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- Winter-proof your garden effortlessly + essential self-defense skills you need to know now!
Winter-proof your garden effortlessly + essential self-defense skills you need to know now!
By the way, should homesteaders focus on raising heritage breeds for preservation, or more productive modern breeds for higher yields?
Cedie Omaña
October 22, 2024
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The land is not ours to own, but ours to nurture and protect."
— Anonymous
HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY
Fall is a great time to buy and plant bare-root trees and shrubs – they’re usually cheaper, and they’ll have all winter to settle in before spring growth.
Should homesteaders focus on raising heritage breeds for preservation, or more productive modern breeds for higher yields? |
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IN TODAY'S EDITION
Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊
All Things Homestead: Winter Garden Protection - Simple Strategies for Snow and Cold ❄️
Personal Development: Personal Safety Techniques - Staying Safe and Confident 💪
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY
Should homesteaders avoid GMOs entirely, or can they serve a purpose in certain conditions, like drought resistance or pest control?
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 GMOs should be avoided to maintain organic and traditional farming methods.
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ GMOs can be useful in specific situations, such as drought resistance.
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ A combination of traditional crops and GMOs can be beneficial.
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ It depends on the crop and environmental conditions.
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 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! 😉
ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD
Winter Garden Protection: Simple Strategies for Snow and Cold ❄️
Winter can be tough on your garden, but with the right tricks, you can keep your plants safe from the snow and freezing temperatures. Whether you're growing winter veggies or protecting perennials, these strategies will help your garden survive the cold months.
1. Cold Frames – The Mini Greenhouse
Cold frames are like small, unheated greenhouses that trap warmth and protect plants from snow. You can make them from old windows or scrap wood.
How to Use Them:
Place them over low crops like lettuce or spinach to extend their season.
Open them during the day for ventilation and close at night to keep the warmth in.
Why It Works:
Cold frames create a cozy microclimate, keeping the temperature just warm enough for your plants to survive.
2. Hoop Houses – Bigger Protection
Hoop houses are tunnels made of PVC pipes or metal hoops covered with plastic sheeting. They act as a larger, simpler greenhouse.
How to Use Them:
Set them up over rows of crops for full protection from snow and frost.
Secure the plastic well to avoid damage from winter winds.
Why It Works:
Hoop houses trap warmth, making them perfect for hardy greens like kale or chard.
3. Mulch – Nature’s Blanket
A thick layer of mulch helps insulate the soil and keep plant roots from freezing.
What to Use:
Use straw, leaves, or wood chips to cover your garden beds.
Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer, especially around perennials and root veggies.
Why It Works:
Mulch keeps the soil temperature stable and prevents frost from harming plant roots.
4. Row Covers – Lightweight Protection
Row covers are thin fabrics you can lay over your plants. They keep out the frost while letting sunlight and water through.
How to Use Them:
Lay row covers directly over your crops and secure with rocks or garden stakes.
Use thicker fabric during really cold weather.
Why It Works:
Row covers offer quick and easy frost protection, perfect for vegetables like carrots and broccoli.
5. Water Before a Freeze
Watering before a freeze may seem odd, but moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.
How to Do It:
Water the soil in the afternoon before a cold night.
Avoid wetting the plant leaves directly to prevent frost damage.
Why It Works:
Moist soil keeps the ground temperature more stable, helping to protect plant roots.
6. Move Potted Plants Indoors
For potted plants, the easiest fix is simply bringing them inside. Even a garage or sunny window will do the trick.
Why It Works:
Potted plants are more exposed to the cold, so moving them inside keeps their roots safe.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Personal Safety Techniques: Staying Safe and Confident 💪
When it comes to personal safety, especially for women, being prepared and aware of your surroundings can make all the difference. This doesn’t mean living in fear—it’s about staying alert and having a few practical tools up your sleeve to stay safe.
Here are some practical tips that can help you feel more confident and ready, whether you’re on the homestead or out and about.
1. Trust Your Instincts
Your gut feeling is your first line of defense. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. In The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker, he emphasizes how intuition can alert us to danger. If you sense something isn’t right, act on it—leave the area or ask for help.
Why It Helps:
Your intuition is often based on subtle cues you might not consciously notice. Trust it, and don't second-guess yourself.
2. Stay Alert
Being aware of your surroundings is key to staying safe. Avoid distractions like your phone or headphones when you’re in public. Keep your head up, make eye contact with people, and notice what’s happening around you.
Why It Works:
When you're alert, you're less of a target. It makes it harder for someone to catch you off guard.
3. Set Boundaries
If someone is making you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to speak up. A firm "No," "Stop," or even moving away can make your boundaries clear. You don’t owe anyone politeness at the expense of your comfort or safety.
Why It Helps:
Many predators count on people feeling too shy to say something. Setting boundaries shows strength and confidence.
4. Bring a Friend
Whenever possible, stick to the buddy system. Going out with someone can be an easy way to increase your safety. If you're heading somewhere alone, let someone know where you're going and when you’ll be back.
Why It Works:
Having someone else know your plans adds an extra layer of protection. If something goes wrong, someone will notice.
5. Learn Basic Self-Defense
You don’t need to be a black belt, but knowing a few basic moves can be life-saving. Simple strikes to the eyes, nose, or groin can help you get out of a bad situation quickly.
Easy Moves:
Palm Strike: Use the heel of your hand to strike upwards into someone’s nose.
Knee Strike: A knee to the groin can stop an attacker.
Elbow Strike: If someone is too close, an elbow to the side or face can be powerful.
Why It Works:
These quick and easy moves target weak spots, giving you a chance to escape.
6. Carry Safety Tools
Consider carrying small safety items like pepper spray, a whistle, or a personal alarm. These can buy you precious time if you’re in danger.
Why It Helps:
These tools can stun or draw attention, giving you time to get away.
7. Stick to Safe Routes
When walking or driving, choose well-lit, busy areas. Avoid shortcuts through alleys or deserted spots, especially at night.
Why It Works:
The more people around, the safer you are. Sticking to known routes also reduces the chances of running into trouble.
8. Use a Code Word
Having a safety word with a friend or family member can help you communicate distress without tipping off others. It’s a discreet way to ask for help if you're feeling uncomfortable.
Why It Helps:
A simple code word can help you get out of tricky situations without making a scene.
THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER
Why was the scarecrow promoted?
He was outstanding in his field, as usual.
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!
There’s no such thing as being tired when you’re a plant parent:
When you’re just casually singing and a goat jumps in for an unexpected duet:
A video that totally shows baby cows are just adorable little grass puppies:
SPREAD THE WORD
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