Monday, March 19, 2018

Gardening




Another renewable resource is a garden. Of course these are seasonal. You might increase your bounty if you have any canning skills. 
   I buy only heirloom seeds. Heirloom seeds will reproduce where hybrids not so much. Hybrid seeds might produce more and better veggies, but what about when you run out of seeds ? With heirloom seeds, collect some as you go thru the growing season, and then some at the end of the year. let the seeds dry in the air, then package to protect against the elements. I vacuum pack mine and then put them in the fridge. ( I have a small dorm room fridge where I keep meds and seeds , etc ). 
   Consider what you want to grow. I myself, don't mess with radishes, lettuce , corn, ( corn takes a lot of water for a small return ), and those sort of things. I raise, squash, peas, okra, beans, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumbers. Maybe some peppers for flavors. Everyone has their preferences, I try to balance what produces well, and what I like to eat. Room, and water are considerations. Maybe you live near a good water source, etc.  I suggest starting a garden now and figure out what/where works the best for you. You might want to test your soil and see if its lacking anything. 
   Critters. We had problems with rabbits and such helping themselves to our veggies. I put up a chicken wire fence to keep them out. It worked except the deer jumped the fence. They loved the peas. In a SHTF situation , after a couple of days.... we would have veggies and venison. Win, win.
   I would put up some Sevin dust or something like that for bug control. Chickens and guineas like bugs too. 
   Of course there is raised gardens, hydroponics, indoor growing, and many variables to gardening. Start now and find what suits your situation best. 

This is where I buy my seeds. Just sayin   . http://heirloomseeds.com/
 
 
 

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Renewable Sources



  I think it is not possible to store enough supplies for a long term SHTF. Unless you have a lot of money, even then... 
   Renewable assets are a major consideration. Starting with hunting. You should know up front that you are not the only one that will be thinking about this source. In this area, we have deer, wild hogs, turkey, and a few scattered antelope. Probably game will get thinned out early on. Also, once you pull the trigger, you have alerted anyone within a mile or so, that you have something to eat. When you do make that known, keep your eyes open. I think the local Game Warden will be trying to provide for his family, so I`m not sure how proactive he will be. Or maybe he will come  " confiscate " your kill. Personally, I would load my kill and vacate the area. Don`t over look the small game. Rabbits, squirrels, birds, and the like. 
   Trapping is another option. Knowledge and skills will enter in here and hunting too. If you opt to do some trapping, now is the time to plan and purchase the traps you deem suitable for your game/area. Become aware of the habits of game in your area. Feeding, watering, and travel habits. I am well aware that trapping quail is against the law. But, the game laws may or may not be enforceable in times like these. 
   Don`t be single minded about what you would or would not eat. For instance, I know from personal experience that rattlesnake meat is delicious. Good, very white meat. So be open minded, especially when you get really hungry. Would you eat a red-tailed hawk ? Or a roadrunner ? Or a bobcat ? 
   A few words of caution here. Look at your trap ( metal wire box trap ) closely before you run up to it. Verify what`s inside. In the case of catching a skunk. Gently lay something over the trap. A sheet or tarp. An old trapper told me one time, if he can`t see you, he`s a lot less likely to spray. After catching many skunks ( 30-40 ), I have had only one spray. I keep my trap wrapped in a dark colored material. I usually relocate the skunks way out in the country. I don`t like to shoot anything in the trap unless I have too. I have had people tell me that they dropped the trap in a horse tank and drown the skunk. Kinda cruel if you ask me.  Be ready for the ever present house cat or opossum. I`m not that hungry... yet.
   Another word of caution. Be aware of the landowners on whose land you are hunting. Do you have permission ? Is your being there going to cause a problem ? Maybe you could work a deal and split the game with him. Around here we have a lot of absentee land owners. Who knows if they will be here SHTF. Also, this is ranching country. I would advise against thinking about shooting an occasional cow. These animals are someones property.
   More to come on renewable food sources.