The Dirty Truth Of Devastation After A Hurricane

My heart aches for all those families who have survived tornadoes and, most recently, the devastation after Hurricane Helene. Readers are emailing me about their trials after Hurricane Helene. Here’s the deal: We hear the news for days, weeks, and months, but not much after that, right?

I will break down the thoughts my readers have had to endure; it is not pretty. It’s hard to picture these living conditions in our country. We can visualize these situations in third-world countries, but not the United States. I’m talking about Hurricane Helene today.

I learned some of these thoughts from readers when Hurricane Michael hit October 7-11, 2018. Today, the damage from Hurricane Helene is projected to be $100 billion.

Please be aware some of these situations will slowly improve, but when? Some may be repaired, but not many have been helped today.

Devastation After A Hurricane

The old saying “we will rebuild” doesn’t apply here. Imagine your community, neighborhood, schools, grocery stores, and even restaurants gone. Your favorite shopping malls, parks, and memories are different.

People are suffering greatly; they are shell-shocked, lost, depressed, and have no idea what their future may bring them.

Some families are just trying to get through the next day, living conditions are abysmal, and even the most unscathed are having trouble adjusting to this new way of life based on what’s happening around them.

Strict Curfew Hours

There is a strict curfew from 7:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. These times are being enforced so that conveyances can pass and looting can be controlled. Driving at night is too dangerous, and the curfew is in effect, so you need to plan.

Anyone caught where they shouldn’t be during these curfew hours is detained to confirm legitimate reasons and will be interviewed by police or security personnel with assault rifles. Some public sites and businesses are being guarded by said police and security personnel.

Roads Without Street Lights or Traffic Signals

Almost none of the roads have working streetlights or traffic signals. Several are broken or missing due to winds or rushing water, and many stop signs are missing, making travel even more dangerous. Because of the chaos in the cities, dead animals, dogs, cats, and even wildlife are all over the roads.

A recent heavy fog made driving even in the daytime dangerous, resulting in numerous crashes. Some of the first responders were also colliding in intersections. Roads were split and divided, and families couldn’t go anywhere.

Many of the roads are unpassable or too treacherous to drive on. Downed trees and downed power lines are tough to see at night. If, by chance, a tire is punctured on the road, there is no way to get it fixed unless you have the supplies to do it yourself. Most of the mechanic shops are gone, and you see broken-down cars everywhere on the roads. One family is using their emergency flashers to get through dark streets—so many flooded vehicles in the flooding waters.

ERs and Hospitals

The ERs and hospitals are overflowing with people and short on staff. The injured keep coming to the hospitals, and their EMS and Fire Departments are heavily tasked with rescue and recovery operations. When people are hurt, their options are limited, and many must bandage themselves the best they can with the medical supplies they have on hand. Some are using their first aid kits; that’s all they have right now.

Sometimes, the hospitals are flooded and closed, and medical personnel are trying to evacuate the patients. Please have a First Aid Kit. Or make one yourself. What’s in your first aid kit?

Pharmacies Closed or Partially Open

No one could report to me about the pharmacies, only that they are open just a few hours daily. They may not even be open if the power is out.

Power is Sporadic

The power source is uneven and sporadic, and the power linemen are unsung heroes. They have done a phenomenal job trying to restore power in many areas. The magnitude of their task is incredible and encompasses several states. They have recruited power workers from several surrounding states, all working around the clock.

Lines, poles, transformers, and junctions must be replaced or repaired. Many areas are still dark, and the energy source can be located by the sound of generators running nonstop.

Water Is Not Safe To Drink

The water situation is terrible; even with some running water, it’s unsafe to drink. There’s open sewage in many places; in some areas, sewage has run like rivers. Please be sure to stock bleach. Dry Bleach

Some Stores Are Open

Sam’s Club, Waffle House, Target, Publix, and Home Depot are slowly procuring supplies for the community. Some are giving away food on food trucks to help the community.

Banks are Closed

The banks and ATMs are closed and do not work due to power outages.

Food Is Hard To Find

If the people didn’t have canned food or home-preserved food, they had to come to the feeding sites and bring the MREs home to eat. Some of the feeding centers have limited hot meals.

Pet Food is Very Hard To Find

They need pet food badly because it is unavailable anywhere unless someone has donated it to a human feeding site.

Cell Service is Spotty

A few mobile emergency hotspots are set up to provide coverage but are overwhelmed, and then the speed drops. Cell service is minimal.

No Cable Services Right Now

Currently, television is not available in many areas, if not all. Thus, it isn’t easy to get the news out.

Gas is Scarce

Gasoline is hard to find because the gas stations are severely damaged or wrecked. There are a few mobile fueling sites for first responders, but all others must travel several miles to find an open gas station. If the station has gasoline, it is being rationed. Just getting to an open station is a challenge.

Trees Were Down Everywhere

Tens of thousands of trees were felled, damaged, and splintered, and wood piles covered every corner, sidewalk, and shoulder of the various roads. People were trying to burn the wood, and smoke filled the air for days. Some were trying to keep warm by the fires and even cook their meals with the wood they burned.

No Mail Service

Most mailboxes are destroyed, and there is no way to deliver mail. Forget about FedEx, UPS, and Amazon deliveries; they have no place to provide boxes or mail.

Garbage Pick-Up

There is no residential pick-up, and spoiled food and human waste are piling up in bags in plain sight.

Be Cautious of Fake Restoration

Be careful with tree trimmers, roofers, handymen, water damage and mold companies, and other trade groups. Unfortunately, some ruthless workers are ripping people off. Please check with others to make sure you are using reputable companies.

Looters

Of course, there are looters, thankfully the communities are doing their best to stop this.

Items Needed

Please check with the local police departments, churches, TV and Radio stations, Rescue Groups, and the American Red Cross to send the following items to the different areas as needed.

Paper Products

Baby supplies include diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, and diaper rash cream.

Menstrual supplies, like tampons, pads, and adult diapers.

Paper supplies, like plates, cups, bowls, plastic silverware, and paper towels.

Cleaning supplies, all types, especially bleach. Cleaning rags, mops, etc.

Baggies of all sizes are welcome.

Disposable gloves and trash bags, all sizes needed.

Misc. Supplies

Backpacks and sturdy tote buckets would be helpful for those who have lost their homes to carry their things. Ziplock bags with toiletries, space blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, camping lanterns, and camp stoves.

Animal Supplies

Hay, buckets, feed pans, halters, lead ropes, collars, leashes, food and water bowls for all sizes of animals, crates, portable enclosures like pens, and livestock panels. Empty 5-gallon buckets can hold water or food for several types of animals. First aid supplies are needed for animals and humans.

First Aid Supplies

Every type of first aid supply is needed as soon as possible.

Life Has Changed Forever

This truly is devastation after a hurricane. No one asked for this; no one deserves this pain. This is a tragedy on a massive scale. This could have happened to you, me, or someone in our family. I can only try to visualize what has happened and what still needs to be done.

I can see many of the challenges being dealt with based on what is depicted on television, but not all issues are shown due to the delicate nature of the situation. I know these people need help. Someone emailed me and mentioned food and water are slowly getting through to many in need. May God bless those involved in this terrible situation. Please pray for all the families involved. May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Hurricane Matthew: AdobeStock_123383082 by Guy Sagi, Hurricane Michael Aftermath AdobeStock_241872573 By Lisa

The post The Dirty Truth Of Devastation After A Hurricane appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

24 Weird Uses for Onions

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Onions are a nutrient-dense root vegetable, and they're a must-have for your home garden. Not only are they easy to grow, you can grow a large harvest of onions in a small space. And when they're stored properly, onions will keep for months.

You already know you can use onions in soups, stews, sauces, and salads to add flavor and nutrition, but did you know that there are many other ways you can use onions? Read on for some weird uses for onions that may surprise you.

We’ll begin with some health remedies that rely on the natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of onions.

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1. Loosen Chest Congestion

Onions can work as a natural expectorant when you have a buildup of phlegm and mucous in your lungs. You can create a chest rub that by making a poultice with chopped onion. Here are instructions.

2. Ease a Cough

An onion tea can help suppress a nagging cough. All you need to make the tea are onions, honey, and water for this remedy. 

3. Help a Sore Throat

To help alleviate sore throat pain, try boiling onion skins in water. Allow the mixture to cool, strain out the skins, and sip to soothe an inflamed throat. This video shows how to make a soothing throat mixture with red onion and garlic and a bot of lemon and honey for taste.

4. Heal Bruises

The next time you or a loved one gets a bad bruise, try holding a cut onion cut side down on the injured area for about 15 minutes. This remedy works best if you can apply the onion soon after the injury.

5. Soothe an Insect Bite or Sting

In a similar way as the use above, you can help ease the pain of an insect bit or sting by placing a cut onion on the affected area. 

6. Treat an Ear Ache

This remedy has been passed down through the centuries. It involves placing chopped onion in a sock, tying the sock shut, and keeping it in place beside the affected ear. Variations of this earache remedy call briefly microwaving the chopped onion, then placing the warm onion in a clean cloth to hold against the ear.

7. Soothe Minor Burns and Sunburn

Chemicals, including sulphur compounds and quercetin, in onions can serve as natural analgesics, helping to heal the pain of burns. Hold or gently rub the cut side of an onion on the area for relief.

8. Promote Healing of Cuts

The translucent part of the onion has anti-bacterial properties and can help heal minor cuts and abrasions. 

9. Treat Acne

The acids in onion may help ease an acne breakout, mix some chopped onion with water and then apply the mixture on the affected area with a cotton ball. 

10. Keep Mosquitoes and Other Biting Insects Sway

Many bugs do not like the smell of onions. Try rubbing a cut onion on the exposed areas of your skin to ward of mosquitoes. (Note: You may keep some humans at a distance with this remedy as well!)

11. Use Onions Instead of Smelling Salts

When someone is fainting or about to faint, you can wave a cut onion under their nose to help them regain consciousness.

12. Strengthen Hair

The chemicals in onions can help hair growth and reduce hair breakage. To gain this benefit, boil some onions in water and use the strained, cooled liquid as a hair rinse before shampooing.

13. Remove Splinters

When a splinter is difficult to remove, try taping a piece of raw onion over the area with medical tape. The chemicals in the onion will help loosen the splinter so it either comes out on its own or is easier to take out with tweezers.

14. Settle an Upset Stomach

Grate some raw onion through a cheesecloth and take a sip of the juice to ease an upset stomach. Another option is to add the onion juice to a cup of peppermint tea.

Now let’s look at some new ways to use onions around the kitchen and other parts of your home.

15. Keep Avocados from Browning

Place a cut onion in the container with a cut, avocado to help it stay greener longer. 

16. Fix Flavor of Burned Rice

It’s annoying when a small amount of burned rice at the bottom of the pot affects the taste of the whole batch. The next time this happens, place, some onion peels in a new pot with the unburned rice for about 15 minutes. The peels will absorb the burned smell.

17. Remove Rust and Tarnish from Scissors, Knives, and Flatware

Rub a cut onion over the rusted area of your utensils. Or try plunging a rusted knife into a whole onion a few times. Scrub and wipe the area, and you should see the stain disappear. Repeat as necessary.

18. Remove Scorch Marks from Clothing

If you have a mishap when ironing your clothing, try this hack. Place a small amount of grated raw onion on the burned area for about 10 minutes. Wash the item of clothing, and the stain should be gone.

19. Make Homemade Dye

You can make a DIY dye for yarn and fabric with onion skins. For a yellowish brown dye, steep yellow onion skins in a pot of water on your stove for about 30 minutes. Strain out the skins, and allow the water to cool. Use red onion skins in the same way for a reddish dye. Here are instructions for making fabric dye with onion skins.

20. Get Rid of Fresh Paint Smell

You can reduce or even eliminate the smell of new paint with the absorption power of onions. All you need to do is place one-half of a cut onion in a dish on one end of the room, and the other half on the other. For large rooms, add more cut onions.

21. Keep Frost Off Your Car Windows

Here’s a helpful hack for cold mornings. Rub a raw, cut onion half on your windshield at night. In the morning, the sugar in the onion juice will have created a barrier that prevents frost from forming or at least makes scraping much easier.

22. Clean the Grill

Stab a fork into a large chunk of cut onion and then run it along and in between the grill grates to loosen food and grime. Wipe and rinse the residue away. Repeat as needed.

23. Make a Natural Garden Pesticide

Here’s a natural way to deter pests in the garden. Blend together four cut onions, two garlic cloves, two tablespoons of cayenne pepper, and one quart of water in your blender. Strain the mixture and mix in one tablespoon of liquid soap. You spray this mixture on the surface and underside of leaves. Store any remaining liquid in the refrigerator for up to a week.

24. Help Absorb Odors

We mentioned paint smells earlier, but leaving a cut onion or two open in a bowl in a room can help absorb other unpleasant odors.

Peeling Away Fact From Fiction

The recent pandemic led to many folk remedies surfacing and resurfacing on social media. Videos proposing using onions as way to rid the air of germs and toxins definitely made the rounds on TikTok in 2020 and 2021.

According to the National Onion Association website, this myth dates back to 1500s and the days of the bubonic plague. It was passed down through the centuries, and folks used onions to try to ward off smallpox, influenza, and other so-called “infectious fevers.” 

What is true is that onions have numerous beneficial properties. Since the uses and potential health remedies we have suggested are safe, natural, and inexpensive, we suggest checking them out for yourself. 

Here are a few more resources to check out for growing and using onions.

• Unleashing the Power of Onions by Dueep Jyot Singh and John Davidson
• Onions: Condiment, Nutrient, Medicine by Clarence Meyer and David C. Meyer
• The Core of An Onion by Wilbur Avery
• Onions Etcetera by Kate Winslow

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You May Also Like:

• 10 Vegetables You Can Grow Year Round
• 25 Strange Meals People Ate During The Great Depression
• How To Turn Your Leftovers Into A Thriving Garden
• 5 Super-Early Vegetables to Start in the Winter
• How to Make a DIY Poultice for Cuts and Scrapes

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24 Affordable Ways to Gear Up for Emergencies

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Why These Items Skyrocketed in Price This Year

There’s no doubt about it, prices seem to be going up on everything from groceries to gas and even ground beef. With all these skyrocketing prices on everyday essential items, you’re only right to wonder if there’s some price gouging going on here. It can’t all be inflation, right? So, I thought we could dig […]

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What To Plant In October

Do you think because the air temperatures are cooling down that you can’t plant anything this time of year? While it may be true that most vegetables won’t have enough time to produce anything before the first frost hits due to the cooler temperatures, there are plenty of things you can plant during this month. If you aren’t sure what to plant in October, keep reading to find out more about planting in October.

Nowadays, the Zones are so off now, because of the weather. We used to be able to base are planting on the Zones in our region. It’s a bit trickier now, because of the excessive rainfall, cold, and hot temperatures. We may have trouble growing things we used to grow, so keep an eye on the temperatures in your area. Don’t forget to check the temperature of the soil as well. Please keep teaching your family how to garden, it will be a badly needed skill sooner than later, trust me.

I update this series every month each year. This year it seems even more important to grow our own food. We can do it, in pots, buckets, raised gardens, and of course, in the ground, if you have a yard that will support a garden. If nothing else, get your soil amended now, it will be ready for a late fall planting and it will give you an early start so you’ll be ready for next year.

What is the Window for Planting in October?

The window for what to plant in October is approximately six weeks before your first frost. In my area, that date could be from September to October.

This is where I buy my seeds rather than relying on my local garden center: SeedsNow

I highly recommend these for seedlings: CowPots and Organic Seedling Soil, this way you plant your seeds and place the CowPots in your garden when the temperatures are right.

How I Store My Garden Seeds

Plastic Photo Container and Label Maker

What To Plant In October

Find Out Your Garden Zone and Frost Times

If you aren’t sure what zone you are in or when your first frost will be, Check here to find your zone. All you have to do is put in your zip code.

What to Plant in October by Zone

I live in Zone 8a, so most of what I have written would apply to that Zone. So, I wanted to make sure my readers know what you can plant in your Zone. Below is a list of things you can plant in each zone in October!

Zones 1- and parts of 3

In Zones 1-3, October is the time to harvest. In fact, in some places, we’ve had blizzards happening in October in these zones over the years. October is not the best time to begin planting outdoors. However, you can plant things such as herbs, peppers, and tomatoes indoors.

Zone 3

In Zone 3, you have to be careful about frost. October can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Instead of planting things in October, you’ll want to harvest your crops. Crops you should be harvesting include:

• Apples
• Root Veggies

Zone 4

The weather is starting to take a nosedive in Zone 4. This means it’s almost time to start wrapping up your outdoor garden. It is time to harvest your root veggies and apples. However, you can also plant:

• Garlic

Zone 5

October is the perfect time for Zone 5 growers to begin their compost and mulching efforts. Again, there isn’t much you can plant in this zone in October, but you should be harvesting fruits. You can plant:

• Asparagus

Zone 6

In Zone 6 it’s still a little late in the season to begin planting much. This is the time to start tidying up your garden and adding to your compost. You can still plant:

• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Carrots

Zone 7

Usually, you’ll want to plant more in September than you would in October if you live in Zone 7. However, you can still plant the following if you plant in early October:

• Radishes
• Garlic
• Onions
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Lettuce

Zone 8

If you live in Zone 8, you are in luck because there are still a variety of things you can plant in your garden this month. These include:

• Lettuce
• Cabbage
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Beets
• Peas
• Strawberries
• Garlic
• Onion
• Radishes
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Bok Choi
• Bright Lights Swiss Chard

Zone 9

In this Zone, the weather is much the same as in Zone 8. This means you have a few options for planting in this zone as well. Here are items that you can start planting this month:

• Radishes
• Spinach
• Greens

Zone 10

If you live in Zone 10, it’s time to plant and transplant. Here are some things you can start doing in October

Transplant………..

• Tomatoes
• Eggplants
• Peppers

Plant…………………

• Beans
• Root Veggies
• Lettuce
• Spinach

Why Plant in October?

In many states, you may still be feeling warmer weather in October. Fall is about to sneak up on you, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have time to plant more in your garden before winter hits. Here is why it’s important to plant in October:

• Autumn’s cooler weather is easier on plants and on you.
• The soil is still warm which allows the plants to take root, and it’s that root growth that makes for healthy plants.
• Fall actually has more good days for planting than spring does.
• You don’t have to wait for the soil to warm up.
• It’s typically bargain time at the stores. This means you can get plants and seeds for a fraction of the cost.
• Autumn showers are plentiful so you won’t have to water your plants as often or as long.
• Pests and disease problems are minimal in October.

What to Plant in October

If you haven’t planted year-round, you are in for a real treat! There are various plants you can plant even in October! Hopefully, you can find the seedlings for the plants you want at the garden centers near your home. Better yet, get some seeds and grow your own seedlings.

Brussels Sprouts

Fortunately for you, Brussels sprouts grow best in cool weather. This means October is a perfect time to plant them. They can sprout from the seed when soil temperatures are between 45 degrees and 85 degrees.

You should plan to plant them 6-8 weeks before your first frost. Zones 9-10 gardeners can plant Brussels sprouts between October and December.

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts are actually pretty easy plants to grow, especially in the fall. Here are some tips you need to know when planting Brussels sprouts:

• Plant your sprouts 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
• Select an area of your garden that gets full sun.
• Make sure the soil is rich.
• Sow seeds 3-4 inches apart. Or, if you have seedlings, plant them 18-24 inches apart.
• Keep the plants watered so the soil has consistent moisture.
• Fertilize your plants a month after planting with All Purpose Food Granules
• You will want to keep an eye out for worms.
• If you want to have low-maintenance plants in your garden, Brussels Sprouts can be a great choice.

How to Harvest Brussels Sprouts

Your Brussels sprouts will start to ripen around 80-90 days after being planted. Snip off the sprouts when they are about 1-2 inches in diameter. The leaves will turn yellow as the plants mature. Store your unused Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator.

Bulbs

Did you know that most anything with a bulb can be planted in October? Bulbs actually NEED to be planted during the early fall so they have enough time to root and develop before spring, let’s get busy and plant bulbs now so we’ll have a great harvest next year. Some people call these plants spring bulb plants since you plant them in the ball so they will have spring blooms.

The cold dormant time from October to March gives these plants the “chill hours” they need to thrive the following year. You do, however, want to plant your bulbs at least 6 weeks before the first frost.

How to Grow Bulbs

Planting your bulbs is actually super easy, but keep in mind, that you won’t reap the benefits until the following spring. Here are some tips for planting and growing bulbs this fall:

• Choose a spot with full sunlight. This means at least 6 hours per day.
• Dig a hole 2-3 times deeper than the bulb is long. For a 3-inch bulb, the hole should be 6-9 inches deep.
• Place your bulb in the ground pointy side up (if there is a pointy side).
• Plant in rich well-draining soil.
• Spread a layer of mulch to prevent small animals from digging up your bulbs.
• Plant in groups instead of in straight rows.
• Keep them watered well.

Carrots

The great thing about growing carrots is that they are fun and easy to grow during the fall months. Carrots grow best during fall and winter in zone 8. It takes 70-80 days to reach harvest.

How to Grow Carrots

Planting carrots is super easy. Here is how you can grow carrots during October with minimal effort:

• Dig your carrot plot to a depth of 12 inches.
• Make sure the soil is smooth.
• Add a 1-inch layer of compost to the soil.
• Plant your carrot seeds over the soil. Then, cover with a quarter-inch of soil.
• Plant seeds in rows that are 3 inches away from each other.
• Water carefully since you don’t want to wash away the seeds.
• Keep your plot moist at all times.

How to Harvest Carrots

To determine if carrots are ready to harvest, dig around the base of the stems with your finger. This will tell you the size of the carrot.

Carrots should be close to harvest about 8 weeks after planting. You’ll want to pick these fall carrots before the ground freezes to avoid rotting.

Planting Kale in October

When it comes to planting Kale, it is best done in the Autumn months so you can have some delicious salads come harvest time. This is because Kale is a hardy-cool season plant. In fact, it can even tolerate fall frosts.

How to Grow Kale

Growing kale is pretty easy to do. Here are some of my tips on how to grow kale in October:

• Mix 1-½ cups of 5-10-10 fertilizer into the top 3 to 4 inches of soil.
• Plant your seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
• Spread the seedlings out so they are spaced 8-12 inches apart after approximately 2 weeks.
• Water plants regularly, but don’t overwater them.
• Place a heavy amount of mulch around the plants after the first frost.

How to Harvest Kale

Your kale plants can continue to produce leaves during the winter months. When Kale is ready to harvest, the leaves will be the size of your hand. To harvest, only pick about a fistful of leaves per harvest.

You want to avoid picking the terminal bud (top center of the plant) to keep the plant producing more leaves. Kale can continue to grow until it’s 20 degrees outside.

Lettuce

Like Kale, Lettuce is a hardy plant that can grow well in the spring or the fall. The great thing about growing lettuce is that it is a super source of vitamin A.

How to Grow Lettuce

If you grow lettuce in the fall, you’ll want to plant it 8 weeks before the first frost. Lettuce can tolerate a light frost, so that’s good. Here are some tips on growing lettuce in the fall:

• Plant your seeds when the soil is above 40 degrees. They germinate best in temperatures between 55-65 degrees.
• Select a spot that is sunny to give your lettuce lots of sunlight each day.
• Plant seeds in well-draining soil that have been tilled. Feed the soil with composted organic matter.
• Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
• Cover seeds with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil.
• Water lettuce when you notice the leaves are wilting.
• Mulch around the plants to preserve moisture.

How to Harvest Lettuce

You’ll harvest your lettuce when it’s reached full size, but just before maturity for the best taste. It is best to harvest it in the morning before the sun has hit the leaves.

For Butterhead or Romaine lettuce, harvest by removing the outer leaves, digging up the whole plant, or cutting the plant an inch above the soil surface.

For Crisphead lettuce, you’ll want to harvest the outer leaves when the center is firm.

Radishes

Radishes can be planted in both the spring and the fall. They are hardy and easy to grow root vegetables that can be planted multiple times throughout the year.

How to Grow Radishes

Since radishes are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, you won’t have any problems planting them in October. Here are some tips on growing your radishes:

• Plant your radishes in a sunny spot.
• Radishes grow like carrots and should be planted in rich organic matter.
• Plant seeds 4-6 weeks before the first frost.
• Sow your seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Plant them 1 inch apart.
• Thin your radishes to about 2 inches apart when they are at least a week old.
• Keep your soil evenly moist. However, don’t waterlog the plant.
• Put a thin layer of mulch around the plants to keep them moist.

How to Harvest Radishes

Radishes grow very quickly. In fact, you can begin harvesting them 3-weeks after you planted them. You’ll want to harvest them when the roots are about 1 inch in diameter at the soil surface. Pull one out to test for size and maturity before harvesting all of them.

Blueberries

Did you know blueberries are an ideal fall plant? Planting blueberries in the fall allows them plenty of time to develop their roots, as well as ensures them the right amount of chilling to set the fruit for next year.

You will, however, want to make sure you are buying the right type of blueberry bushes for your climate zone!

Northern highbush varieties will do better in Northern states, whereas rabbiteye and southern highbush varieties do better in the south.

How to Grow Blueberries

Blueberries are one of those fruits that need to be planted in late September or early October. Here are some tips for growing blueberries:

• Select a sunny location for your blueberry bushes with well-drained soil.
• You want to plant your bushes approximately 2 1/2 feet in diameter and 1 foot deep for each plant.
• Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil, add an equal amount of pre-moistened peat moss, and mix well to help the plants grow better.
• Put 2-4 inches of mulch around plants to help keep the moisture in the soil and to keep out weeds.

How to Harvest Blueberries

You’ll know it’s time to harvest your blueberries because they’ll turn blue! Don’t harvest blueberries before they turn blue.

When blueberries are ready to harvest, they’ll fall off the branches into your hands without any tugging or pulling.

Flowers

In addition to food sources that you can plant in your October garden, there are several flowers that can be planted as well. Flowers you can plant during the cooler Autumn weather include peonies and pansies.

You can also replant and divide Hostas during this time. Flowers can be planted in zones 5-10 at this time of year.

If you need some really good sturdy garden gloves, I love these: DIGZ Garden Gloves They come in different sizes!!

Please Check Out What To Plant Each Month:

• What To Plant In January
• What To Plant In February
• What To Plant In March
• What To Plant In April
• What To Plant In May
• What To Plant In June
• What To Plant In July
• What To Plant In August
• What To Plant In September
• What To Plant In October

Final Word

Taking advantage of your garden all year long is the best way to be self-sufficient. Not only is it a good idea to be self-sufficient in the event that emergencies come your way, but using your garden to help provide food, saves you more at the store! This is where I buy my seeds: SeedsNow

How often are you taking advantage of your garden to bless your family with the fresh food you want and need? What do you plan to plant this October? Let me know in the comments below! May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Lettuce Depositphotos_150493086_S

The post What To Plant In October appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

How to Build a Haybox Cooker for Off-Grid Slow Cooking

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

There’s a fairly good chance you’ve never heard of a Haybox. Yes, it’s a box filled with hay, but it has a unique function that goes beyond hay storage. Think of it as the world’s first crockpot.

The idea is that a pot of soup, stew, or any hot food is placed in a box surrounded by an insulator like hay. If the box is sufficiently insulated, the hot pot will continue to hold its heat and cook whatever is inside over a period of hours.

Think of it as an off-grid slow-cooker. It’s a simple concept that follows the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, but there are various ways to make it work better. It’s sometimes referred to as “retained heat” cooking.

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The Box

The box for a Haybox can be made from anything including wood, metal, cardboard, and even plastic or fabric. As long as it’s air-tight and can hold the pot and the surrounding insulation, it can work.

Here's one that's made from a cardboard box lined with aluminum foil to help radiate internal heat.

You could also use a Mylar space blanket or even paint the interior silver. If you’re using a fabric cooler, many of them have a silver lining that helps to maintain temperatures—and now you know why so many coolers have silver-colored interiors.

We added an extra feature by painting the exterior of the box black. You don’t have to paint everything black. Instead, you could wrap your box in a black plastic garbage bag, black fabric, and even black paper.

The simple fact is that black things in the sun capture and hold heat, and that’s the whole idea with a Haybox.

You’ll also want to pay special attention to the lid on your Haybox. You want a good seal. Any kind of tape around the lid can work. It's important to remember that heat rises, so if you have gaps or holes anywhere in your Haybox (especially on the top), the heat will escape. Do what you can to hold in the heat.

Box Alternatives

It doesn’t have to be a box. An insulated water cooler could make a very effective Haybox. So could a fabric or plastic cooler that you usually use to keep things cold. They’re insulated, and some even have a silver lining and lids that seal tightly. All you need to do is insulate it well and get that pot plenty hot before insulating and closing it all up.

Other possibilities include large stock pots, insulated metal milk boxes, or even a 5-gallon bucket. If the pot and the insulation fits and the lid seals tightly, you’re good to go.

Regardless of the box or alternative, it also makes sense to support the pot above the bottom of the box so the gaps underneath can also radiate heat. A simple trivet from a burner on a gas grill would work. You could also use some rocks. Doing this will allow some insulation to fit under the pot and keep the base off the bottom.

The Pot

A cast iron pot with a lid is best for a Haybox. The cast iron holds the heat better than most other materials, and the weight of the lid does the same. Aluminum is probably the worst choice because it tends to be thin and will lose heat the fastest.

Stainless steel can work if that’s all you have, but a small cast-iron Dutch oven is best. Then again, it you have a larger box, you can probably fit a larger Dutch oven. But smaller spaces in the box tend to hold the heat better, so don’t make your box too big.

Another important factor related to the pot is how deep it's filled with water, broth, or stock. You’re going to bring your cooking liquid to a boil for a while before placing it in the box, and a full pot will hold heat longer.

Ingredients like vegetables or meat should also be brought up to a hot temperature with at least 5 minutes of boiling. The more heat they hold, the more heat they will give off in the box.

The Insulation

Hay is the traditional choice for a Haybox, but there are other materials that have insulating properties and are either available in nature or around the home or homestead. They include:

• Shredded Paper
• Sawdust
• Leaves
• Pine Needles
• Corn Husks
• Wood Chips

As long as the insulating material can create pockets and gaps to trap and hold heat, it can work in a Haybox.

In a pinch, you could combine materials if you don’t have enough of any one insulator. Blend it well and make sure it’s dry. Wet materials will draw heat and reduce the internal temperature.

The Location

A lot of this depends on the time of year. An ideal location is in a sunny spot during the summer. A black Haybox in the sun will have no problem maintaining a hot temperature for hours.

In winter, you could bring the Haybox indoors. If you have a sunny indoor location, all the better. You may notice some aromas from the Haybox, but they should mostly be the aroma of your food cooking.

Even on an overcast day or at night, a Haybox can do a good job of slow-cooking if you’ve put everything together properly.

Haybox Construction – Cardboard Box

We’re going to start simple with a corrugated cardboard box. The top flaps are folded down and in along the sides, and the box is then painted black.

The interior is lined with either aluminum foil or Mylar and held in place with some spray adhesive underneath and some metallic tape along the seams.

The bottom of the box is lined with your insulating material (we’re using corn husks).

The trivet—or some other way to hold the pot up and allow some air to circulate underneath—is then placed in the center.

The pot is placed on the trivet.

More insulation is carefully packed around the sides of the pot.

Finally, the pot is topped with more insulation.

We ran out of corn husks and finished the top insulation with leaves.

Cut a cardboard lid to fit tightly into the top of the box.

Spray the cardboard lid with black spray paint and seal with tape to make sure no heat escapes.

And now we wait. 4 to 5 hours is a good bet for a soup or stew, and a candy thermometer is a good way to assess progress.

If the temperature is still hot between 150 to 200 degrees F, you may have success.

Taste one of the vegetables or other ingredients to see if they’re tender and cooked.

If you’re good to go, it’s time to eat.

Haybox Construction – An Insulated, Fabric Cooler

An insulated fabric cooler is a great option for camping or when electricity is unavailable.

What’s great about a fabric cooler is that they’re portable and have a zipper that will seal in the heat to hold the temperature.

Follow the same process with a layer of insulating material in the bottom (we’re starting with leaves this time).

Place your trivet in place and add the pot.

Follow the same steps to surround the pot. We’re using hay for this step. Make sure you fluff up the hay to create those air pockets.

Top with more hay or corn husks until it is well packed and then close up and zipper.

Timing should be about the same depending on outside temperature, placement in the sun, and the color of the fabric. Figure the same 4 hours for a soup or stew.

If for any reason your meal needs more time, zip up quickly and let it rest for another 2 to 3 hours.

It’s not recommended to leave it overnight. We’ll cover some food safety tips later, but if the temperatures get low and the ingredients stew in cooler liquid, bacteria could develop.

A safe bet if your Haybox ever gets cold is to return the food to a boil for at least 3 minutes. That should give you some insurance against contamination.

Haybox Construction – A Large Stock Pot

If you have a metal stock pot large enough to hold a cast iron pot, you can make quick work of a Haybox. The primary benefit is that it already has a reflective, silver interior.

The downside is that the exterior is also highly reflective, so you’ll want to wrap it with a black plastic bag or other black material to capture any ambient heat from the sun.

You then follow the same pattern with insulation. We’re using hay top to bottom.

Fill to the top with insulation and place the lid on top.

Bunch up the black plastic bag and seal with some black tape to make sure the lid is airtight.

It’s a good idea to put a weight on the lid to make sure there are no small gaps.

Assume the same timing for a soup or stew with a test at the 4-hour mark for doneness.

Haybox Fails

Nobody’s perfect, and things can go wrong. Here are the most common fails:

• Air Leaks – This is the most common Haybox fail. Any hole, gap, or open seam will allow the heat to escape, especially if it’s towards the top of the box. Any kind of tape can be used to seal a potential leak including masking tape, painter’s tape, black tape, duct tape, or even mud or wet clay in a survival situation. All you’re trying to do is hold the air in, not make it waterproof.
• Pot Not Hot – You want your pot as hot as possible before putting it into the Haybox. It’s the only source of heat, and a full pot that has been brought to a robust boil for a few minutes will get things off to a good start. And try to use cast iron whenever possible. It holds the heat better and longer.
• Not Enough Insulation – Fill the bowl with your insulation and make sure it is tightly packed. You want to keep things hot or at least warm for several hours, and loosely packed or insufficient insulation will cause the trapped hot air to cool more rapidly.
• Half Empty Pots – Fill it to the brim. You want as much hot water, stock, and ingredients as possible. You might need to leave some headspace for things like uncooked rice or dry beans so they can expand a bit, but an inch of headspace is all you need. Otherwise, fill stews and soups to the top as much as possible. If you’re worried about your soup or stew bubbling over while boiling, add boiling water to fill the headspace before covering and placing in the Haybox.

Haybox Food Safety

The biggest fail with Haybox safety is when your food's internal temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended length of time. Water boils at 212 degrees F. and it will gradually cool, in the best Haybox. It’s literally a matter of degrees. As a general rule, temperatures below 140 degrees Fahrenheit could trigger bacterial growth.

Here are some things to do to ensure you don’t breed bacteria in a Haybox meal:

• Get the hot pot into the Haybox, insulated, and covered as efficiently as possible. Any exposure to air will cool the pot so try to be quick about it.
• Check the temperature when you think you’re done. Recipe times vary, and we’ll get into specific times for the recipes coming up, but it’s wise to know how you did before eating your meal.
• Return it to a boil before eating. The idea of a Haybox is to give you sustained heat over hours in an environment where that may be a challenge. Even then, if in doubt, you can always return the pot to a boil for at least 3 minutes to kill any bacteria that may have emerged in a low temperature pot. Note: You can’t do this with rice, but soups and stews are easily reheated over a small and temporary fire.
• If in doubt, throw it out. If the food in the pot doesn’t look right, smell right, or taste right, toss it and start over or cook with a different style of cooking. This can happen outdoors in winter on a cold and windy day when even the best Haybox may struggle to hold a decent temperature. Then again, you could always bury the entire Haybox in hay or leaves. You could also place it in a tent to see if that helps when the weather is below freezing.

Haybox Recipes

What follows are some of the classic Haybox recipes that have been used and developed by many people over time. All of them use a covered, cast-iron cooking pot and are presented across a variety of Haybox constructions.

Haybox Soup – French Onion Ramen and Vegetables

This is the simplest Haybox recipe and can be any type of soup you like. Here’s a sample of how to do this.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of French Onion Soup Mix
• 1 package of Ramen Noodles
• Chopped vegetable mix of onions, carrots and potatoes or any other vegetables you like or have available
• Enough water to cover and fill the pot
• Additional salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Add the French onion soup mix, Ramen noodles, and vegetables to the pot.
2. Fill with water to just below the rim.
3. Stir to blend the soup mix and taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Cover and bring to a boil over any small fire or on a stove.
5. Boil for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Watch for boil over if indoors and add more boiling water to keep the pot filled if needed.
6. Place the pot in the Haybox and insulate and cover making sure all gaps are tight or sealed.
7. Locate the box in the sun if possible and after 4 hours, open and check temperature and taste.
8. If done, serve and eat.

Haybox Stew – Beef Stew with Vegetables

What typically defines a stew is a thickened broth or stock with the consistency of a gravy and the addition of meat to the vegetables in the pot. Here’s a basic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef chunks cut into 1-inch cubes
• Coarsely chopped carrots, onions and potatoes
• Beef stock or broth or enough salt and pepper to get the taste you want
• Enough water to fill the pot

Directions:

1. Brown the beef over a fire or on the stove until caramelized.
2. Add the onions and carrots to the pot and continue browning until caramelized. This will give your stew a good color and flavor.
3. Fill the pot halfway with water and stir to remove bits of meat and vegetables from the bottom of the pot.
4. Add the potatoes.
5. Bring to a rolling boil for at least 5 minutes covered.
6. Place the pot in the Haybox and insulate and cover and let rest for 4 hours.
7. Test and taste for doneness and serve.

Haybox Rice

A standard step with cooking rice is to allow it to rest with low heat so the rice can absorb the water. A Haybox can work quite well for this step, and it can take about an hour or two to fully cook the rice.

However, you don’t want to indiscriminately fill the pot with water like you did with the soup or stew. Rice needs to be cooked with exact proportions and a common combination is 1 cup of white rice to every two cups of water. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of white rice
• 6 cups of water
• 1 tsp. salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Add the 3 cups of rice to the pot.
2. Sprinkle the salt over the rice.
3. Add the 6 cups of water to the pot.
4. Stir to blend and settle the rice.
5. Bring to a boil over a fire or on the stove.
6. Cover and place in the Haybox and insulate and cover the Haybox.
7. After an hour, check the rice for doneness. If it is soft and fluffy with no sign of water in the bottom, you’re done. If not, cover the Haybox and give it another hour.

Haybox Beans

Dry beans need to soak, usually overnight. A Haybox can accelerate the process in a way that won’t burn or overcook the beans. This is just a preliminary step before making a recipe with beans, and any recipe using the beans should be brought to a boil for at least 3 minutes before eating.

Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (2 pounds) of any dry bean
• Enough water to fill the pot

Directions:

1. Pour the beans into the pot.
2. Add enough water to fill the pot to the brim.
3. Bring to a boil for at least 5 minutes and cover the pot.
4. Place in the Haybox and insulate and cover.
5. Let the pot rest in the Haybox for 4 to 8 hours. Check for doneness by squeezing or biting a bean to see if it has softened and is tender enough for any recipe you want to make.
6. If done, use your softened beans for chili, soups, as a filling for tacos or on or as a salad.

It’s Worth a Try

Making a Haybox is fairly easy, and the recipes we’ve covered are inexpensive and pretty straightforward. It might be worth a try on a slow or lazy afternoon to get some experience with this cooking method.

It’s a good thing to know if you ever find yourself at loss for how to cook something without the benefit of electricity or simply don’t have a crockpot or slow cooker on hand.

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The post How to Build a Haybox Cooker for Off-Grid Slow Cooking appeared first on Urban Survival Site.

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Run Safely: Top Tips and Gadgets for Female Joggers

Female joggers have recently been the target of alarming assaults. In several recent incidents, female joggers were attacked in broad daylight, underscoring the ongoing risks. We’ve all heard about Laken Riley,

The post Run Safely: Top Tips and Gadgets for Female Joggers first appeared on Apartment Prepper.

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How to Make $100k/Year on 1 Acre of Land

When most homesteaders think of making a living on their own small property, they probably think of subsistence farming—supplementing or even replacing trips to the grocery store with what they can raise and grow on their own land. After all, there’s no way you can farm at scale on a small parcel to make a ... Read more

How to Make $100k/Year on 1 Acre of Land can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!

from New Life On A Homestead

What To Stock Up On In October

This is part of my ongoing monthly stock-up and save series. It’s all about What To Stock Up On In October today! If we make a plan on what our needs and wants are, we can check each month to see which is the best month to spend the money for those things we really need. As you know I update this series every month.

It’s all about buying the items we need at rock-bottom prices whenever possible. Let’s get started with the savings. By cutting costs on items you need each month you may be able to meet your savings and overall budget goals.

If there was ever a time to stock up on garden seeds it is now, This is where I buy all of my seeds: SeedsNow

What To Stock Up On In October

Seasonal Produce

So many fruits and veggies are either being harvested right now or soon will be. I mentioned in a recent post that many small towns in Utah are currently celebrating “Peach Days.” What a fun time to get together and enjoy not only peaches but other food products much like a farmer’s market. They also have food and craft booths, band concerts, and other fun activities.

Do you love eating fruit and vegetables when they are in season? Oh my gosh, they taste so much better! This month look for pumpkins, pomegranates, broccoli, sweet potatoes, cranberries, pears, peaches, and squash.

You may want to look for your pumpkins early in the month, word is out that there may be a shortage due to a very wet spring in parts of the country where they are commonly grown.

If you missed my post on Everything You Need To Know About Apples, you may want to check it out.

Cold and Flu Medicine

Yep, flu season is here and we need to gear up for it. Most doctors suggest you get an annual flu shot, but we all should have some over-the-counter meds on our shelves too.

In the fall we typically start to see sickness everywhere. The stores know that, so they stock up on cold and flu over-the-counter medicine. You may see the shelves front and center when you visit your favorite grocery or health products store. In case you missed this post, 35 OTC Medications You Should Store

Be sure and watch for humidifiers and vaporizers as well. It’s all about staying well this season at reduced prices. It’s also about saving money every month on the items we need.

Stock Up On White Rice

Rice is a staple we all should have readily available. There are so many meals that you can plan around rice offerings, and rice goes so far when prepared.

Well, I have heard because of the drought and other out-of-the-country issues we will be having a rice shortage. Is it true, I believe it is. So I decided to show you how I store my white rice. It’s a bit more expensive than buying bulk rice, but for me, this works better and the storage containers last for years. I don’t have to put anything else in the 5-gallon buckets except the closed/unopened bags. I only buy non-GMO white rice, it’s how I roll.

When I need a bag to fill my 2-gallon buckets in my kitchen pantry, I grab a bag or two from the larger stash and then retighten the Gamma Lids back up. Here is what I do as you can see from the pictures of rice.

5-gallon Buckets

These buckets may take up too much room in your kitchen pantry, but they are sure nice for longer-term storage in the basement or other cool, dry places.

I ordered these buckets after I purchased the white rice. They are Six 5-gallon Buckets with Gamma Lids. I will order white vinyl lettering that says RICE very soon. Each bucket holds approximately 25 pounds. Yes, I have a very large family that likes to get together for meals.

Sealed with Gamma Lids

The gamma lids have two parts that both have “threads.” First, you snap on the base of the lid to your bucket, then you twist the other part of the lid into the base using those threads. There is a rubber seal or gasket that makes it airtight. I love these lids.

These are ready for our larger pantry storage area.

Columbus Day Sales

It seems like sales have become part of every holiday celebration, and Columbus Day is no exception. I think the retailers try to take advantage of people being off work with free time on their hands. The advantage of this holiday is that it generally comes before the really cold weather settles in for most of the country.

Oh boy, this month you need to watch for markdowns on clothing, bath towels, bedsheets, and decorations for the home. The stores are making room for the late-year holiday decorations, so they need a lot of room for those Christmas trees, lights, and outside decor.

Right now the word is out that many container ships are delayed getting to shore to be unloaded. Some items you hoped to see around Christmas may not make it. Buy them now just in case so you don’t have to pay more later.

It’s a great month to replace those worn-out sheets. If you need a new quilt, down comforter, or bedspread, keep your eyes glued to the ads for great buys.

Pasta Galore

We’ve been eating more pasta dishes lately. It may be due to the easy way so many can be prepared, and again, pasta goes a long way.

My favorite month to stock up on pasta is this month. The store where I shop marks them down to about a dollar a box for the size I like most. Of course, if you want bigger boxes they will cost a bit more.

The nice thing about pasta is that we can stretch a meal big time with this hearty food storage item. Another good feature about pasta is that it tends to store longer on your pantry shelf. Buy some extra now knowing they won’t expire in short order and can be used for months to come.

You may want to look for different shapes because they are priced ridiculously low in October. Some of my favorites are rigatoni, bowtie, and elbow macaroni. Watch your mailbox mailers for coupons to save even more. I love stocking up on spaghetti sauce as well!

Frozen Pizza (National Pizza Month)

We like pizza any month of the year. As the weather gets cooler, it is a popular meal to warm up your tummy!

National Pizza Day is February 9th every year. Well, National Pizza Month is celebrated on October 1st every year. So be prepared to stock your freezer with your favorite frozen pizzas.

If you want to eat out, stay close to Facebook or Instagram for specials posted nationwide.

Be sure and watch your mailbox for pizza coupons to save even more money. What do you like to put on your pizza? I like a thin crust loaded with all the goodies and extra cheese. Pizza is a great treat for those Halloween parties, and why not save some money so you can feel comfortable inviting even more guests?

Tacos (National Taco Month)

Mexican food is a true favorite in our house, whether we make the meal at home or at a local restaurant. I could eat ground beef tacos just about every night, but Mark likes his sweet pulled pork burritos.

Do you love tacos as much as I do? Well, October 4th is National Taco Day! Bring on the salsa for me to enjoy as a special topping! We’ve all heard of Taco Tuesday, well this is Taco Month, so look for huge discounts and two-for-one buys.

Check out the freezer section for those frozen tacos as well. They are great for the holidays as appetizers, right? It’s a great month to stock up on salsa, taco shells, flour tortillas, and guacamole at very low prices.

Jeans as in Blue Jeans

With the cooler temperatures, many of us have to put away the shorts we’ve been wearing for months and change into long pants. I don’t know about you, but we’re pretty casual dressers in our home, and jeans fill the bill nicely.

Here’s the deal, if you missed the school sales for jeans, no worries. Check out the clearance racks for jeans, lots of jeans. The stores are getting ready to stock Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas stuff.

Buy a pair or two to stash for later because it’s getting colder this month. Be ready to put away those shorts.

It’s all about spending money on items we need at cheap prices throughout the year.

Seafood (National Seafood Month)

Mark is our family seafood lover. He gets so excited when he sees the prices reduced this time of year.

This month has some super national holiday celebrations, so we may as well take advantage of them. So if you love fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp, or mussels, watch for super low prices to make that delicious seafood meal at home.

I can see shrimp cocktails being served during future holidays like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Watch for reduced prices in weekly ads and coupons in your mailbox.

Halloween Items

It’s hard to believe Halloween is right around the corner. It has always been one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. We have lots of family gatherings this time of year, so the decorations come out early.

We all know October is the month for buying Halloween costumes, candy, decorations, and paper products. You will see drastically reduced prices the closer it gets to the end of the month.

Keep in mind, if you are looking for a certain costume you may need to buy it before the deep price cuts show up towards the 31st. If you like to give out a certain candy then stock up during the first sale that you see.

But the prices will drop every week towards the last week, so if you aren’t picky just wait.

Trust me, the kids will like any candy you give out at the door on Halloween night. It’s all about saving hundreds of dollars over the years by buying the stuff we need at the lowest prices.

Baking Items for the Holidays

Our kitchen goes non-stop this time of year. I always stock up on all sorts of baking items so I don’t run out. If stocking up, why not do it when the prices are lower?

Oh my gosh, this is the best month to stock up on baking goods for the holidays. If you need regular sugar, brown sugar, or chocolate chips of any flavor, they will be cut in price. Remember to watch for the best sales prices.

Just about everything you can imagine will be displayed down the center aisles and marked down so you can decorate those awesome desserts you want to take to holiday parties.

Cake Mixes

I made a Texas Sheet Cake this week and it disappeared like magic. Most people consider cakes to be a favorite dessert.

This is a great month to snag those cake mixes that you love to use. I love it when I can get a chocolate cake mix for a dollar. Oh, and my favorite ones are Duncan Hines, I stocked up big time!

The boxes are stored in an airtight plastic container along with the instant pudding mix that goes with my chocolate cake recipe I love to take to parties.

October is the best month to stock up on my angel food cake boxes as well. It’s hard to think about strawberry shortcakes in October, but I do so I can snag the boxes at half price. Watch for the best discount prices this month.

Dish Soap

With all those holiday meals you’ll be doing a bunch of dishes, so don’t run out. Buy them now at a discount and smile all the way to the bank.

I must confess, I buy at least ten bottles of dish soap once a year. Do you worry about running out as much as I do? You’ll save money in the long run, so why not?

October is the month to save big time on the liquid kitchen soap you like to use. You’ll also see dishwasher soap and hand soap on sale. It’s a great month to stock up for 12 months while the prices are at their lowest. It’s all about the best buys of the year.

Coffee

There are so many varieties of coffee available these days, why not stock up on your favorite when they’re on sale?

For that coffee drinker in your family, this is a perfect month to stock up on your favorites for the year. If you’re like me, you know this would be a great bartering item too, right?

Watch for hot chocolate on sale while you’re strolling down that aisle. You’ll be glad when you see the savings.

Fall Clothing

With the change in weather, there will be all sorts of new items on the racks and shelves.

When you think of fall weather, you think of sweaters, pants, socks, and jackets, right? You will see the stores clearing these out because they have a surplus of them after back-to-school shopping.

The stores need room for Christmas gifts, trees, and decorations. If you need a winter coat, check the clearance racks this month.

New Cars

If you are in the market for a new car, this is the month the dealers start pushing out the old and bringing in the new-year models. Be aware that many dealers are experiencing some delivery issues due to the shortage of computer chips at the manufacturer level. Cars may be more expensive than in years past, and the shortage may extend longer than anticipated,

With the increase in interest rates right now the dealers may not have those great interest rates like we saw earlier this year to entice us to buy that car we need. As mentioned, due to a computer chip shortage, you may find the cars are priced higher than you expected.

There really isn’t the inventory you are used to seeing. One thing to consider, you can get more for your used car, so if you have more than one car it may be wise to sell one and wait to buy that new one when prices stabilize.

Be sure and compare the prices on Sam’s Club and Costco’s websites for more savings on cars. Who would have thought these member clubs would help us save money on a car purchase?

“Prepare Your Family For Survival” by Linda

What To Stock Up On Each Month:

• What to Stock Up On In January 
• What to Stock Up On In February 
• What to Stock Up On In March 
• What to Stock Up On In April 
• What to Stock Up On In May 
• What to Stock Up On In June 
• What to Stock Up On In July 
• What to Stock Up On In August 
• What to Stock Up On In September 
• What to Stock Up On In October
• What to Stock Up On In November 
• What to Stock Up On In December 

Unique October Holidays

• October 1: International Coffee Day
• October 2: National Custodial Worker Day
• October 4: National Frappe Day
• October 5: Do Something Nice Day
• October 6: Mad Hatter Day
• October 7: National Kale Day 
• October 9: Fire Prevention Day
• October 10: National Angel Food Cake Day
• October 11: It’s My Party Day
• October 12: Old Farmer’s Day
• October 13: International Skeptics Day
• October 14: National Dessert Day 
• October 15: White Cane Safety Day
• October 16: Bosses Day
• October 17: National Pasta Day
• October 18: National Meatloaf Appreciation Day
• October 19: Evaluate Your Life Day
• October 20: International Chefs Day   
• October 21: Count Your Buttons Day
• October 22: National Nut Day
• October 23: National Mole Day
• October 24: National Bologna Day
• October 25: World Pasta Day
• October 26: National Mincemeat Day
• October 27: Black Cat Day
• October 28: Plush Animal Lover’s Day 
• October 29: National Frankenstein Day
• October 30: National Candy Corn Day
• October 31: Halloween

Final Word

I love sharing my What To Stock Up On In October post as part of my monthly savings series! It’s all about making a list and saving money on the items we need when they hit rock bottom prices. Please keep on prepping, we must. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Autumn Pumpkins and Sunflowers Deposit photos_13382590_s-2019

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