Self-Reliance Archives

Safely Limbing and Bucking Trees

September 28, 2022 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

Bucking trees isn’t as easy as it looks. Learn how to limb a tree and buck wood safely.

Know Your Firewood Moisture Content

September 28, 2022 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

Knowing firewood moisture content can make the difference between creating steam or heat. Most folks agree that water doesn’t burn, not unless you break H2O down into H and O, both of which are highly flammable, and that doesn’t happen in your stove or furnace.

What is the Best Way to Store Firewood?

September 28, 2022 · Rhonda Crank · Self-Reliance

You’ve put in all the hard work of chopping the tree, splitting the wood, and now you’re ready to stack it for storage. But what is the best way to store firewood?

A Guide to the Best Trees for Firewood

September 28, 2022 · Rhonda Crank · Self-Reliance

Whether you’re cooking or heating the house, not all wood is created equal. So, what are the best trees for firewood?

The Underutilized American Acorn

September 21, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Self-Reliance

To see how most Americans view the acorn, one would think that they are useless tree droppings, something inevitable we just have to deal with in the autumn, like garden-killing frosts, pumpkin spice everything, and way-too-early Christmas decorations.

Survival Essentials for Safe Adventures

September 1, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Self-Reliance

Giving 10 “essentials” for survival and emergencies is Royce Jones, Wilderness Patroller I of the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness which is located on the mountain that overlooks Palm Springs, California.

Tornado Safety Tips to Keep You Ahead of the Storm

August 23, 2022 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

Safety tips to help you and your family during and after a tornado strikes.

Facts about Floods and Surviving Them

August 23, 2022 · Marissa Ames · Self-Reliance

Tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes come on fast and strong. But floods can be just as devastating.

Ideas for National Preparedness Month

August 23, 2022 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

September is National Preparedness Month. Here are a few suggestions on ways you can observe National Preparedness Month.

Tips To Help Homeowners Prepare for a Natural Disaster

August 23, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Self-Reliance

Knowing beforehand what to do when a natural disaster hits is pivotal.

Fire Evacuation Procedures for Your Livestock

August 1, 2022 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

The year 2013 was an informative and challenging year for Half Creek Farm in Bickleton, Washington. In late July and early August, we got our first “opportunity” to give farm fire evacuation procedures a try.

Fire Preparedness On The Farm

August 1, 2022 · Jeremy Chartier · Self-Reliance

Fire preparedness is an often-overlooked issue on the farm and homestead. Have you looked at your homestead or farm through the eyes of a firefighter?

Have a Wasp Sting Home Remedy Ready This Summer

July 17, 2022 · Jennifer Vanbenschoten · Self-Reliance

When you spend most of your time outdoors, whether you’re in the garden or in the woods, you’ll want to have a wasp sting home remedy handy. Wasps include yellowjackets and hornets.

Why That Homemade Insecticidal Soap Might Kill Your Garden

June 21, 2022 · Rebecca Sanderson · Self-Reliance, Soapmaking

One of the most prevalent DIY gardening hacks is to make homemade insecticidal soap, but I am here to tell you that it just might kill your garden.

11 Home Remedies for Bug Bites and Stings

June 20, 2022 · Rhonda Crank · Self-Reliance

Let’s face it, no one likes to be bitten or stung. The itching, stinging, burning, painful response our bodies have to bites and stings can even be uncomfortable.