Preppers Matrix - NOT FOR BEGINNERS - and you thought this was going to be easy!

If you would like to "download" a copy of this matrix please look at the right side of this post under "DOWNLOADABLE PDF'S"

Hygiene/Sanitation Preparedness Kit- Video #1

Indoor Seed Starting 101

There may still be snow on the ground, but it is the perfect time here in Zone 5 to get our 2013 garden started. We had variable success starting seeds last year, but after Hubby Dear's research and an investment in infrastructure, we feel confident that this year will be more fruitful. Here's how we started our broccoli, cabbage, and kale transplants.

First, gather whatever pots you want to start your seeds in.

Toilet paper roll pots aren't just cheap - they really work great! 

We are using a mix of containers. Here is the link to my tutorial on making little pots out of toilet paper rolls.

Recycled containers drying after being dipped in a bleach solution

We are also recycling a variety of plastic containers. We washed them, drilled several holes in the bottom of each pot, and sanitized them prior to planting in a 10% bleach solution. Seeds and baby plants can be very delicate and mold or bacteria growth from an improperly cleaned container could kill them.

Tip #1: Sanitize recycled or previously used seed starting containers. 

In addition to containers, you will need a seed-starting mix. Seed-starting mix is different from regular potting soil in that it is sterile. Sterile conditions will greatly improve your chance to avoid the dreaded damping off disease and other issues that can plague seedlings started in potting soil.

You can make your own seed-starting mix. Here are a couple of "recipes" you can try: this one or that one.  We decided to go ahead and buy a large bag of it from Johnny's Selected Seeds and I noticed that even our local Wal-Mart is carrying organic seed-starting mix.

Tip #2: Buy or make a proper seed-starting mix.

The night before we planted our seeds, we poured out the amount of seed starting mix that we estimated we would need. Then we added enough water to moisten but not flood the soil. By noon the next day, the moisture level was perfect - similar to a wrung-out sponge.

Mini Me demonstrating the proper consistency of the seed starting mix

Since the soil would be consistently moist throughout, the seeds would get a serious head-start to germination.

Tip #3: Pre-moisten your soil prior to planting. 

Now that you have sanitized containers, moistened seed-starting mix, and, of course, some seeds, it's time for the fun part. Scoop the soil mix into the pots and then tap the container several times against whatever work surface you are using.

Tapping the pot

You will be surprised just how much the soil will settle when you tap the pot and eliminate air pockets. This is a simple trick that can make a huge difference in your results. Top off with more seed-starting mix if necessary and then lightly press the soil down with your finger

Tip #4: Tap, tap, tap that container! 

Then add your seeds. We put two seeds in each container.

Covering the seeds. These are "Farao" cabbage seeds. 

Then we lightly covered the seeds with soil so that the seeds would be at the depth recommended on the seed packet - about 1/4" deep for the type of seeds we planted (all are brassica or cole crops).

Planted! 

The next step was to lightly water the containers. We chose to use a spray bottle so we could gently mist everything.

Next, we placed a dome over our seed starting tray. We happened to buy a dome kit, but you don't need to get fancy. You can slide the whole apparatus into a plastic bag and it will work just as well. The point is to keep moisture in until germination occurs.

Tip #5: Keep things covered until the seeds germinate. 

Sprout little seeds! Note: we have our lighting rig on, but it is not necessary for germination. 

About 48 hours after we planted the seeds, the first cabbage sprouts poked their sleepy heads above the soil. Success!

As soon as the first seedling pokes out of the soil, take OFF your dome or plastic bag. Turn on your lights or put the seedlings in a sunny window. Here's the post about the DIY seed starting lighting rig we put together. The seedlings need a lot of light to grow into strong, sturdy plants. We have our lights on a timer so that the plants get about 16 hours of light a day.

Our cabbage sprouts on day three

Broccoli, cabbage, etc. will sprout just fine in our cool basement. The lights are 1-2" above the plants; this is to give the seedlings the optimum amount of light but it also warms them ever so slightly. We will have to provide supplemental heat for our tomato, pepper, and eggplants, however, since they are heat lovers.

Tip #6: Check heat requirements for the optimum germination. 

Cabbage on day five. 

I can already tell that this year's plants are going to be more sturdy than those we started in 2012. It is amazing how much of a difference the correct amount of light makes.

Tip #7: Let there be light! Lots and lots of light. 

Since the lights are on a timer, it takes very little of my time to care for the seedlings. They need to stay moist, but too much water can cause the seedlings to rot. We are watering from the bottom in an attempt to minimize that problem. We pour water into the bottom tray, let the plants soak up the water for 30 minutes, and then pour off any remaining water.

Tip #8: Water from the bottom. 

A Year of Supplemental Food Storage for $300 for a family of FOUR !!

I have come across an amazing find, thanks to a FB friend; I have learned how to add enough food to my storage to feed us (2 adults and two kids) for a year!  This is a combination of legumes, grains, beans etc that provides balanced, nutritious meals daily very cheap.  The thing I love about this recipe is that it can be changed in many different ways by adding left over meats, vegetables, dry vegetables, TVP, potatoes, etc.

This recipe has been around the internet for years now, but this is the first time I have seen it.  I have researched for hours on ways to get a years’ worth of food storage for a reasonable cost and finally found it, so I thought I would share it with all of our APN readers. 

I am going to list the things needed and what you are supposed to do so you have an easy list at hand and instructions to add to your buckets.

What you will need:

Food:

• 4 x 22 pounds of rice. Any kind of rice will do.  (Four 20 pound bags + 8 one pound bags) OR two 50lb bags at Sam’s.
• 2 x 11 pounds of Kidney Beans.  (22 one pound bags)
• 2 x 11 pounds of barley.  (22 one pound bags)
• 2 x 11 pounds of yellow lentils.  (22 one pound bags)
• 1 x 5.5 pounds of split green peas.  (6 one pound bags)
• 1 x 5.5 chick peas/garbanzo beans.  (6 one pound bags)
• 30 pounds beef or chicken bouillon.  (or both) It will be added to each batch as you cook it.

Hardware:

• Four/Five 5 gallon buckets for the rice. (rice usually settles if you shake it down so its give or take here)
• One 5 gallon bucket for kidney beans.
• One five gallon bucket for the barley.
• One 5 gallon bucket for the yellow lentils.
• One 1 gallon bucket for the split green peas.
• One 1 gallon bucket for the chick peas/garbanzo.
• Thirty-two oxygen absorbers

Total of  six 10 gallon buckets and two 1 gallon buckets.

Approximate Cost Where I Live:

• Rice @ Sam’s: 2 x $16.48 = $32.96 (two 50 lb bags)
• Kidney Beans /sale: 22 x $0.67 = $14.74
• Pearl Barley /sale: 22 x $0.59 = $12.98
• Lentils / sale: 22 x $0.45 = $9.90
• Green Split Peas / sale: 6 x $0.40 = $2.40
• Chick peas (garbanzo) / sale: 6 x $0.58 = $3.48
• Beef Bouillon: $65.49

Total Food:   $141.95

• Ten 5 gallon food grade buckets: $51.10 (free shipping) You can also check with your local Sam’s or grocery store bakeries for free buckets.  We go to fire house sub and pay $2.00 for them when they have them because ALL procedes go to the local fire departments.
• Ten Gamma lids: $69.70(pick up in store)
• One Gallon Buckets & lids: $15.25 (have to order a min of five, $15.25 is total cost)
• Shipping for buckets and lids: $7.90
• Oxygen Absorbers: Sixty 300CC = $9.97 (3 packs of 20)

Total Hardware: $153.92

Total combined cost: $295.87

Note: The reason the title says for $300 is to give some room based on cost of living in your area.

Directions:

• Put split green peas and the chick peas in a separate 1 gallon bucket, add 1 OA (Ooxygen Absorber) to the bucket, seal.
• Put Barley, Kidney beans, and lentils in separate 5 gallon containers adding 5 OA per bucket, seal.
• Divide rice up in remaining 5 gallon buckets with 5 OA in each bucket, seal.

How to make your soup:

• 8 oz of rice
• 2 oz of red kidney beans
• 2 oz of pearl barley
• 2 oz of lintels
• 1 oz of split green peas
• 1 oz of chick peas/garbanzo’s
• Bouillon to taste

Take the 16 oz dry mixture and add 6-7 quarts of water with a spoon of butter or olive oil (optional) to prevent the water from boiling over.  Add 3 tablespoons bouillon or to taste.  Then add any other meats, vegetables, potatoes or seasonings you’d like to.  I personally love to add garlic and Lima beans.  DO NOT add onions.  They will spoil the mixture. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for two hours.  You should have enough to feed 4 people for two days if rationed correctly.

Note: Onions ferment too quickly and will cut the time you are able to store the already cooked soup mixture. There is always the option of dried onions and you can add it to smaller batches you know will be eaten on the first day.

On the second day you will need to add more water and a tablespoon of bouillon because it will thicken in the refrigerator overnight. Boil for a min of ten minutes to kill off any potential bacteria, especially if you’re not able to store it in the refrigerator because you’re without electricity.

You will be full off of ONE large bowl of this delicious soup.  The kids usually eat about a half a bowl with bread.  That’s what makes it so great.  If able to, bake some bread or corn bread to go with it.

If there is any mixture left on the third day, then just add it to the new mixture you make.  (If making a new mixture on the third day) As time goes by you will learn to tell how much of each ingredient you need to fit your family’s needs.

With the exception of dairy and Vitamin B 12, this should take care of your nutritional needs.  Maybe not all of your wants, but once you get this out of the way, you can concentrate on adding the stuff you want to your food storage knowing you have enough for a year already if you half to use it.

I hope this helps you all to begin or expand your food storage!

How To Open A Can Without A Can Opener

"MORE" Things You May Want On Your "MUST HAVE" List (21-25)

When tragedy strikes, items that you typically take for granted become essential. If you plan on surviving, you have to know what items are necessities and what you can look past. The items you hoard can mean the difference between surviving another day and having to plunder and steal to live. If you’ve never given this any thought, you need to seriously start considering it. In order to give you a little help, we’ve compiled a list of items you should hoard in an emergency. When a natural disaster occurs, you will be at an advantage if you stockpile the items mentioned below.

21: Electric Cooker

If you don’t want to eat cold canned foods every day, then a cooker will definitely come in handy. You can run it with the electricity generated by your generator or with multi-fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, or white gas. It is a much faster way to cook than trying to start a handmade fire and will allow you to have some decent meals even if you don’t have the modern conveniences of a stovetop oven.

22: Batteries

Earlier, we listed a battery operated radio as an essential item. There are other battery operated items that will come in handy so you’ll want to stock up on as many batteries as possible. Try to get as many battery sizes as possible and if you can get rechargeable batteries that will be even better. Get a solar powered battery charger to be able to get the most out of your batteries. When buying batteries, try and make sure you’re getting the newest ones by looking at the expiration date.

23: Pest and Insect Repellent

If you’re stranded as a result of a natural disaster or other event, you may be forced with dealing with tons of bugs and insects. You want to keep as many of them away as possible. Not only are bugs a nuisance, but they also carry diseases that you want to avoid. They will be all over so having a good bug spray available will help keep them away. Also consider keeping traps that are often used in gardening as well. This will all come in handy when it comes to keeping the bugs away.

24: Proper Footwear

Having comfortable footwear is essential for survival. A good pair of hiking boots and comfortable sneakers are going to help you out a lot. You will be doing a lot of moving around and walking because driving won’t be an option. You’re not going to make it very far in that pair of loafers or high heels so you want shoes that are made for walking and standing for extended periods of times. Also you want footwear that is durable and will last for a long time.

25: Hiking Backpack

When it comes to surviving an emergency situation, your laptop backpack won’t suffice. You need a full fledge hiking backpack that can hold several different survival items. Your survival bag will house your water, first aid kit, tools, and anything else that you need to survive. You need to be able to pick it up and get on the move quickly. Keep the most important items in here that you won’t be able to live without.  

The 52 Week Food Storage Plan; Made Simple

In the beginning, we all struggle to wrap our heads around the idea of having enough food in our food storage to last our family for a year.  It can be very overwhelming.  I have learned through multiple sources how to break this project down to make your long-term goal more attainable AND controllable.  Organization is the key to getting your storage done faster and more effectively to ensure your family has a 3 month supply of food, and also a years worth of food.

This article will show a different way to go about collecting food storage, by having a set goal and plan in mind versus just buying this and that all the time and then wondering, “Just how many meals do I have here?”  So much space is wasted on food storage because a plan is not laid out and followed and you never really know how many meals you have on hand.

The plan:

The first thing you’re going to do is sit down and come up with a meal plan for two weeks (14 days).  That will include breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Everyone’s will be different based on your family’s needs.  We have four people in our family so my examples/numbers will be based on that.  You can change the numbers based on the amount of people you will feed and their dietary choices.

Now comes the math.  Based on your meal plan, you will have to figure up the amount of servings each family member would eat according to the package directions.  Once you have that figured out, multiply it by 52  to see how many servings of that product are needed.  (Or 13 weeks if starting with a 3 month plan)  Then  multiply it by the amount of each family member in your household.

It would look like this:  These figures are based on eating the product once a week.

• Amount of Servings x 52 Weeks in the Year = Total amount needed for one person.
• Total amount x 4 =  The complete amount needed to eat that product once a week for one year.
• If you were to eat that product twice in one week you would then multiply the complete amount x two.  (And so on)

Here is an example of one of our breakfast meals and one of a dinner meal so you can get an idea of how to work the math.

Breakfast For 1 day:

Sausage:

• Honey Ville #10 canned sausage holds 24 servings of sausage.  One serving is half a cup, but re-hydrates to 1 cup.  Based on that, I count the 1/2 cup servings as one cup of sausage. (Or you can opt for TVP freeze-dried sausage, this is considerably cheaper, but it is textured vegetable protein verses real pork)
• 1 cup of sausage x 52 = 52 c
• 52/24 (number of servings) = approx 2.1 cans
• 2 cans x 4 people = 8 cans of sausage
• 8 cans = sausage for breakfast once time a week for an entire year.

Water amount to re-hydrate the meat.  One cup of boiling water to a 1/2 cup of sausage.

• 24 cups of water x 8 cans of sausage = 192 cups of water
• Conversion: 192 cups of water = 12 gallons of water to prepare these meals.

Eggs:

• Honey Ville Powdered Eggs #10 can = 78 tablespoons
• One egg takes 2 tablespoons of powdered mix.
• 8 eggs = 16 tablespoons  (2 eggs each)
• 16 tablespoons x 52 = 832 tablespoons for 2 eggs each, once a week, for one year.
• 78 tablespoons x 11 cans = 858 tablespoons
• 11 cans = 2 eggs, one time a week, per person for a year with a little left over.

Water amount needed: To reconstitute 1 egg, add 4 tablespoons of water.

• 8 eggs x 4 tablespoons of water = 32 tablespoons water
• 32 tablespoons water x 52 weeks in a year = 1664 tablespoons water
• Conversion: 1664 tablespoons = 104 cups of water which = 6.5 gallons of water

Conclusion: To eat this meal once a week for a family of four, we would need;

• 8 cans of Honey Ville freeze-dried sausage.
• 11 cans of Honey Ville Powdered Whole Eggs
• 18.5 gallons of water.  (This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to add that to your water storage. These small amounts can be used out of each person’s gallon of water per day.)

 Dinner for 1 day:

Spaghetti Sauce and Noodles:

• 1- 32 ounce jar of Classico spaghetti sauce x 52 = 52 Jars
• 1- pounds package of noodles x 52 = 52 packages of noodles
•  1- Packages of Bisquick garlic rolls that you just add water two x 52 = 52 packs

Conclusion: To eat spaghetti once a week for a year you will need;

• 52 Jars of spaghetti sauce.
• 52 packages of noodles.
• 52 packages of Bisquick garlic roll mix.

OR you can go with the simple pre-made entrees in # 10 cans.  For example:

Mountain House #10 Can of Spaghetti With Meat Sauce:

• 10- 1 cup servings per can
• 52/10 (number of servings) =  5.2 cans (We will say 6 cans.)
• 6 cans x 4 = 24 cans of Spaghetti and meat sauce.

As you can see, putting together the meal plan for a two-week meal plan takes a little time and a bit of basic math, but it will be worth it in the end.  It will save you money and give you comfort knowing that you have daily meals for 3 months or 1 year.  I recommend starting off with a 3 month supply of regular daily meals and then build upon that with your staples.  (Meaning 5 gallon buckets of flour, beans, wheat, sugar, powdered milk and things of that nature.)  That does not mean you can’t add other items like spices or snacks if you have the means to.  For us, having a plan and sticking to it according to our budget has really helped keep things in order and accomplish our goals.

We set aside $50.00 a week to use directly on our meal plans.  Make a list and start at the top.  Once you have completed your first item, move on to the second.  Before you know it, you will be fully stocked with your first 3 months.

Have a crispy salad every time!

You're family can always has a crisp, healthy salad. Now when my kids say they’re hungry, I say, “Go eat a salad!” For a main dish, we add whatever cooked meat is in the fridge, along with some cheese and hard boiled eggs.

Super quick and super easy because I only have to make a large salad every 7-10 days. All you’ll need is a large bowl with a snap-on lid, 2 paper towels, and a salad.

CRANK-A-WATT™ Makes Power Indoors or Out!

• Patent Pending combo hand crank generator
• Crank by hand or use a bicycle (Bike and stand not included)
• Battery volt meter.
• Free spinning handle.
• Ideal for first responders, keeps police and fire fighters radios charged and ready
• Actual 12V Battery not included: you will receive a voucher for a battery due to shipping restrictions
• The Ultimate "preppers" tool for instant electricity
• Lifetime Warranty on generator. The generator will never wear out
• Instant power anytime, simply by cranking the handle and charging the battery
• 400 watts max. wattage output
• High amp generator design
• Virtually indestructible "permanent magnet" designed Alternator/Generator
• Weather resistant case with handle
• Onboard battery and inverter storage
• Light weight, easy to transport. Pick it up and go!
• Includes rectifier, battery cables, battery voucher (worth $35.00) and 200 watt inverter for operating 120 volt household appliances, instantly
• Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

The Practical Preppers Crank a Watt(TM) Emergency Generator keeps your battery charged every time you crank the handle. It will also charge a separate bank of 12 or 24 volt batteries. These premium units have WAY MORE uses than the small hand held wind-up chargers.  It never needs to be plugged into a wall outlet. Popular "jump start" units must be plugged in after every use, making them very limited in a power outage. The Practical Preppers Crank a Watt(TM) is always ready for any emergency.

Attention Preppers! If you're looking for a product that makes electricity without using the sun, wind or gasoline, the Practical Preppers Crank a Watt(TM) is a perfect choice. It makes power indoors or out..... Silently!

A New Look at Very Basic Survival First Aid Kit Contents

First aid kits are important for any type of survival situation. However each person’s first aid kit may be a bit different than anyone else’s. For a first aid kit for survival in disaster situations perhaps the most economical way to do so instead of buying a ready-made, mass produced kit, is simply assemble your own kit. Here are some considerations to think about when creating your own survival first aid kit.

1. First aid training knowledge weighs nothing but may be your most valuable component.
2. What is needed versus what would be nice to have.
3. The weight of the items.
4. The bulk of the items after they are packaged.

1. First Aid Training and Knowledge Weighs Nothing.

This is possible the most important component of your first aide kit is your own personal knowledge and skills of what to do in an emergency. The knowledge that you carry in your head, that can be translated to your hands weighs nothing but is extremely invaluable in any type of crisis situation. There are many free books, videos, classes, websites, etc that will train you to know what to do in an emergency. So get some hands-on training and lots of practice. Your skills and knowledge will give you confidence and help you to keep a cool head in the event of any emergency situation.

Now for the the physical kit items…

2. The Need vs. Want Scale

You need to assess your needs and then add to your actual kit items. You will need items that will do the following:

Stop bleeding and/or protect wounds.
Splint and support broken, sprained or dislocated body parts.
Treat both hypo and hyperthermia.

These are actual needs. Depending on your circumstances you may want to add meds such as aspirin or Tylenol, and pain meds such as NSAIDS can be very useful also. However these meds are not NEEDED items.

3.The weight of the items.

Based on the items that are NEEDED here are some options:

Stop bleeding – there are only four simple items that are needed in your first aid kit that will help to cover this basic issue. These items are duct tape, super glue (the original purpose of super glue was for closing wounds), gauze (small gauze and large packing gauze such as an “H” bandage) and a tourniquet (only use a tourniquet with proper training and knowledge.) Also include iodine or some other liquid to cleanse wounds before covering them.

Splints – Splinting affected areas can be easily done with duct tape or anything else in the surrounding environment that will provide support to the injured body part. Effective splinting can be done using sticks, clothes, a blanket, even debris. Again, proper first aid training is a must to know how to effectively splint an injured body part.

Hypothermia and Hyperthermia – Treating hypothermia (the body is too cold) is simply finding the necessary dry and warm clothes, blankets or other methods to bring the body temperature back to normal. Treating hyperthermia (the body gets too hot) can be done by placing the patient in some sort of shade or even creating shade. An aluminum blanket can be effectively used for treating both conditions. The aluminum blanket can either be used to produce heat by wrapping the patient in it or create shade by directing heat away from the injured person.

4. Consider the Bulk of the Items.

All of the items above have been carefully chosen to provide for some very basic first aid needs without creating too much bulk and can be used for multiple purposes.

Your basic finished first aid kit will include these items:

Gauze
“H” bandage
Super glue
Duct Tape
Iodine
Aluminum Blanket
Pain meds (optional)

Add anything else you may deem necessary for your particular and unique situation and needs. Package all of this together in a waterproof package and label it as a first aid emergency kit. My suggestion is to packing in a red plastic covering or at last attaching a red ribbon to it, since red is the universal color sign of first aid and red is a color that can be easily seen and recognized in a time of crisis.

5 Most Nutritious Vegetables for the Home Garden

This is the time of year you start getting seed catalogs in the mail. As you start to plan ahead for the spring, Here are five of my personal favorite garden varieties to grow. I’ve chosen these for their great nutrition, easiness to grow, and as you’ll see – because maybe I can get the kids to eat them!

Broccoli: This is often called the ‘super vegetable’. Especially high in vitamin C, but also the B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. And yes, I am partial to the common Di Cissio variety for the home garden because you can get more than one cutting with the side shoots. Easy to grow. A general tip on getting kids to eat vegetables, and especially broccoli – smother it with a cheese sauce. Throw in some bacon bits if you want to make it completely irresistible. 

Peas: Sugar snap peas are like candy. I like both the Oregon and Mammoth Melting Sugar varieties. Peas are rich in vitamin C, but also vitamin K and manganese. The best reason of all to grow these is my kids treat my yard like a snack bar when the peas are growing! I’ve almost had to break up fights over who gets the peas – one of the few arguments I loved. 

Leafy greens: OK, I couldn’t decide which is better – kale, spinach, lettuce, chard… I love the Lacinto kale and American spinach varieties. And who can’t pass up good ole Romaine lettuce? Spinach, of course is rich in iron and has been called “the women’s vegetable” as women usually need more iron than men.

Lima Beans; ‘King of the Pole’ Lima Beans are easy to grow and for home gardeners where space can be at a premium, I love the pole beans that can go up, and produce lots of beans with little ground space. Lima’s are very rich in molybdenum, tryptophan, dietary fiber and manganese. Love that buttery taste too. Beans are an awesome staple.

Beets; Gosh, I love this nutritious multi purpose plant. I like to grow the Detroit Red variety. You can eat both the root and the greens. The beet root is high in iron, potassium, and vitamin C. The beet greens are high in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and Vitamins A, B6, and C. The thing I love about beet roots are its easy to get kids to eat them – even surly teenagers. The secret? Tell them their pee will turn red and they will gobble it up to see. 

Moringa: This is actually a tree native to the the tropics or semi-tropics, and to effectively grow it you need to keep it indoors during the winter. Its a perennial and easy to grow, aside from needing to be kept warm. Every part of the tree is edible, medicinal, or useful. The leaves are very rich in a diverse variety of nutrients – it is almost like a vegetable multivitamin. I add a teaspoon of dried moringa leaf power into almost every soup or sauce to boost the overall nutrition for my family.