http://www.smallkitchengarden.com/what-are-ways-to-be-self-sufficient-in-the-winter/ www.smallkitchengarden.com Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:52:02 +1300 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 http://www.smallkitchengarden.com/what-are-ways-to-be-self-sufficient-in-the-winter/comment-page-1/#comment-677 gardengirl Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:22:55 +0000 http://www.smallkitchengarden.com/what-are-ways-to-be-self-sufficient-in-the-winter/#comment-677 Looks like winter really does a number on people like us because I have the same things running through my mind also. The economy doesn't help. I have been doing a lot of research at the local library on self sufficiency and have come to realize there really are a few things that can be done! I have invested in 48" shop lights and grow lights ( a total of $45 on sale for 2 shop lights, 2 grow lights, and 2 full spectrum daylight lights) and am currently trying my hand at growing fresh tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce in a small "greenhouse" in my basement (which is nothing more than thick ml plastic sheeting stapled to my rafters with a potting bench and the 2 sets of grow lights and a small fan so the air isn't stagnant). I will also use the lights to start my garden plants from seed this year to save even more $. We live in the city, so we can't have livestock, but I admire anyone that could. The book that I just finished reading (that is really good) is "How to live on almost nothing and have plenty" by Janet Chadwick. Its literally step by step! Also try "Putting food by" by Janet Greene for storing ideas. There are lots of books on the subject and actually, small farming is being considered the way of the future, because of all the recalls on food and illnesses out there, in a lot of articles I have been reading. Good luck and please try something! We live in Wisconsin, so I really do feel your winter agony!!! Looks like winter really does a number on people like us because I have the same things running through my mind also. The economy doesn’t help. I have been doing a lot of research at the local library on self sufficiency and have come to realize there really are a few things that can be done! I have invested in 48" shop lights and grow lights ( a total of $45 on sale for 2 shop lights, 2 grow lights, and 2 full spectrum daylight lights) and am currently trying my hand at growing fresh tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce in a small "greenhouse" in my basement (which is nothing more than thick ml plastic sheeting stapled to my rafters with a potting bench and the 2 sets of grow lights and a small fan so the air isn’t stagnant). I will also use the lights to start my garden plants from seed this year to save even more $. We live in the city, so we can’t have livestock, but I admire anyone that could. The book that I just finished reading (that is really good) is "How to live on almost nothing and have plenty" by Janet Chadwick. Its literally step by step! Also try "Putting food by" by Janet Greene for storing ideas. There are lots of books on the subject and actually, small farming is being considered the way of the future, because of all the recalls on food and illnesses out there, in a lot of articles I have been reading. Good luck and please try something! We live in Wisconsin, so I really do feel your winter agony!!!

]]> http://www.smallkitchengarden.com/what-are-ways-to-be-self-sufficient-in-the-winter/comment-page-1/#comment-678 barbwire8up Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:22:55 +0000 http://www.smallkitchengarden.com/what-are-ways-to-be-self-sufficient-in-the-winter/#comment-678 As for winrer heating we have installed a corn stove similar to wood heat but uses corn. It saves use on the heating bill and can be attached to fireplace opening or free standing then exhausted to an outside wall. Just fill hopper with about 8 gallons of corn and light. Hope this helps give you idea's to stay warm for less. As for winrer heating we have installed a corn stove similar to wood heat but uses corn. It saves use on the heating bill and can be attached to fireplace opening or free standing then exhausted to an outside wall. Just fill hopper with about 8 gallons of corn and light. Hope this helps give you idea’s to stay warm for less.

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