Gardening When It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times (Mother Earth news Wiser Living Series, 5)
Real-World Benefits of Customary Low-Input Gardening
As the cost of oil rises, more North Americans are turning to backyard gardening to reduce reliance on expensive food systems. this guide champions a return to low-input methods that prioritize simplicity and sustainability,offering a practical solution for families seeking to cut food costs without compromising on nutrition.By leveraging natural resources like sunlight and existing soil, these techniques require minimal water, less frequent fertilization, and a smaller budget-making them ideal for those with limited time or funds. Unlike modern intensive systems, which depend heavily on oil-powered infrastructure, traditional approaches frequently enough yield bountiful harvests with just a few basic tools, minimal labor, and a touch of ingenuity. Whether you're a first-time gardener or looking to refine your skills, this resource empowers you to create a resilient food source that adapts to shifting economic landscapes.
User-Pleasant Design for Modern Gardeners
Designed with beginners in mind, this book provides clear, actionable steps to transform ordinary spaces into productive food gardens, suitable for most climates except extreme heat or tropical regions. Its focus on low-cost, low-maintenance strategies means you can start growing fresh produce with minimal upfront investment-just a handful of repurposed materials, a modest budget for tools, and two hours of daily effort during the growing season. The author, a seasoned expert with decades of hands-on experience, draws on timeless principles to guide readers toward a more self-reliant lifestyle. By emphasizing hardiness and adaptability, the book ensures that even small plots can become vital contributors to household food security, blending practicality with a deeper connection to the land.
- Pros:
Enduring: Reduces environmental impact with minimal resource use.
Cost-Effective: low initial expenses and minimal ongoing costs.
accessible: Works for most English-speaking regions and small spaces.
Time-Saving: Requires only 2 hours a day during the growing season.
expert Guidance: Backed by years of experience and practical insights.
- Cons:
Climate Limitations: Not suitable for tropical or hot desert zones.
Spatial Needs: Requires 3,000-5,000 sq.ft. of garden space.
Learning Curve: Demands some trial and error to master techniques.
| ISBN-10 | 086571553X |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0865715530 |
| Publication Date | April 1, 2006 |
| Print Length | 360 pages |
Garden Hose 50FT, Non-Expanding, Lightweight Hose, Leak-Proof Metal Interface, No-Knots, Easy to Carry, Wear-Resistant, Sturdy, Flexible, 3/4GHT, Water Hose for Yard, Garden, Outdoor
Effortless Garden Care with a Thoughtfully Designed Hose
Imagine the frustration of carrying a heavy, cumbersome garden hose that stretches, tangles, or leaks under pressure. That's where a better solution comes in: a hose engineered to simplify your daily tasks. With a 3-layer reinforced construction, it resists stretching and shrinking, ensuring consistent performance whether you're watering plants or cleaning up after a storm. The leak-proof metal connectors and durable washers eliminate the stress of drips and unexpected breaks, while the smooth, kink-resistant design lets you maneuver effortlessly. Whether you're tending to a small garden or tackling larger outdoor projects, this hose adapts to your needs without compromising strength or convenience. Its lightweight build, paired with an 8-function nozzle that adjusts to various tasks, makes it a reliable companion for both routine and extreme weather conditions.
Every detail of this hose is designed to enhance your experience. The high-density polyester outer layer shields it from wear, while the inner PVC provides added safety under pressure. Its compact size and global 3/4" US Standard compatibility mean it fits seamlessly with existing tools,and the ability to connect two hoses expands your reach without hassle. You'll appreciate the ease of rolling it up and storing it, thanks to its flexible yet sturdy material. Whether you're rinsing a car, cleaning patio furniture, or giving your pets a bath, the combination of durability, efficiency, and thoughtful features ensures a seamless, no-frills solution for your outdoor needs.
Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Lightweight and portable - 50% lighter than traditional hoses for easier handling.
- Leak-proof design - Metal connectors and spare washers prevent drips in all conditions.
- No kinks or tangles - 3-layer structure ensures smooth flow and versatility.
- Multi-scenario versatility - 8-function nozzle adapts to watering, cleaning, and more.
- Weather-resistant - Built to withstand extreme heat and freezing temperatures.
- Cons
- Shorter length - May require multiple sections for larger areas.
- Less rigid - Might not suit heavy-duty irrigation systems.
- Learning curve - 8-function nozzle requires some setup familiarity.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 50ft |
| Weight | 3.5lbs |
| Material Layers | 3-layer: polyester, PU, and PVC |
| Nozzle Functions | 8 scenarios (watering, cleaning, etc.) |
| Compatibility | Universal 3/4" US Standard |
Complete Guide to Home Canning: Revised 2015
Home canning has evolved significantly over the past 180 years, transforming from a rudimentary preservation method into a refined, science-backed practice. This resource dives deep into the underlying principles that ensure safety and quality, such as the role of heat, pressure, and vacuum in preventing spoilage. It walks users through essential equipment like jars, lids, and canners, offering clear guidance on their correct use to avoid common mistakes. The book also outlines fundamental ingredients and step-by-step procedures, empowering readers to create consistently delicious, long-lasting preserves. Whether you're new to canning or a seasoned pro, it's designed to help you make informed decisions about what, how much, and when to can, ensuring every batch meets safety standards and enhances shelf life.
The second section of the publication delivers practical, food-specific canning guides tailored for a wide range of items-from fruits and vegetables to meats, seafood, and pickles. Each guide includes detailed instructions for preparing sugar syrups and determining the precise quantities of raw materials needed,making it easy to scale recipes for a full canner load of pints or quarts. For those living at higher altitudes, the book provides crucial adjustments to processing times and temperatures, ensuring success irrespective of location. These hands-on directions are complemented by research-based insights that elevate both novice and experienced canners, offering a blend of tradition and innovation to simplify the process and maximize results.
- Pros: Comprehensive coverage of all canning essentials,altitude-specific adjustments for reliable results,user-friendly approach for beginners and veterans alike,research-backed advice for safety and quality.
- Cons: Print-only format may limit digital accessibility, some recipes require specialized tools, lengthy details might overwhelm casual users.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | March 5, 2017 |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 197 |
| ISBN-10 | 1939473543 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1939473547 |
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 0.45 x 11 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.13 pounds |
Water Flow Meter | Measure Gallon Usage from an outdoor garden Hose | Helps Conserve Water
Imagine your plants subtly whispering their needs-hinting at overwatering, a common issue that can harm their health and waste precious resources. The Save A Drop Meter offers a practical solution, helping you stay in tune with your garden's requirements without guesswork. Its easy-to-read LCD display provides real-time feedback on water flow, ensuring you know exactly how much is being used each time you water.By tracking both single-use and accumulative volumes, the device empowers you to adjust your watering habits precisely, preventing excess and promoting healthier plant growth. Whether you're tending to a lawn, shrubs, or a greenhouse, this tool simplifies the process, making it easier to conserve water while maintaining vibrant, thriving plants.
Designed for convenience and accuracy,the Save A drop meter is a versatile addition to any outdoor routine. Its rugged,waterproof housing ensures durability in all weather conditions,while its ability to measure down to 1/10th of a gallon adds precision for those mindful of water conservation. The simple attachment between your hose and faucet means no intricate setup, and its clear interface allows for quick, intuitive use. Beyond gardening, it's ideal for camping, yard watering, or other applications where accurate hydration tracking matters. By giving you control over water consumption,it supports sustainable practices that benefit your home,your plants,and the planet-making every drop count with ease.
- Pros
- Prevents over-watering with precise measurements
- Easy-to-read LCD display for instant feedback
- Durable, waterproof housing for outdoor use
- Simple attachment between hose and faucet
- Accurate to 1/10th of a gallon for detailed tracking
- Cons
- Requires periodic battery replacement
- Limited to systems with a direct water flow
- May need calibration for optimal accuracy
| Feature/Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Water Measurement Accuracy | 1/10th of a gallon |
| Display | Easy-to-read LCD |
| Dimensions | 4 x 2 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 2.88 ounces |
| waterproof Housing | Yes |
| Batteries | 1 CR5 battery (included) |
| Uses | Gardening, camping, greenhouses, lawn care |
| Product | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Water Meter with 1/10 gallon Accuracy |
|
|
|
Unleash Your True Potential
Gardening When It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series, 5)
Master sustainable gardening techniques to grow food during challenging times, reducing dependency on external resources.
Garden Hose 50FT, Non-expanding, Lightweight Hose
Efficient and durable hose design that minimizes leaks and simplifies water management during gardening tasks.
Complete Guide to Home Canning: Revised 2015
Learn cost-effective food preservation methods to reduce waste and conserve water through long-term storage of produce.
Water Flow Meter | measure Gallon Usage from an Outdoor Garden Hose
Accurately tracks water consumption to prevent over-watering, ensuring precise irrigation and saving thousands of gallons annually.
- Pros:
- Cons: