Getting Off The Grid - So Close You Can Taste It

Getting Off The Grid - So Close You Can Taste It

Getting of the grid took a huge turn this year, for the better. I have put into place different methods of growing as well and learning new ways to make this a real earning homestead.

I don`t have farm animals on my homestead, not even a chicken. I am completely plant based at this point. I am good with this because I am still learning how to use the land and the plants God provided me with, plus I am not spending money to keep the animals up, however, I was given a goat but I have yet to get her to the homestead.

What is happening?

I did do a small test with a growing method. The one where you use bales of hay to grow food, or heaped on the ground. The method is supposed to be work free, water free and an abundance of food. 

It failed! The plants died.

Another thing about this, rats are attracted to the straw and bed in it. I also have to mention that snakes love to bed under the straw so you really have to watch sticking your hands down close to the base of any plants.

This method is not for me.

Another was "just dig a hole and plant" when the grass grew up, mow it.

In the past this has worked but this year there was some sort of pest that killed my beautiful tomato plants, they were filled with huge green tomatoes and the plant just died. 

I have yet to find out what did this. 

I was blessed last year with a wonderful amount of food, I am still eating from the freezer and the home canned foods.

 I am going to try and get the garden tilled for a fall planting.

What Is In Season?

At the moment I don`t have anything on the homestead to can or freeze, I will have to check out the farmers market to see what is offered up.

When will I get off the grid?

I know, I know! I have been talking about this for years. 

I have bought a small set up for emergencies. I have bought many solar powered items. 

I was just reading about a government plan that "might" be of help to me, I just have to see if its offered for my state.

It seems my go "make a living" job is taking much of my time.

What am I learning?

Plants! Yes I am learning about plants. What they can do for me.

So far I have tested out many and will have them for sell soon. Oh, I never sell anything until I test, so my salves do work!

How To Make Money?

Its my goal! to make money off the homestead, I started with the online store, now its time to have a physical store, so coming soon!

Click the link to shop now, September I am adding a new line of products. Sunshine`s Homestead Creations 

What is happening on your homestead? 

By Andria Perry

Photos by Andria Perry

Getting Off The Grid - Are We There Yet?

fig preserves

Hey Y`all! I know I have sort of disappeared for a while only checking in  a couple times a month but I am still here and still going strong on the homestead.

While I did not have a garden this year I am still blessed with what nature already had waiting, all the wild foods and the fruit bushes and tress. I have not been idle at all.

Sometimes I have to lay something aside to complete a homestead project, there is just no way I could do it all, all by myself. God works in mysterious ways!

The homestead has to make money, that was the point of a homestead in the first place, to "go" off to work less and make a living at home with what I grow, or is already living free around me, and what I can prepare to sell. This summer has been a real learning experience, so much so I am writing a book, no peeking its not finished. :)

So what is happening?

1 - Its fig season here in central Alabama! I have canned a couple cases of fig preserves, I have given away figs and I did not get to the top of this bush, that is actually now a tree, so the birds are fed as well as the ants. This fig bush/tree has fed us, people, insects and animals at all levels!

2 - I am collecting wild plants for later use, and to make products for Sunshine`s Homestead Creations, drying them naturally, so I am doing this as I get a rack dried, I go get more.

3 - I am prepping for the up coming announcements, a new stage for the homestead. I had to make signs and I drove one into the ground and I made a gate, I hope to hang soon. 

What is next?

This evening I plan to dig the holes for the posts that will hold the gate and if I have time trim the overgrowth down the driveway. 

Later in the month :

deer eating on  acre #2 a few years ago

Since the summer has been mild I will get back to clearing the over grown bushes, I just have to watch out for snakes, its breeding time so they are out! Snakes blow a stink to run people off, so if you are out and about and smell a sudden rotted or harsh nasty scent, a snake will be near by.

I will also begin the foundation to the first building in a clear area at the back of the second acre. This will be a happy day for me! I do have the lumber ready.

The Learning

I have learned this year that it does NOT take much to live, I am sure it would take less if I were actually all the way off grid with a well but I am taking one step at a time, no need to rush in when I know I am not ready.

I am learning to be prepared for the unexpected.

I am learning that man made is not always as good as homemade.

The Selling 

honeysuckle jelly

I have put out the word for the homestead, as you know word of mouth is just as good, if not better than a neon sign, about the jellies, jams and preserves I make and sell. So far those sales are up. You may purchase my  homemade lotions, soaps, sunscreen, insert repellent and more online, so check out the online store. All made as natural as possible. Sunshine`s Homestead Creations.   For special Jelly/jam orders contact me personally as those are not listed online, available honeysuckle, rose, mint, seedless blackberry and fig.

There is the update and I will try to get back here to let you all know how life is going on this homestead. 

How is your homestead this year? 

By Andria Perry

Photos by Andria Perry