Keeping your home stocked with enough food when living off the grid will require a bit more work than simply going to the closest farmers market. Many individuals and families that live off the grid find the most rewarding self-sufficient way to provide their homes with food is to grow it themselves. In this chapter we will cover some simple methods that many off the grid dwellers utilize to not only provide themselves with plenty of organic foods but also a few methods for preserving foods that will last them, if need be, through the colder winter months.
METHOD 30 - Gardening-
Very few off the grid dwellers do not keep a garden. When it comes to living self sufficiently there is no better way to be get on a self-sufficient route than starting a garden. As you spend more time living off the grid you will find your garden grows each year. When you begin to grow a garden you may at first start off with just a few tomato plant, lettuce and carrot patches but if you are not a confident gardener you quickly will become one.
Many off the grid homes have large gardens and most of the time they are located throughout the land. Many knowledgeable gardeners plant throughout the land because of the mineral found in different parts of the soil. As you garden more you will learn how and where to set up certain gardens.
METHOD 31 - Greenhouses-
Green house have become a popular addition to the off the grid home when space and layout allow for one. Greenhouses are an excellent way to expand your garden to a variety of fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be impossible to grow in your current climate. Greenhouse should be highly considered by those who live in variable seasons, which would allow you to continue or start your growing seasons throughout the whole year or even earlier than you typically would.
METHOD 32 - Livestock and Farming-
Invest in a few live animals could also be a smart investment if you want that kind of commitment. Having a few chickens, goats or sheep can easily supply you with a number of other necessities. Keeping animals on your off the grid home also brings about even more work so if you are a brand new off the grid inhabitant than you may want to hold off a while before incorporating any additional items you will need to take care of. Again you will need to make sure there are no laws limiting you to owning or raising these types of farm animals.
METHOD 33 - Jarring or Canning Foods-
To keep your kitchen well stock you may want to consider learning the ins and outs of jarring foods. Sauce, jam and salsas are incredibly easy item to cook up and you may want to share some of your jarred foods with those in you off the grid neighborhood. Some off the grid individuals believe these jarred food items could be a great bartering tool for you if the continents are a success around that neighborhood.
METHOD 34– Sun Dried-
Utilize the sun's rays when you want to preserve foods by allowing the to sundry. This is a great method to use for grains, herbs and beans you grown in your garden.