Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toensmeier – Item of the Day

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Every day I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience and I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the book Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toensmeier.  Eric is the author of other books such as Paradise Lot and Edible Forest Gardens (which he co wrote with Dave Jackie).  This book though is the most practical for the average homesteader that just wants to grow food without replanting every year.

In this book you will learn about over 100 perennial veggies and what it takes to grow them.  Eric covers more than just a list of plants.  He goes into some plants that are ideal for aquatic systems and others that you can grow in green houses along many that can be grown in most of the United States out doors.

I feel there is a great deal of work to be done with breeding and developing more perennial vegetables but Eric’s book is the most concise guide to where were are right now I know of, that is why I have it on my book shelf.

On that, on this book I highly recommend going for the hard copy over the kindle version.  There are a lot of photos, charts and other visual components that simply work better in hard copy.  Along with the fact that the kindle edition flatly has some editing and lay out problems.

So if you want to up your game with perennial veggies check out Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toensmeier today.

Remember you can always find the TSP Amazon Item of the day by just going to TspAz.com and by shopping at TspAz.com anytime you shop on Amazon you help support TSP and the work we do here no matter what you buy.

P.S. – I also want to toss in a pitch here for Eric’s other book, Paradise Lot.  It is really easy to read and I learned a ton reading it as well.  It is not like Perennial Vegetables, which is more like a text book sticking to facts.  It is more narrative and tells the story of Eric and his friend Jonathan transforming an urban backyard.  They did this by buying a duplex, each took a half and they opened the back yard as a common area.  So consider this a bonus recommendation for another great book.

 

Episode-007- Miyagi Mornings Weekly Recap

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:52 — 15.3MB)

Welcome to Miyagi mornings weekly recap, a podcast version of our daily video series Miyagi Mornings, links to the video version of each segment can be found in the show notes for this episode. These recap episodes are part of The Survival Podcast feed but are numbered independently as a special weekly edition of our show, in all podcast feeds.

This week the Miyagi Mornings weekly recap podcast covers lifestyle design, bitcoin, dealing with set backs, starting a business, accomplishing goals and more. A link to the videos for each segment is included below, any resources mentioned in any of the segments can be found in the video notes by following either the Odysee links below.

 

If you want to submit a question for Miyagi Mornings just email jack@thesurvivalpodcast.com with miyagi mornings in the subject line. All subjects other than politics are welcome for this special series.

Opening Music Credit To

 

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Episode-2806- Expert Council Q&A for 1-15-21

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:25:48 — 19.6MB)

Today on The Survival Podcast the expert panel answers your questions on work trucks, blood vessel health, solar power, covid-19 treatment, investing, tractors, the great reset and more.

Make sure if you submit content for a feedback show that you put something like “comment for jack”, “question for jack” or “article for jack” in the subject line to assure proper identification for my screening process.

Please understand I receive several hundred emails a day and can’t get them all on the air.

I also do put out a lot of information on Facebook from emails that I can’t fit on the program though so keep em coming.

Join Me Today As I Respond to Your Calls and Discuss…

  • Quote of the day – “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities”.  ~ Voltaire
  • Shopping for a used work truck – Derek Bonpietro
  • How keto diets effect your blood vessel health and where genetics come in – Dr. Ken Berry
  • Self design of a grid tied solar system with battery back up – Shawn Mills
  • The skinny on ivermectin as a CoVid-19 treatment – Doc Bones
  • The literal “ins” and “outs” of retirement accounts – John Pugliano
  • Choosing the size of a tractor for farm or homestead use – Darby Simpson
  • Announcing our counter insurgency to The Great Reset, known as The Greater Reset – Jack

 

Resources for today’s show…

 

Websites of the Expert Council Members

 

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK (866-658-4465) and you might hear yourself on the air.

Join the MSB Today

Join the MSB Today

Want Every Episode of TSP Ever Produced?

Remember in addition to discounts to over 40 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.

 

Universal Cell Phone Tripod Mount – Item of the Day

The Survival Podcast Posted on by  

Every day I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience and I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the Universal Cell Phone Tripod Mount by Ulanzi.  A few years back, we launched our instagram channel (ItsAJackLife) and Dorothy has been managing it for me.  We started to do some short videos there and decided being able to use our tripod would be a good idea.  Issue was my old adapter made by DaVoice didn’t work for vertical, only horizontal.

Up till now that was not a problem because I hate VVS (vertical video syndrome) on sites like YouTube but for Instagram and some other sites, you have to do vertical and I get why.  So I figured why not get a mount that does both.  I almost passed on the Universal Cell Phone Tripod Mount by Ulanzi simply because it was so cheap.  I mean how good could it be for under 9 bucks?

But it just looked like what I needed and with Amazon you can always return something if it is crap so I gave it a shot. 1620 reviews and 4.5 stars.  So with all that I gave it a shot.

When I got this thing I was impressed.  It is plastic but well built, thick plastic and that is the right material for this little product.  The thumbscrew holds firmly and has a rubber gasket to keep it clamped down.  It mounts to a standard tripod or monopod shoe and it like everything I recommend just works and always works.  I mean this is the kind of product that is plastic sure, but as soon as you pick it up you know that it is well made.

Some reviewers did note that on some larger phones the phone won’t fit with a case on it.  I measured the max spread of the clamp at 3.75 inches so measure any larger device you might want to use it for.

You can also get the mount along with a bluetooth remote for your camera/phone.  The bluetooth remote is the same one DaVoice uses and many other vendors do as well.  They work just fine, just if you use it make sure the phone is screen side to you so you can be sure it started when you pushed the button.  If not you could finish a 10 minute video but have never started the camera, ask me how I know.  Anyway for 1 extra dollar if you want a remote it is likely worth it.

In any event the Universal Cell Phone Tripod Mount by Ulanzi is a great little tool for the money. So if you need something like this for your phone give it a try, at less then 8 bucks it can’t be beat.  In fact I now recommend it over my prior recommendation from DaVoice.

Remember you can always find all of our reviews at TspAz.com

P.S. – I just wanted to add this update, I have now been using this tool for over three years.  I still have it and it still works.  I did break one by knocking over a tripod on concrete it cracked the plastic.  I glued it back together with super glue and it still functions.  If you do video work with phones this thing is very hard to beat.  Oh fortunately the phone was not in it when I knocked over the dang tripod!

Episode-2805- Function Stacking and New Projects on Nine Mile Farm

The Survival Podcast Posted on by 1

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:21:44 — 18.7MB)

Today I am going to use a variety of projects I am currently planning and implementing here at Nine Mile Farm to teach you about function stacking.  Function stacking is a key principle in permaculture but it should really be a key principle in all design.

Geoff Lawton says “the more restrictions on a design, the more eloquent the design” and it is always how you see function stacking show up even when designers don’t use the term.  A perfect example is all the “tiny house” TV shows and videos.  Equally you see it in RVs.

As soon as that living space is scaled down that table and chairs is now a place to eat, a place to work, converts to a couch and converts to a bed.  I am sure you can think of many examples like staircases that are also for storage, etc.

But why do we wait until we have to function stack to do so?  When we intentionally design function stacking into all designs we do more with less.  As in less material, less energy, less money, less on going maintenance, less future inputs and less money.  Sound good?  Tune in today to learn more.

Join Me Today to Discuss….

  • What is function stacking and why should you care
  • What is the 3 reason rule of design and how does it create 3 or more functions to the element
  • Some Projects I am Doing and How they will Stack Function
    • My Duck feed/composting system using waste water, aquatic plants and more (video)
    • My new berry beds that are going in this spring (may be part of a workshop)
    • My shop redesign
    • My new pattern scheduled duck pool system (super low tech)
    • My new mobile duck/chicken hopper feeder
  • How to maximize your ability to function stack
    • Take in new information constantly
    • Think constantly about energy output and energy flow
    • Be clever with low tech solutions (aquarium siphons for instance)
    • Push yourself when you evaluate every element
      • Why this spot
      • What can it do
      • What are its needs and its outputs
      • How does it or can it relate to other elements and energies
      • What can I eliminate or provide with something I already have
  • Final thoughts on why this is one of the most important skills of a good designer

 

Resources for today’s show…

 

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK (866-658-4465) and you might hear yourself on the air.

Join the MSB Today

Join the MSB Today

Want Every Episode of TSP Ever Produced?

Remember in addition to discounts to over 40 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.

Masterblend Hydroponic Fertilizer – Item of the Day

The Survival Podcast Posted on by  

Every day I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience and I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the Masterblend Complete Fertilizer Combo Pack.  You can get this in various sizes from 2.5 to 62 pounds.  The weight is the combined weight of the three main ingredients which are

  • MasterBlend 4-18-38 Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer
  • Power Grow Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 Fertilizer
  • Power Grow Epsom Salt

 

You can buy each of them individually but you will do better cost wise with the combo pack and unless you are using other sources of some nutrients you need all three anyway.  While there are some custom formulas most people use one of two different recipes for hydroponic growing.

  • Vegetative Growth – 2 Grams each of MasterBlend and Calcium Nitrate and 1 Gram of Epsom Salt per gallon
    ~
  • Flowering and Fruiting Plants – 3 Grams each of MasterBlend and Calcium Nitrate and 2 Gram of Epsom Salt per gallon

 

The kits are designed with these ratios in mind so say you get a 25 pound kit, you are going to get a ten pound bag of MasterBlend and CalNitrate and one 5 lb bag or Epsom Salt.  This lets easily calculate the cost per gallon of fertilizer because we know a pound of kit makes us 90 gallons of vegetative growth fluid and 56 gallons of fruiting/flowering fluid.  With that we can calculate the following…

  • A 2.5 pound kit yeilds a price of 10 cents a gallon for vegetative growth and 16 cents a gallon for fruiting plants.
  • A 5 pound kit drops the price of vegetative growth to 6 cents a gallon and fruiting down to 10 cents
  • A 25 pound kit, my preferred option will take the cost all the way down to 2.5 cents a gallon for veg growth and 3 cents fruiting
  • The huge 62.5 gallon kit will only take off a fractional cent from the 25 pound kit, so unless you just want more the 25 pounder is your price break sweet spot.

 

Note a 25 pound kit will make a whopping 2250 gallons of fluid, at home scale that is a couple years of growing for salads and what have you.  My indoor vertical farm takes about 34 gallons at start up, then about 8 gallons a week is added to top up the sump.  I then change out just under 50% of the fluid 16 gallons once a month.  This has worked well so far.  Not counting start up that equals 40 gallons a month, fertilizer cost ongoing then is 1 dollar a month.

So if I am only doing leaf crops a 25 pound kit will run my vertical farm for about 36 months.  I know there are some concerns about the environmental impact of hydroponics. It is way over blown, yes these are “mined minerals” you know what else in your home is a mined mineral, well salt is, so are many of the minerals in your multi vitamin.  If this really concerns you, check out this video I made on that subject.  I consider hydro far from perfect but it is a net gain for the environment.

From this point on though I am speaking as a prepper.  No skill I have developed so far has given my family greater ability to feed itself then hydroponics.  The fact that I can turn seed into food in 28-35 days is something that should make every prepper consider at least some level of hydroponics as part of their preps.  For a couple hundred bucks you can build half of my vertical farm and grow food for 3 years with 55 bucks worth of fertilizer.

One thing I have found is lots of people struggle with getting the Calcium Nitrate to dissolve.  Their solution is to make two mixes, one with the Cal-Nitrate at 2x strength and one with the Masterblend and Epsom Salt at 2x, then combine them.  My solution is simply to make up 4 gallons at a time, mix in the Cal-Nitrate first, then the other two and it works for me.  To do this I use a 5 gallon bucket filled to 4 gallons and a mortar mixer in a drill on the lower speed.  This link goes to a 30 minute video but it jumps directly to the part where I do the mixing.

Also this stuff has worked fantastically for kratky but you do get some settling out of nutrient without a pump.  If you want more on kratky vs. pump driven hydro tune in today to the podcast.  Just know there are some real advantages to a pump driven system and both methods have a place.  If you prefer a liquid one step product that is also partially organic, I recommend this one called Texas Tomato Food.  It works great but can’t compete with the cost and storability of MasterBlend.

Again as a prepper I am almost embarrassed that it took me 12 years to give hydro a shot.  What can I say I fell victim to the anti hydro propaganda which I break down into four categories…

  • Lack of knowledge (ignorance)
  • Intentional misinformation (lies)
  • Long distance producers (crappy varieties)
  • Overselling by zealots (bullshit)

 

Again if you want to know more tune in today to hear more about hydro in one of today’s segments.  I will simply close with the following.  Having now grown hydroponically for about a year now I am totally sold on the advantages for some situations.  I still grow a lot in ground and honestly from April to Nov. that is where most of my production will come from.  Still being able to grow indoors, 24/7/365 is an incredible advantage for a prepper.  Hydro in a green house or on a deck is awesome as well.  I am convinced many on small suburban holdings would benefit hugely from hydro, etc.

I also really tried to be as “organic” as possible but when it comes to long term sustainability 55 bucks gives me 3 freaking years with MasterBlend.  It is also the easy button and when you learn a new skill, start with the easy button.  We know it works, we know exactly how much to use, mix, dump grow.  Master your skill then try variations.  So if you want to get started I recommend you give the MasterBlend 3 Part Combo a shot.  Even if you branch out to other options later, it is a great starting point and will store almost definitively if properly stored in a cool dry environment.  Again for my on hydro tune in to today’s podcast and if you want to see my vertical farm the entire playlist on it so far is here.

Remember you can always find all of our reviews at TspAz.com

P.S. – Learn from my mistakes and DON’T SCREW UP LIKE I DID!  Seriously this stuff is super hydroscopic.  That is a fancy way to say it loves and takes up water like crazy especially the Masterblend and the Epsom Salt.  It must be stored in an air tight container, taping up the bag will not cut it.  I now store it labeled in ball jars.  The salt and nitrate will turn into a brick, at least you can break this up and use it.  The Masterblend will seep liquid out the bottom and become unusable.

“They say ‘experience is the best teacher’.  I say when it comes to things that hurt or cost money, someone else’s experience is the best teacher.”  ~ Jack Spirko

 

 

Episode-2804- Building Stability though Abundance

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:27:51 — 20.1MB)

Today I released an older video I found about Brad Lancaster and his water harvesting efforts in Tuscon Arizona.  It really got me thinking about the need to build community though abundance.

As this was happening I had a guest turn out to be and this is as nice as I can put it, “not right for the show” and hence lost my booked guest for today.  So I reached out to fellow Goose Gaggle member and friend of the TSPC community Xavier Hawk about this topic and he was kind enough to join me at the last minute for today’s podcast.

Join Xavier and I today as we lead off discussing how the root of all conflict is scarcity be it actual, artificial or perceived.  We also discuss the need create abundance in the primay areas of human needs. Also known as the primary suvival needs which are food, water, shelter, energy, security and health & sanitation.

From there we continue on with how in th US we have most of this provided by centralization and due to that most don’t understand how fragile our stability is.  We continue from there discussing various solutions and philosophies.  In all this was a great discussion and I think you will really enjoy it.

Resources for today’s show…

 

Sponsors of the Day

 

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK (866-658-4465) and you might hear yourself on the air.

Join the MSB Today

Join the MSB Today

Want Every Episode of TSP Ever Produced?

Remember in addition to discounts to over 40 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.

General Hydroponics Combo Fertilizer Kit- Item of the Day

The Survival Podcast Posted on by  

Every day I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience and I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the General Hydroponics Combo Fertilizer Kit, this stuff is easy to mix, complete and it works, I mean it really works.  But before I go on, I actually prefer Masterblend for most hydro needs.  As long as you use air tight storage Masterblend Stores infinitely, costs less and ships easier since it is dry.

So why this product at all.  Well I found it when both Masterblend and Texas Tomato Food were impossible to get this spring when everyone and their mother jumped into growing food. And it worked really good and it does have some advantages.

First is as long as you follow the instructions (order of adding to your system) since it is liquid it mixes really easily.   Next if you are growing out plants that fruit it is really easy to fine tune as your plant progresses from growth, to bloom to fruiting.  Last even though I am linking to the combo kit, if all you are doing is starting plants to transplant size, you can get just the Flora Grow and it will do all you need at the lowest recommended level of use.

So it does have a lot going for it and for some with small indoor kratky or seed starting systems they may not mind the cost increase per gallon of actual hydroponics fluid.

Next yes this is “synthetic” fertilizer as most hydroponic fertilizer is, if you want something different you need to be in the world of aquaponicis or wormponics or something like that.  That said I have tons of worms living in my hydro systems, so at the proper levels of use these fertilizers (all of them Texas Tomato, MasterBlend, General Hydroponics, etc) do not create “sterile environments”.  That is a myth and one that needs to die.  If it were so legumes would not set nitrogen nodules in them for one thing.

That said after many experiments with hydro I am now only really using it to grow some herbs in winter and start seeds for my gardens and aquaponic systems etc.  I will say more about that this week on the air.   In the end though hydro works and for some with very little space it is one of the best options you have.  This fertilizer is a great option for specific needs or smaller systems.

If however you are doing larger systems with hydro I think  you own it to yourself purely based on economics to go with MasterBlend.

On the General Hydroponics Combo you can get that either in

 

The combo kits are composed of three parts which is good becuase if you do standardize on this you will run out of Flora Gro before the other two, the three parts are…

  • Flora Gro – a General purpose fertilizer, sufficient for fast growing greens and plant starts as a stand alone.
  • Flora Micro – Provides the micro nutrients plants need for full growth and healthy fruiting.
  • Flora Bloom – Gives a good kick of P and K to encourage blooming.

 

So if you prefer a liquid nutrient consider trying the General Hydroponics Combo Fertilizer Kit in either a quart or gallon size depending on your needs. Oh and right now most of the options are on sale.

Remember you can always find all of our reviews at TspAz.com

 

Episode-2803- Listener Questions and Answers for 1-12-21

The Survival Podcast Posted on by 8

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:16 — 18.1MB)

Time for another round table discussion. I have some announcements and some stuff that has just popped up today. I have some really great listener questions and feedback as well.

Today on The Survival Podcast we cover permaculture, the great purge, cooking, germinating seed, moving, lawns, a new internet, online videos, guns, mead making and more.

 

Resources for today’s show…

 

Sponsors of the Day

 

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK (866-658-4465) and you might hear yourself on the air.

Join the MSB Today

Join the MSB Today

Want Every Episode of TSP Ever Produced?

Remember in addition to discounts to over 40 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.

The DeeJo Gentleman’s Knife – Item of the Day

The Survival Podcast Posted on by  

Every day I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience and I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the DeeJo Gentleman’s Knife.  I honestly love this knife and it is the first time in all my years I was sold something with a marketing article!  You know those articles that pretend to be about this cool new thing you need to know about but are really a sales pitch, pretending to be a digital magazine article.

As a knife enthusiast I really enjoy owning different patterns and sizes of knives along with knives that serve multiple purposes.  This is one of those knives you really have to hold in your hand to appreciate.  This is a 27G frame (both the model identifier in the product line and the weight is 27 grams).  They also make a smaller 17G that may be best for some.

The one I own and in the image above is the Juniper Wood with serrations.  If you watch my video my one complaint is that mine does not have wood anywhere near as “charactred” as the one in the image.  DeeJo if you’re listening I recommend selling some as “A grade” and or selling additional scales as they could be swapped out in about 1 minute flat.

Other than that this knife is exceptional but here are some things to know….

  • I really think the best place to window shop is on the main DeeJo site.  It is much easier to browse everything there and find the style and size you want.
    `
  • Then go to Amazon and look up that particular frame there and buy it on Amazon, the reason is while they are priced the same in both locations, shipping on DeeJo.com is about 10 bucks vs. 5 on average on Amazon.  Hence you get it faster and pay a little less.  I mean 5 bucks is 5 bucks right?

 

If you do want to browse Amazon you can do that at the DeeJo Amazon Page it isn’t bad or you can just search Amazon for DeeJo Knife and find a lot of their cool stuff.

If you want the exact one I got you can find it here, DeeJo 37G, Juniper Wood Half Serrated.  This is not a bush crafting knife and certainly not a heavy working knife but it is an amazing EDC knife in the regular old world.  It carries like air and opens like butter.  For more check out the video below.

Remember you can always find all of our reviews at TspAz.com

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P.S. – Where is it made?  DeeJo is a French company and the knives are assembled, finished, sharpened in France, I am pretty sure some of the components are sourced from China, Hong Kong or something like that though.