looking for SS help

[rebecca100]

Okay this may have already been done, but since I am new and can't seem to find them all, I am going to ask. I am trying to learn how to do things, new skills, etc. I am now on a 1/2 acre so room is limited. I want to try catfish in a barrel, I have goats, chickens, and rabbits. Looking for ways to grow my own feed, maybe pasture the rabbits, etc. I am also interested in herbs, medicines, culinary( I have NO idea how to use the fresh stuff- if that isn't just sad!). I just recently heard about comfrey. Basically i am looking to learn and any sites you can reccomend about anything would really be helpful and have been reading and following links on the posts I have seen here and found some really great stuff.

 

[freemotion]

Read the journals here, too. People talk about their projects a lot, which gets others to ask for directions, recipes, etc. So a lot of good info is on the journals, too.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

I know how you feel Rebecca100. Right now, it seems like you want to do so many different things, all at once. I was there! And trust me, you can't! A few things at a time is the best bet, fewer if it is complicated. (If I've misread the excited tone of your post, please forgive me )

What you need to do IMO, is prioritize your list of SS projects. Decide on the MOST important SS thing you want to do. Then do the research on it, post topics asking for advice on it, read books on the subject, you get the drift. Maybe its growing your own feed, as you mentioned. Do research on it til your eyes pop out. Then try it and move on to the next thing you want to master/learn.

Right now for me it is making a rainwater cistern out of ferrocement, so that is what I'm searching on here and my search engine. I print out all of the instructions, guidelines or advice and add it to a 3-ring notebook I've made, adding my own notes as I work through the processes.

Now if you just want links, here are a few that I have found most helpful. If you've been researching here, you'll probably run across most of them elsewhere on the forum.
http://www.builditsolar.com
http://www.backwoodshome.com
http://www.motherearthnews.com
http://www.off-grid.net
And of course, the ever popular
http://www.backyardherds.com
http://www.theeasygarden.com & http://www.backyardchickens.com

FYI: Posting these links does not mean that I am endorsing everything at any of those sites, nor that I agree with any/all statements there, only that I have found useful information on them.

 

[big brown horse]

I know how you feel Rebecca100. Right now, it seems like you want to do so many different things, all at once. I was there! And trust me, you can't! A few things at a time is the best bet, fewer if it is complicated. (If I've misread the excited tone of your post, please forgive me )

What you need to do IMO, is prioritize your list of SS projects. Decide on the MOST important SS thing you want to do. Then do the research on it, post topics asking for advice on it, read books on the subject, you get the drift. Maybe its growing your own feed, as you mentioned. Do research on it til your eyes pop out. Then try it and move on to the next thing you want to master/learn.

Right now for me it is making a rainwater cistern out of ferrocement, so that is what I'm searching on here and my search engine. I print out all of the instructions, guidelines or advice and add it to a 3-ring notebook I've made, adding my own notes as I work through the processes.

Now if you just want links, here are a few that I have found most helpful. If you've been researching here, you'll probably run across most of them elsewhere on the forum.
http://www.builditsolar.com
http://www.backwoodshome.com
http://www.motherearthnews.com
http://www.off-grid.net
And of course, the ever popular
http://www.backyardherds.com
http://www.theeasygarden.com & http://www.backyardchickens.com

FYI: Posting these links does not mean that I am endorsing everything at any of those sites, nor that I agree with any/all statements there, only that I have found useful information on them.

THANKS!!!!! All in one spot!

 

[rebecca100]

Thanks!!!! You are sooooo right. I just can't wait to get started but I don't know where to begin! Not to sound stupid, but in the last few years there have been things I have heard about but didn't know was possible at home. Currently I have been trying to teach myself how to can. But there is so much more I want to try! I have a notebook, too!

 

[big brown horse]

Thanks!!!! You are sooooo right. I just can't wait to get started but I don't know where to begin! Not to sound stupid, but in the last few years there have been things I have heard about but didn't know was possible at home. Currently I have been trying to teach myself how to can. But there is so much more I want to try! I have a notebook, too!

(Do you have chickens? It is a good start, they eat your table scraps and provide breakfast etc...) I started with a big ol' garden! Then began reusing as much stuff as possible, recycle what is left over. Make all of your food from scratch as much as possible. Get a rain barrel system started. Those are the few things that helped me feel a bit more ss. Ive used this forum to further myself along.

When someone comes up with a nifty idea, I snag it!

It was overwhelming at first, but each day I get a bit further along.

Ask as many questions as you can...I do. Everyone here is very nice and helpful.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

I thought I detected a bit of the anxious, excited, almost overwhelmed feeling from when I first started getting SS So much to do/learn and no time like NOW!!

You are welcome! And you too, BBH!

 

[freemotion]

Meanwhile.....NEVER throw away a good glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid! Take them from all your friends, too!

You'll understand why soon enough.....

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Yep, she's right!!!

 

[k0xxx]

If you don't have it already, I can send you a pdf copy of the file "Raising Catfish in a Barrel". If you need it, drop me an e-mail at k0xxx "at" yahoo.com