It’s been a while since I’ve done a Self-Sufficient Writer post, but I think I’d like to bring that series back, with the goal of turning it into a book eventually. There’s a lot of interesting stuff I’ve learned that would make good content for that blog series, and I still have a lot to learn.
In an effort to map out my own path to self-sufficiency, I drew up a list of all the major things I think I need to learn and/or do to achieve the level of self-sufficiency that I desire. Some of it is mostly aspirational, especially toward the end, but I do think I can achieve most of this stuff, if not all of it.
The list is roughly ordered from easiest to hardest, or else in such a way that one thing builds off of another. It’s still a work in progress, though, so if you have any suggestions or anything to add, I would appreciate it.
- Learn how to store and use oats, beans, and wheat.
- Learn how to make bread and maintain a sourdough culture.
- Start an herb garden and learn the basics of gardening.
- Develop a storage system for canned and dry goods.
- Learn how to make kraut and fermented vegetables.
- Learn how to make yogurt and cheese (this is where I am currently).
- Keep a garden for greens, tomatoes, peas, and peppers.
- Learn how to can and pickle.
- Finalize the garden plan (including compost).
- Build a rainwater reclamation system.
- Develop a source of off-grid power.
- Build a wood-fired oven and learn how to make bread with it.
- Learn how to hunt and process game meat.
- Develop a plan for livestock.
- Secure a source for eggs and milk.
- Learn how to make clothing and work with textiles.
- Build a shop and learn how to work with wood and metals.
- Build a foundry and learn how to cast metals.
- Build a greywater reclamation system.
- Secure a source for homespun textiles.
- Acquire productive land and improve it.
- Build an off-grid cabin.
And of course:
0. Plant a tree.
