How to Make Homemade Apple Pectin (From Peels, Cores & Scraps)

[…]

The post How to Make Homemade Apple Pectin (From Peels, Cores & Scraps) appeared first on The Survival Mom.

from The Survival Mom https://ift.tt/JLTOtSp

How to Build a Self-Watering Garden Bed

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

There’s a raised bed gardening concept that’s relatively new. It’s called a “wicking bed” and it originated in Australia. It’s designed for areas prone to drought and the Australian Outback has defined the concept of drought for centuries. The primary benefit is that it will water itself up to two weeks depending on the size of the bed.

But even if you don’t live in an area subject to heat waves or drought, a self-watering garden bed can make your gardening a whole lot easier. The fundamental concept is similar to some self-watering flowerpots. A small reservoir of water at the bottom of the container holds water that is wicked up to the roots of plants.

A key component of any self-watering or wicking bed is the texture and characteristics of the soil mix. This isn’t about dumping black dirt into a raised bed and hoping for the best. The soil needs to be a carefully balanced blend of numerous organics like peat, potting soil, compost, coir (ground coconut husks), Perlite and even small wood chips. The reason this kind of blend is so important is due to the “wicking” properties of these materials.

Another important element is a top mulch to prevent evaporation. This could be a layer of wood chips, wood shavings, or any other mulch you use in your gardens. This will not only help to keep the weeds down, but prevent too much evaporation.

And There’s Another Difference

A traditional raised bed garden is in direct contact with the soil at its base. That’s not the case with a wicking bed. The bottom of a wicking bed is actually watertight with a single drainage tube to keep the reservoir of water at the bottom from overfilling.

The single drainage tube is about 4 to 6-inches above ground level depending on the size of the bed. The idea is to prevent the watertight bed from becoming oversaturated due to heavy rainfall. You want to contain water in the bottom to allow the highly permeable soil mix to wick the water up to the roots from a steady supply of water at the base, but you want to manage the amount of water.

Size Doesn’t Matter

Your wicking bed can be any size from a plastic tub to a watering trough to a custom built, raised bed. As long as there is a steady reservoir of water at the bottom with drainage and a proper soil mix for wicking –it all works.

Implementing the Basic Concept

We’re going to go through the steps for one design of a wicking bed. There are other variations but all of them contain water in some way with the growing medium on top.

This variation is explored in an excellent YouTube video that explains the full concept. This design starts with a cleared area that is leveled with sand. A level base is important to keep the water at the base even, level and consistent across the bed.

The next step is to build a raised bed frame. We’ll cover other variations on wicking beds but the most common is in a raised bed.

The amount of lumber you’ll need depends on the size of your raised bed. However, while the length and width can vary the height should be at least 16-inches tall or taller. This will allow for a reservoir at the bottom 4 to 6-inches deep with at least 12-inches of soil mix on top of the reservoir. It can be deeper but most recommendations are for a wicking bed that’s at least 16-inches deep overall.

Continue to add your boards to get the proper height, and support the horizontal boards with vertical braces screwed into the sides of the boards.

A rafter square on the top board will help you keep any support boards squared on the frame.

The next step is to line the bottom of the bed with waterproof plastic or rubberized liner. A common recommendation is for waterproof plastic or rubber material that is at least 6 to 8 mils or more in thickness.

The liner is stapled to the sides of the frame. Fold the corner in and staple. You want a watertight bottom. Some people even coat the staples with silicone sealer. The ability of your wicking bed to hold water without leaking is a critical success factor.

Don’t skimp on your bed liner. You don’t want any leaks. You could even fill your bed with water before adding any other material to make sure it is watertight. That’s up to you.

Another critical component is a drainage tube about 4-inches from the base of the frame.

This will prevent the wicking bed from becoming waterlogged but will allow enough water at the bottom to retain the proper amount of moisture.

There are varying schools of thought about any drainage tubes. Some claim they are unnecessary while others say they prevent over-saturating the bed due to rainfall. The rainfall concern makes sense so we’re going to stick with a drain tube. You could always put a stopper in it if you decide you want to hold more water.

The drainage tube should be in one of the corners of the bed emerging from the liner. Seal around the tube with silicone sealer to prevent unwanted leaks.

The next step involves creating your reservoir. We’ll cover some variations but this approach uses perforated, corrugated drainage pipes. The best are 6-inch in diameter and are sold as long, continuous tubes.

You’ll want enough to line the bottom of your bed with about an inch or two between each tube.

Start by cutting a length of drain pipe to fit into the width of your bed. You’ll want to cut it so it’s 6-inches short of the opposite side of the bed.

Before placing any of the drainage pipes into the bed frame, cover the edge with filter fabric or geotextile cloth and duct tape it to the end of the pipe. This will help to keep particulate matter from getting into the pipes.

Place the drainage pipe in the raised bed.

Push the drainage pipe against the drain tube so it penetrates the filter fabric. You may need to cut a small slit in the fabric to make this easier.

Cover both ends of the rest of the Drainage pipes and lay them next to each other along the length of the raised bed.

The perforations in the pipes will allow the water to hold in the pipes at the base of the bed.

Contrary to what you might think, the soil does not penetrate the perforations to the degree you might think allowing the pipes to remain relatively debris free.

Once all of the pipes are in place you’re ready to start backfilling up to the tops of the pipes.

An additional step is to waterproof the top sides of the bed frame. You can use the same plastic material or any other material that is watertight.

In this instance we’re using some scrap roof flashing.

The soil mix should be spread over the pipes and carefully worked into the gaps between the pipes and along the edges of the bed. However, some designs call for a layer of geotextile cloth over the drain tubes or any other fill material in the reservoir. Geotextile cloth allows the water to run through the material but holds back any particulate matter. That’s up to you.

Before you finish filling the raised bed with your soil mix you’ll need to build in a way to continuously fill the drainage pipes.

To install the fill tube start by cutting a hole the diameter of the tube pipe in the top of one of the pipes in the corner opposite your drain tube.

Cut the fill tube (1/2-inch PVC) on a slight angle so the water easily drains when filled.

Insert the PVC into the hole and seal the hole with silicone sealer.

Attach a cut off water bottle to the top or your PVC to act as a funnel or you can insert and glue a standard funnel.

Assemble your soil mix. In this instance we’re using a combination of peat moss, a packaged potting mix, Perlite and wood chips.

Combine and mix all of the soil ingredients and fill the bed to the within one-inch of the rim.

You want a soft, fluffy mix that will both retain water and wick it up from the bottom of the bed.

You are now ready to plant. Once you are done planting, fill the reservoir with water but don’t forget to water the top of the bed as well. The roots of smaller plants are still shallow and until they begin to grow deep into the bed they’ll need some top-watering.

In fact, there are some vegetables like onions that don’t do well in a wicking bed. Vegetables with shallow roots like onions struggle to reach the moisture that often resided deep in the bed. We’ll go over the best and worst plants for wicking beds in a chart towards the conclusion of this article.

Self-Watering Bed Variations

Now that you understand the concept of how a self-watering or wicking bed works you can apply it other variations. One possibility is as simple as using plastic storage tubs to make your wicking beds.

You’ll want to follow the principles of the design concept and instead of placing drainage pipes in the bottom you can simply use lava rock or scoria about 4-inches deep and topped with the geotextile cloth with the same type of soil mix on top. Here’s a cutaway view of a simple setup using rock instead of drainage pipes:

The fill funnel is simply pushed down into the lava rock and a drain tube is added to the opposite side about 3-inches above the base.

Another Variation

If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford things like perforated drainage pipes you can just use regular rocks in the bottom of your wicking bed. They don’t have to be lava rocks either.

Rounded river rocks or other types of rocks can work as long as there are sufficient spaces between the stones to allow water to fill and hold in the spaces. It’s when the rocks or other material compact too tightly that a wicking bed fails.

Critical Success Factors for a Wicking Bed

Assuming you have properly set up your wicking bed, the first success factor is driven by what you plant. A wicking bed works best with vegetables and flowers that have medium to deep root systems.

Shallow roots plants can’t get down into the soil mix deep enough of take advantage of the steady water supply. Here are some plants to avoid and others to consider for your wicking bed(s).

Vegetables and Plants Not Recommended for a Wicking Bed

Plants with shallow roots struggle in a wicking bed. These plants typically depend on “top-watering” either from frequent rainfall or regular watering with a garden hose or sprinkler. Save these for your traditional garden beds or areas where you water plants in a traditional way with a hose.

• Broccoli
• Cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Bok Choy, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower
• Corn
• Flowering annuals (the majority of them)
• Herbs: basil, parsley, mint, oregano, cilantro, chives, sage, thyme, tarragon, etc.
• Garlic
• Leafy greens: lettuce, kale, chard, spinach and baby spinach, arugula, watercress, mustard greens, collards, etc.
• Leeks
• Micro-greens
• Onions
• Scarlet globe radishes
• Spinach
• Spring onions (green onions)
• Strawberries (fruits with shallow root system)

Vegetables and Plants Recommended for a Wicking Bed

Some plants have a root system defined as “medium rooted.” This root length is sufficient for most wicking beds and often the types of vegetables (like cucumbers and squash) that require a steady source of water.

• Beans
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Flowering perennials (a good portion of them)
• Peas
• Peppers
• Summer squash
• Turnips

Long rooted vegetables are also ideal for a wicking bed including:

• Parsnips
• Pumpkins
• Tomatoes
• Winter squash

Beware the Perennial Spreaders

Some plants have roots that are too long and widespread. This is true with some perennial herbs like mint that are notorious for spreading across a garden over time.

Another vegetable plant with spreading roots is asparagus. Any plant that spreads will do just fine in a wicking bed, but their success will be at the expense of anything else growing in the bed as they overwhelm the other plants. This includes chives, horseradish, chamomile and any other perennial herb, plant or vegetable that is known to spread with time. Plant them somewhere else of create a dedicated wicking bed just for those plants.

Maintaining Your Wicking Bed for Long-Term Success

Like any garden system, wicking beds require some regular upkeep to stay efficient year after year.

• Monitor water levels: Use a dipstick or install a vertical fill pipe with a water level indicator. This helps you avoid over- or under-watering, especially during long dry spells.
• Flush the reservoir occasionally: Every 6–12 months, especially if water becomes stagnant, flush out the base reservoir through the drain tube to prevent salt buildup and anaerobic bacteria growth.
• Watch for root invasion: Over time, some aggressive root systems may reach into the reservoir, which can block pipes and reduce efficiency. Consider a root barrier like geotextile cloth over the perforated pipes to prevent this.
• Top up the soil and mulch: Organic matter breaks down. Refresh your soil blend and mulch layer yearly to maintain effective wicking and reduce surface evaporation.
• Check your liner and drain: Before each new season, inspect for damage or blockages in the liner and drainage pipe, especially after freezing winters.

Taking time for seasonal maintenance keeps your wicking bed running efficiently and maximizes water savings over time.

Wicking Bed Fails

• Newly planted crops need top-watering for the first week or so until the roots get established. Don’t plant it and forget it. Keep an eye on your new plants and water them with a hose until you’re confident their roots are deep enough to reach the available moisture.

• A clogged drainage tube can cause the entire bed to fill with water. This will drown the plants and kill the roots. Keep an eye on your drainage tube and your bed to make sure there is sufficient drainage, especially after a period of heavy rainfall.

• Failing to fill the bottom reservoir with water on a regular basis can cause your plants to wilt and die. On average you should refill the base reservoir once a week but that can vary depending on temperatures and rainfall. Keep an eye on our plants and they will tell you when water is problem.

• A leak in the reservoir will cause a wicking bed to fail. There are two solutions. One is to remove the soil mix and the drainage medium and replace or repair the waterproofing. That’s a lot of work. The other alternative is to simply treat it like a traditional raised bed and water it the way you would water a regular garden.

• An off odor or lingering smell could indicate that the water in the reservoir has become stagnant. This is the result of anaerobic bacteria building up. Usually, a heavy rainfall will flush a bed. If you notice a smell, top-water the bed heavily and overfill the reservoir at the fill tube to flush things out.

• Failing to feed a wicking bed can eventually be a problem. Because of the high moisture level and drainage that occurs, many nutrients will not only be consumed by the plants but washed out. A fertilizer like Miracle grow or worm castings are a great way to keep your wicking bed nutrient rich.

• Failing to mulch can lead to rapid evaporation. A top dressing of any mulch can keep direct rays of the sun from causing excessive evaporation. A wicking bed is always moist and hot, sunny days can accelerate evaporation rates.

• Dead or dying plants could be a sign of root rot. Check the drainage tube and avoid top watering if you have been tempted to add excess water to the bed. If need be, pull the affected plants and consider an antifungal garden treatment.

Do You Need a Wicking Bed?

A wicking bed can be both expensive and labor intensive to assemble. The good news is that once it’s built it should last for some time. A lot depends on where you live and your lifestyle. If we go back to where this story started, a wicking bed was first designed to survive the desert climate of the Australian Outback.

If you live in an arid area like a desert or a part of the country experiencing droughts or inconsistent rainfall, you may want to seriously consider wicking beds as a solution. They also reduce the amount of daily watering many gardens require. Ultimately it’s up to you.

For some of us who are avid gardeners it’s an interesting experiment. With time we may find it’s actually not so hard to construct after all. We’ve also explored some lower cost alternatives using existing containers and other types of rock fills for the reservoir that could save some money for the initial construction.

In the long run it could also save on your water bill due to its efficient use and conservation of water. If you’re intrigued, try it. In time you may find it becomes the only way you garden.

You May Also Like:

• How to Maximize Garden Yields
• How to Make a 100-Hour Candle
• How To Make A Mini Vegetable Oil Candle
• How to Make a Bacon Fat Candle
• Things You Can Burn In an Oil Lamp

The post How to Build a Self-Watering Garden Bed appeared first on Homestead Survival Site.

from Homestead Survival Site https://ift.tt/CMfAq02

How to Start a Local Prepper Group and Build a Reliable Network

If you’ve been preparing for any length of time, you’ve probably reached that moment when stacking supplies no longer feels like the whole answer. Extra food, more ammo, another water filter. It’s all important, but at some point you realize that resilience isn’t just about what’s in your basement. It’s about who stands beside you. ... Read more...

from Prepper's Will

Earthquakes: Tidbits We Need to Know

Earthquakes: tidbits we need to know. When the ground beneath our feet suddenly shifts, it’s a stark reminder that Earth is a dynamic planet constantly in motion. Earthquakes occur far more frequently than most people realize, and understanding their patterns can help us better prepare for these natural events. If you live in the United States or are simply curious about seismic activity, here’s what you need to know about how often earthquakes shake American soil.

Here in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, we’ve had two small earthquakes in the past couple of weeks. Each one was in the 3 – 3.5 range and did very little damage, although many people reported feeling the quake. There is a fault line close to the Wasatch Mountains here that is pretty active. Those familiar with the frequent earthquake activity and the potential for significant damage to life and property often tell us that the “big one” is overdue and that we should do our best to prepare. This recent local activity is what prompted me to write this timely post.

How Often Do Earthquakes Actually Occur?

The frequency of earthquakes might surprise you. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), several million earthquakes occur worldwide each year. However, the vast majority are so small that people don’t feel them. These micro-earthquakes are only detected by sensitive seismographs positioned around the globe.

In the United States, thousands of earthquakes occur annually. The exact number varies from year to year, but on average, the country experiences approximately 20,000 to 30,000 earthquakes per year, including all magnitudes. Most of these are minor tremors that go unnoticed by the general population.

Breaking Down Earthquake Frequency by Magnitude

Understanding earthquake frequency becomes clearer when we look at the numbers by magnitude scale:

Small Earthquakes (Magnitude 2.5 or Less)

These earthquakes are typically not felt by people and are only recorded by seismographs. In the United States, thousands of these tiny earthquakes occur each year. They’re so common that seismologists often don’t even report them to the public unless there’s a particular scientific interest.

Minor Earthquakes (Magnitude 2.5 to 5.4)

Earthquakes in this range can often be felt by people, especially those close to the epicenter, but they rarely cause damage. The United States experiences hundreds of these earthquakes annually. You might notice hanging objects swaying or hear rattling sounds during these events, but structural damage is uncommon.

Moderate Earthquakes (Magnitude 5.5 to 6.0)

These earthquakes can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings and other structures. The United States typically sees around 10 to 15 earthquakes in this magnitude range each year, though the number can vary. These events often make local news and may trigger emergency response protocols.

Strong to Major Earthquakes (Magnitude 6.1 and Above)

Fortunately, strong and major earthquakes are relatively rare in the United States. On average, the country experiences one to two earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater per year. These powerful seismic events can cause significant damage and loss of life, particularly in populated areas with vulnerable infrastructure.

Where Do Most U.S. Earthquakes Occur?

When discussing earthquake frequency in the United States, location matters tremendously. Not all states experience earthquakes with the same frequency or intensity.

Alaska: The Earthquake Capital

Alaska takes the crown for the most seismically active state in the nation. The state experiences more earthquakes than all other U.S. states combined, averaging 40,000 per year. This high frequency is due to Alaska’s position along major tectonic plate boundaries, particularly where the Pacific Plate slides beneath the North American Plate.

Many of Alaska’s earthquakes occur in remote, unpopulated areas, which is why you might not hear about them frequently in the news. However, the state has experienced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history, including the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, which measured 9.2 on the moment magnitude scale.

California and the San Andreas Fault

California is probably the state most Americans associate with earthquakes, and for good reason. The state experiences thousands of earthquakes annually, though most are too small to feel. California’s position along the San Andreas Fault and other significant fault lines makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic activity.

On average, California experiences one or two earthquakes large enough to cause damage each year. The state’s combination of high seismic activity and dense population makes earthquake preparedness a critical public safety issue.

Other Active Regions

While Alaska and California dominate the earthquake statistics, other regions also experience notable seismic activity. Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana all record significant numbers of earthquakes each year. The Cascadia Subduction Zone along the Pacific Northwest coast poses a particular long-term threat, with scientists warning that a major earthquake is overdue in this region.

Even states not traditionally associated with earthquakes have experienced seismic events. The central United States, including Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas, has seen increased earthquake activity in recent years, largely attributed to human activities such as wastewater injection from oil and gas operations, often referred to as fracking.

Why Earthquake Frequency Varies

Several factors influence how often earthquakes occur in different regions and time periods.

Tectonic Plate Boundaries

The primary driver of earthquake frequency is the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates. Areas located along plate boundaries, where plates collide, separate, or slide past each other, experience far more earthquakes than stable continental interiors. This is why the western United States, positioned along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is so seismically active.

Induced Seismicity

Human activities can trigger earthquakes, a phenomenon known as induced seismicity. The injection of wastewater from oil and gas operations deep underground can increase pore pressure along existing faults, making them more likely to slip. This has led to a dramatic increase in earthquake frequency in some regions that were previously relatively quiet.

Other human activities that can induce earthquakes include reservoir impoundment behind large dams, geothermal energy extraction, and mining operations. While these induced earthquakes are typically small, they can occasionally reach magnitudes that cause concern.

Aftershocks and Earthquake Sequences

When a significant earthquake occurs, it’s often followed by numerous aftershocks. These smaller earthquakes happen as the crust adjusts to the changes caused by the main shock. Aftershock sequences can continue for days, weeks, or even months after a major earthquake, temporarily increasing the earthquake count in that region.

What This Means for Preparedness

Understanding earthquake frequency helps inform preparedness efforts. If you live in a seismically active region, the question isn’t if an earthquake will occur, but when.

Building Codes and Infrastructure

Areas with frequent earthquake activity have typically implemented strict building codes designed to help structures withstand seismic shaking. California, for instance, has some of the most stringent earthquake-resistant building requirements in the world. These codes are constantly updated based on lessons learned from past earthquakes and advances in engineering.

Early Warning Systems

The high frequency of earthquakes has led to the development of early warning systems. The ShakeAlert System, operating along the West Coast, can provide seconds to tens of seconds of warning before strong shaking arrives. While this might not sound like much time, it can be enough to drop, cover, and hold on, or for automated systems to shut down critical infrastructure. Be ShakeAlert® Safe

Personal Preparedness

Living in an earthquake-prone area requires personal preparedness. This includes securing heavy furniture and other objects that could fall during an earthquake, maintaining an emergency kit with food, water, and medical supplies, and having a family communication plan. Because earthquakes occur so frequently, even if most are small, it’s wise always to be prepared for a larger event.

Earthquakes: Are You Ready?

How To Be Ready For The Next Earthquake

The Bottom Line on Earthquake Frequency

Earthquakes are a daily occurrence in the United States, with dozens happening every single day across the country. The vast majority are too small to feel, but the frequency serves as a constant reminder that we live on an active, dynamic planet.

While we can’t predict exactly when or where the next significant earthquake will strike, we can use our understanding of earthquake frequency and patterns to prepare ourselves and our communities better. Whether you live in earthquake country or are just visiting, knowing these earthquake tidbits helps you understand the seismic landscape of the United States and the importance of always being prepared.

Final Word

The key takeaway is this: earthquakes are far more common than most people realize, occurring thousands of times per year in the United States alone. By understanding this frequency and the factors that influence it, we can make informed decisions about where we live, how we build, and how we prepare for the inevitable next shake. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Earthquake in Hawaii AdobeStock_256717295 By Louis-Paul Photo, Earthquake Tsunami Warning Newport Beach CA AdobeStock_286203554 By Felipe Sanchez, Earthquake and Tsunami Warning in Santa Cruz CA AdobeStock_234568734 By Sundry Photography

The post Earthquakes: Tidbits We Need to Know appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

The Pentagon Will Remove Your Off-Grid Location. Here’s Why

For many people, off-grid living has always carried a certain promise. The promise is not only about producing your own power or collecting your own water, but also about stepping away from systems that feel crowded, tracked, and increasingly intrusive. When someone imagines building a cabin far from the city, it is easy to believe […]

The post The Pentagon Will Remove Your Off-Grid Location. Here’s Why appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

from Ask a Prepper https://ift.tt/8masqVM

How to Make Freeze-Dried Meals

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Many of us experienced the shock of seeing empty produce bins and store shelves in our local supermarkets this year. The scarcity of certain foods during the pandemic may have led you to explore new ways to preserve and store food.

If you seek long-term storage and foods that are light to pack and carry, you can’t beat freeze-drying. In this article, we’ll examine what freeze-drying is, its benefits and drawbacks, and some of the basics you need to know about using this food preservation method at home.

What Is Freeze-Drying?

Also known by its scientific names, lyophilization or cryodesiccation, freeze-drying is a dehydration process that involves freezing the food and then lowering pressure before removing the ice by sublimation. Sublimation is the transition of a substance from the solid to the gas state without passing through the liquid state.

Freeze drying can remove 98 percent of the water in food while dehydration removes about 80 percent. Since it is water that can cause food to spoil and deteriorate, freeze-dried foods can have a remarkable shelf life of 25 years or more.

NASA began sending astronauts into space with freeze-dried foods back in the 1960s but, contrary to what you might think, the process did not originate in a modern lab. For centuries, the people who live in the Andes Mountains of South America have been freeze-drying potatoes — called chuño — and other foods naturally.

During World War II, medical personnel used the process to transport blood to field hospitals. And today, you can find buckets and packs of a variety of freeze-dried foods for sale in supermarkets.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Freeze-Drying?

The main advantage of freeze-drying is that extended shelf life of up to 25 years or more when stored correctly in a cool, dry place.

Here are other benefits of this form of food preservation:

• Compact. The water in food takes up space. When you remove the water, the item takes up a lot less space to carry and store.
• Lightweight. Water content also adds weight. Freeze-dried foods are light to carry, which makes them perfect for backpacks and bugout bags.
• Easy to prepare. Some freeze-dried foods taste great as is (strawberries and peas, for example). Others just need a little water for rehydration.
• Nutritious. Because it requires no heat, the freeze-drying process retains most of the food’s vitamin content.
• Flavorful. Most or all of a food’s flavor stays intact throughout the process.

As great as freeze-dried food is, there are also several disadvantages:

• The cost. The Harvest Right company sells freeze dryers for home use that range in price from $2195 for a small machine to $3395 for a large machine. You also need to add in the cost of trays, mylar bags or other storage containers, and oxygen absorbers.
• Time. It takes a lot of time to freeze-dry foods. Depending on the size and model of home freeze dryer you have and the amount of food you are preserving, it takes 20 to 40 hours per batch to complete the process. This timeframe does not include packaging time.
• Texture. Although a freeze-dried food may taste similar to its fresh state, it may have a noticeable different texture. In some foods, this difference doesn’t matter; in others, it does.
• Limitations. You can’t freeze dry everything. Foods that are high in fat or oil or contain a lot of sugar do not handle the process well. Foods to avoid include peanut butter, chocolate, jams and jellies, syrup, butter, and honey. Bread and other bakery items do not freeze-dry well either. Also, avoid freeze-drying leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, which become wilted and soggy. As you might expect, watery fruits, such as watermelon, do not handle the process well.

Can You Freeze Dry Foods At Home?

The answer is yes, but the process is complex. Here are the basic steps:

1. Freeze the food.
2. Dry the food through sublimation.
3. Further, dry the food through desorption (the opposite of absorption).

In a standard freezer, it can take several months to freeze-dry food properly. A big concern with that long time frame (other than the length of time itself) is possible bacterial growth. Freeze drying does not kill bacteria, but because a freeze dryer removes the water more quickly, there is much less chance for germs to grow. Your results will be best with the use of a freeze dryer rather than using your own freezer.

If you are handy, another option is to build your own freeze dryer. This video explains the DYI process. It’s a detailed and helpful video but be forewarned that the narrator talks fast. If you are like me, you’ll frequently need to hit the pause button to fully grasp what he is explaining.

Whether you purchase or build your own freeze dryer, here is the process for using the machine:

1. Place food on trays in the freeze dryer chamber.
2. The dryer then flash freezes the food with temperatures of -30°F or colder.
3. A pump removes chamber air, creating a vacuum.
4. Because of the low pressure that now exists in the chamber, the ice changes to vapor.
5. A condenser pulls the vapor from the chamber.

Freeze drying food involves a bit of a learning curve, and you will undoubtedly make some mistakes along the way. Some foods take longer than others to process, for example. Here are some tips to help keep those errors to a minimum.

1. Peel or cut large fruits and vegetables before freeze-drying. Place the skin side down on the tray.
2. Blanch potatoes before freeze drying to prevent them from turning black during oxidation.
3. Cook or blanch raw veggies before freeze drying to prevent toughness.
4. Small pieces of food tend to do better than large pieces. They also take less time to rehydrate.
5. Line trays with parchment paper or silicone mats to save on clean-up time.
6. If you freeze-dry uncooked meats, eggs, or poultry, be sure to label them as raw before storing. If you cooked the food before freeze-drying, you could eat it right away. If you freeze-dried it raw, prepare it as you would prepare fresh raw meat. You can rehydrate both raw and cooked meat in heated broth.
7. Buy your favorite foods in bulk quantities when they are on sale. The more you freeze dry foods, the more you make up for the expense of buying a machine.
8. Store your foods in sealed mylar bags with oxygen absorbers in a place that is away from moisture and light.

Freeze-Dried Emergency Meal Recipes

Having freeze-dried ingredients is great, but being able to create complete meals from them is what makes this form of preservation truly practical for emergencies. Below are a few simple, nutritious freeze-dried meal recipes you can prepare at home and rehydrate quickly when needed.

1. Hearty Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• Cooked ground beef or beef chunks (lean)
• Carrots (blanched and diced)
• Potatoes (blanched and diced)
• Celery (sliced)
• Peas (blanched)
• Onion (lightly sautéed or blanched)
• Garlic (optional)
• Salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf (added when rehydrating)

How to Freeze-Dry:

1. Fully cook the beef and drain all fat.
2. Blanch or lightly cook the vegetables.
3. Spread ingredients in a single layer on freeze dryer trays.
4. Freeze-dry as a mixed batch or separately by ingredient.

Storage: Pack in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. You can portion everything into a single bag per meal or keep the ingredients separate for more flexibility.

Rehydration: Add 1.5–2 cups of hot water per 1 cup of stew mix. Let sit for 15–20 minutes or simmer briefly until soft.

2. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• Cooked diced chicken breast
• Cooked white rice
• Peas and carrots (blanched)
• Cream of chicken soup (homemade, low-fat version recommended)
• Cheddar cheese (optional — freeze-dried cheese can be bought commercially)

How to Freeze-Dry:

1. Combine all ingredients into a fully cooked casserole.
2. Spread evenly across trays and freeze-dry. Note: Freeze-drying rice with liquid (e.g., soup) will take longer — expect 30–40 hours.

Storage: Store in individual meal-size bags with oxygen absorbers. Label with “fully cooked.”

Rehydration: Add boiling water to cover the casserole and let sit sealed for 15–20 minutes, or reheat in a pot for best texture.

3. Breakfast Scramble

Ingredients:

• Scrambled eggs (fully cooked)
• Cooked diced potatoes
• Cooked crumbled sausage or bacon (lean and fully drained)
• Shredded cheese (optional)

How to Freeze-Dry:

1. Cook everything thoroughly — use lean meats with no excess fat.
2. Combine into a scramble mix, spread onto trays.
3. Freeze-dry until crispy and dry throughout.

Storage: Store in breakfast portions with oxygen absorbers. For extra shelf life, store cheese separately and add when rehydrating.

Rehydration: Add just enough hot water to moisten, cover and let sit 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally for even rehydration.

4. Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• Cooked small pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
• Zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots (blanched)
• Cooked diced chicken or chickpeas (optional)
• Light tomato sauce or Alfredo (use homemade low-fat version if freeze-drying sauce)

How to Freeze-Dry:

1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and spread in thin layers on trays.
2. If using sauce, go light to shorten drying time.

Storage: Package in mylar bags and label as “fully cooked.” Store sauce separately if desired.

Rehydration: Pour boiling water to cover, seal or cover the container, and let sit for 10–15 minutes.

5. Chili with Beans

Ingredients:

• Ground beef or turkey (fully cooked and drained)
• Kidney beans, black beans (pre-cooked)
• Diced tomatoes (use low-moisture canned or roasted)
• Onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt

How to Freeze-Dry:

1. Cook chili completely and cool.
2. Spread onto trays in thin layers and freeze-dry.

Storage: Bag individual portions or family-size meals. Add an oxygen absorber and seal.

Rehydration: Add equal parts boiling water and chili mix. Let sit sealed 15–20 minutes or simmer for 5–10 minutes.

How To Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Foods

You can eat many fruits and vegetables in their freeze-dried state without rehydrating them. Rehydrated fruit works great in smoothies or on top of yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal. You can add freeze-dried veggies right into soups and stews, and let them rehydrate that way.

If you want to return them to their natural state or want to cook them, you can rehydrate items by letting them soak in a bowl of water. Some foods rehydrate well if you spritz them or spoon water over them. This video clip shows how to freeze dry and rehydrate avocado slices – although they taste great freeze-dried. And this video shows how to rehydrate the components of an entire meal quickly and easily.

The Harvest Right website includes lots of information on how to freeze-dry and rehydrate freeze-dried foods. For instance, this article discusses foods you might not have thought you could freeze dry.

You’ve probably been thinking about freeze-drying as a way to preserve and store food for the human members of your family. However, freeze-drying foods for your pets is another idea. Even if you don’t want to serve your pet homemade freeze-dried food on a regular basis, it is handy if you take your dog on a hike or vacation.

Also, since freeze-dried pet food takes up much less room than regular pet food cans or bags, you can add some freeze-dried food for your furry friends to the shelves of your survival pantry.

Hint: Most dogs don’t mind eating freeze-dried food as is – just make sure it is fully cooked first.

With its exceptionally long shelf life and nutritional benefits, freeze-drying food for long-term storage may just be a good project for you to tackle next. Here are a few more resources to check out:

• Yes, You Can! And Freeze and Dry It, Too by Daniel Gasteiger
• Preserving Everything by Leda Meredith
• The Complete Guide to Food Preservation by Angela Williams Duea

You May Also Like:

• How to Make Meals in a Jar for a Rainy Day
• Home Freeze Dryers For Emergency Food Storage
• 20 Survival Foods That Can Last 20 Years
• 22 Foods You Can Freeze (And How To Freeze Them)
• Food Storage for Diabetics – What to Eat or Avoid

The post How to Make Freeze-Dried Meals appeared first on Urban Survival Site.

from Urban Survival Site

How to Organize Your Office

Have you ever wondered how to organize your office? Is your office cluttered and chaotic? An organized office space isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that boosts productivity, reduces stress, and helps you work more efficiently. Whether you’re setting up a home office or reorganizing your corporate workspace, this comprehensive post will help you transform your office into an organized, functional haven.

I wanted to write this post today because I remember all too well how many of my clients needed help organizing their tax returns, pay stubs, insurance policies, and more while I was putting together their home loans. I owned a mortgage company for about 20 years. For some people, organizing certain items in their home is the last thing on their mind.

When I had clients lose a spouse to death, some were overwhelmed with where to find things. Some had no idea where their mortgage or bank accounts were. This can happen to deceased parents as well. Many of my clients had to go through probate to settle the estate. It’ll help those around you if you get everything organized now. I’m sure some of you have had to go through the paperwork of a deceased family member; it may have been overwhelming. I get it. I really do.

Items I Recommend

• Sturdy Folders (they have 4 colors-color code your items)
• Two-Hole Punch
• Hanging File Folders
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Tape Dispenser
• Pen and Pencil Holder
• Label Maker
• 60-Minute Timer (trust me, you can get a lot done in 15 minutes)
• Garbage Can
• Shredder

Why Office Organization Matters for Productivity

Office organization directly impacts your daily performance and mental clarity. Studies show that workers spend an average of 4.3 hours per week searching for documents, resulting in lost productivity and increased frustration. A well-organized office helps you:

• Locate documents and supplies quickly
• Minimize distractions and maintain focus
• Create a professional impression for clients and colleagues
• Reduce workplace stress and anxiety
• Improve time management and workflow efficiency

When you organize your office effectively, you’re investing in your professional success and overall well-being.

Declutter Your Office Space First

Before implementing any organizational system, you need to declutter. This crucial first step creates a clean slate for your office organization project.

The Four-Box Sorting Method

Use four boxes or bins labeled: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Relocate. Go through every item in your office and make quick decisions. Be honest about what you actually use versus what you’re holding onto “just in case.”

Digital Decluttering

Don’t forget to organize your digital workspace. Delete old files, organize your desktop, clean up your email inbox, and remove unused applications. Digital clutter affects productivity just as much as physical clutter.

Paper Management Strategy

Implement a “touch it once” policy for papers. When mail or other documents arrive on your desk, decide immediately whether to file, act on, or discard them. Consider going paperless where possible by scanning important documents and storing them digitally.

Essential Office Organization Systems

Creating effective systems is the foundation for maintaining an organized office over the long term.

Filing System Setup

Establish a logical filing system using categories that make sense for your work. Use clearly labeled file folders, color-coding for different categories, and alphabetical or chronological organization. Whether you prefer physical filing cabinets or digital file management, consistency is key.

Desktop Organization

Your desk should only contain items you use daily. Implement desk organizers, drawer dividers, and digital management solutions to keep your workspace tidy. Position your computer monitor at eye level and keep frequently used items within arm’s reach.

Storage Solutions for Office Supplies

Designate specific locations for all office supplies. Use drawer organizers, desktop caddies, and labeled containers. Store backup supplies separately from daily-use items. Vertical storage solutions, such as shelving units and wall-mounted organizers, maximize space efficiency.

Organize Your Office by Zones

Creating functional zones in your office improves workflow and reduces clutter migration.

Active Work Zone

This is your primary workspace for completing daily tasks. Keep this area minimal, with only essential items: a computer, a phone, a notepad, and current project materials.

Reference Zone

Designate an area for reference materials, filing cabinets, and resources you access regularly but not constantly. This might include bookshelves, filing cabinets, or a credenza.

Supply Zone

Create a dedicated space for office supplies, printer paper, and other materials. This could be a closet, cabinet, or designated shelving unit away from your active workspace.

Small Office Organization Ideas

Limited space doesn’t mean limited organization. Small offices require creative solutions.

Vertical Space Utilization

Install floating shelves, wall-mounted file holders, and pegboards to maximize vertical storage. Use the backs of doors for additional hanging storage.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes: desks with built-in storage, filing cabinets that double as side tables, or ottomans with hidden storage compartments.

Minimize Visual Clutter

In small spaces, visual clutter is especially overwhelming. Use closed storage solutions, matching containers, and a cohesive color scheme to create a sense of calm and order.

Home Office Organization Tips

Home offices present unique organizational challenges with household distractions and limited space.

Separate Work and Personal Spaces

Even in a multi-purpose room, clearly define your office area. Use room dividers, rugs, or furniture arrangements to create boundaries between work and personal spaces.

Schedule Regular Organization Time

Set aside 15 minutes at the end of each day to reset your workspace. Dedicate time each week to deeper organizational tasks, such as filing papers and cleaning surfaces.

Create a Command Center

Establish a central location for important information: calendar, to-do lists, incoming mail, and keys. This prevents items from migrating throughout your home office.

Office Organization Products That Actually Work

The right organizational products make maintaining order easier.

Desk Organizers and Accessories

Invest in quality desk organizers, including pen holders, paper trays, and drawer dividers. Cable management boxes prevent cord tangles. Monitor stands with storage create additional desk space.

Label Makers and Filing Supplies

A good label maker is invaluable for creating professional, clear labels for files, bins, and shelves. Use consistent labeling throughout your office for easy identification.

Storage Containers and Bins

Clear containers let you see contents at a glance. Uniform bin sizes create a cohesive look and enable efficient stacking. Choose durable options that withstand daily use.

Maintain Your Organized Office

Organization isn’t a one-time project; it requires ongoing maintenance.

Daily Habits for Office Organization

Spend the last 10-15 minutes of your workday tidying up. File documents, clear your desk, and prepare your workspace for the next day. Make your bed every morning, but make your desk every evening.

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

Schedule weekly tasks: empty the trash and recycling, wipe down surfaces, review and update filing systems, and assess whether current organizational systems are working effectively.

Quarterly Deep Organization

Every three months, conduct a thorough organization review. Purge outdated files, reassess storage solutions, donate or discard unused items, and adjust systems based on changing needs.

Digital Office Organization Strategies

Your virtual workspace needs organization just as much as your physical office.

Email Management System

Create folders or labels for different categories. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters. Use filters and rules to automatically sort incoming mail. Process emails using the “four D’s”: Delete, Delegate, Do, or Defer.

Cloud Storage Organization

Organize digital files with clear folder hierarchies. Use consistent naming conventions. Regularly back up important documents. Share files through organized shared folders rather than email attachments.

Organizing Your Office on a Budget

A professional organization doesn’t require expensive products.

Repurpose Household Items

Use mason jars for pen storage, shoe boxes for drawer dividers, and magazine holders for file organization. Old cups or cans become desk organizers with a simple covering or painting.

DIY Organization Solutions

Create your own desk organizers from cardboard. Make custom drawer dividers. Design wall-mounted organizers from reclaimed materials.

Shop Smart

Find organizational products at dollar stores, thrift shops, and during back-to-school sales. Invest in a few quality pieces rather than many cheap items that won’t last.

Common Office Organization Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from common pitfalls to sustain organizational longevity.

Over-Organizing

Don’t create systems so complex that they’re difficult to maintain. Simplicity trumps perfection. If a system is too complicated, you won’t use it consistently.

Buying Before Planning

Resist purchasing organizational products until you assess your actual needs. Measure spaces, understand your workflow, and then select appropriate solutions.

Ignoring Your Work Style

Organizational systems should match how you naturally work. If you’re a visual person, open storage might work better than closed cabinets. Adapt popular systems to fit your preferences.

Final Word

Organizing your office is an investment in your productivity, mental clarity, and professional success. Start with decluttering, implement systems that match your workflow, and commit to daily maintenance habits. Remember that a perfect organization is less important than a functional organization that works for you.

Whether you’re organizing a home office, small workspace, or corporate environment, the principles remain the same: declutter ruthlessly, create logical systems, and maintain consistently. Take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll experience the benefits of a truly organized office space.

Ready to transform your workspace? Start today with one small area: your desk top drawer, filing cabinet, or desktop, and build momentum from there. Your organized office awaits! May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Filing Documents Depositphotos_84990028_S, Colorful Office Folders Depositphotos_144732391_S

The post How to Organize Your Office appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms