Every spring, when the snow starts to melt and the days begin to warm up, something incredible happens—birch trees start running with sap. Not far from our property, we have a grove of birch trees, and this year we decided to tap them for fresh birch water and try making birch syrup. For my husband, … Read more
I started growing garlic several years ago, but honestly, I had no idea what garlic scapes even were. Worse yet, I didn’t realize I was supposed to remove them from the garlic plants. That probably explains why my garlic bulbs were always smaller than I expected. Once I finally learned to cut the scapes off, … Read more
🌿 What Is Oregon Grape? Oregon grape is one of the most useful wild plants you’ll find along the west coast of North America. Around our off-grid property, it grows naturally and is something I’ve come to appreciate more every year. Despite the name, it’s not actually a grape—but once you see the deep purple … Read more
Rocket mass heaters have become one of the most searched off-grid heating solutions for cabins, homesteads, and greenhouses — especially for people looking to heat with less wood, less smoke, and lower long-term costs. If you’re still comparing different off-grid heating options, you may also want to read my guide to Off-Grid Heating Options for … Read more
If you spend any time living off-grid, camping, overlanding, or simply keeping emergency supplies in your vehicle, having reliable multi-purpose tools can save both space and weight. One tool I’ve come across that really stands out is the Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Multitool — and honestly, it’s one of those tools that makes you … Read more
Books to Read If You’re Thinking About Going Off Grid If you’ve been thinking about moving off grid—or even just flirting with the idea—there are a few books that can help you understand what you’re really signing up for. Some focus on the practical skills you’ll need, while others share honest, often humorous stories about … Read more
Living off-grid in the winter usually means dealing with snow constantly. Around here, we have about 2 km of road to keep open, and after a heavy snowfall there’s no avoiding it — somebody has to clear it. That’s where an ATV snowplow becomes one of the most useful tools you can own. We use … Read more
We’ve been spending a lot more time out at the cabin this year, and I finally got tired of hauling laundry back and forth every few days. When you’re living off-grid, even simple chores like washing clothes can turn into a full-day project. Sure, I could head down to the spring with a washboard and … Read more
Bear Encounters We’ve never had problems with bears before, but over the last little while a black bear decided to start hanging around our yard — and harassing my chickens. Chickens, Ducks and Bear The first night, Mr. Bear tore down the back fence and rummaged through the compost pile. Surprisingly, he didn’t really eat … Read more
Our latest project has been putting an outdoor wood-burning stove out near the small cabin with a cover, so we can cook on it in the spring and fall. Of course, we will use it in the winter as well to warm up or just to enjoy. The small cabin already has a wood stove … Read more
