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Learn Root Cellaring Basics + Over Consumerism? Try Sustainable Living!
Question of the day: What’s your biggest concern with washing machine and dishwasher maintenance?
Cedie Omaña
November 14, 2024
In partnership with
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It’s not the size of the homestead that matters, but the love and care put into it."
— Anonymous
HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY
If you don’t have a root cellar, use large containers filled with damp sand to store root vegetables like carrots and beets in your basement or garage. It’ll keep them crisp and fresh all winter.
What’s your biggest concern with washing machine and dishwasher maintenance? |
IN TODAY'S EDITION
Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊
All Things Homestead: Basic Root Cellaring - Storing Your Harvest Without Refrigeration 😁
Personal Development: Choosing a Sustainable Life Over Consumerism 🤩
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Dirty Appliances Aren’t Doing Their Job!
Everyone cleans their clothes and dishes regularly but when was the last time you actually made sure that the appliance responsible for doing the cleaning was clean itself?
Sad Fact: Dirty appliances don't clean well. You wouldn't bathe in a dirty bathtub so why are you washing your things in dirty machines?
Join the over 1 million happy customers who use ACTIVE's viral cleaning tablets and stop worry whether or not your appliances are actually cleaning like they're supposed to again!
POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY
Should homesteaders invest in modern tools and machinery to save time, or stick with traditional tools to stay connected with old practices?
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Modern tools save time and should be prioritized.
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Traditional tools offer more meaningful work and connection to the land.
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 A balance of modern and traditional tools is ideal.
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ It depends on the homesteader’s time and preferences.
via @beehiiv polls
Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉
ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD
Basic Root Cellaring - Storing Your Harvest Without Refrigeration 😁
We’ve talked about root cellaring before, but today we’re going a little deeper into the details. If you want to keep your veggies fresh throughout winter without relying on your fridge, root cellaring is the way to go! It’s an old but reliable method that uses a cool, dark space to store your harvest long-term without electricity.
Why Use a Root Cellar?
The big reason to use a root cellar is that it’s free! No energy bills to worry about. It’s a cost-effective way to store your produce and make it last throughout the winter. Also, if you’re growing your own food, it’s a great way to make sure nothing goes to waste.
Types of Root Cellars
You don’t need a fancy setup to make a root cellar work for you. Here are a few options:
Underground root cellar: The classic, dug-in-the-ground option. It’s great if you have the space and want to go traditional.
Basement root cellar: Don’t have outdoor space? No problem! You can convert part of your basement into a cold storage area by adding some insulation and moisture control.
Outdoor alternatives: Even a large, insulated cooler partially buried or using a shaded spot outside can serve as a root cellar if you’re short on space.
Choosing the Right Location
Where you place your root cellar matters. Choose a cool, shady spot—north-facing slopes are ideal. And make sure the area has good drainage to avoid moisture build-up, which could spoil your food.
Ventilation and Humidity
To keep your produce fresh, your root cellar needs good ventilation. Airflow helps regulate the temperature and prevents things from getting too stuffy. You’ll also want to maintain high humidity—around 80-95%—since most vegetables thrive in those conditions. Aim for a temperature range between 32°F and 40°F.
What to Store in Your Root Cellar
Here’s what works best in a root cellar:
Hardy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, and cabbage. These can last for months.
Tender veggies such as onions, garlic, and squash need a drier environment.
Fruits like apples and pears do well but keep them away from vegetables like potatoes, as they release ethylene gas that can spoil other produce faster.
Storing Specific Produce
Each type of produce has its own needs, so here’s a quick rundown:
Potatoes: Store them in a dark, cool space at around 38°F-40°F. Use ventilated crates or baskets.
Carrots, beets, turnips: Keep them in damp sand or sawdust to prevent drying out.
Cabbage: Hang them by the roots in a cool, moist area.
Onions and garlic: Store in a dry, cool spot with plenty of air circulation.
Apples: Keep them in a cool, moist space but away from other vegetables to avoid quick spoilage.
Maintaining Your Root Cellar
Once you’ve set up your root cellar, maintenance is key. Regularly check the temperature and humidity to ensure everything stays fresh. Use thermometers and hygrometers to monitor conditions. Adjust ventilation when needed, and make sure pests like rodents or insects stay out by sealing the space properly. Also, give it a good clean every so often with natural cleaners like vinegar to prevent mold or bacteria.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Choosing a Sustainable Life Over Consumerism 🤩
Today, we’re talking about how to shift from buying stuff all the time to making thoughtful choices that are better for our planet. Whether you’re new to this or you’ve been trying to live sustainably for a while, there's always room to grow and improve.
Why Change Matters
Instead of grabbing the newest thing on the shelf, we start thinking about making the most of what we already have. This could mean fixing up something old, choosing to buy less, or even growing your own veggies.
Key Point: Being sustainable is about finding new ways to thrive. It means looking at what we have and making the best of it, not just for us but for our environment too.
Making Mindful Choices
At the core of sustainable living is being intentional with our choices. It's really thinking through our purchases—do I need this? Can I make do with something I already own? This could mean choosing to repair a tool instead of buying a new one, or growing herbs in your kitchen window.
Quick Tip: Start small. Choose one thing each day that you can change or improve to be more sustainable. Maybe it’s composting your coffee grounds or using a cloth bag at the store instead of plastic.
Embracing a Simpler Life
Decluttering is more than just tidying up; it’s about clearing out the mental clutter too. When we have less stuff, we have less to worry about, and we make room for the things that really matter.
Try This: If you buy something new, find something old to give away. This keeps your space (and your head) clear and focused on what’s important.
THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER
Why did the tree break up with autumn?
It just couldn’t handle the fall.
TODAY'S TOP PICKS
LET’S KEEP IT REEL!
I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!
Just a chatty goat with a lot on its mind:
@dailymailanimals You got stop the bleat! 🐐😂🗣️ #cuteanimals #funnyanimals #farmanimals #farm #goats #bleat #animallover #petlover #funny #farmlife #outside ... See more
Ever have one of those days where you just can't remember if you turned off the hose?
@theshilohfarm 9 times out of 10 I forget to leave the hose on and come back to the ducks having a party 🦆🎉🥳 What farm chore do you always forget? #gard... See more
Honestly, sometimes it's the ADHD giving me that daily boost! 😂
@dadventure.de #fyp #foryoupageofficial #funnyvideo #funnyquotes #humor
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