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Master root vegetable storage this winter + design a fitness regime that adapts with age today!

Master root vegetable storage this winter + design a fitness regime that adapts with age today!

Btw, should homesteaders rely on natural predators to control pests, or is it acceptable to use organic pesticides when necessary?

Cedie Omaña
October 24, 2024

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"There is no life without soil, no soil without life; they have evolved together."
— Charles E. Kellogg

HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY

Empty and clean your plant pots and containers, or wrap them up to protect from cracking – those pretty ceramic pots don’t like frost!

Should homesteaders rely on natural predators to control pests, or is it acceptable to use organic pesticides when necessary?

IN TODAY'S EDITION

Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊
All Things Homestead: Effective Ways to Store Root Vegetables Through Winter ☃️
Personal Development: Personalizing Fitness for Every Stage of Life 🙆
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

Should homesteaders focus on raising heritage breeds for preservation, or more productive modern breeds for higher yields?

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Heritage breeds should be prioritized to preserve biodiversity.

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Modern breeds provide higher yields and more efficiency.

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 A mix of heritage and modern breeds offers both preservation and productivity.

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ It depends on the homestead’s goals and livestock needs.

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Others (Feel free to specify your answer after you've voted.)

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Effective Ways to Store Root Vegetables Through Winter ☃️

As winter approaches, keeping your root vegetables fresh can be a challenge. But with a few simple tricks, you can enjoy carrots, potatoes, and beets long after the first frost. Here’s how to store them properly through the colder months.

1. Keep Them Cool and Moist

Root vegetables love cool, damp conditions. The ideal temperature for storing them is between 32°F and 40°F, with high humidity (around 90-95%). If it’s too dry, they’ll shrivel up. Too warm, and they’ll sprout or rot.

Where to Store:

Basements: Unheated basements often stay cool and can be a great spot for storing.
Root Cellars: If you have one, a root cellar is perfect for keeping veggies fresh.
Cool Garages or Sheds: Just make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing.

2. Use the Right Containers

Don’t just throw your vegetables into any old container. The right storage helps maintain moisture and airflow.

Best Containers:

Wooden Crates or Boxes: Layer veggies in slightly damp sand, straw, or sawdust.
Plastic Bins with Holes: Ventilated bins allow air to flow and keep humidity just right.
Mesh Bags: Great for potatoes, as they allow good airflow while keeping the potatoes together.

3. Choose the Best Veggies

Before storing, inspect each vegetable. Damaged or bruised ones can spoil the rest, so it’s best to toss those or use them right away.

What to Look For:

Carrots: Smooth and firm with no cracks.
Beets: No soft spots or blemishes.
Potatoes: Unblemished and free from sprouts.

4. Separate Your Veggies

Certain vegetables give off gases that can make others spoil faster. For example, potatoes release ethylene gas, which can cause carrots to go bitter. Keep them stored in separate containers.

5. Check on Them Regularly

Don’t forget about your stored veggies! Check them every couple of weeks for signs of rot or pests. Remove any spoiled ones right away to protect the rest.

Tip:
Rotate your vegetables occasionally to ensure they’re getting even airflow.

6. Specific Tips for Different Veggies

Each vegetable has its own little quirks when it comes to storage:

Carrots: Cut off the greens before storing them. They can last 4 to 6 months if stored correctly.
Beets: Leave a bit of the stem to prevent moisture loss. Beets can last about 3 to 5 months.
Potatoes: Store them in the dark to avoid sprouting. Keep them away from onions, as onions speed up spoilage.

7. Only Store What You’ll Use

It’s easy to want to store everything, but consider how much your household will actually eat. If you have too much, consider preserving the rest through canning or freezing to avoid waste.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Personalizing Fitness for Every Stage of Life 🙆

As we age, our bodies change, and so do our fitness needs. The trick to staying healthy is to adjust your exercise routine to match your stage in life. Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or beyond, tailoring your workouts can help you stay active and strong.

Here’s a simple guide to help you adjust your fitness plan for different stages.

In Your 30s: Building a Strong Base

Your 30s are a great time to build strength and stamina, setting a solid foundation for the future.

Strength Training: Focus on building muscle with weight training 2-3 times a week. It boosts your metabolism and protects your bones.
Cardio: Keep your heart healthy with regular cardio like running or biking. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
Flexibility: Don’t skip stretching! Adding yoga or basic stretches helps keep your muscles loose and reduces the risk of injuries.

In Your 40s: Prioritize Mobility and Balance

As you hit your 40s, recovery might take a bit longer. This is a good time to shift your focus to staying mobile and balanced.

Low-Impact Exercises: Protect your joints by switching to low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling.
Mobility Work: Incorporate flexibility and mobility exercises like yoga or Pilates to keep joints healthy.
Strength Training with Care: Keep lifting weights, but focus on proper form and lighter weights to avoid injury.

In Your 50s: Maintain Muscle and Balance

In your 50s, maintaining strength and balance becomes even more important.

Weight-Bearing Exercises: Walking, light jogging, or gardening helps maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
Core Work: Focus on core exercises like planks to improve posture and stability.
Balance Training: Add simple balance exercises, such as standing on one leg or using a balance board, to reduce the risk of falls.

In Your 60s and Beyond: Gentle, Consistent Movement

As you get older, the goal is to keep moving in a way that feels good for your body.

Gentle Cardio: Activities like walking, swimming, or light dancing keep you active without putting too much strain on your body.
Functional Movements: Focus on exercises that mimic everyday activities to maintain your independence, like squats and reaching overhead.
Flexibility and Balance: Stretching, yoga, or tai chi can help keep you flexible and balanced.

Adjusting to Life Changes

Remember, life changes, and so should your workout routine. If you’re dealing with injuries, feeling low on energy, or just have less time, it’s okay to adjust. Listen to your body and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

Tip: Make it fun! Doing something you enjoy, whether it’s hiking or gardening, will keep you motivated to stick with it.