Today we have a reminder about winter. Winter is nigh. Soon the plants will go to sleep, bare root trees will beg to be planted, and the cold times will be upon us. With the cold comes a need to keep our water from freezing, our animals from taking sick, and ourselves ready to get snowed in. This looks a bit different on a homestead than in the city and we will talk through what we do at the Holler Homestead to prepare.
Tales from the Prepper Pantry
Operation Independence
Main topic of the Show: 2020 Winter is Coming
Usually, we start our winter preparations in August and I do this episode on the hottest day ever. Not this year. Cold temperatures have hit us a bit sooner than normal an caught me without things in order for winter.
Goal of winter preparations:
This year, we are taking a catch up approach
Heat: Firewood and fire organization, chimney sweep and stove repairs, kerosene and propane heaters checked on, finishing the rocket mass heater
Livestock: Increase feed on hand, first aid audit, bedding needs, water antifreeze systems, shelter update
Humans: Audit first aid, add winter preps to the pantry (like milk), winter clothing & comfort audit
Food storage: move roots to the root cellar, reset kitchen to use up rather than put up
Systems: prepare the gas things for overwintering, remove window AC units, take in summer water things, secure the pump house against cold, drains
Gardens: reset the hydro system, drain the AP wicking beds, row cover, prepare the ground gardens for spring, plant the garlic, fall bulbs, row cover
Winter Festivities: Handmake gifts, start special foods, decide what will be “held” for holiday meals.
There is so much to do when winter is coming -- this is why I usually start in August. But not this year. This year, it is not to be. But despite all that, it will get done. It always does. And the time will come so fast when I am tucked in by the fire, brandy in hand, planning the spring gardens...
Make it a great week!
Song: Grandpa's Song by Sauce
GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.
Community
Advisory Board
Resources