I’m amazed to see all the posts on the internet regarding coming food shortages. Of course, we saw that definite possibility with all the weird weather, worldwide, plus the tariffs etc. Yes, we’ve been stocking up and doing a lot of planning (what if?). Not panicking but just trying to cover all the bases we can. We ordered new batteries for our solar storage, lithium ion this time, plus some repair parts for chainsaws, tractors, etc. Will’s busy working at getting all our equipment in good working order, extra early, as parts may become hard to find, most coming from China.
Of course, I’m plotting out our 2025 gardens. I got all the tomatoes transplanted and the greenhouse is full. Tomorrow, I’m starting in on the melons, squash, pumpkins, and brassicas (cabbage family). They will have to stay in the house and later be carried out to the back deck as the weather permits. We bought extra jars last year. When I’d just put three cases in the cart, Will would put a bunch more, saying “I know you’ll fill all of them!” Yep, probably will and now the jars have really gone up in price. Our friend, Sherri, found a deal on the Dollar Tree website for canning lids. So, we each bought a case. I used those when I did the mega-meat canning session earlier. They did so much better than did the Ball lids that come with the jars. Much better! It’s frustrating to can fifteen jars full of meat and have five not seal. Or the seal comes loose the next day! Now, I’ve been canning for more than sixty years and helping Mom before that. And I’ve never seen seal failures like that. Ever! I’ll use the Ball lids to close my half gallon jars of wild rice, spice mixes, specialty dry beans, etc.
Our weather’s been great. Will’s off at an auction today, trying to buy a better manure spreader than the one we currently have. It seems like every time he takes it out, something has broken, and he’s had to fork the manure out by hand. That’s not only tiring but a waste of so much time! Yesterday I went to the Wolf Garden with the riding lawn mower and chopped sweet corn stalks, getting ready to spread manure and till. I usually start my own onions from seed, but this year, we’ve been way too busy. It was the same last year, and I bunched orders with my friends and bought onion plants from Dixondale Farms in Texas. I’d bought plants from them way back when, when I lived by Sturgeon Lake and sold vegetables at several farmer’s markets. They sell very nice plants and ours did very well, despite being in an area with low fertility and too many weeds. Ours are due about May 15th. So, we’re trying to get at least one section of the Wolf Garden ready for them. (Yes, we still are eating last year’s onions. Very few have sprouted down in our very cool basement.
Today I took a run around with the golf cart to see what was what. The fruit trees all look awesome and have grown so much. We’ll have tons of fruit this summer if we don’t get that dratted late spring frost like last year. The rhubarb’s poking up nicely, the berry bushes are budded out and the honeyberries are even starting to leaf out. They’re sure a huge bonus to us homesteaders! Frost doesn’t bother them one bit and they fruit very early too. (We got ours from Honeyberry USA, friends of ours to the west in Minnesota.) I even saw several Robins and Swallows. Way up above, a Turkey Vulture was cruising around. You can tell them from Bald Eagles by the drunken way they fly, tipping back and forth where an Eagle just masterfully soars. Our pretty blue Squills are blooming beneath the lilacs, a reminder that true spring is just around the corner.
— Jackie
It’s a good idea, Jackie, to keep up with our stores of food in our larders. This world is so unpredictable, you quickly find out, it’s up to yourself working hand in hand with the Lord. That’s the bottom line. No wonder you have the magazines Self-Reliance and Backwoods Home. Back to basics: you, your food, your nutrition, your calories, your health, your family, your land. Gotta do it!!!! Government isn’t going to do it, and certainly should not. Neighbor isn’t going to do it. You are, and with the Lord’s direction and strength. Regards from far north California.
For Jars canning lids are great quality. I’ve been buying as many as I can each time they have a sale.
Yes, I’ve heard that. Thanks for the tip for folks. I’m too cheap, though. I’ll use my Harvest Guard reusable ones first.
For Jar canning lids
For canning and scratch cooking I would suggest Jackie’s Growing and canning book and Pantry cooking book. I have bought this pair for my good friend and all three of my daughters. Matter of fact will be buying some for my cousin and sister in law. Wouldn’t be without them. Yes do the ask Jackie with your questions. I have been in self reliance and backwoods home with my questions. My five minutes of fame. God Bless, Robin Don’t forget God will supply all your needs!
Yes, He does. But I also think He expects us to do as much to help ourselves as possible then He kicks in to do the rest. : )
Thanks for all the reminders, Robin. I have used Jackie’s books so, so often. I have notes in them, too. I’ve asked Jackie so many, many questions by way of her Ask Jackie button on this page, and value her experience Very much. She’s the only one I know, that I can ask canning questions, and many gardening/seed questions. I have no mother or friend to ask. Love the Self Reliance and the Backwoods Home magazines (for years); and I don’t even homestead/ranch/farm, but do live off-grid and hobby garden.
We have been getting some rain here which is much needed. My garden is looking pretty good so far and I am thankful for that. I read about the predicted shortages, but I sincerely hope that they don’t happen. I have absolutely no confidence in the news media, no matter where it comes from as they are after ratings and like to sensationalize issues, not give basic facts. Canning lids and jars have been a problem for a few years for me. A lot of them do not seal properly and can be difficult to find. I don’t have much luck with the Mainstay brand. I get some from the dollar general store called golden harvest, I think, that work well. I also use a lot of the reusable lids. I really like them and and have good luck with them. Harvest Guard is the brand I use and I don’t have to worry much about being able to find canning lids as I have quite a stock built up of them. Hope your onions arrive timely and the weather is favorable for planting. Sending prayers for a blessed week.
Thanks Marilyn. I also love Harvest Guard reusable lids but I kind of save my case for a just-in-case scenario. I’ve used Golden Harvest for years with good results. My Mainstay jars have Golden Harvest imprinted on them! Hmmm. Too bad lids aren’t made a lot better than most of them are today. I’m sure the Dollar Tree lids I got were made in China. Most everything is these days! But they’re of a better quality than I had expected.
Marilyn, I was going to say that Walmart’s mainstay brand is definitely not up-to-snuff. Bought them because they were inexpensive. I also re-use can lids, occasionally. Always seal! I have lots of Tattler lids, but not much experience with them. Golden Harvest lids, I’ve had no problem with. From far north California.
I get my onion plants from Dixondale too, have had good luck, I grow them in one of my hoop houses with drip irrigation. Lets me plant them weeks earlier and smooths our sometimes dicey early fall. My big worry is seed potatoes because last summer’s crop was a total failure because of spending all of May in the hospital with a couple months recuperation. Other family did what they could with time avalible. Budget is kind of tight. Do have some stored staples. Tomatoes and peppers up. I planted my cole (as I have always cabbage family) last week and they are showing. Today I planted a cut off 55 gal drum of early carrots and one of beets in the green house as well as a large pot ohard in the green house for early eating and will put most of the cole crops in the hoop houses. Have good luck with your big gardens.
If you can’t find seed potatoes, buy some eating potatoes from the store. In an emergency, I have done that and found that I got a decent crop from them, despite being sprayed with anti-sprouting chemicals. I cut the potatoes and set them in the warm sun and in a few days they’ll start to sprout. Hey, it’s better than NO potatoes, right?? I’m just getting ready to plant my cole crops, melons and squash inside.
I hope you have a great summer!
I’m shocked the cost of seed-potatoes at Tractor Supply and at my local nursery. Horrible. So did what Jackie said and used grocery store russets. Up and doing well in my garden. Actually been successful many times with this. And, of course, with sweet potatoes, as well.
Hi Jackie! Food shortage is a scary thing. I suspect we’ll see more shortages along with the food shortage.
We just got back from Salt Lake City. My husband, a disabled vet, had an appointment down there. We always go to the thrift stores run by the Mormon church when there. I always spend too much but I get such great deals. Some of the things I’m going to resell, others are for the house, garden and a hobby I setting up of natural dyeing. I’m hoping to grow the plants, but I have to have pots that are stainless steel. I finally found some bigger ones. A lot of what I buy is for the house. Where I live there’s a few thrift stores but they are more expensive than the one we went to today. I picked up some clay pots to paint (they were written on) to plant pretty flowers to sell. I’m going set up start some more plants to sell. At the farmers market. I also hit a “real dollar store” that is one where things are now a bit over dollar. I got baking foil pans to use as plant trays. Picked up more garden stuff there too. We’re both worn out. I left most of the stuff in the car. Next trip will be in August and I will be hunting canning jars, among other things. Right now I’m still dealing with the clay soil we have. I tried to dig a hole last year to plant a tree. I got just about 6 inches down and the top clump sat upside down on the lawn all winter and did not break down. Not through snow, rain, freeze or thaw. Poor tree is still in the large pot.
I’m going to try again with the hole but this time I have a bulb auger for our heavy duty drill. This clay soil is terrible! I’m going to have to use raised beds for now. But I have several pounds of oil seed radish. It supposed to break up clay soil by growing down and opening up the soil then dying in winter leaving openings in the soil. I’m also putting down clover. Both are planted at separate times. Fall for the radishes and in few weeks for the clover. I hope this breaks up the soil. I’m going to try to rent a heavy duty tiller next month to transplant plants. I plan on adding compost to it and going at with my electric tiller.
I worry I can’t plants in the ground here. That makes me worried about feeding us. Well if it isn’t one thing it another. I Will found a good manure spreader at a good price.
It seems like I’ve dealt with clay soil forever. Years ago, down in Sturgeon Lake, MN, we had red clay down 8′ and I had to plow my carrots out in the fall; I couldn’t dig them! Over the years, I added tons of rotted manure, leaves and compost. When we left, the soil was fluffy and black. Just keep adding and adding, as much organic material as you can every year and you’ll see the same results. Here we have heavy white clay in two of our big gardens. Same deal. We’re still adding and adding. Each year it gets much better so don’t give up.
Thanks Jackie! I just had a friend from church offer to rototill the yard. He said he has a big one and that’s what he uses for his yard. Afterwards, he used a small electric tiller to break up the clouds. I’m going to see about using it in two weeks. We’ve got rain in the forecast and I need to mark where the sprinkler heads are so we don’t take them out. I’m setting up rain barrels tomorrow, actually large trash cans, under the edge of our metal roof garage. I’m waiting on screen material to arrive this week to keep out bugs and debris. The lids are no where to be found and my parts for a hose connector are AWAL too. I’ll just bucket the water until I get the fittings… again. I keep telling myself that all this effort will pay off. I also remind myself that you’ve done this several times. That it’s successful ultimately at each place is amazing testimony to your skills and determination.
Like Jackie, my row garden is tough ground. I have, for years now, every fall, amended my rows with anything I can find: boughten manure, sand, ashes, oak leaves, potting soil; especially lots of oak leaves. I say “rows” because it isn’t possible for me to physically rototill anymore, so I just amend my rows. It has worked!! The soil is wonderfully tender to my hand and garden fork. My rows are much more wide, deep, and very tall. Of course, I turn the soil over and mix in the amendments with a shovel. Even egg shells, composted material, and cover crop get turned in. My garden thrives now. Amend in the fall.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/empty-shelves-tariffs_l_6812344fe4b0f2831ff14bfa
Food shortages or not, the price will increase. Same goes for anything made in the US. They know 10% cost increase is less than a 40%+ increase due to taxes (aka tariffs).
While I am not advocating taking advantage of others, might be time you can make a few discretionary dollars selling toys et al. I garage “sold” a lot years ago, priced to sell. Hope is a child enjoyed them. Online selling was in its infancy (maybe even zygote) stage but if others purchased to re-sell, so be it.
Replacement parts are the biggest concern IMHO. Even if available, the cost will increase. Dropped a hint to better half to buy more chains for the chainsaw. Filters are of concern for me. I’m blessed with discretionary dollars but I need to be a good steward of those dollars.
Sometimes you have to spend money to save money. But do be aware of surroundings as I expect theft to increase. In the past, better half wasn’t big on picking up extra but now he is.
It doesn’t take money to pick up sticks, trim, pull weeds, or remove invasive plants. Costs a little bit to cut/split firewood but pennies compared to paying the utility company. All are good exercise.
I think my squills have bloomed and died off, such a short time to enjoy them. Also meaning I need to start watching and pulling any garlic mustard that attempts to destroy the patches.
The tater plants are starting to pop up. As are a couple of violet plants in my strawberry patch. Got almost an inch of rain these past two days which we sorely needed. We can water the garden but it isn’t as good as rain IMHO.
Thanks so much, Jackie, for answering my question on your blog. Hey folks, ask Jackie about anything on her blog and she will answer. I am going to try your dry canning method. I canned meat last year and it is good but very soft, like you said, dogfood. LOL but it is great to have canned anything that tastes good for sure. It has stormed here all day and rain pouring down, Tomorrow is the same. it is good for our Amish friends that store rainwater and irrigate with it. Smart folks. Also, good advice for us, too. It is so cool tonight, I am making chili with my canned hamburger.
I’m happy to answer any questions on the blog. But remember folks, to also “ask Jackie” for the magazine as lots of folks can’t or just don’t follow the blog. Your questions are probably also their questions too.
As soon as we get the gardening under control, I’m going to can up a big batch of chili with some of the new ground beef. I love having the ability to just dump a quart in a pan and heat it up for a quick meal!
I buy my onion plants from Dixondale Farms, too. I have had great success with them. I usually plant the Texas Sweet. Here in North Florida it is onion harvesting time. I have mine pulled, trimmed and drying on our back porch.
We are starting to harvest tomatoes already. Looks like another good crop from your Markie’s Mom variety. I better buy some of those canning lids!
Thank you so much for all your posts. We really enjoy them.
I’ve been producing my own seeds for years; but not every type plant, but getting there! When my greenhouse is more secure (that’s up to my husband’s schedule), I will definitely also produce my own onion plants. I already germinate many vegetables.
A new endeavor for me is growing garlic from their bulbils. They did come up, and I’m cutting scapes off now. We’ll see how big the bulbs become. “They” say that by doing so, you return your garlic back to it’s hardy stock.
I’ve seen the information about food shortages as well.
I’d rather not panic either and just keep preparing ahead with food and necessary items for the future.
It’s wise Will is making sure everything is in good working order and getting any parts needed now and be ahead of the game. I hope Will found the spreader he’s needing to make things go better and not so time consuming.
It’s been raining here quite a bit so makes it hard to do much outside but do have quite a few things started and transplanted in the outside building.
This weekend will be dry and warm so will be working on any garden areas outdoors and starting more seeds.
I’m glad you got all the meat canned, Jackie and appreciate what you shared about Sherri finding the canning lids. I prefer to buy them separate from the jars and have had too many jars not seal for my liking.
I do just use the jars that came with lids to store my rice, dried spices etc too.
I’m getting my onions locally from the farm stores and have had good success with them.
My basement is a good place to store a lot of onions and things.
I do have to watch out for humidity here though.
I hoping to order more seeds from you in near future. I want to have plenty to keep growing since can grow somethings in the outdoor building with lights. And store some along with what I save too.
I planted my strawberry plugs in my Green Stalk Tower and have never done plugs but I’m
hopeful but will plant others regardless. Thankful for the ones in the ground already greening
up and growing well.
I’m on a super limited income but doing my best to prepare all I can.
We just had another power outage and reminds me to get the light cubes I have saved on Amazon ordered. I have lots of candles and alternative lighting but want to stay ahead of this since seems to be a common thing these days to go sometimes long periods without power.
I always appreciate what you share and am so encouraged to press forward and do all I can.
Have a great remainder of the day!
Yep, even when, long, long ago, I had to use food stamps, I didn’t buy prepared food. I bought staples to store up and cook from scratch with. We always had our own meats, eggs and vegetables. I hated being on any type of assistance and got off of it as soon as possible. You might like the light bulbs I bought on Amazon that have internal batteries. When there’s power, they charge up. When the power goes off, you have several hours of light. Although it’s not as bright as when the power’s on, it still is plenty to get around with. I put one in the living room, one in the dining room and one in the bathroom. They’re very handy, even though we live off grid.
Will did buy a new-to-us manure spreader. It cost more than he wanted to pay (doesn’t everything these days???) but it looks very sturdy and hardly used. It’s also almost double the size of our current one so that’s a big plus.
@Jackie you have a link to those light bulbs? As we get older, falling is a concern. The cost of those bulbs is but a fraction of what a broken bone would cost.
just go to Amazon and type in “light bulbs battery” and you’ll find several brands. I sure don’t want to fall either!!
I just went to Amazon and typed in “light bulbs battery” and several different brands came up. They’re amazing! I don’t want to fall either!!
Thanks for sharing on the Light Bulbs. I’m definitely checking into these.
I’m not on any food assistance. I don’t qualify for any but I don’t mind and would rather not have anything like that. I just cook from scratch with what I have.
Glad Will found that manure spreader and hope works super well for doing what needs done.
Finally quit raining here and hope to get some work done outside today and in outside building with plants.
Have the best Saturday.
I started years ago collecting plenty of lamp oil, at my grocery store, which doesn’t appear to carry it anymore. We have one old oil lamp, and plenty of like-new wicking. Being off-grid and solar, we have plenty of power for lighting, however, should there be an EMP event. Regards from far north California.
Don’t worry about those big tomato plants in various nurseries. Mine, as you see, are only about 4″ tall right now and I’m sure they’ll be way bigger in a month when we transplant out into the garden. AND I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for each plant!! AND they’re the varieties we want, not something hybrid that we don’t want.
Yep, we’re also praying for a good growing season for everyone, as we feel strongly that we’ll all be grateful for our crops this fall!
I’ve had good luck with Walmart’s Mainstay brand canning jars and fairly good luck with their lids. Superb brand lids have a good track record. But they do cost a lot more than my Dollar Tree lids. : ) Hey, I’m cheap.
Jackie, I started germinating tomato plant seed in January. You have mentioned them getting leggy. Mine did get that way. I kept them in my window with indirect sunshine. In April, in an effort to harden-off, I put them in my unheated, but very sunshiny greenhouse with growing lights on. They picked up pace very well and were no longer leggy. I planted them in my garden in May and they are doing very well. Regards from far north California, zone 9.
For info: Denali is a USA-based distributor, but the lids are made in China, so there may be some uncertainty to their continued supply.
Your 10 inch tomato plants will be just as big, in not bigger, and healthier than the ones in the garden centers come a month or two.
Thanks Ruth for the info on Denali. i had understood ‘American Made’ will have to re check them. they’ve been a good company to deal with(unlike others). My Box car Willies are Really coming on! love my seeds from Seed Treasures! Thank You Jackie and Will.
Great to hear about your Box Car Willies! We always hope our little seed children do well in their new homes. : )
Wow. Last post canning was impressive! I too have found the ball lids(shipping from china) was having way too many not seal or unseal a day later. A American company Denali has been much more successful. I’m so relieved to see your tomatoes are growing at same rate as mine. Seeing 10”! One’s in garden centers makes me feel like mine should be bigger. It’s now getting to be warmer, missed out on the April showers but hopefully will be getting May showers! Love seeing all your farm photos!. Let’s all pray for good growing season for all! Lord willing.
You have to read all the details when purchasing canning lids. I read “Ball”, but then in the details find they are chinese. That’s a “no” from me!