Planning Your Preserving Year

[@GrapeApe2018]

I'm sad to report I lost all my home canned, commercially canned, and dry goods in my converted detached storage shed in Tuesday's tornado here in Linwood Kansas. I have to share our miracle story. This twister was a F4 and a mile wide. It completely wiped out half of our sweet little town and homes, barns etc. I live 9/10 of a mile from the hwy. All my neighbors in that distance were wiped out. Being the property last in the track's path, only 85% of our property was destroyed. The remaining 15% is where my house stands. Praise God! The damage literally stopped inches away. The house only lost a very few shingles and has one small punch through hole in the roof, that's it. Yet boards were pulled from the deck right out side the door. Our metal utility shed is about 6 feet off the ground, resting on two gigantic root balls from two 100+ yo trees that were pulled up and landed in opposite directions. The one tree was so big that the roots were deep enough, that when it was pulled up, it created a channel for a new spring to bubble up to the surface. This is only 20 feet from the house. There is no scientific explanation for this to happen. That's right, because it was a true miracle. God does answer prayers. This tornado was on the ground for 2.5 hours, and as we fled I prayed the entirety of the 4.5 hours it took to get home. As we passed destroyed house after destroyed house I prayed harder and harder. For the people who lost everything, I began to feel guilty asking for my house to be saved, but a peace came over me as if someone said don't worry, the house is fine, and it truly was. One of the homes that was wiped completely from the earth, at the end of our road, had not even any debris that remained. When the elderly gentleman was released from the hospital, he wanted to see his former home. In the front yard, where he had put it some years ago, stood a flag pole, still flying out nation's flag 🇺🇸. It was reported that with a tear on his cheek he said, "well, it's bent but not broken." The rest of us Linwoodians have adopted that statement as we clean up and rebuild. The weakest of us is the strongest man I've ever met and his strength 💪 is sustaining ours. May God Bless you all and grant you an answered prayer when you really really need it!

[@eringrant8221]

So sorry for your loss, and for your neighbors losses. I live in kansas, too. Do you need help with the clean up? I can send some boys from my church your way to help if you need it

[@vmorganbogart]

What an amazing story. It is things like what that man said that give us all a new hope & perspective in the midst of trials & tribulations. My thoughts & prayers have been with all affected by these terrible storms. I can’t imagine what you & others are going through. Although so much of your property received so much damage, I am so thankful that you, your family & your house survived. May The Lord wrap his loving arms around you & the others affected and give you all strength, peace & comfort. Love & Hugs from Ft. Worth, Texas

[@GrapeApe2018]

@@eringrant8221 Thank you so much for gracious offer. We are all going from place to place cleaning up today there are over 1000 pre registered volunteers over and above our 400 plus residents. Since we are fortunate enough to have a house we are not clearing our property till everyone who dosen't is sorted and clear. And for the moment the trees are our fence. Hopefully the spirit of fellowship remains until everything that can be set to rights is. GOD bless you always!

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Wow! Praise God for answered prayers and that you all are all right! We will pray tonight for your family and your community. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@jamieridge6944]

God is AMAZING! praise to our king!!! We will be keeping you, your family, and all who have been affected in our prayers. God bless

[@joannbrewer6046]

How sweet, yes still read a book of how rough. TRISTON can get. Loved your kitchen the other day

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

You don't know how many times I've thought, "Carolyn and I would make GREAT neighbors!"--while watching your videos. :) I am the same about accepting offers of "free or drastically reduced" produce! My husband was picking something up from a farmer friend recently and she offered us some rhubarb (we are trying to get some going, but it's not went well so far). He accepted and brought home a plastic grocery sack full of rhubarb. I made a cobbler and a compote. When he visited again in a week or so he told the lady about what I'd made and how much we'd enjoyed it...and she sent home a giant box (probably 20#) of rhubarb! I froze it and texted another 'thank you' to the lady. Maybe two weeks later she texted me asking if I could use more. THANK GOODNESS she asked me and not my handsome husband, lol...because he would have politely declined thinking we had plenty. I said, "YES! ...and we're happy to pay for it." When he came home from that visit he had another 20# or so, which also went into the freezer, minus a cobbler. ;) I have noticed that different produce does well different years...so maybe this year I'll put back 2-3 years of rhubarb....and next year it may not do so well and we may have none to add to the stores, so I'm always happy I put enough by for more than a year. Last fall black walnuts hit in our neighbor's yard and they brought buckets of them to us, which we dried and shelled, cracked and stored (NOT a small job--lol!). Hoe much do black walnuts cost in stores for tiny bags that are who knows how old? I ADORE free produce and will accept 99% of the time. Thank you both so much for sharing your knowledge. The list is getting mighty long of all the tips and ideas you've shared that have been a blessing to us....Dream Cheese....water glassing eggs...bread tips...pasta info...Josh's garden info--I put the tip on watering just before sunup for frost and our blooms survived!....just SO much! Thanks a million! God bless!

[@elizabethwilson5349]

I had to smile at your comment about used jars! I have had that experience where the new jars at the hardware store were cheaper than the thrift store ones! Just goes to show you--it pays to shop around! I also completely agree with the fact that canning should be replacing the things that you would otherwise buy in the store. I find that much of my canning right now is broth. I call it "scrap broth", and it is a combination of bones and vegetable scraps (onion skins, carrot ends, etc.) that stay in a freezer bag until it fills up and then I prepare it and can it. I have not bought broth from the store in a very long time. YES YOU CAN get some really good deals at the farmers market and also local farm stands at the end of the day or week. There is also the foraging--there are some mulberry trees that grow around the neighborhood that I gather from every year and freeze the berries for smoothies. It is great! Love your channel! I always learn something. I think that you and your family set such a wonderful example for the kind of team work it truly does take to make a homestead work. To make ANY home work for that matter. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences with all of us. It is very much appreciated and NEEDED!

[@Sara-uj1jr]

Would you please consider doing a quick video tour of your homestead? To help viewers (or maybe just me) follow along better.

[@HomesteadingFamily]

We will this summer some time! I know that it can be very quick!

[@donnamoore4494]

You two are so entertaining and make such helpful ideas. God Bless you

[@FarmhouseTeas]

Preserving rose petals in the dehydrator while watching this ;) Canning isn't my thing but it's on my bucket list! I dehydrate about everything or ferment or freeze :) The garden looks fabulous!

[@rhondamontiel3827]

Another thing you can do if you run into a bumper crop of your own or get a hold of a good deal that you don't need is that you could barter that with someone else who may have something that you do need. Of course I know you guys know that but I was expecting you to say it in the video. I love watching your farm grow

[@erikacronje8985]

Super preserving tips. My mouth watered at the quinces, so much one can do with them. I made jelly before (a lot of work but so worth it) but one can also re-use the pulp you strain from that. We are in our coldest part of the year here in South Africa but my area has mild winters, never snows, so my cold weather crops are looking good and I am surprised my Basil is still going strong! Cilantro still green as well, but it is suffering a bit, other herbs also hanging in there. I have started my Spring planning, as I realised some seeds must be started from mid June already!! Seed checking to see what I need to buy for that. As nice as a moderate winter is, the garden does not really ever stop and I must get some compost and worm castings in to replenish my raised bed soil. Looking forward to your next video

[@bearriverwillow]

Great video. I have another tip for everyone. I have our grocerylist made up of food purchases from about a 2 year range. I hadnt really used it in the last 4 years as i dont do shopping on a quarterly bases any more. We are in a travel trailer and all pur extra stores are in a storage unit. I recent went over the list and uaed a yellow highlighter to mark everything tjat i can grow and/or produce at home. I was amazed tjat about 3/4 of our annual purchased can be raised at home. The list is two sided and has 5 columns on each side in a small font (7). That is alpt of entries. Alot of the foods we dont even eat anymore, which were mostly processed anyways, like cookies or hot pockets for the kids or snacking. Anyways, looking at pur shopping list has helped me realize how much we need to plant to be able to preserve. Over the next two years I will be refining our "Forever Home" garden plan so that when we find it we can get our garden in asap to start preserving more to have on hand. We grow enough seasonal produce now to suppliment our meals and can only a little since we dont have optimal storage areas for much.

[@SeattleStevie]

You're both such a joy to watch. I love learning from you and seeing your homestead grow. I do a lot of fermenting but I would love to start canning as well. I make sauces and soup bases from our veggies and freeze them but it takes up so much space. I enjoy cooking but having a full canned meal for those times when you need something quick and healthy is amazing. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@sort_of_a_homestead]

Great info!! I am just moving from canning as a hobby to using it to build our food stores. I loved all the practical tips. Thank you!!

[@maryellenhoybook33]

I think y'all are awesome!!!! Very solid advice!!! I really love the way you present and explain. Thank you so much!!!

[@jennybroussard1383]

Guys, I can't thank you enough for these pantry chats! I have learned so much from you. Each week I look forward to whats next on the episode. You guys are GREAT!

[@francinelarsen3303]

Good tip about not buying jars in haste at thrift stores. Here in Alaska, the thrift stores often want $1.99 or more per jar, WITHOUT A LID. Even without a sale, the current price for a new jar with ring and lid is $.99. I often think those people pricing items just don't have any clue about what is fair.

[@plante_n_seeds4505]

Being able to pull a jar off the shelf, pop it open and easily prepare dinner without having to stop at the store on the way home is amazing! My green beans didn't produce enough to make more than 4 pints this year, but I was able to get some from a local farmer and put up a few more jars. I'm guilty of looking at all those fancy canning recipes and thinking they sound amazing! lol Canning convenience meals is on my list to try next :)

[@roxannern9393]

Yummy! Waffles with butter and marmalade with bacon. One of my favorites!

[@delphiabrewer]

I enjoyed tonight, I also learn that the price of new jars at different stores, I bought some wide mouth qt. and later another store they were $3.00 cheaper. Something I did last year I found some carrots on sale and I bought and canned some, they were so good they did not last 6 months. I am so excited on the different types to process.

[@terradeloach8540]

Needed this. Can what you eat, i need to make a sign for my kitchen.

[@cherylmatthews7172]

Wonderful video this week guys. God Bless

[@SweetPeaFarmNY]

I am so hopeful to learn as much as I can about food preservation this year... going to get on that waiting list

[@theheritagehousesc]

Great advise! I can a lot of meat and ready made meals. That’s a great choice for us to have a quick meal when we have no time to cook. As a matter of fact I am canning as we speak Beef Stroganoff. I don’t do much jelly and jams. We don’t eat as much of that and our kids don’t care for them either. Ready made meals are the way to go preserving for our family or can items individually to use in a meal later. You can always ferment as you mentioned or even dehydrate. I totally agree; brand new jars cost less most of the time. At least in my area. All great advice. Thank you

[@brratso]

I truly enjoy your channel and I’m enjoying you’re little class you have an about herbs really like that

[@vickieowens4548]

Hi from Iowa, thanks for letting me be a part of your show. I really enjoy it.

[@shellig5388]

Great points!!! Looking forward to the canning class and I LOL’d at the dad in the kitchen taking up the stuff budgeted for multiple meals!!!!! This happens whenever our daddy gets into the kitchen as well!!!!

[@vmorganbogart]

Great video with great information. Another thing that you didn’t mention is bartering. For example, if you have an over abundance of tomatoes, but your green beans didn’t do well, you may can barter some of your tomatoes with someone that may have an over abundance of green beans. Somebody has apple trees but can’t have a garden. Trade some of your produce for their fruit. We have gone & picked strawberries & apricots before. Not only did we get great fruit but we had a blast doing it. I really love your channel & all the great info. Love & Hugs from Ft. Worth, Texas.

[@Diana_the_green_dragon]

I love this video. I wish i could like this 50 times

[@edwenabang3805]

I want to add to Carolyn's talk about jars, look for coupons, and shop around, Walmart is not always the best price for jars. In my area, Menards beats Walmart. My stock up price for jars is .50 each for quarts or smaller.

[@connorphelps7953]

Thank you both so much for taking all of the time you do to inform and encourage others. You are both so amazing, and really appreciated! Ps- we love the James Herriot books in our home, we haven’t seen all of the series yet, we should make time for that! God Bless you

[@cre8tive_one]

I love All Creature's Great and Small..... what a great show...I love canning and can't wait to see new what new video's you have in store.

[@CoolHandLukeakaSgtBilly]

Having been a canner for 50+ years, I appreciate your insight and wisdom. I am in the process of moving southern Idaho to be near my Grandkids. (The only reason I am not moving North to Sandpoint or Moscow area). Thank you for sharing.

[@kimcritchfield5796]

This is the first vlog I have seen of yours. I started canning last year. I’ve made so many great things from my Ball canning guide, and have a cupboard of condiments!! Lol. I’m signed up for the wait list! Hoping my season in SoCal isn’t completely over.

[@NickandJulie]

I'm making a priority to dry as much herbs from the garden as I can this year. Love canning up my tomatoes and pickles to enjoy during the cold winter months. And those jams of course!

[@joylouise5417]

Such a practical, knowledgeable approach. Helped me a lot. Thanks.

[@sueannchism1128]

Thanks guys! Enjoy your chats 👍🏻

[@Winteryears]

Love you guys, you're building a good life. Power to you.

[@mandie5to9mom76]

I stopped at the farmer’s market today and ended up with getting a huge deal on pickling cucumbers and so I’ve been prepping those all evening for canning tomorrow

[@kimandrews9734]

Wanted to buy some half gallon canning jars after seeing your shelves in some of your older videos. Went to Amazon and priced them. Don’t remember the exact price, but I found a case of 6 at Walmart for less than two on Amazon. It pays to shop around and not snap up the first place you check. Love your videos.

[@fionafiona1146]

... I am not sure if that's the sort of thing you want the cheapest option on (with the temperature changes you expose them to) but good deals are worth the time you take to price them.

[@kimandrews9734]

fiona fiona They were all Ball mason jars so the cheap was just the price, not the jars.

[@fionafiona1146]

@@kimandrews9734 Good to know, local business aren't always selling the name brand here.

[@ayla1316]

Very excited for the dairy video can't wait

[@homesteadparadise]

You are so right with the knowledge in this video..I have been doing these techniques for years..we to love jelly and jams on a homemade biscuit or a slice of fresh baked bread...my favorite jam.."tomato basil jam"....

[@adamcarroll1975]

I’d love to help plant (and learn!) if I were nearby, but I’m in Alabama... Maybe another time. LOL Love your videos so much. My mom passed away a few months ago, and I have found solace in watching you guys. Wishing you all the best! Adam

[@janlichtenberger2503]

Looking forward to learning how to can your loaded potato soup! Love your pantry chats.

[@p.l.larose3851]

Love the "Josh is a great cook" section of this video !!!

[@vallamar4731]

I love James Herriot!

[@reignofaragon6890]

Love this!! And I do the same. I am known as the opportunist in my town. I almost always jump on free anything. I am now strating to learn to say no. I actually offer the service to ppl to come pick their fruit if they don't plan to pick it. We've met lots of awesome ppl from that ;).

[@jennjanowi]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I love your chats and look forward to future videos. Our families have a lot of similarities, homeschooling, homesteading, scratch cooking, etc. It is such a joy to view others that are doing the same things. P.S. we also mulch with old hay, because it's free. ;-)

[@PokerHillFarm]

Here's another tip- look on Auction.com for canning jars near you. I found a boatload of jars on an Auction that was about 2 hours from me. I called and asked if I could make an absentee bid. They allowed it. I put in a low bid of 75.00 for all of the jars. They called me at 4pm and told me I had won the auction at 37.00, but we had to pick them up that evening!!! We left immediately and drove down- we filled up the pickup truck with jars and the boxes were double stacked. I mailed the auctioneer a check - It was dark by the time we got there, but we got them all! That was the best deal I've ever gotten on canning jars.

[@jmarhanson]

This was a great video. I really appreciate the canning planning advice. The longer I can the more I learn to create what is practical for our family. Let's just say I gave away a lot of lavender jelly last year.

[@lewisnmalindastutzman7914]

Thank you so much for all the time you take in sharing so much of your knowledge with us! I have a question on the fermented tomatoes. I have been interested in fermenting tomatoes since I've watched your video on that, and they sound so delicious, but I'm wondering how are some of the ways you eat them at a meal setting, or whenever. Thank you, Malinda

[@NancyfromCanada]

Love your suggestions! Thanks Nancy in Canada

[@VJWLPN1]

Educational video. Enjoyed the tips. Thank you both.

[@brendaarchambault7014]

Love your video's great info. If you get to much of an item ( cherries) you could barter with someone for an item you need.

[@joenperkins2138]

Great tips.

[@rhondawelker6742]

Very interesting as always. Thank you! 😃

[@SherryGlow1]

New to your channel. South Carolina here. Have a Blessed Day!

[@Greywolf2328]

Excellent information and very practical as well. I make chili with elbow macaroni in it. Can that be canned? I love the idea of canning meals.

[@carlagillis5533]

I follow all your social media. You guys are so inspiring!

[@dianesanders5705]

Are you sharing your recipe for chicken enchilada soup?

[@marjoryvick1179]

Thanks. This video taught me a lot.

[@shadowlandsfarmandcreamery5400]

Loved the reference to James Herriot! Tristan would've indeed have done something so silly

[@simplegrower5838]

Thanks for sharing. I have been giving a great deal of thought about what to grow for canning, what I need to buy at market to can, and how I can be most efficient for health and cost. I still do some fun stuff like mango habanero jelly. 😁

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

Marketing his cooking is what my husband does too. That is sooooo funny.

[@dollyperry3020]

I wish I could come. I'm near Spokane. But I'm a gimpy lady...bad knees and you can find much better help than I. Dried cherries are AMAZING!

[@0110rroberts]

i love to have canned whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes on hand always.

[@GoodSimpleLiving]

Since we are gearing up to put in our orchard.... which trees have done the best there, and which fruits maybe didn't do as well? Here in SW WA we grow apples, pears, Asian pears, cherries, and plums. Any luck with anything else?

[@fionafiona1146]

All of those come in enough varieties to certainly find one for their climate, nuts and Maroni (I don't think they are still chestnuts) should also survive, while being not too common in orchards... her new distill and creative slates would also be a great way to use some of the tree nuts that hide in cones.

[@auntmayme8119]

What a fun offer! I would love to help out, but it’s a fair piece from Northeastern PA. I suppose I could make a visit to my brother in Spokane. ;). By the way, on the back of my Ball Bluebook of Canning there is a photograph of lemon vinegar in a half pint jar and ice cubes in it. The vinegar you can’t drink but the photo looks so refreshing; even with a sprig of mint on top. I really wanted to make some, because I thought I could drink it. Big mistake. Since then, I’m always on the lookout for “typical” canning recipes. That’s what led me to your channel.

[@freerangefarmin2964]

As I am watching this video, have you thought about doing in depth class on a dairy cow and how to handle all of that milk? Thank you!

[@HomesteadingFamily]

We looking at this possibility! :)

[@creativeeverydaylife]

good tips :-) God bless

[@suehouse533]

Thank you for all of this valuable information. I am learning a lot :)

[@reneeschweiger9921]

Where do you find the best deals on bulk canning love lids (not the rings)? I scored on an all American pressure canner from the app “offer up”. Can’t wait for your canning class! Thanks for your pantry chats...very informative and useful for me.

[@abundantlyblessedhomestead9951]

I want to come to your garden planting tomorrow! But, it's a LONG drive from eastern South Dakota!

[@KristineLeach]

good thoughts and ideas! thanks! :D

[@JaniceCrowell]

You mentioned freeze drying. Do you own a freeze dryer? Do you think it is worth the money? What kind do you recommend? I really want to freeze dry but am not sure about the investment.

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

I just signed up for your canning I hope fermented vegetables are included.

[@abundantlyblessedhomestead9951]

She has several videos on the KZbin channel on fermenting

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

crystal LaBrake Thanks . I do the basics.But I like to watch what others so.I kind there is always something little that I learn.Tomatoes is something I really want to learn about.

[@abundantlyblessedhomestead9951]

@@deborahtofflemire7727 you can also order a nourishing traditions cookbook by Sally fallon. It has tons of fermenting recipes

[@paulastorm4213]

If I don’t have canning jars to wash we probably have not eaten yet, that is our fast food

[@Oregonmac]

I totally “market” my food EVERY night when I’m cooking 😂😂

[@ginalapan3524]

Interested to know what you planted in your garden. I make a lot of chili, bean soups etc... do you plant black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans for drying or just buy the beans at the store?

[@fionafiona1146]

They buy much in bulk but had planed to expand the amount they home grow.

[@shadowlandsfarmandcreamery5400]

Oh and Josh and my husband have the exact same cooking style!😂😂😂

[@talethaham2420]

what type of mulch did you use? thank you , love your channel

[@annelioskarsson5053]

I wish I could come but I`m in Sweden:):):) however I will also plant seedlings today.

[@pattihayden8100]

Anneli Oskarsson my son lives in Gothenburg in an apartment, (transplant from Las Vegas) every year I visit I buy him another pot to grow something, it’s amazing his blueberry production he has and other fruits he has and his son is always eating fresh from his little garden

[@timothygunckel7162]

How long do you keep your canned foods, such as sweet potatoes?

[@shellicameron408]

so pay attention now Josh be prepared you never know what might happen my dad and i had to do it when i was 16 in 1984

[@mariannelawrence2392]

Tell us again how to get on the canning wat list. love your videos.

[@HomesteadingFamily]

There is a link in the description!

[@simplegrower5838]

I'm in western Oregon.

[@judithhobson5868]

hi im jude from south australia i love learning from you both i have a question do you grow your own spices eg: tumeric and store it

[@mollytarrant4827]

Love your cows name 😄

[@kathyadams1766]

Were in North Idaho do you live? We are just starting out in Ponderay with a garden they don't know what compost is . But i don't want animal in it. The land is clay. Do you have peach trees.

[@Joseph102169]

Looking for the fermenting tomato video right now

[@lindaguthrie4258]

How do I sign up ahead of time for your canning class

[@meganwright2738]

You mentioned an email list, how do I get on it??

[@michaelkannegiesser8532]

What happen to episode 13 and 14? Went right to 15?

[@rocktech7144]

This is the best meal ever. ........because they are starving. Lol

[@alm5512]

Haha. Nothing like eating a few hours late. You've been smelling delicious food for hoooouuuurs, your stomach is growling and about to turn inside out. Best meal EVER. 😁

[@gracereeves7803]

serving it really late is all part of the marketing

[@100Diamonds10]

Where on the panhandle, I'm west of Sandpoint ID.

[@balenciaerskine4475]

I thought you two were out in the toolies. What is that jackhammer doing in the background?

[@americanmeteoritefan9670]

Hello Rita Duncan 😉

[@karenshylie6276]

I know you can water bath can tomatoes. Can you do the same to tomato soup

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Yes

[@CorgiMama3]

How do you preserve carrots? I pressure canned all my gorgeous carrots for the first time last year, and I hate the texture 😩Such a waste

[@ka6148]

Lacto-fermentation keeps it crispy 😉try in small batches until you find a recipe you enjoy.

[@crystalsullivan5238]

Help..... I need a pickle recipe please help

[@ritaduncan7508]

Hello

[@Lu-ys9cw]

Poor cat