Prep Like a Pro: 18 Financial Skills You Can’t Afford to Ignore

The post Prep Like a Pro: 18 Financial Skills You Can’t Afford to Ignore appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness

Chronic Health Issues in a Post-Disaster World

An astonishing 51% of Americans are on long-term medications for chronic health issues. That number is on the rise, up four percent from just a few short years ago.

The post Chronic Health Issues in a Post-Disaster World appeared first on Survivopedia.

from Survivopedia

Achieve Perfect Work-Life Harmony with These 24 Expert Tips

The post Achieve Perfect Work-Life Harmony with These 24 Expert Tips appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness

50 Things You Should Do Every Year to Prepare for an Emergency

Emergencies can strike anytime, and being prepared can make all the difference. A little preparation can go a long way, whether a natural disaster, power outage, or personal crisis. Here are 50 things you should do yearly to help you stay ready for whatever comes your way. I use these tips every year, and so should you, if you can! We must prepare for an emergency.

This is a fairly lengthy list, but the bullet items don’t all have to be done in one day. Some are better done in the cooler weather and others when the sun is out and you can access your yard. We always change the batteries to our smoke alarms on New Year’s Day each year and have the extra batteries ready to go. If you’re getting your home ready for cold and windy winter weather, you probably want to do that when you’re warm and can complete the job.

The key is to put together your own emergency preparation plan, and these ideas will help you get organized so you can do that. Then, follow through and practice, adjust, and add or delete items your family circumstances change.

How To Prepare for An Emergency

1. Review Your Emergency Plan

Dust off your emergency plan and make sure it’s still relevant. Update contact information and make adjustments based on changes in your household or area. Away From Home Emergency Plan For Kids Climate change has prompted new weather patterns, so what was “normal” in the past may have changed. You need to be flexible and make the changes so you stay on top of things. As your kids grow older or you have new family members join the household, that requires you to adjust plans to accommodate their unique needs.

2. Update Emergency Contacts

Ensure that all your emergency contacts are current. Add any new friends, family, or neighbors who could help in a crisis. 20 Things Every Emergency Prepper Must Do Each Easter It doesn’t hurt to have others you may need to reach out to, like your banker, insurance agent, doctor, dentist, attorney, etc.

3. Conduct a Home Safety Audit

Check your home for potential hazards. Look for loose wires, unstable furniture, and other dangers that could become problematic during an emergency.

4. Check Smoke Alarms

Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work. Replace batteries if necessary. Smoke Alarms As mentioned above, we change out the batteries annually just to make sure they are all functioning.

5. Refresh Your First Aid Kit

Go through your first aid kit and replace any expired or used items. Make sure it includes essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and medications. Check those expiration dates, particularly if you have over-the-counter or prescriptions in the kit. It’s also wise to make sure the first aid kit has some masks. They can be the type commonly used during the recent pandemic, but also dust masks in case of severe wind storms or tornadoes.

I have written some extensive posts about first aid, first aid kits, and the suggested training needed to make sure you’re ready to use what’s included.

6. Practice Fire Drills

Hold a fire drill with your family. Ensure everyone knows the fastest and safest way to exit your home in a fire. If you have a two-story home or one with a basement, be sure to consider how those living in those spaces can get out. Do you have fire safety ladders for upstairs bedrooms and can you lift the window well grates for basement window access?

7. Review Evacuation Routes

Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes. Know the quickest way out of your neighborhood and to designated safe areas. Stay alert to any changes in street access or construction projects that can affect the free flow of traffic.

8. Update Insurance Policies

Review your home, health, and auto insurance policies. Make sure they cover potential emergencies and natural disasters relevant to your area. If you’ve made significant changes or additions to your home or property, make sure the coverage limits have been adjusted to cover or replace items damaged or destroyed.

9. Organize Important Documents

Keep copies of essential documents, like birth certificates, deeds, passports, medical records, and insurance papers, in a waterproof and fireproof container. Family Documents: What You Need

Check out my recent post where I provide some helpful and free printables. Also, check out my important document binder so you have a safe and organized tool to keep copies of important documents up-to-date and accessible.

10. Back Up Digital Files

Regularly back up critical digital files to a secure cloud service or an external hard drive. There are some handy backup systems available now and they aren’t very expensive. Consider a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) so you can work on your laptop or PC for a reasonable time. Having your electronics protected by quality power surge protectors is money well spent.

11. Rotate Emergency Food Supplies

Check your emergency food stash for expiration dates and replace items as needed. Include non-perishables like canned goods and dried foods. Tips for Understanding How to Rotate Foods Make sure you know where your can opener is, and have a spare just in case.

12. Refresh Water Supplies

Store at least a three-day water supply for each person in your household. Replace stored water every six months if you’ve used bleach to treat the water. If you’ve used a product like Water Preserver, you should be able to go as long as five years before you have to rotate the water. How to Make Hot Water in an Emergency

A standard with many government agencies is to have one gallon of water per person per day. I’ve always suggested four gallons of water per person per day to cover things like hydration, cooking, personal hygiene, and limited laundry sanitation tasks during the emergency.

Having extra water in storage is vital, but I also suggest you consider a water filtration system from Big Berkey or PortaWell. They have excellent filters in their systems that provide the ability to filter water from local water sources. Big Berkey filters using a gravity system, while PortaWell uses an electric pump system that provides more volume. They have battery-powered systems and solar panel accessories to run the pump if your power goes out.

13. Check Your Emergency Kit

Ensure your emergency disaster supplies kit is fully stocked with flashlights, batteries, blankets, and multi-tools. Even in warmer climates, having a clean and dry warm blanket available if you get wet and once you’re in a dry place, can make a real difference.

14. Plan for Pets

Ensure you have a plan for your pets, including pet food, water, a leash, and any medications they need. What to do With Your Pets in an Emergency

15. Update Emergency Savings

Add to your emergency savings fund. Aim to have enough to cover three to six months of expenses. Again, you don’t need to do this all at once, and I don’t ever suggest you go into debt to accomplish this goal. Each year you can add incramentally to you achieve you financial goal over a span of time. Just be self-disciplined enough to add something each year, or during the year.

You can also purchase traveler’s checks to hold in you home safe. They are readily accepted at retailers and gas stations. Remember, ATMs may not be working in an emergency.

16. Create a Communication Plan

Develop a plan for staying in touch with loved ones during an emergency. Include options for phone, text, and social media. Have a phone charger for your cell phones and get some solar panels as charging resources. Walkie-talkies can be very handy for local communications, but have limited transmission capabilities.

17. Learn Basic First Aid

Take a first aid and CPR course. Refresh your knowledge annually to stay prepared. First Aid Kits-What You Need To Survive New techniques come out from time to time. Remember when we were taught to use mouth-to-mouth procedures if someone isn’t breathing. It seems that CPR is more commonly taught these days, or a combination of both.

18. Review Local Resources

Familiarize yourself with local resources like shelters, hospitals, and community centers that can assist in an emergency.

19. Maintain Your Vehicle

Keep your car in good working condition. Regularly check oil, tires, and brakes. Keep an emergency kit in the trunk. Using Your Vehicle as a Tool for Prepping I also recommend you keep your fuel tank above 1/2 full at all times. You don’t want to be caught in a long line at the gas station when you’ve been told by local authorities to evacuate from the area.

20. Stock Up on Essentials

Keep a good supply of essentials like toiletries, medications, and cleaning supplies. You never know when a crisis might hit. We often take for granted having a supply of toilet paper, paper towels, plastic or paper cups, utensils, garbage bags, and moist towelettes.

21. Conduct Home Maintenance

Regularly inspect and maintain your home to prevent water leaks, drafty doors and windows, or electrical problems that could worsen during an emergency. We can’t all afford a full fledged power generator, but we can prevent air from escaping the home.

22. Prepare for Power Outages

Consider having backup power solutions like generators or solar chargers. Stock up on candles and batteries. Power Grid Failure: What You Will Need

23. Identify Safe Spots

Know the safest spots in your home for emergencies, like earthquakes or tornadoes.

24. Monitor Weather Alerts

Sign up for local weather alerts to stay informed about potential emergencies in your city. I have a hand-crank radio so I can listen to weather alerts even when the power is out. I like having a NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) functioning radio so I can stay up to date on weather conditions.

25. Know Your Neighbors

Build a network with your neighbors. They can be a crucial resource during an emergency. Neighbors-It’s Critical We Get To Know Them

26. Practice Shelter-in-Place

Hold a drill for sheltering in place. Know how to seal your home to protect against external hazards. Pandemic: What You Need To Shelter In Place

27. Learn to Shut Off Utilities

Know how to turn off your home’s gas, water, and electricity. This can prevent further damage or risk fire during an emergency. Note that you may have to have your local utility come and turn on and re-light certain natural gas appliances once the emergency has passed, including your furnace.

28. Invest in Durable Gear

Purchase high-quality emergency gear that withstands harsh conditions, like sturdy boots and waterproof clothing. Plan to have at least one complete change of clothing for each family member. I’d also suggest you include a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect from the weather and possible small flying debris.

29. Plan for Unique Needs

If anyone in your household has unique needs, ensure you have a plan to accommodate them during an emergency. That includes diapers, infant formula, special medications, etc.

30. Stay Informed

Keep up with news and updates about potential risks in your area. Being informed helps you react quickly.

31. Secure Heavy or Exposed Items

Anchor heavy furniture and appliances to prevent them from tipping over during an earthquake or other disruptions. Tie down patio or porch furniture, or bring them inside your garage for protection. When we lived in one home we almost lost a trampoline in a heavy windstorm. On another occasion, we had patio/pool umbrella picked up and carried to the local hillside during a heavy storm.

32. Install Surge Protectors

Protect your electronics from power surges with surge protectors. That is a small price to pay to prevent damage during power outages.

33. Keep Cash on Hand

Have a small stash of cash in case ATMs and credit card machines are down during an emergency. Cash vs. Credit Card: Which is Better in an Emergency?

34. Plan for Communications

Have a backup plan for communication, such as walkie-talkies or a satellite phone. Communication Options for Your Family During a Disaster

35. Maintain Your Property

Trim trees and clear gutters to prevent damage from storms and heavy rains. 20 Ways to Step Up Security Measures Around Your Property

36. Know Emergency Numbers

Memorize or keep a list of emergency numbers, including local fire, police, and medical services. 15 Emergency Numbers You Need

37. Test Emergency Plans

Hold regular drills to test and refine your emergency plans. Practice makes perfect. Why Location Matters in Emergency Prepping

38. Stay Physically Fit

Maintaining good health can help you handle the physical demands of an emergency. Fitness for Survival

39. Stock Up on Medications

Ensure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. 20 Effective Ways to Alleviate Pain Without Medication

40. Plan for Child Care

If you have kids, have a plan for their care in case you’re unable to get home from work, retrieve them from school, or otherwise be with them during an emergency. That’s another reason to have a neighborhood network you can rely on.

41. Know Your Area’s Risks

Be aware of the specific risks in your area, whether it’s earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes and make appropriate plans accordingly.

42. Use Technology

Use apps and other technology to provide real-time information and help during an emergency. A World Without Technology: A Glimpse into the Unplugged Life

43. Have a Meeting Place

Establish a meeting place for your family in case you get separated during an emergency. Safety Tips for Preppers: Ensuring Preparedness in Any Situation

44. Create a Grab-and-Go Bag

Prepare a bag with essentials that you can grab quickly if you need to evacuate. Should You Bug In or Bug Out? What to Know Some people call these 72-hour kits. You can put needed items in a dufflebag, backpack, or other portable case that works. Each family member should have one based on their unique needs.

45. Review Financial Preparedness

Ensure your finances are in order. This includes accessing critical financial documents and securing your assets during a crisis.

46. Get Involved

Join a local emergency preparedness group or volunteer organization. Community involvement can provide valuable support during emergencies. We took a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class when we lived in Southern Utah. It was informative, fun, and a great way to get close to your neighbors.

47. Teach Your Kids

Educate your children about emergency preparedness in a way that is appropriate for their age. 9 Necessary Survival Skills For Kids: It’s Never Too Young to Learn

48. Plan for Long-Term Disruptions

Think about long-term emergencies and plan accordingly. This could include food preservation methods or alternative power sources.

49. Stay Calm and Positive

Mental preparedness is just as important. Practice staying calm and positive to handle emergencies better. How to Stay Positive in Difficult Situations

50. Reevaluate Annually

Finally, make a habit of reevaluating your entire emergency preparedness plan every year. Adjust as needed to stay ready for anything.

Final Word

When you take these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies confidently. Remember, it’s all about staying ready! I try to help give everyone I know this information, so if you want to share it with friends and family, please do. May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Be Prepared AdobeStock_241998441 By Polarpx, Fuel Shortage AdobeStock_1717606 By Ken Mellott

The post 50 Things You Should Do Every Year to Prepare for an Emergency appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

How to Grow Food in Buckets: A Step by Step Guide

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

There are so many benefits of growing food in buckets. A primary benefit is that it’s inexpensive compared to the prices for terra cotta pots or the fancier glazed ceramics. Buckets can be found around the house and upcycled or even purchased for a lot less than the usual garden pots.

Five-gallon plastic buckets can be bought online, but a lot of home-centers sell them for much cheaper, assuming you don’t mind a Home Depot or Menard’s logo across the front. Then again, those same places sell spray paint for a couple bucks a can, allowing you to paint your buckets with a color that matches your patio, deck, or yard.

The big question is: What exactly can you grow in a bucket? The easy answer is just about anything you plant in the ground, assuming you take some extra time for watering and feeding.

There are a few things that don’t tolerate the confines of a bucket, such as sweet corn and pumpkins, but it’s easy to find varieties of just about any fruit or vegetable that can grow in a bucket.

Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It On Pinterest!

Table Of Contents

1. Bucket Garden Benefits
2. Bucket Gardening Success Factors
   • Water
   • Soil
   • Feeding
   • Temperature and Wind
3. About the Buckets
4. What Grows Best in a Bucket?
5. Prepping the Buckets
   • The Conventional Bucket
   • The Wicking Bucket
   • Filling the Bucket
   • The Potato Bucket
6. Planting
7. Charts for Bucket Gardens
   • Bucket Gardening Vegetables
   • Bucket Gardening Fruits
   • Bucket Gardening Herbs

Bucket Garden Benefits

An obvious benefit of a bucket garden is that allows someone with little or no space in their yards to grow fruits and vegetables. How many you grow depends on the number of buckets you use, but high-yield practices like succession planting and companion planting can give you multiple crops in a season, even with only few buckets.

Aside from apartment dwellers without a yard for a garden, growing food in buckets lets even those with a conventional garden add to their crops with buckets on the deck, patio, front-porch, and even on the side of the house or garage where a garden wouldn't normally fit.

Growing food in buckets also gives you the flexibility to take your crops indoors or put them in the garage during bad weather. It can also you to grow annuals by simply moving your plants indoors in the fall and winter.

Finally, you can take your bucket garden with you, whether it’s an emergency or you’re simply moving to a new location.

Bucket Gardening Success Factors

Growing in a bucket can stress any type of plant if you don't take care of it. Here are the things to think about and keep an eye on:

Water

Unlike anything planted in the ground, fruits or vegetables in a bucket don’t have the benefit of surrounding ground water or a large volume of moist soil. Watering is a constant and critical consideration, especially when the temperatures spike.

A simple solution is to move the buckets into the shade or even indoors during temperature extremes, but you'll still need to water frequently and deeply. However, drain holes are always recommended for any plant growing in a bucket outdoors, so keep an eye on watering.

We’ll cover a wicking bucket option to keep any plant well watered as well. Mulching is another good idea. A thin layer of mulch across the top of the pot can help cut down on evaporation.

Soil

The proper soil mix will help retain moisture and actively feed your plants as well. The ideal soil mix varies with some fruits and vegetables, preferring not only a different blend in the soil mix, but an ideal pH. We’ll cover many of these variables in a chart that identifies the ideal conditions and pH for a range of fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

Feeding

A bucket is a small, highly contained biome and unlike soil in the ground, nutrients are not easily replenished. It always makes sense to add some plant food when you first fill your bucket, but a plant growing in a bucket will gradually consume the nutrients, so they should be replenished.

Whether you use a chemical fertilizer or keep things organic with compost is up to you. If adding compost, you might want to skip the mulching. Compost added to the top of the bucket will act as a mulch, and the nutrients may leach into the soil better without a layer of mulch acting as a barrier.

Temperature and Wind

Unlike anything growing in the ground, a plant in a bucket is more exposed to the heat, cold, and wind. This is largely due to the fact that the bucket is upright and above ground where all sides are exposed to wind and temperature extremes.

This combination can cause the soil and water in the bucket to freeze more quickly and dry out rapidly. Plus, the roots will be exposed to a much wider range of temperatures than they would be in the ground.

Because a bucket is more exposed, the stresses can take their toll on the vitality of the plant and could even kill it. One way to moderate temperature is to consider the color of the bucket. A white bucket will reflect sunlight in the summer while a black or dark colored bucket will absorb sunlight in cooler weather.

You could also move your buckets to an area that isn't exposed to the wind or direct sunlight.

About the Buckets

We’re going to focus on plastic buckets. 5-gallon and 2-gallon buckets are the ones commonly used for bucket gardening. What’s important is that they’re food-safe plastic. It usually says so on the bucket or label.

Drainage holes are also important, and we’ll show you the best way to do that, but there’s another option we’ll explore. It’s the idea of a wicking bucket which has a chamber or reservoir in the bottom of the bucket that holds water. The water is released through some carefully placed holes, and the reservoir is refilled through a pipe that leads to the top of the bucket.

The bucket is essentially self-watering as the soil mix literally wicks up the moisture from the reservoir and directs it to the roots of the plant. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and an empty coffee can with a lid and a short length of PVC is all you need to make it work.

We’ll also cover some detail on how to make a potato bucket that makes both harvesting and inspection of progress easy to do.

Five-gallon plastic buckets will generally last 5 years or more if stored and stacked in a shaded area.

What Grows Best in a Bucket?

It makes sense that dwarf varieties of fruits and vegetables would do well in buckets, but any size of fruit or vegetable plant can survive and thrive in a bucket garden.

You may need to put in a stake or a narrow length of trellis to support some vining vegetables, but vertical gardening is an old and established practice, and everything from grapes to cucumbers to melons and traditional pole beans can produce just as much from a bucket as they do in a garden.

Trees are another possibility and once again, dwarf varieties make sense, but some varieties of conventional apple trees and pear trees can also grow in a bucket if pruned properly.

Just as important are bushes and shrubs that bear fruit, from blueberries to blackberries. We’ll cover the best options and varieties, but don’t hesitate to experiment. If you have enough buckets, it’s worth pushing the envelope.

Prepping the Buckets

There are two approaches to prepping a bucket to grow a plant. One approach is conventional and involves drilling holes in the base to allow drainage.

The other approach is the wicking bucket we mentioned. We’ll also get into soil mixes and how to fill your bucket so you’re ready for planting.

The Conventional Bucket

A standard practice is to drill 6 holes in the bottom of a 5-gallon plastic bucket. A 2-gallon bucket only needs 4 holes. Here are the steps:

Equipment:

• A drill
• A ¾-inch flat bit

Steps:

1. Turn the bucket upside down and place on a flat surface.

2. Drill a hole in the center.

A critical difference when drilling is to drill in reverse. This will prevent the plastic from shattering as the flat bit cuts through the plastic.

Use pulses as you drill into the plastic. Here again, you’re trying to cut a clean circle, and pulsing will also avoid shattering the bottom of the bucket.

3. Once you’ve drilled the center hole, drill 5 more holes on the corners of a pentagon shape on a 5-gallon bucket, or…

4. Drill 3 holes on the corners of a triangle on a 2-gallon bucket.

5. Continue until you have drilled your drainage holes in all of your buckets.

Before we get into filling and adding soil, we’re going to cover the wicking bucket concept.

The Wicking Bucket

Wicking as a self-watering technique has been used in both garden beds and containers. The concept was developed in Australia where the arid, desert climate makes gardening a constant challenge. A self-watering setup allowed plants to survive severely high temperatures and keep the soil moist.

The basic concept is shown below. A small reservoir of water is contained under the soil at the base of the bucket to allow water to remain in contact with the soil.

Here are the steps for building a wicking bucket (a 5-gallon bucket works best):

Equipment:

• 5-gallon bucket
• Reservoir (small coffee can with lid, 1-gallon milk bottle, or any other plastic container that can be cut)
• A 1 to 2-inch diameter length of PVC, about 2-feet long
• Permanent marker
• Razor knife

Steps:

1. Start with an empty plastic coffee can with the lid firmly attached.

2. Drill 4 holes about 1 inch from the bottom of the plastic coffee can using a 1/4-inch drill bit.

3. Place the end of the PVC on one end of the coffee can lid and trace a circle around the circumference with a permanent marker.

4. Carefully cut out the hole. You want the PVC to fit tightly so no soil works into the reservoir.

5. Drill 2 ¼-inch holes into the side of the 5-gallon bucket, about 5-inches from the base.

This is to allow excess water to drain from the bottom of the bucket and prevent root rot.

6. Cut a 1 ½-inch piece of PVC pipe to 20-inches long. Cut one end of the PVC at a 45 degree angle and place the sharp tip of the PVC at the bottom of the reservoir so the water sufficiently drains into the coffee can or milk bottle.

7. Place the PVC into the hole and angle it towards one side of the bucket. It’s best to angle it towards the center between the two metal handles so you can still lift and move the bucket.

8. If you see a large gap where the PVC goes into the reservoir, either seal it with some tape or a bead of silicone. It doesn’t have to be waterproof, you’re just trying to keep the soil mix out.

9. You’re now ready to fill the bucket with your soil mix.

Filling the Bucket

These steps for filling the bucket apply to both a conventional bucket or a wicking bucket. You’re basically adding a potting soil and a small amount of soil amendment in form of a fertilizer.

You can buy a prepared potting soil or mix up your own. Most fruits and vegetables will survive and thrive in a good potting soil, but we’ll cover some adjustments for plants like fruit trees and others that prefer a specific pH or soil amendment in the chart.

Supplies:

• Potting Mix
• Or – combine 1 part peat moss, 1 part Perlite, and 2 parts compost to make your own potting mix.
• A controlled release fertilizer like Osmocote or Nutricote. These are not organic. Organic slow release fertilizers include Sustane and Plant-Tone. Composted manure is another option.

Steps:

1. Fill the bucket ½ way with the potting mix.

2. Top the potting mix with a cup or less of the fertilizer. It’s wise to read the label directions to make sure the proportions are right. If adding composted manure, cover the first layer of potting soil with an inch of compost.

3. Add more topsoil and gently press down until the soil mix is about an inch from the top of the bucket.

4. An optional step is to add a layer of mulch to the top of the soil.

Follow the same steps to fill a wicking bucket with soil.

The Potato Bucket

Another great bucket design is for potato crops. This design makes it easy to harvest the potatoes and check their progress during the season.

Equipment:

• Razor knife
• Soil mix of compost and topsoil

Steps:

1. Cut long, vertical strips in the sides of the bucket.

2. Insert the first bucket with the slits into a second bucket with holes drilled in the bottom, similar to a conventional bucket design.

3. Fill the bucket with a 50/50 mix of compost and topsoil.

4. To harvest or check on progress, pull the inner bucket up and out and inspect the crop or harvest.

Planting

Planting follows the same process for planting in a garden or container. Just make sure the soil is sufficiently pressed down around the roots and water immediately, and then water again after about 10 minutes.

If you've constructed a wicking bucket, water the top of the bucket in a conventional way, then fill the PVC feed tube until the reservoir is filled and you can see the water in the bottom of the tube.

Charts for Bucket Gardens

The data in the charts below represents averages and can vary with some plant varieties. Check the seed package or the printed stake insert in potted plants for details specific to the variety you choose.

Generally, all fruits and vegetables prefer a standard potting mix resulting in a loamy, well-drained soil. pH levels tend to fall in the mid-range a little above and below a neutral pH of 7.0

Maturity rates vary widely, so always double check maturity if you have a short growing season or want to do succession planting.

Hardiness zones typically represent a broad range from 2 to 11, but keep an eye on the zones if you live in one of the end zones in the range.

Bucket Gardening Vegetables

VEGETABLES	BUCKET SOIL DEPTH	IDEAL SOIL MIX & pH	HARDINESS ZONES	DAYS TO MATURITY	NOTES & BUCKET SIZE
Arugula	At least 6-inches	Loamy, moist	1 - 11	35 to 50 days	2-gallon
Beets	At least 8-inches	Loamy, pH 6.0 - 8.0	3 - 11	40 to 70 days	2-gallon
Bell Peppers (Sweet, Poblano, etc)	At least 10-inches	Loamy, pH 6.0 - 6.5	5 - 11	70 to 90 days	Stake, 2-gallon
Bok Choy	At least 12-inches	Loamy, pH 7.0 and up	3 - 10	50 to 65 days	Shade tolerant, 5-gallon
Broccoli	At least 12-inches	Firm, pH 7.0 and up	2 - 11	60 to 65	Shade tolerant, 5-gallon
Brussels Sprouts	At least 12-inches	Firm, pH 7.0 and up	2 - 10	90 to 100 days	Shade tolerant, 5-gallon
Bush Beans	At least 10-inches	Loamy soil	3 - 13	70 to 75 days	2-gallon bucket
Cabbage	At least 12-inches	Firm, pH 7.0 and up	2 - 11	60 to 80 days	Shade tolerant, 5-gallon
Carrots	At least 10-inches	Loamy, pH 6.0 - 8.0	2 - 11	45 to 75 days	5-gallon
Cauliflower	At least 12-inches	Firm, pH 7.0 and up	2 - 10	65 to 80 days	Shade tolerant, 5-gallon
Collard	At least 10-inches	Loamy, moist	6 - 11	40 to 60 days	5-gallon
Cucumbers	At least 12- inches	Loamy, moist, pH 6.0 - 7.0	4 - 11	50 to 70 days	Stake or trellis, 5-gallon
Eggplant	At least 12-inches	Loamy, moist, pH 5.5 - 6.8	5 - 12	65 to 85 days	Warm temps and lots of water, 5-gallon
Garlic	At least 6-inches	pH 6.0 - 6.5	5 - 11	75 to 100 days	2-gallon
Kale	At least 8-inches	Moist, pH 6.5 - 7.0	2 - 10	50 to 70 days	Shade tolerant, 2-gallon
Large Tomatoes (Beefsteak, etc.)	14 to 16-inches, Prefers slightly acidic soil	Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.0 - 6.5	2 - 11	75 to 85 days	Full sun, staked, 5-gallon
Leaf Lettuce	At least 6-inches	Loamy, moist	5 - 11	40 to 55 days	2-gallon
Onions	At least 8-inches	pH 6.0 - 6.5	5 - 11	70 to 90 days	2-gallon
Parsnips	At least 12-inches	Loamy, pH 6.0 - 8.0	3 - 11	105 to 115 days	5-gallon
Peas	8 to 12 inches	Loamy, well-drained	2 - 11	50 to 60 days	Full to partial sun, stake, 2-gallon
Peppers, Hot (Serrano, Jalapeno, etc)	At least 8-inches	Loamy, pH 6.5 - 7.0	6 - 11	65 to 80 days	2 or 5-gallon buckets
Pole Beans	At least 12 inches,	Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.0 - 6.8	2 - 11	55 to 65 days	Full to partial sun, 6-ft stake, 5-gallon
Potatoes, red	At least 16-inches	Loamy, pH 6.0 - 6.5	3 - 10	80 to 100 days	5-gallon potato bucket
Potatoes, russett	At least 16-inches	Loamy, pH of 6.0 - 6.5	3 - 10	100 to 130 days	5-gallon potato bucket
Potatoes, sweet	At least 16-inches	Loamy, pH 5.8 - 6.0	5 - 11	90 to 120 days	5-gallon potato bucket
Radishes	At least 8-inches	Loamy, pH 6.0 - 8.0	2 - 11	30 to 50 days	2-gallon
Romaine	At least 8-inches	Loamy, moist	5 - 11	50 to 70 days	2-gallon
Rutabagas	At least 12-inches	Loamy, pH 6.0 - 8.0	2 - 11	80 to 90 days	5-gallon
Spaghetti Squash	At least 12-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 6.8	2 - 11	100 to 110 days	Full sun, narrow trellis, 5-gallon
Spinach	At least 6-inches	Loamy, moist	4 - 11	30 to 40 days	2-gallon
Tomatoes, Dwarf (Cherry, Grape, etc)	At least 12-inches. Prefers slightly acidic soil	Loamy, well-drained, pH 6.0 - 6.8	2 - 11	50 to 65 days	Full sun, stake, 5-gallon
Tomatoes, Medium (Roma, Tomatillo, etc.)	12 to 14-inches. Prefers neutral soil	Loamy, well-drained, pH 7.0	3 - 11	50 days	Full sun, stake, 5-gallon bucket
Turnips	At least 8-inches	Loamy, pH 6.0 - 8.0	3 - 11	30 to 45 days	2-gallon
Watermelon (Dwarf)	At least 12-inches	Loamy, moist, well-drained, pH 6.0 - 6.8	4 - 11	70 to 90 days	Full sun, narrow trellis, 5-gallon
Zucchini	At least 12-inches	Loamy, moist	6 - 12	75 to 90 days	5-gallon

Bucket Gardening Fruits

FRUITS	BUCKET SOIL DEPTH	IDEAL SOIL MIX & pH	HARDINESS ZONES	DAYS TO MATURITY	NOTES & BUCKET SIZE
Apple, Dwarf	—	Sand loam, pH 6.0 - 7.0	4 - 9	2 to 3 years from seed	5-gallon wicking bucket
Blackberries	At least 16-inches	Sandy loam, pH 5.5 - 6.5	5 - 9	3 years from seed	5-gallon
Cherry, Dwarf	—	Sandy loam, pH 6.0 - 7.0	4 - 8	2 to 3 years from seed	5-gallon wicking bucket
Grapes	At least 16-inches	Loamy soil, pH 5.5 - 6.5	5 - 9	3 to 4 years from seed	5-gallow, narrow trellis
Lemon, Dwarf	—	Sandy loam, pH 6.0 - 7.0	8 - 11	2 to 3 years from seed	5-gallon wicking bucket
Orange, Dwarf	—	Sandy loam, pH 6.0 - 7.0	8 - 11	3 to 4 years from seed	5-gallon wicking bucket
Peach, Dwarf	—	Sandy loam, pH 6.0 - 7.0	5 - 9	2 to 3 years from seed	5-gallon wicking bucket
Raspberry	At least 16-inches	Loamy soil, pH 5.5 - 6.5	4 - 9	3 years from seed	5-gallon
Strawberries	At least 8-inches	Loamy soil, pH 5.3 - 6.5	4 - 9	60 to 90 days	2-gallon ok

Bucket Gardening Herbs

HERBS	BUCKET SOIL DEPTH	IDEAL SOIL MIX & pH	HARDINESS ZONES	DAYS TO MATURITY	NOTES & BUCKET SIZE
Basil	At least 6-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.5	5 - 11	30 to 45	Very sensitive to cold temps, 2-gallon ok
Chamomile	At least 6-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.5	3 - 11	35 to 50	Annual but reseeds prolifically, 2-gallon ok
Chives	At least 6-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.0	4 - 11	30 to 40	Okay for 2-gallon
Cilantro (Coriander)	At least 8-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.5	5 - 11	30 to 75	2-gallon ok
Dill	At east 6-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.5	3 - 11	30 to 60	Annual but also reseeds widely, 2-gallon ok
Fennel	At least 12-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 8.0	4 - 11	80 to 95 days	5-gallon
Lavender	At least 10-inches	Well-drained, pH6.7 - 7.3	5 - 11	45 to 60	5-gallon is best
Lemon Balm	At least 10-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.0	5 - 11	40	5-gallon is best (perennial)
Mint	At least 10-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.0	5 - 11	30	5-gallon is best (perennial)
Oregano	At least 8-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.5	5 - 11	30	Okay for 2-gallon
Parsley	At least 6=inches	Well-drained, pH of 6.0 to 7.5	3 - 11	30 to 45	2-gallon ok
Rosemary	At least 8-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.0	5 - 11	45	Okay for 2-gallon
Sage	At least 8-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.5	5 - 11	40 to 55	Okay for 2-gallon
Stevia	At least 10-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.5	4 - 11	40 to 70	Might need to be staked, 2-gallon
Tarragon	At least 10-inches	Well-drained, pH 6.0 - 7.5	4 - 11	30 to 45	5-gallon is best (perennial)
Thyme	At least 6-inches	Well-drained, pH of 6.0 to 7.5	5 - 11	40	Okay for 2-gallon (perennial)

Like this post? Don't Forget to Pin It On Pinterest!

You May Also Like:

• 25 Off Grid Uses for Five Gallon Buckets
• Build A DIY Self-Watering Planter For Only $10
• DIY Automatic Chicken Feeder from Five-Gallon Bucket
• How to Grow Mushrooms in a 5-Gallon Bucket
• How to Build a Self-Watering “Wicking Bed” for a Drought-Proof Garden

The post How to Grow Food in Buckets: A Step by Step Guide appeared first on Homestead Survival Site.

from Homestead Survival Site https://ift.tt/qnIORPw

24 Mind-Blowing Ways to Repurpose Household Stuff You Already Own

The post 24 Mind-Blowing Ways to Repurpose Household Stuff You Already Own appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness

15 Stressors That Could Break Your Team in a Survival Situation

The post 15 Stressors That Could Break Your Team in a Survival Situation appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness

29 Countries Too Risky for American Travelers in 2024

The post 29 Countries Too Risky for American Travelers in 2024 appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness

18 Critical Steps for Securing Your Home Against Looters

The post 18 Critical Steps for Securing Your Home Against Looters appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness

21 Chores You Should Do On Your Homestead This Summer

I don’t really have a preference for seasons. I like them all for different reasons, but if I had to pick just one, it would probably be summer… Summer is a time of great activity, of fun, and opportunity, but it’s also a time for getting work done! Such is life when you’ve chosen to ... Read more

21 Chores You Should Do On Your Homestead This Summer can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!

from New Life On A Homestead

9 Terrifying Truths About Long-Term Economic Crises

Preparing for a long-term economic crisis is about more than ensuring you’ve got your food stocks and a way to protect yourself at home. Major economic downturns in history, such as the Panic of 1873 and the Great Depression of the 1930s, posed challenges that evolved challenges over time. With past prolonged financial crises as […]

The post 9 Terrifying Truths About Long-Term Economic Crises appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

from Ask a Prepper https://ift.tt/TWKsMqZ

How to Kick-Start Your Food Storage Plan

Today, it’s all about how to kick-start your food storage plan. It’s no secret that the world is a dangerous place. Natural disasters can and will happen. And when they do, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. A food storage plan is one of the best ways to ensure your safety in crisis. But where do you start? And how much food should you store?

Please keep in mind that this is the bare minimum, my friends. The amount will depend on how many people are in your family and the ages of those you will need to feed and prepare food for to survive. We need to start somewhere; this list may help those getting started.

How to Kick-Start Your Food Storage Plan

Items I Highly Recommend:

Please remember to buy right the first time.

• Can Opener
• Larger Can Opener
• Electric Can Opener (not everything is for power outages)
• Whisk
• 5-gallon Buckets with Gamma Lids
• 2-gallon Bucket with Gamma Lid
• 6-Quart Rubbermaid Containers with Lids

How to Kick Start Your Food Storage Plan

What is a food storage plan?

A food storage plan ensures you have a stockpile of food that can last you and your family for some time in an emergency. This could be anything from a natural disaster to a power outage. A food storage plan means you will always have something to eat, no matter what happens.

25 Pounds of Flour

To get your food storage plan going, you must start with a good supply of flour. This essential ingredient can be used in many ways, so having a lot on hand is a good idea. You can make bread, pancakes, cookies, and more. Please learn to make bread. This is my no-fail recipe if you start with fresh ingredients. Easy To Make Bread For One

20 Pounds of Pinto Beans

A food storage plan needs at least 20 pounds of pinto beans. This is a versatile legume that can be used in many different ways. Pinto beans can be used as a side dish, in soups and stews, or as the main ingredient in vegetarian chili. In case you missed this post, Homemade Vegetarian Chili

20 Pounds of Rice

Rice is another essential ingredient for your food storage plan. It is a good idea to have at least 20 pounds on hand. Rice can be used as a side dish, in soups and stews, or as the main ingredient in dishes like stir-fry. A good thing about rice is that it goes a long way. Watch what happens when you cook the rice and see how it expands as it absorbs the water.

10 Pounds of Pasta

Pasta is another versatile ingredient that you will need for your food storage plan. It can be used as a side dish, in soups and stews, or as the main ingredient in dishes like macaroni and cheese. Like rice, pasta also goes a long way. When you put some in a pot to cook, you’ll think it isn’t enough for a family meal. Then you see it expand as it cooks and absorbs the water.

25 Cans of Fruit

Canned fruit is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. It can be used as a snack, in desserts, or as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. Base your purchases on the fruits your family likes. There are many options based on the variety of fruit, the brand, the size of cans, etc. I’m sure you can find several choices your family will love.

25 Cans of Vegetables

Canned vegetables are another good addition to your food storage plan. They can be used as a side dish, in soups and stews, or as the main ingredient in dishes like ratatouille. Like fruits, many vegetables come in cans, so your choices will seem endless.

25 Cans of Meat

Canned meat is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. It can be used as a main dish, in soups and stews, or as an emergency food ration. We have found the canned chicken breasts from Costco to work well in salads, sandwiches, and other recipes calling for chicken. Give it a try; you’ll enjoy it, I promise.

10 Pounds of Instant Milk

Instant milk is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. It can be used as a drink, cereal, or even baking. Fresh milk is always excellent in the fridge, but that fresh gallon will be consumed quickly in emergencies. Instant milk gives you the comfort that you can still make those recipes call for milk. I recommend Thrive Life only because that’s the one I like the best. Please find one your family will enjoy and look at the expiration dates.

3 Pounds of Salt/10 pounds of Sugar

Salt is a necessary ingredient for any food storage plan. It can preserve food, add flavor to dishes, or be a survival tool. We use sugar in many recipes; 10 pounds would be the minimum.

10 Pounds of Oats

Oats of various kinds are an excellent addition to your food storage plan. They can be used as breakfast cereal, baking, or even a healthy snack. Many don’t realize how many packaged food products are made with oats. Oats are nutritious and can help keep you “regular” due to their fiber content.

5 Gallons of Honey/ One Gallon of Coconut Oil

Honey is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. It can be used as a sweetener, in baking, or as medicine to heal a small cut or soothe a sore throat. Please store your honey in quart jars in case it crystallizes. If it does, you can set a quart of the honey outside in the sun to soften or melt it to its original form. Coconut oil is a good oil to start with; I also store olive and vegetable oil.

15 Jars of Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti sauce is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. It can be used as a pasta sauce, in soups and stews, or as the main ingredient in lasagna. Plan on using it and the pasta you have stored to make many meal choices. Tomato sauce and tomato paste are also good to store; you can make spaghetti sauce.

3 Cans of Coffee

Coffee is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. I don’t think anyone needs a reason WHY you should store coffee. It’s a must-have food item in any food storage plan. It’s a great bartering item; enough said.

3 Cans of Tea

Tea is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. It can be used as a drink or in baking, and it’s also a home remedy for an upset stomach.

6 Jars of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. It can be used as a spread, for baking, or sandwiches! It’s also an excellent protein source directly from the jar. Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars and Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are both great recipes to make with leftover peanut butter.

25 Cans of Soup or Broth

Soup or broth are both excellent additions to your food storage plan. They can be used as drinks, cooking ingredients, or even survival foods. Vegetable Beef Soup is one of my favorite recipes to make with broth!

3 Pounds of Chocolate

Chocolate is an excellent addition to your food storage plan. It can be used as a treat or in baking. My family goes through so much chocolate that this is a MUST-have in our food plan! Is Dark Chocolate Healthy For You?

Now You Have Food In Storage, How to Care for it is Important:

How often should I switch my food out?

You should switch out your food every six months to a year. This will ensure that your food is fresh and doesn’t go rancid. You can also rotate your food storage by using the oldest items first and then replacing them with new ones. This is called the “first in, first out” method. I understand the “best by” and “expiration dates.” This is a personal thing, and we must decide for ourselves.

How much water should a person store?

A person should store at least 1 gallon of water per day. I have always suggested to my readers that they store four gallons per person per day. This will ensure that you have enough water for drinking to stay hydrated, cooking to prepare meals properly, and sanitation so your hygiene is maintained. You should also have a plan for how you will purify additional water if necessary.

• Water: Do You Have Enough Stored?
• How To Store Water For Drinking And Cooking
• How To Store Water For Drinking And Cooking

What are some other things I should include in my food storage plan?

In addition to food and water, you should include items like a can opener, eating utensils, plates, and cups, a first aid kit, soap, personal hygiene items, and clothes and bedding. You may also want to include a flashlight, radio, and extra batteries.

More Food Storage Tips:

• 15 Reasons People Love Food Storage
• 7 Reasons Why Food Storage Is Common

Final Word

This is just a small list of items you will need for your food storage plan. Of course, you will need to adjust the quantities depending on the size of your family and how long you plan on storing food. But this should give you a good starting point. Happy planning! May God Bless this world, Linda

The post How to Kick-Start Your Food Storage Plan appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

20 Breathtaking National Parks You Can’t Miss

The post 20 Breathtaking National Parks You Can’t Miss appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness

15 Genius Tips to Keep Your Freezer Safe During a Power Outage

The power is out! What do I do with all that food I just bought from Costco!? Mom with a PREP shares freezer safety tips for a power outage.

The post 15 Genius Tips to Keep Your Freezer Safe During a Power Outage appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness

25 Survival Myths Debunked: What Not to Do in an Emergency

The post 25 Survival Myths Debunked: What Not to Do in an Emergency appeared first on Simple Family Preparedness.

from Simple Family Preparedness