
a
below
43
described
Celsius
(110
degrees
smell
that
the
is as
"rotten." If the pile
degrees
Fahrenheit), you should
is
use a shovel to turn the
become too dry, the
organic material and stir
process
the pile.
decomposition
•
If the weather is
come to a halt. Aim
chilly, you'll be able
for
to tell if the pile is
moistness.
hot because you'll see steam coming off of it. When the 154
allowed
to
of will
uniform
5. Maintain
a
high
temperature. though
it
Even is
not
necessary, heating the pile
3. Turn and thoroughly water
less
compost
piles
will
hasten
the
active
process
every
decomposition. You can
four to six weeks.
of
toss all of your plants
If
you add new layers to
onto
your
very
nature will take care of
infrequently, you won't
them in its own good
have to mix it nearly as
time.
often
decomposition
compost
as
you
would
the
and
The
majority
otherwise.
heap,
of
of
the
plants
requires a more drawn -
4. A small compost pile that is started in the fall
out
should be ready to use
typically takes around a
at
the
spring,
process
that
beginning
of
year. To keep the heat
which
is
generated by the pile at
approximately three to
a consistent level, ro tate
four months later.
it every few days. Part 4: Common Composting Issues and Diagnosis
155
After
Conclusion
compiling
your
list,
conduct a few drills with your During the first two days, we
family and then fill in the gaps.
discussed a few checklist items from
my
personal
list.
Be safe!
I
strongly recommend that you create your own list. Feel free to utilize anything from my list, but remember to personalize it. My step -by-step grid -down list has a number of actions that my family might take based on our particular circumstances. You should add details that may be particular
to
your
circumstances. This book just discusses t he initial two days. The third day and beyond will be discussed in a separate essay. This should provide
you
with
thought
and
assist
fuel
for
you
in
getting started. Finally, my recommendation: practice,
practice,
practice! 156