Increasing Self Reliance...any ideas?

[Bubblingbrooks]

LOTS of people have fruit trees, rhubarb and even berries that they are tired of.
I know in Michigan, you can get enough apples you need to feed a couple of armies, for free.

 

[BarredBuff]

Speaking of rhubarb, how can you preserve it? We have some root cuttings to set out. I have tons of apple trees. Im gonna reap a lot more this year than last year.

 

[Wannabefree]

We're going to try for a small pond this year I think and stock it with catfish and bluegill. We'll nearly empty it in the Fall except for some breeders to overwinter and process everything in large batches over several weeks. we can't do a very big pond, but maybe 1/3 of an acre to grow some fish to butchering size every year at least. The ducks will enjoy it too, they just better leave most of my fish alone or they'll take their place on the table

 

[BarredBuff]

Im gonna work on fixing our small pond back up for the ducks. This fall we are taking the liner out, it has a major whole. Then seal it a different way.

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

Speaking of rhubarb, how can you preserve it? We have some root cuttings to set out. I have tons of apple trees. Im gonna reap a lot more this year than last year.

The first year, you cannot harvest any off them. The second year, you can harvest half, and then after that, all.
Make sure to plant them with some fish carcasses underneath,a and then dig in some next to them every year.

To store, you can chop them and freeze in 4 cup portions for pies, or make jam with the addition of other fruits and berries.
You can also coo them down with water, drain to remove the fiber, and can or freeze the juice to make punch.

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

We're going to try for a small pond this year I think and stock it with catfish and bluegill. We'll nearly empty it in the Fall except for some breeders to overwinter and process everything in large batches over several weeks. we can't do a very big pond, but maybe 1/3 of an acre to grow some fish to butchering size every year at least. The ducks will enjoy it too, they just better leave most of my fish alone or they'll take their place on the table

Bluegill Fishchips!

None of them up here. Have to eat them outside when we get a chance.

 

[Wannabefree]

We're going to try for a small pond this year I think and stock it with catfish and bluegill. We'll nearly empty it in the Fall except for some breeders to overwinter and process everything in large batches over several weeks. we can't do a very big pond, but maybe 1/3 of an acre to grow some fish to butchering size every year at least. The ducks will enjoy it too, they just better leave most of my fish alone or they'll take their place on the table

Bluegill Fishchips!

None of them up here. Have to eat them outside when we get a chance.

I'll ship you some then

 

[BarredBuff]

Speaking of rhubarb, how can you preserve it? We have some root cuttings to set out. I have tons of apple trees. Im gonna reap a lot more this year than last year.

The first year, you cannot harvest any off them. The second year, you can harvest half, and then after that, all.
Make sure to plant them with some fish carcasses underneath,a and then dig in some next to them every year.

To store, you can chop them and freeze in 4 cup portions for pies, or make jam with the addition of other fruits and berries.
You can also coo them down with water, drain to remove the fiber, and can or freeze the juice to make punch.

Thanks BBrooks!

Maybe some jam also!

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

We're going to try for a small pond this year I think and stock it with catfish and bluegill. We'll nearly empty it in the Fall except for some breeders to overwinter and process everything in large batches over several weeks. we can't do a very big pond, but maybe 1/3 of an acre to grow some fish to butchering size every year at least. The ducks will enjoy it too, they just better leave most of my fish alone or they'll take their place on the table

Bluegill Fishchips!

None of them up here. Have to eat them outside when we get a chance.

I'll ship you some then

Neither of us is rich enough to do that.

 

[Wannabefree]

Bluegill Fishchips!

None of them up here. Have to eat them outside when we get a chance.

I'll ship you some then

Neither of us is rich enough to do that.

When we are the only folks that still has food we will be