what are your prepping goals for the next year (or two)?

[Brent S]

Our recently purchased stove/oven cost about $2000 and the flu kit was an extra $300, so that wasn't too bad.

We've had it operational for a few weeks and just love it, even though it's getting warm now we still fire it up most nights, I guess the novelty will wear off by next summer .

We have done a lot of cooking on/in it and cut a lot of firewood (free, a life time's supply within a few 100 yards on our land), all-in-all a good step in our independence journey. We still use gas for cooking because we have the gear and let's face it it is easier, but in general we are now totally free from external dependencies for cooking and heating.

Add to that that our electricity is 100% from solar and I think I can pretty much cross energy off the list. Likewise with a lot of other stuff as well but the elephant in the room is food, we still buy everything from the shop. That will be one of the main things to address next year.

I have most of the food covered, but the energy independence is still in its infancy. I just got a nice gas stovetop unit, which is going to go towards the outside kitchen. I guess propane is'nt "off grid" but it is at least an alternate to electricity. Just curious, what size solar setup do you have. I think the propane will eat most of my tax return this year, but am hoping to at least get a start to the solar set up.
I am excited to start forming the roof on my storm/root cellar this week. I should have had it done by now but two back to back injuries slowed me down fro a while. If things go well I will get it poured this week too, but will probably just get it ready to.

 

[jontte]

you will put pics about that cellar,will you???
that type of cellar is in my dreams also....found a beautiful place with a small house,wood stove,sauna and lots of space around for garden and a root cellar, now I need only to finish my school or win in the lottery which ever comes first..

 

[hlrive]

I have been looking into getting a solar powered generator, has anyone used one?? Looks like it would be easier then the gas one. It's nothing big but says it will cool a fridge for 4 hours. That would keep stuff good for awhile. Solar to me would be our best bet because if something bad happens and we can't get guess we will be up the creek without a paddle when the gas generator runs out. The cost was about $400 for the solar one, about the same as my little gas one. The only difference is the solar one has only 1 plug, and the gas one I can plug in 2 things.

 

[Brent S]

you will put pics about that cellar,will you???
that type of cellar is in my dreams also....found a beautiful place with a small house,wood stove,sauna and lots of space around for garden and a root cellar, now I need only to finish my school or win in the lottery which ever comes first..

I posted a thread on underground shelters with Picts. and will add more as I form it and do the rebar. Hopefully I'll get to pour concrete this week but am thinking that's a little ambitious with all the other projects I need to do as well.

 

[Graynomad]

I have most of the food covered, but the energy independence is still in its infancy.

To be honest food is way more important than power, it's just that as an electronics engineer I like the techo stuff and so have concentrated on that. I've never been the slightest bit interested in growing stuff but at least that is slowly changing and I'm sure I will get real keen after seeing the first few radishes grow.

what size solar setup do you have

Right now we have 1700W of panels on the roof of the truck (RV), but we are parked in a spot that gets shaded a lot so it's not really cutting it with our current usage. But when out in the sun that's plenty.

For 7 years we lived quite happily with 500W, but we only had a single fridge and were VERY conscious of our usage, everything not being used was turned off at the wall. We have got slack lately and just leave everything on standby, plus we are running three fridges.

I have lived quite comfortably out of a 4x4 for months with just 240w of solar. That could be extended indefinitely.

I am now planning a new system for the container house, that may be up to 3000W, or for redundancy I may still use the truck's existing system and add another separate system of about 1500w.

Our neighbours are about to install a new system, they have been assured that 2000w will do all they need and I concur.

Other friends have just installed a 5000w system, they did that because they can (he does the work himself so it only cost about $15k) and they just wanted a system that was so large they never even thought about what they used.

Other friends have a 10,000w system, I built my current motorhome there, including all the cutting, welding, etc you can imagine.

NOTE: None of the above includes air conditioning, nice as it is I've never had AC and never seen the need for AC. If you do need it then I'm not sure that even a 10,000w system will do the job. Certainly those friends with the 10kw system have to use a generator if they want to fire up the AC.

I have been looking into getting a solar powered generator, has anyone used one?

What the heck is a solar-powered generator? Seems like a contradiction in terms. Do you have a link?

 

[Brent S]

To be honest food is way more important than power, it's just that as an electronics engineer I like the techo stuff and so have concentrated on that. I've never been the slightest bit interested in growing stuff but at least that is slowly changing and I'm sure I will get real keen after seeing the first few radishes grow.
I didn't know how to grow anything 5 yrs ago, but am getting better each year. The best advice I can give is go see and talk with others in your area to see what grows well there. If it's a native plant you'll have a lot more success. I planted a lot of super sweet peach trees here. They taste amazing, but need a lot of pampering. Each year I loose one or two. The apples though are tough, and thrive without doing anything other than the occasional watering. So far I've learned muscadine grapes, apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, kale, carrots, okra, bell peppers, lettuce, and a few others do really well here. Try to start with what will do well in your climate and soil.


Right now we have 1700W of panels on the roof of the truck (RV), but we are parked in a spot that gets shaded a lot so it's not really cutting it with our current usage. But when out in the sun that's plenty.
I was going to try and get 1200 kW this spring. I don't know if I'll get all 3 400w panels pkgs, but that's the goal. I'm a big do it yourselfer, and even though I have never worked on solar before will figure it out for the install.
For 7 years we lived quite happily with 500W, but we only had a single fridge and were VERY conscious of our usage, everything not being used was turned off at the wall. We have got slack lately and just leave everything on standby, plus we are running three fridges.

I have lived quite comfortably out of a 4x4 for months with just 240w of solar. That could be extended indefinitely.
I've camped a lot in campers and am pretty good at conserving water and power, the wife however.
I am now planning a new system for the container house, that may be up to 3000W, or for redundancy I may still use the truck's existing system and add another separate system of about 1500w.

Our neighbours are about to install a new system, they have been assured that 2000w will do all they need and I concur.

Other friends have just installed a 5000w system, they did that because they can (he does the work himself so it only cost about $15k) and they just wanted a system that was so large they never even thought about what they used.

Other friends have a 10,000w system, I built my current motorhome there, including all the cutting, welding, etc you can imagine.

NOTE: None of the above includes air conditioning, nice as it is I've never had AC and never seen the need for AC. If you do need it then I'm not sure that even a 10,000w system will do the job. Certainly those friends with the 10kw system have to use a generator if they want to fire up the AC.
Yeah, everything I've read has talked about the ac being the holy grail of solar. A man I met has 25kw, with batteries and it runs it all. It sounds great but I think he has 30 thousand us in it. That's a long time to recoup your investment.

What the heck is a solar-powered generator? Seems like a contradiction in terms. Do you have a link?

It's probably just they way it was advertised. Since it can produce electricity they market it as a solar generator to sound cool.
Glad to see your still around nomad! Aren't you just going into your summer down there?

 

[Brent S]

That's wierd! I just responded to nomads post in depth, and it only posted the last couple sentences??? It put everything in the box I replied to. It's still there if you click on it.

 

[Graynomad]

Yeah I'm still around, still plugging away at the container house but been a bit quite on the forums of late. Yes heading into summer here, normally I like the heat but now I want it to be cold so I can use the new stove

I can only see two lines of your response, I hope you saved it.

 

[DrHenley]

As long as the temps get down at night with low humidity, I can live without A/C. But steamy sweltering nights in the Deep South are brutal without A/C. I grew up with it and never got used to it. If you get north of 34 degrees N latitude (Pine Bluff Arkansas, Clarksdale Mississippi) or higher elevation, the nights are cooler and bearable. But south of there in the Delta...been there done that...don't want to go back to miserable nights.

My brother-in-law suggested an underground solution for steamy nights at the BOL. (~33 degrees N latitude)

 

[Graynomad]

Yeah it's hard when the humidity is high.

 

[Brent S]

Yeah I'm still around, still plugging away at the container house but been a bit quite on the forums of late. Yes heading into summer here, normally I like the heat but now I want it to be cold so I can use the new stove

I can only see two lines of your response, I hope you saved it.

It somehow converted into your post??? I'm not a huge computer fan! Now you know why! Oh well. I posted about camping remote in a camper, and I can conserve power and water really well, the wife however, well she has other good points. She can't comprehend shutting off the water while brushing teeth, etc.
I also talked about gardening. The most important thing is find out from others what grows well in your area. If you have a few success with hardy plants that are easy to grow, then you'll be more likely to try others.
With solar, I agree that a/c is the holy grail. It just takes a huge investment to make that happen. Maybey a small unit just in your bedroom or small space, but to do the whole house is a tough goal. I look at things a little differently than most. Instead of figuring out how to make a system that big, I also look at how can I be more efficient to need less of a system.
I'm envious of your spring! I have a good fire right now, and am deciding if it's warm enough to go outside yet to get started on today's projects. It's not terrible, but there was frost on everything this morning. It's supposed to drop a lot Friday morning here. I guess splitting some more wood will be first on the list!

 

[Gazrok]

With solar, I agree that a/c is the holy grail. It just takes a huge investment to make that happen. Maybey a small unit just in your bedroom or small space, but to do the whole house is a tough goal.

The better solution there, is like you said, pick one smaller space to keep in A/C, and simply escape the heat there.

 

[jimLE]

if i went with a smaller space when it comes to solar and a/c..it'd probably be my bedroom..maybe the living room..my bedroom cools/heats more quickly then any other part of the house..

 

[Gazrok]

One of the reasons I want to put in a pool. (to keep cool). Not to mention the backup supply of washing water. Just a pain to maintain, but I've got 3 folks to help out with that (if they want the benefit). I figure I can get a good above ground pool, and sink it in about two feet or so, and build a good deck around it, for about 1/10 of the price of putting in a built-in one.

As long as it is done well, I think it could still look nice, and be as sturdy as an in-ground one. I even have an idea where a cover would reside under the decking, and could be easily pulled over the pool when not in use. (maybe even automate it, with like a gate motor or a garage door motor unit).

Even thought of this little trick. In the middle of the pool cover, sew on a canvas strip with a metal ring attached. That way, when it rains, and rainwater and leaves, etc. collect in the center dip, you can snag the hook, and lift the center of the cover, creating a tent shape, to let all that crud slough off the sides, instead of going in your clean pool water.

 

[jimLE]

remember hoppity hops that has a handle on them?airing them up and placeing them under the cover might work

 

[Brent S]

One of the reasons I want to put in a pool. (to keep cool). Not to mention the backup supply of washing water. Just a pain to maintain, but I've got 3 folks to help out with that (if they want the benefit). I figure I can get a good above ground pool, and sink it in about two feet or so, and build a good deck around it, for about 1/10 of the price of putting in a built-in one.

As long as it is done well, I think it could still look nice, and be as sturdy as an in-ground one. I even have an idea where a cover would reside under the decking, and could be easily pulled over the pool when not in use. (maybe even automate it, with like a gate motor or a garage door motor unit).

Even thought of this little trick. In the middle of the pool cover, sew on a canvas strip with a metal ring attached. That way, when it rains, and rainwater and leaves, etc. collect in the center dip, you can snag the hook, and lift the center of the cover, creating a tent shape, to let all that crud slough off the sides, instead of going in your clean pool water.

Like you said, if you build a deck around it you can't even tell it's an above ground hardly. Another plus is if you get tired of it you can get rid of it easily. I had a pool in fla. but the season is too short here for it to be worthwhile. Luckily I have two creeks for water in a pinch, so I'll stick to just a hot tub. With my aches and pains from hard work it's my favorite pastime, along with a glass of wine! I bought a pool cover that was a giant piece of bubble wrap. Just cut it to fit and it floats on top. It helped keep some of the warmth in too.

 

[Gazrok]

remember hoppity hops that has a handle on them?airing them up and placeing them under the cover might work

That (or something like it) was actually my first thought, but it would still pool rainwater in a ring around it.

 

[Graynomad]

I posted about camping remote in a camper, and I can conserve power and water really well, the wife however, well she has other good points. She can't comprehend shutting off the water while brushing teeth, etc.

We can live quite happily on 10 litres per day (5 each, not including laundry of large items like bedding, but including home brew ), did so for years.

I also talked about gardening. The most important thing is find out from others what grows well in your area. If you have a few success with hardy plants that are easy to grow, then you'll be more likely to try others.

Fortunately we have friends nearby who are ahead of us in the gardening stakes, so when the time comes I'll just ask them what worked

Maybey a small unit just in your bedroom or small space, but to do the whole house is a tough goal. I look at things a little differently than most. Instead of figuring out how to make a system that big, I also look at how can I be more efficient to need less of a system.

Yes our friends with the 10,000w system have AC in the bedroom only, the system will happily run it (you only need about 3000w inverter) but of course you have to replace the power somehow, that's the rub.

I think the bedroom should be the first place to have AC as it's very hard to get to sleep if you're sweating like a pig.

Instead of figuring out how to make a system that big, I also look at how can I be more efficient to need less of a system.

That's the way to do it, may I suggest you move to a hot dry climate

I'm envious of your spring! I have a good fire right now, and am deciding if it's warm enough to go outside yet to get started on today's projects. It's not terrible, but there was frost on everything this morning. It's supposed to drop a lot Friday morning here. I guess splitting some more wood will be first on the list!

We live in a very mild climate, the only real difference between summer and winter is that I (sometimes) wear a shirt in winter and never do in summer (well hardly ever, maybe when we have visitors). I've never seen a frost here, but we do get fogs in winter.

I'm only half joking about moving to a better climate, it's much easier and cheaper to live when it's warm.

 

[Brent S]

We can live quite happily on 10 litres per day (5 each, not including laundry of large items like bedding, but including home brew ), did so for years.


Fortunately we have friends nearby who are ahead of us in the gardening stakes, so when the time comes I'll just ask them what worked


Yes our friends with the 10,000w system have AC in the bedroom only, the system will happily run it (you only need about 3000w inverter) but of course you have to replace the power somehow, that's the rub.

I think the bedroom should be the first place to have AC as it's very hard to get to sleep if you're sweating like a pig.


That's the way to do it, may I suggest you move to a hot dry climate


We live in a very mild climate, the only real difference between summer and winter is that I (sometimes) wear a shirt in winter and never do in summer (well hardly ever, maybe when we have visitors). I've never seen a frost here, but we do get fogs in winter.

I'm only half joking about moving to a better climate, it's much easier and cheaper to live when it's warm.

We normally have a fairly mild winter here too, but right now 3/4 of the country is getting blasted from a freak polar wind. It's setting record lows all over the US.
I really like learning new things/skills, so gardening and canning has been a lot of fun. It is a little tough though, as gardening is as much intuition as science. It's easy to follow directions on how to do something. It becomes tougher when Mother Nature throws in new variables each year. I guess that's what keeps you on your toes though.

 

[Gazrok]

Yep, I'm either gonna suck at it (gardening), at first, do well, or a mix. We'll just have to see. I researched it all to death, and spoke with other local farmers in the feed and hay stores, etc., so hopefully, I'm starting on a good footing with it. Trying out a lot of different crops, so hopefully, I'll be good at at least some of these. Even found out about the "3 Sisters" method, the other day, which sounds cool (grow corn, then pole beans which use the corn, and squash around the base). Supposedly a method used by the Native Americans for ages.

 

[Brent S]

Yep, I'm either gonna suck at it (gardening), at first, do well, or a mix. We'll just have to see. I researched it all to death, and spoke with other local farmers in the feed and hay stores, etc., so hopefully, I'm starting on a good footing with it. Trying out a lot of different crops, so hopefully, I'll be good at at least some of these. Even found out about the "3 Sisters" method, the other day, which sounds cool (grow corn, then pole beans which use the corn, and squash around the base). Supposedly a method used by the Native Americans for ages.

I tried it a few times, but the corn shaded the beans and squash too much. They all seemed to do better when on their own. I really liked the idea of a natural trellis for the runners to grow on though. I've decided I really suck at corn. I've planted it 5 yrs in a row, and just this year did I actually harvest some. Even though it finally produced, it was kind of mushy and bland. Edible, but not exactly what I was going for. Everyone here said it was a tough year for it. One of these days I'll get some! I did learn that corn loves nitrogen. The chicken manure is great for it. Right now I'm getting close to harvesting beets and carrots. I have the snow peas getting close too. The sweet peas are one of my favorite things, I eat a third of em before getting back in the house! The kale grows great here, and I'm using 95% of it to supplement the rabbits. I don't know how well it would grow in fla as it likes cold though. The best advice I can give you is start piling leaves where you want to have the garden. The more the better. They put all sorts of nutrition in the soil.

 

[Gazrok]

I have horse manure, hehe.... But yeah, we do a compost pile also. We'll be prepping the garden in december, and starting from either starter plants, or indoor seeding, then transplant, depending on what's available.

Interesting on the shade issue. None of the three are really too vital of a crop, yet, so I'll give it a shot, and see how it goes. If not, then yeah, next time I'll separate. There are lettuce varieties that can work here, including kale varieties, so will have to see how that goes too. Growing carrots for the bunnies and horses, and lettuce for the bunnies, is a nice side benefit to the garden, if it works out. (same reason I want to grow apple trees so bad).

I know, I know, in FL, but there are 3 varieties that do grow here, so going to give them a shot.

 

[jimLE]

my okra plants are finely dieing off (from the cold temps)..so i'll be bush hogging them when im ready to..and if i can..i'll be adding grass clippings to the garden.even then.i'll just pile them up on top of the garden.and leave it untill next growing season..then till them into the ground then..

 

[hlrive]

I love having a garden, however our land use to be a junk yard for old cars and stuff and it's nothing but pure gravel here now. I have to dig down about 3 feet to find any good dirt and then it's only in certain areas. I decided this coming spring to use old tires and stuff and fill it with top soil, and manure, I think it will work better. The only thing that seems to grow around here good is hot peppers and I don't eat them. So my goal for this coming spring will be to paint some tires and start filling them with dirt.

 

[Gazrok]

Good plan. I've seen some great gardens using the tire method.

 

[HarrySachs]

For me 2015 will consist of getting a generator (finally) and working on a firearm
other than a shotgun. Id like to work on solar panels but the may have to wait til
2016. This year i really worked on gardening and canning so i think 2015 will be
even better. As of now I dont have a plan on bugging out but would really like to
get a bug out trailer set up just in case.

 

[Gazrok]

Big projects for the new year: (? = when I can get to it, find deals, etc.)

1. The Garden (veggie and herb, and around the house) - Feb
2. Canning (the excess from the garden) - April
3. More fencing (main pasture, and adding some gates) -
4. ManCave (not really a prep thing, but....) - Jan
5. More Water Barrels - ?
6. Fruit Trees (planting) - April
7. Fuel Storage Barrels (with Stabil, etc.) - ? (Probably going to just fill up a 5 gallon container here and there, then pour it in a storage barrel/s, to gradually build up a stockpile.)

 

[hlrive]

Big projects for the new year: (? = when I can get to it, find deals, etc.)

1. The Garden (veggie and herb, and around the house) - Feb
2. Canning (the excess from the garden) - April
3. More fencing (main pasture, and adding some gates) -
4. ManCave (not really a prep thing, but....) - Jan
5. More Water Barrels - ?
6. Fruit Trees (planting) - April
7. Fuel Storage Barrels (with Stabil, etc.) - ? (Probably going to just fill up a 5 gallon container here and there, then pour it in a storage barrel/s, to gradually build up a stockpile.)

#7
How do you make it stay good??? They say it is only good for a year. However propane will last for many years but gas and kerosene, don't last long.

 

[jontte]

never thought it would be possible,but as I started this medic school,we have there some periods of practical work also, mentioned it to my teacher today that I still plan to move away from this city when ready,so she told me there could be a possibility to do my practical work orientation period in the neck of wood I plan to move to...would get my face known to them in advance..it would help my relocation alot

 

[Brent S]

Big projects for the new year: (? = when I can get to it, find deals, etc.)

1. The Garden (veggie and herb, and around the house) - Feb
2. Canning (the excess from the garden) - April
3. More fencing (main pasture, and adding some gates) -
4. ManCave (not really a prep thing, but....) - Jan
5. More Water Barrels - ?
6. Fruit Trees (planting) - April
7. Fuel Storage Barrels (with Stabil, etc.) - ? (Probably going to just fill up a 5 gallon container here and there, then pour it in a storage barrel/s, to gradually build up a stockpile.)

I think you're on the right track gaz. Gardening is at the top of your list. I'm still pretty new at it myself, but I feel that being able to produce food, and propagate the seeds, is one of the most important skills you can learn.