Survival Gardening - Post Economic Collapse Food Production Methods

by Zachary Carver

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including scanning, photocopying, or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Copyright © 2013

Table of Contents

1. Disaster Preparation

2. Living Off Grid

3. How to Be Self Sufficient

4. Water Harvesting – Everything You Need to Know

5. Starting a Garden

6. Raised Bed Gardening

7. Indoor Gardening

8. Container Gardening

9. Herb Garden

10. Medical Garden

11. Vegetable Gardening

12. How to Grow Vegetables

13. How to Grow Tomatoes

14. Hydroponics

15. Aquaponics

16. Tilapia Farming

17. Worm Farming

18. Backyard Chickens

19. What Is Permaculture

20. How to Grow Fruit Trees

21. Comprehension Questions

22. Comprehension Questions with Answers

1. Disaster Preparation

The key to surviving any disaster is sufficient preparation. You have to complete the so-called disaster supplies kit which is merely a compilation of things that will help you survive in case the basic necessities like water, electricity, and food are cut off. This kit should be prepared beforehand because once disaster strikes, time is of the essence – you have no more time to collect the components of the kit.

Ideally, the authorities suggest that you prepare a 72-hour kit. This means that your kit should contain enough supplies that can help you survive within the next three days. With this, you can be confident enough to move around and find other resources for future consumption. All of these should be stored in a duffel bag or a plastic bag to make it easier to carry. In addition, these should be placed somewhere that is easy to notice, ready to be grabbed at any point when it is needed.

What are the things that should be included in a disaster preparedness kit? Basically, you should have enough food, clean water, supplies for first aid, emergency supplies, beddings, clothing, and other things that your particular situation might deem necessary. Though a 72-hour kit is suggested, it is always better to store supplies that can last for a longer period of time. This will increase your chances of survival.

So, whether it is in the context of the post-apocalyptic world or not, it is still better safe than sorry. Disaster preparedness is done way before the expected event, not on the day before.

2. Living Off Grid

According to statistics, more and more people across the globe are “practicing” how it is like to live off the grid. This may not be necessary today because of the supermarket culture wherein everything you need can be bought. There is virtually no need to have the capability to produce. However, this thinking can be very dangerous, especially if you have become too dependent. In the end, the capacity to produce your own energy and food would help determine your probability to survive even the most unforgiving disasters.

The key is to practice living off the grid even in this consumer-driven economy. Evaluate the resources that you have at the moment like land, water, and other supplies. By doing so, you will be surprised to discover your own potentials. You will turn out to be more self-reliant and you will appreciate Mother Nature more. Most of all, economic factors like inflation or even the biggest Great Depression will not affect you even in the slightest degree.

In the post-apocalyptic world, living off the grid will no longer be just an option. It will be the only acceptable mode of living. In those periods of time, the following things will become useless: mechanical transportations, markets, and money. Today, it might be difficult to imagine how to survive in such a condition. But you should give it a try – can you see yourself in such a world? If so, what kinds of things are you willing to do in order to survive?

3. How to Be Self Sufficient

Self-sufficiency is too big of a concept. But do you know that even in our present world where no major disaster has occurred yet, there are people who claim that they already are self-sufficient. Are you interested to know how they did it? The following are some tips:

·           Raise some livestock. Your land does not have to be that vast in order to raise some chickens or ewe. Making coops and other structures that might be needed in doing so is really easy!

·           Grow some vegetables and fruits. This is a step closer to becoming independent from the supermarket culture. The thought of growing some cherry, plum, and apple in your backyard can be a great motivating factor, too.

·           Home-made fashion will be in. In the post-apocalyptic world, you will no longer have a choice but to do your own mending and sowing. While you still have the chance and the time, try to learn the basics!

·           Self-sufficiency entails taking care of the environment. Use eco-friendly products. This can be achieved better if you produce your own cleaner from salt, vinegar, or lemon juice.

·           Learn how to scavenge for food. Though you may already have your own cherry, plums, and apple in your backyard, these might not be enough! Explore the world beyond and get more tasty treats in the wild. However, you should learn to determine which are safe and which are potentially poisonous.

·           Learn the basics of hunting. Get your daily protein requirement by hunting in the forest or by catching your own fish. Try it now and you can tell that such protein sources are tastier and better tasting than the ones that you get in the supermarket.

The key towards self-sufficiency is by living within your means and living as simply as possible.

4. Water Harvesting – Everything You Need to Know

Water harvesting is the process of obtaining water from the sky in the form of rain or even snow. Water harvesters create devices that would efficiently obtain the water as it falls down and preserving it for future use

Why Harvest Water?

The reason for water harvesting is fairly obvious – to utilize the water for everyday needs. Depending on how the liquid is preserved, individuals may find themselves drinking the water or using it to clean equipment. Considering how water is used every day, there shouldn’t be any lack of uses for water once it is successfully harvested from rain. Some of the uses of harvested water include but are not limited to:

·           Drinking water.

·           Irrigation needs.

·           Basic washing tasks.

·           Address ground water storage

Ways to Harvest Water

Individuals who simply want to “catch’ water and use it for non-sterile purposes can put a bucket on the corner of a rooftop and catch whatever liquid that falls down. Many harvesters today however, have become more sophisticated with their methods, especially since they have every intention of using the water for something more. For those who are considering how to do water harvesting, following are the different methods for this.

·           Ferrocement Tanks - This is the most common type of water harvesting, often used in rural areas where building large industrial equipment is not possible. Think of the ferrocement tanks as barrels that manage to store water and keep it clean for washing or even drinking needs. The ferrocement tank is usually placed at the corner of homes where water usually flows out of after passing through pipes.

·           Groundwater Dam – This is a bit harder to set up but definitely more efficient when it comes to storage. As the name suggests, the water is stored under water. These dams are specifically created to obstruct the flow of water underground and instead put it to good use for specific tasks. Once stored underground, the water is often obtained through a pipe or a pump. What’s great about this method is that it decreases the rate of evaporation. Hence, the water is made available for longer periods of time.

·           Kund – a modern way of harvesting water, kunds are typically used by entire communities to obtain water for year-long use. They originated in areas where ground water storage is insufficient to keep the whole community supplied. Basically, a kund is an underground tank that is efficiently covered to keep the collected water clean. The tank is often elevated to capture more rainfall. It comes with a saucer-like catchment protected by a fine mesh to keep dirt away. According to studies, a kund can collect thousands of litres of water during sufficient rainfall.

·           Bamboo Stream – so far, most of the harvesting methods shown here involve obtaining the water directly as it falls from the sky. Another method however, is by getting it through overflows in the stream. In some countries like India and Japan, a pipe system is made from bamboos, leading the excess stream water to a reservoir.

Of course, those aren’t the only forms of water harvesting today. Although there are different methods of obtaining water, the basic principle applies. This is to catch the rainwater and run it through a passage that directly deposits the water to the end container. The catchment surface is usually raised to make sure that the water is obtained even before it hits something that can compromise the integrity of the liquid.  The main difference is usually the type of container which houses the water.

Benefits of Harvesting Water

There are multiple benefits for harvesting water, starting with the fact that it lessens the need for buying from commercial sources. For the modern man, this means paying less for the utilities at the end of the month. However, that’s not the only advantage of water harvesting. Following are the different perks of taking this one small step.

·           Environmental Concerns – Everyday, homes utilize gallons of water coming from a finite source. Sooner or later, there’s a good chance that the water source will dry up, leading to water shortage. Through water harvesting however, homeowners will be able to help delay this from happening. More often than not, having an ample storage of harvested water provides Mother Nature with enough time to refill the original sources.

·           Prevents Flooding – For those who live in areas hit frequently by floods, water harvesting can be a big help. By preventing the rainwater from seeping to the ground, individuals are basically making sure that the land wouldn’t be oversaturated with liquid, therefore leading to flooding.

·           Cost–Efficient – This refers to homeowners who take the time to harvest water for their basic needs. Even if they just use a basic container to funnel water, this can lead to ample water savings overtime. Much like solar panels, a good water harvesting equipment can pay for itself in as little as one year.

·           Better for Plants – Plants actually thrive better with rainwater rather than the processed ones coming from the tap. This is because rainwater contains specific nutrients that boost the health of the plants. This is why flowers and leaves look so colorful after significant rain. Tap water, on the other hand, is processed and contains minerals not needed or may even be harmful to the plant.

·           A Feeling of Accomplishment – Don’t shrug it off, but successfully harvesting water really does offer individuals with a sense of accomplishment and doing good. Keep in mind that rainwater is a basic resource that costs nothing. Making the most of it is definitely something to be proud about.

To wrap it up, water harvesting allows individuals to become more self sufficient with their everyday needs. Thanks to a ready supply of harvested water, homeowners wouldn’t have to depend solely on the water company when washing the car, watering the plants or even for drinking water. Of course, this doesn’t mean that harvesting water can cover all the needs of a household. However, it can significantly decrease the dependency, allowing individuals to eventually save on the expenses.

5. Starting a Garden

“Where do I start?”

This is often the first and by far the most difficult question that you might encounter especially in starting a garden. But it all begins with the evaluation of what you have. How large is you available land area? What is the prevailing weather and climate within your locale?

·           After doing some evaluation and after determining the possible crops that you can grow, you can move on to the selection of a good gardening site. A good site should have plenty of sunlight and should be near the source of water.

·           Also, you should evaluate the soil. You can enhance its quality by putting in some biodegradable materials and by maintaining its moisture. Plowing it beforehand might also be necessary.

·           Now, you can choose the plants. The plants that you can grow depend on the soil type and hardiness zone. The weather should also be considered carefully.

·           Designing your garden. It might be the post-apocalyptic world, but it does not mean that you have to take the fun away from gardening. And yes, half of the fun is due to the design component of the activity. Do not be afraid to plan your plot. It will also help if you plan what crops to rotate and which plots they will take.

·           Complete the garden tools while you can. In all probability, you can still buy in the market as of this writing. But if you are already living in the post-apocalyptic world, then you should rely on your creativity and resourcefulness to create your own tools for gardening.

Now, you can proceed to maintaining your garden. After setting up and raising your first few crops, the main job that you have is taking care of your garden. Maintaining a garden may be tough, but thinking of the benefits of having a garden makes you realize that all the effort that you give is worth it.

6. Raised Bed Gardening

Raised bed gardening is turning out to be one of the most popular modes of raising your own veggies at home. This is a good option, especially if you have poor soil or poor drainage in your backyard. And here’s the best part: there is no longer a need to bend over just to harvest your produce.

What are the steps for starting your own raised bed garden?

·           Put in some compost or high-quality soil in the bed. Make sure to rake the surface until it is smooth. Removal of debris and stones is also essential.

·           The plants can be spaced closer than the usual. This is okay since the soil that you use in this mode of gardening is more concentrated. Add to that the fact that the gardening area is small and limited.

·           If you want to raise some lettuce, make sure to poke some holes in your garden soil with at least 6 inch spacing. On those holes, you can sprinkle some seeds. When the seeds germinate, you can proceed with the thinning – limit the growth to one seedling for each hole.

·           Broadcasting of seed over the raised bed’s surface is also a good option. You may take carrots as an example. After broadcasting the seeds, you can cover those seeds with fine-textured soil. Distribute the soil evenly.

·           Along the edge of each bed, you may plant some cucumbers. They will surely like being on the edge of the raised bed.

Make sure to water the gardens right after planting the seeds.

7. Indoor Gardening

Gardening indoors, at present, can be a rewarding and fun hobby. But in the post-apocalyptic world, it can be a skill that can save your life.

Imagine planting some vegetables right at your windowsill depending only on the watering setup that you have made and the indoor lighting. Sounds like fun right? But this can be a very practical option that can take you a step closer towards self-sufficiency.

The following are some of the areas of concern that you should think of if you think you will go for indoor gardening:

Lighting: If there is still electricity, you can go for 14 to 16 hours of lighting. If you will be using the natural light from the sun, you will only have about 6 hours of exposure.

Temperature: In order to ensure survival of plants, make sure to keep your indoor temperature within the 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit range at all times. This is considered as the best temperature for raising crops indoors.

Circulation of air: In order to keep the pests and bacteria away from your herbs, make sure that the air is constantly being circulated.

The garden soil: Aside from choosing the best quality garden soil for your herbs, it is necessary to constantly check the drainage. Moisture is good, but making your plants sit on water can cause your crops to rot. On top of that, check your garden soil’s composition. It is always better to maintain the following proportions: 1/3 loam soil, 1/3 sand, and 1/3 peat moss.

Fertilizer: Application of artificial and natural fertilizers may be necessary to compensate for the conditions that cannot be provided in the indoor environment.

These are just some of the factors that you should constantly look after when gardening indoors.

8. Container Gardening

Going for container gardening can be very fulfilling. In addition to the fulfillment, you can always use the much-needed land resources for other things like raising poultry and livestock, especially if you no longer have the access to the supermarkets in the context of the post-apocalyptic world.

Container gardening knows no limits. You can raise practically anything in containers and this might come to you as a surprise. In addition, this can be very cost-effective if done properly.

You might be asking what you need in raising veggies in a container. The following is a list that will help you go for a good start.

Enough exposure to the sun: You should position the containers where they can be exposed to sufficient sunlight. As a rule, growing veggies need at least 6 hours of exposure to the sun to grow healthy. Here, your capability to choose the site will be tested.

Access to water: Veggies will grow healthy if they are watered regularly. So, you should position your site somewhere near the water source. While it is true that plants need plenty of water, you should remember that it is uncalled for to drown your crops. While you make sure that your soil is always moist, you should also be certain that the excess water is drained sufficiently.

Appropriate containers: Selecting your containers can be tricky for beginners. But the rules are simple: (1) Choose a container that is spacious enough. (2) The container should have a good drainage. (3) The container should be capable of holding enough soil to raise the vegetable crop of choice.

Container gardening can be a very practical way of raising your own crops at home.

9. Herb Garden

Many fear starting their own herb gardens because of the notion that herbs are extremely sensitive. Do not let this notion stop you. In the context of a post-apocalyptic world, herbs may play an important role for your survival.

Aside from making your food taste better, some herbs are known for their medicinal value. Imagine a world without the commercially produced medicines. You have to do everything to raise your own medicines in your backyard.

There are mistakes that are commonly committed by beginners. Here are some of the mistakes so that you will be able to avoid them:

1.        Many herb growers fail because they grow from seeds. In order to raise your chances, it is better to start with seedlings. You can raise seedlings first and grow these into standard-sized plants.

2.       Beginning with varieties that are difficult to grow. Yes, herbs can be extremely sensitive so you should have enough training and experience. According to experts, the perfect trainer herb is the basil. You will definitely learn a lot form basil.

3.       Many herb raisers water herbs too often, just like houseplants.  This can lead to drowning. Moderate watering every day is more than enough. Good drainage is also necessary.

4.      Cutting too early and too often is a big no-no. While cutting may be necessary, you should do it at the right time when the herb is mature enough to handle it. Also, you should not do it too often because they might not grow anymore.

These are just four things that you should avoid. Remember not to do this to increase your chances to become successful in raising your own herbs.

10. Medical Garden

The basics of gardening have already been discussed in other sections of this e-book. But you might have already heard of the importance of having your own medicinal garden, especially if the economy has shut down and the greatest of disasters has already struck humanity. Before any of these happen, make sure to complete the following in your gardens:

1.        Dandelions: Often referred to as the lawn lover’s enemy, you might also be thinking that dandelion is not worth your attention. But this is a wrong notion. Dandelions are very useful. You might be surprised that these can help in taking away muscle pains. It can also serve as a liver tonic.

2.       Nettles: Nettles are popular for enhancing the taste of many dishes. These are very easy to grow and they can reseed on their own. They are full of important micronutrients.

3.       Gobo: Also known as the Burdock, this species of herb is often neglected by many Americans in gardening. As a medicinal herb, it works best in purifying the blood. It helps in drawing out infection and other poisons in the bloodstream.

4.      Calendula: If you want a complete healer’s garden, calendula should be in your list. It is known for having unique orange flowers. These flowers can be used as a component of tea, skin wash, and salve. You can add the flowers to your salads, too. If your baby have rashes, these are effective for improving the condition.

There are many other plants that could’ve made it to the list. But these plants prove to be helpful in completing your very own medical garden.

11. Vegetable Gardening

Veggies have the nutrient and fiber that you need to stay strong and healthy. Though it might not matter in the post-apocalyptic world, vegetable gardens are proven to be one of the best additions to any landscape. It makes your backyard more attractive and interesting.

As a rule, you have to be strategic in choosing your vegetable garden site. It should be a spot that would receive sufficient sunlight throughout spring until the end of summer. This way, you can be assured of sufficient supply of tasty and fresh produce.

In addition to the sunlight consideration, you should also look into the fact that the vegetable garden should be near your kitchen. This way, you can readily run from the kitchen to the veggies to pick what you need. In addition, it will be easier to monitor the garden from the kitchen.

Seeds should be soaked before you plant them. This will be the simulation of the rains commonly experienced during spring. This way, your seeds will find it easier to germinate. Upon taking in sufficient moisture, the new plant will be ready to grow.

You may make use of tepees as protection against the cold temperature. Make sure that these are filled with water so that they can readily protect the young plants. While it protects the plants, it does not hinder the sunlight from coming in.

Lastly, make sure to supply the plants with their basic needs: sunlight, water, and enough nutrients.

12. How to Grow Vegetables

The following are some bits and pieces of information that may prove to be useful in growing different vegetables:

·           Cabbages, broccoli, and arugula seeds need small amount of moisture to germinate. Therefore, soaking these seeds beforehand may not be necessary.

·           Parsnip and parsley seeds are known to be slow starters. They need an extra push. Pre-soaking proves to be very beneficial in such cases. All you need to do is to soak the seeds in water that is at room temperature. Leave them that way overnight. You need to drain the seeds afterwards and plant them immediately.

·           During winter, do not rely much on seeds. For best results, go for large seedlings. This works well for chili peppers and tomatoes.

·           Remember that the following plants do not like to be transferred from one place to another: pumpkins, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, and gourds. Hence, transplanting is not advisable because their roots are easily disturbed and stressed.

·           You can protect young vegetable plants from cutworms by surrounding them with toilet paper roll cardboard centers. Make sure that the cardboard is submerged by at least half an inch to avoid attacks from the cutworms from underneath.

·           To save some precious space, try to plant vertically. This works well for vines.

·           Newspaper that is covered by straw is effective in eliminating weeds and in retaining enough moisture in garden plots. At the end of the harvest season, the newspaper and straw can be buried in the ground and be allowed to decay.

Surprising but true, the most important knowledge about vegetable gardening aren’t really difficult to remember after all.

13. How to Grow Tomatoes

In growing tomatoes successfully, the following should be taken to heart:

·           Choosing an airy and bright spot is necessary. More sunlight is preferred by tomatoes. If other plants require six hours of exposure, tomatoes would love to take in at least 10 hours’ worth of exposure to direct sunlight. In planting tomatoes, make sure that they are evenly spaced to allow air to circulate.

·           Tomato beds should be placed side by side with another crop to avoid bacterial infection.

·           The tomato stems should be buried as well. This way, the plant will develop new roots that will make the plant healthier. Once new roots are grown, you can be assured that the plant will grow more fruits.

·           Watering deeply is required. Take note, however, that this should not be done frequently. The tomato bed should only be soaked once every week. In the process, do not wet the leaves.

·           Non-fruiting branches should be cut off immediately to direct the plant’s concentration to growing plump and nutritious fruits.

·           For any variety, make sure to put sufficiently high stakes. This way, you can be sure that the plants will be able to support its weight. Make sure that you are careful in installing these stakes so that you will not damage the roots.

·           Trim regularly and apply some compost every once in a while. To ensure that there will be new growth, trimming may be necessary. Adding compost will help ensure that enough nutrients are being absorbed by the plant.

By following these steps, you can be sure that you will harvest ripe and delicious tomatoes in your own garden.

14. Hydroponics

You might be wondering if hydroponics is really a legitimate option. Here’s the deal: there are countries around the world that raise sufficient vegetables for their population using this technology. And here’s the good news: the technology is easy to learn and adopt, you can even do it in your own home.

The rule in hydroponics is providing all the nutrients that the plants need in their exact amount, right when they need them. This way, the genetic potential is reached and surpassed by the plant. This is almost impossible to be done in soil.

Hydroponics entails growing plants in an inert medium for growing. In the medium, the pH level can be adjusted easily. The nutrient mix can also be balanced perfectly. There is no longer a need for the roots to search for the nutrients. In hydroponics, the nutrients are absorbed effortlessly by the roots.

You might be wondering what the growing medium is like. The growing medium consists mainly of water and fertilizer. On top of that, there are other substances like perlite, Rockwool, coco fiber, vermiculite, sand, and gravel. As you can see, the solid part is inert and contains no nutrients. Hence, the nutrition is solely supplied by the liquid part. This makes it easy to adjust what nutrients the plants receive at any specific period of time.

Hydroponics is a gardening mode of choice if you hate weeding, bending, and constant application of fertilizers.

15. Aquaponics

Learning about hydroponics will be a good stepping stone for learning aquaponics. Aquaponics is becoming more and more popular because of its uniqueness and practicality. Simply put, it is a combination of hydroponics and aquaculture. In simpler terms, it is hitting two birds with a single stone.

During harvest, you will expect to get a plant crop and a fish or crustacean. This is made possible by the optimized interaction between the aquatic creature and the plant. By living together in a looped system, they provide each other with sufficient nutrients. For example, every time the aquatic culture gives off some waste, the plant being grown benefits. On the other hand, the plant keeps the water clean and supplies enough oxygen for the aquatic creatures.

The process sounds simple but there are things that you should take note of. For example, the ratio of fish to plant growth beds should be constantly monitored. Remember, not enough plants spell trouble since the waste will not be filtered efficiently. On the other hand, not enough fish proves to be disadvantageous for the plants since there is not enough nutrients in the water. The lack of balance can actually lead to the death of the species in the looped system.

Looking closely into the system, there are other biotic factors at work like the bacteria in the water. These bacteria can be very beneficial since they serve as the liaison between the plants and the aquatic creatures. The bacteria help in eliminating the ammonia in the water. Ammonia can be very toxic to the animals in the system.

16. Tilapia Farming

Tilapia farming is very similar to keeping fish for ornamental purposes. Only, you can get your lunch from it. It is very simple and cost effective. Here, you can turn your decoration into food and at the same time, turn your food into decoration depending on how you look at it. Also, in the post-apocalyptic world, this will increase you chance of survival.

The following are some of the factors that you should look into and prepare for:

1.        A 55 gallon container should be prepared for the breeders. A 30 gallon container should be ready for delivery purposes. Lastly, a 400 to 500 gallon container should be prepared for the babies. For beginners, a sufficiently large aquarium is more than enough.

2.       Since the tilapia is a fish from the tropics, temperature control is necessary. The temperature should not go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want the tilapia to experience the optimal temperature, keep it at 86 degrees.

3.       Complete the other tools necessary for aeration, filtering, and lighting. Take note that lighting takes a crucial role in the promotion of the growth of algae that serve as the natural food of the tilapia. On the other hand, the filter keeps the water clear and clean.

4.      Air pump obviously supplies the needed oxygen into the water.

Take note that you can downscale everything here. If you wish to raise less than ten tilapias, you can use an indoor aquarium. This way, it will be easier for you to maintain the fish tank.

17. Worm Farming

Worms help in cultivating the soil in your garden. Also, their waste materials help in fertilizing the soil. The following are some of the things that you should remember in growing worms in your garden:

·           You should give the best environment and location for your worms. According to experts, one of the ideal places for culturing worms is your basement. If you are not comfortable with the idea, you can always go for dry and dark environments. The optimum temperature range is between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The bed should be kept moist but it should not be wet. Direct sunlight is a big no-no.

·           Giving an appropriate container for the earthworm may be necessary. Aesthetics should be the last consideration. What’s important is the containers’ capacity to absorb some of the moisture. In addition, it should be a good insulator too.

·           You should make the bedding material rich enough for your worms. In order to achieve ideal bedding, you can mix shredded newspapers and cardboard. Yard wastes like dried leaves prove to be a perfect addition. You can also add some dirt which provide roughage to earthworms.

·           Keep this ratio in mind: 2 to 1. For every 2 pounds of worms in the bin, make sure to give at least a pound of food.

·           Worms should not be starved – they should be fed daily. If you are thinking what kinds of food they will love, you can actually give them anything except dairy, meat, grains, and oily food. These foods will attract flies.

You might find the process of raising worms difficult. But believe it or not, it is all worth it.

18. Backyard Chickens

Raising chickens in your backyard can be a good way in appreciating nature and agriculture. Also, you will find out that taking on the responsibility of growing animals for food can be a very fulfilling experience. Most chickens raised in the backyard are not grown for their meat. Instead, they are grown for their eggs.

The following are some of the tips for raising backyard chickens:

·           Know more about the breeds of the chicken. There are breeds that are raised for their good looks. Others are raised for their meat. Lastly, there are breeds that lay the best eggs. Now, ask yourself: what do you actually want from the chicken that you are about to raise? By answering this question, you will have a good idea on what breed you should choose.

·           Make sure that the chicken in your backyard are fed with quality food and given nothing but clean water. These will keep the birds productive and healthy. Remember that chickens are omnivorous – they eat insects as well as fruits, vegetables, and grains. Therefore, their diet should be kept balanced so that they will receive sufficient protein, minerals, and vitamins.

·           Another consideration is their housing. Depending on how many chickens you intend to raise, there is an ideal size for the coop. The minimum space requirement is 3 to 5 square feet per chicken.

·           You should change the water supply daily. Also, feeding should be done regularly. If you want, you can let them out of their coop every morning. In the afternoon, make sure that they will enter their respective coops to protect them from their predators.

These are just some of the things that you should consider if you want to raise chickens in your backyard.

19. What Is Permaculture

Permaculture is concerned with the development of sustainable structures for agriculture. Here, the structures are intended to follow the natural models that occur in nature.

The following are the core principles of permaculture:

·           We should take care of our earth. All living systems should be allowed to grow and flourish. Without these living systems, it would be impossible for human beings to survive.

·           Human resources should likewise be preserved. All people should be given equal access to resources so that their respective existence can be supported well.

·           The consumption and reproduction levels should be limited. Should there be any surplus in the supplies, these should be distributed accordingly. This is how other natural systems work. Therefore, as humans, we should be able to do the same.

Looking into the context of the post-apocalyptic world, these core principles of permaculture should also be the tenets of living of all people. That way, all resources can be managed well in such a way that it will be enough for everyone.

20. How to Grow Fruit Trees

You have already learned how to raise small plants, vegetables, herbs, chickens, and tilapia. For sustainable growth and for continuous survival, knowledge on growing fruit trees may also be necessary. The following are some to the things that you should take note of:

1.        The location for any tree should be considered. In doing so, you should imagine a full grown tree on the spot being considered. If you think it will not fit, choose another location. As a rule, you should pick an area that is not too close to a structure.

2.       A hole that should be dug must be broader than the width of the roots. The depth should be sufficient enough to cover the roots.

3.       The soil that will be used to cover the roots should be enhanced by adding organic nutrients to the soil. In most cases, adding compost is more than sufficient to ensure that the soil will have enough nutrients for the plant.

4.      In throwing in soil to the hole, make sure that no part of the roots remains exposed. The soil must be loose enough to penetrate the spaces in between the roots.

5.       The roots should be covered with nourished soil and double check if the roots are covered completely. After covering, try to step away from the plant. Double check if the plant is standing in a vertical manner. Upon checking, press the soil gently. After pressing, you should immediately water the plant. It might be necessary to add some more soil. After adding soil. Water the plant again. Continue doing so until the soil reaches the level of the ground.

6.       21. Comprehension Questions

1.        A disaster preparedness kit, as suggested by the authorities, should contain supplies that should be sufficient for you and your family for the next how many hours?

2.       What is the minimum required space for each chicken in a coop? Clue: The answer is a range.

3.       This is referred to as the cross between hydroponics and aquaculture.

4.      Give at least three vegetable species that do not require much moisture for their seeds to germinate.

5.       A medicinal plant known for purifying blood. It is effective in drawing out poison from the bloodstream.

6.       The optimal temperature for tilapia is ____. But as a rule, you have to keep the water temperature at ____ and above.

7.       An average plant require how many hours of exposure to the sun?

8.      For indoor gardening, what is the ideal temperature range that you should maintain to assure that the plants will survive?

9.       In worm farming, if you have 8 pounds of worm in the bed, how much food should you provide?

10.    What is considered to be the best trainer herb for those who intend to begin an herb garden?

22. Comprehension Questions with Answers

1.        A disaster preparedness kit, as suggested by the authorities, should contain supplies that should be sufficient for you and your family for the next how many hours? [Answer: 72 hours]

2.       What is the minimum required space for each chicken in a coop? Clue: The answer is a range. [Answer: 3-5 square feet]

3.       This is referred to as the cross between hydroponics and aquaculture. [Answer: Aquaponics]

4.      Give at least three vegetable species that do not require much moisture for their seeds to germinate. [Answer: Cabbages, broccoli, and arugula]

5.       A medicinal plant known for purifying blood. It is effective in drawing out poison from the bloodstream. [Answer: Gobo or Burdock]

6.       The optimal temperature for tilapia is ____. But as a rule, you have to keep the water temperature at ____ and above. [Answer: 86 degrees Fahrenheit, 60 degrees Fahrenheit.]

7.       An average plant require how many hours of exposure to the sun? [Answer: 6 hours]

8.      For indoor gardening, what is the ideal temperature range that you should maintain to assure that the plants will survive? [Answer: 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit]

9.       In worm farming, if you have 8 pounds of worm in the bed, how much food should you provide? [Answer: Since the ratio is 2 pounds worm: 1 pound food, the required food for 8 pounds worm is 4 pounds.]

10.    What is considered to be the best trainer herb for those who intend to begin an herb garden? [Answer: Basil]

REVEALED: Ex Military's Shocking Secret About The Food Crisis! Read More Here...

Table of Contents

1. Disaster Preparation

2. Living Off Grid

3. How to Be Self Sufficient

4. Water Harvesting – Everything You Need to Know

5. Starting a Garden

6. Raised Bed Gardening

7. Indoor Gardening

8. Container Gardening

9. Herb Garden

10. Medical Garden

11. Vegetable Gardening

12. How to Grow Vegetables

13. How to Grow Tomatoes

14. Hydroponics

15. Aquaponics

16. Tilapia Farming

17. Worm Farming

18. Backyard Chickens

19. What Is Permaculture

20. How to Grow Fruit Trees

21. Comprehension Questions

22. Comprehension Questions with Answers