Hey there, Ryan here, welcoming you back to our cozy corner of the internet where farm chores meet deep dives into life’s big and small moments. As I gear up for another day on the farm, with the crisp morning air biting at my cheeks, I can’t help but share these moments with you. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the stories, the insights, and the reflections that come with every task, whether I’m tending to the fields or just rambling about the world around us.
This morning’s a brisk one, thirty-something degrees, and it’s got me bundling up as I prepare to fuel up the tractor and lawnmowers. It’s one of those necessary rituals that keep the farm ticking over. Maddie, my ever-enthusiastic companion, is right here by my side, her tail wagging excitedly as I load up the fuel jugs into the trailer. It’s these simple, shared moments that really highlight the day-to-day of farm living.
Today’s task list includes making a pilgrimage for fuel, and while it might seem mundane, there’s a bit of a twist. I find myself musing over the peculiarities of using taxed fuel for farm machinery—after all, it’s not like I’m hitting the road with them. It’s these little inefficiencies, these quirks of farm life, that often get me thinking about the bigger picture, how we navigate the often complex interplay between regulations and the realities of rural living.
So, as I set off with trailer in tow, I’m not just tackling a to-do list; I’m weaving through the thoughts and stories that each day brings. Whether it’s the joy found in companionship, the satisfaction of preparation, or the contemplation of life’s larger questions, it’s all part of the journey. Stick around, and let’s see where today’s chores—and today’s thoughts—take us.
Hello, fellow homesteaders and preppers! This is Ryan from backroadshomesteading.com, and today, I’m thrilled to bring you another enriching episode of our podcast, titled “Starting Seeds of Community.” This episode isn’t just about planting seeds in the soil; it’s about sowing the seeds of camaraderie and resilience in our homestead and prepper communities.
Seeding Trays and Sowing Community Bonds
As I speak, I’m in the barn, hands deep in the soil, starting trays of seeds, a ritual that marks the promise of new beginnings. But this act is more than just agricultural; it’s a metaphor for how we, as a community, can start and nurture the growth of our connections and support systems. Just like these seedlings that require care and attention, our homestead and prepper communities thrive on the mutual support and shared wisdom of their members.
More than Just Farming: A Discussion on Farm Shares and Goldbacks
The conversation goes beyond the soil and seedlings. We delve into the concept of farm shares, an innovative approach that allows community members to reap the benefits of local produce and support local farming. But our discussion doesn’t stop at agriculture. We also explore the fascinating world of goldbacks, an alternative currency that’s gaining traction among preppers and freedom-loving individuals seeking a reliable and tangible exchange medium, especially in these turbulent times.
Current Events and the Promise of an Early Spring
In this episode, we also touch on some current events shaping our world and our communities. And there’s good news to share – Phil the groundhog didn’t see his shadow, heralding an early Spring! Recording this episode was a true delight, as I found myself in a T-shirt, basking in the 70-degree sunshine, soaking up the warmth in the garden. It’s moments like these that remind us of nature’s cycles and the promise of renewal and growth.
Closing Thoughts
As we wrap up this episode, I want you to remember that every seed you plant, every community bond you forge, and every step you take towards self-reliance is a testament to the resilience and spirit of our homesteading and prepping lifestyle. Let’s continue to nurture these seeds and relationships because, just like the early Spring on the horizon, there’s a season of growth and prosperity awaiting us.
Until next time, keep sowing, keep growing, and keep sharing your light with the world. This is Ryan, signing off from backroadshomesteading.com. Stay rooted, my friends!
Hello, fellow green thumbs and homestead enthusiasts! It’s Ryan here from Backroads Homestead, and today, we’re diving into the enlightening world of grow lights. Yes, it’s that time of the year when we turn racks into lush, LED-powered growing stations, and I’m thrilled to share every step with you!
BBOUNDER 3FT LED Shop Light Fixture, Super Bright 3300LM, Cool Daylight White 6500K
SZHLUX LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants 2ft 80W https://amzn.to/3uaS6fp
Sunco Lighting 6 Pack LED Grow Light, 80W, Full Spectrum, Integrated Suspended Fixture https://amzn.to/3HF0BlP
Sunco Lighting 4 Pack LED Grow Light, 80W, Full Spectrum, Integrated Suspended Fixture https://amzn.to/3vQ2E3Y
AntLux 4FT LED Grow Lights 50W Full Spectrum Integrated 4 Foot Growing Lamp Fixtures https://amzn.to/48QsYtA
Bolt Dropper 11″ Black Zip Cable Ties (1000 Pack) https://amzn.to/3u7jhaS
Metal 16 Outlet Power Strip – https://amzn.to/3Shrj98
So, we’re in the thick of winter, almost February, and while we might be a tad late, it’s never too late for a good start, right? We’ve unpacked our trusted LED grow lights from our last greenhouse adventure in Wisconsin, and we’re ready to roll. From the vibrant purple lights to the full-spectrum white shop lights and some fancy specialty lights, we’ve got a brilliant array for this season’s seed starting. Fun fact: Most of these gems are from Amazon, competitively priced and just a click away!
The game plan? Daisy-chain six sets together, zip-tie them to the rafters, and voilà – a canopy of light! But let’s talk about the real MVP here: the utility tech zip ties, sturdy and reliable, just like a good old Jeep (and you know I love my Jeeps). Remember, when it comes to zip ties, size does matter – 11 inches is your golden number.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. We’ve got our shop lights emitting just the right amount of warmth for our seed trays – cozy and bright. But the real stars? Our staple lights. After a minor tweak (removing the heat shield), they’re ready to nurture our seedlings with their intense glow. A word of caution though – handle them with care as they’re a tad fragile without their metal backbone.
As we wire, snip, and adjust, here’s a revelation for you: Full-spectrum is the key. Yes, those regular shop lights from your local store can work wonders, just like the fancier grow lights. My experiments over the years have shown that as long as the light is full spectrum, your plants will thrive. So, there’s a handy tip to save some bucks and still have a lush, thriving green oasis!
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into seed trays and the magic of sprouting life. And hey, if you love what we’re doing, show some love! Subscribe, hit that notification bell, and spread the word. YouTube might be giving us a hard time, but with your support, we’ll keep this sustainable living dream alive and thriving.
And remember, Affiliate Links support our channel at no cost to you. So, let’s grow together, one seed, one light, one thriving homestead at a time. Until next time, this is Ryan from Backroads Homesteading, signing off. Keep those green thumbs up!
