Month: September 2021

Tree Propagation Through Air Layering – Part 2, by T.S., PhD

(Continued from Part 1.) How to air layer In this part of the article, I will describe the steps to air layering and then provide details and alternate methods to accomplish the same tasks for each. (see Figure 1 for a pictorial overview) 1. Identify where to make the air layer 2. Remove leaves, girdle, and make an incision near a node 3. Apply rooting hormone if you have it 4. Cover the incision with moist soil and protect from the elements How to air layer: Identify where to make the air layer Twigs/branches ideal for air layering should be …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “JWR”. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. Today, we look at the Biden regime’s plan to put the U.S. in the UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). A Resurgent 2A Battle to Wage Over at the Personal Defense World web site: Biden …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — September 22, 2021

Today is the birthday of Kijirō Nambu (Nanbu Kijirō, September 22, 1869 – May 1, 1949) was a career officer in the Imperial Japanese Army and the founder of Nambu Arms Manufacturing Company, manufacturer of many of the firearms the Japanese military would use in World War II. A prolific small arms designer, he was sometimes called the “John Browning of Japan”. He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure (2nd class) in 1914. — We are pleased to welcome our newest affiliate advertiser, NU Aqua Systems, of Brea, California. They make a broad line of top-quality water filters …


Tree Propagation Through Air Layering – Part 1, by T.S., PhD

It’s summer and you find yourself in a TEOTWAWKI situation. You wish you had access to more trees or shrubs that produce food. You realize things won’t be back to normal anytime soon, so investing the energy and time now seems like a good idea for the payoff in calories of fresh fruit or nuts a few years into the future. Propagation by seed is one easy way to get more trees, but you’ll have to wait until late summer or fall to harvest seeds, and then let them cold stratify (i.e., simulate winter conditions via subjecting them to cold …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. We may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. Bluesman wrote to mention: “Today I had our 325-gallon propane tank refilled at $2.39 per gallon. We have owned the tank for 4 years and I inquired about buying a larger used one.  The driver mentioned that steel propane tanks were very difficult to buy at this time. He said by ordering now we may have it delivered next March …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — September 21, 2021

On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold met with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word “traitor”. It’s too bad the current crop of politicians are not held accountable for their treasonous acts. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 96 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for …


Processing Chickens on Our Homestead, by Ozark Redneck

Growing up, we had chickens and I dreaded butcher day. Momma would get a fire going and put a huge pot of water on for scalding the chickens to remove the feathers. Dad had two cord loops one for their feet, which I held and one for the neck, which he held while he used a hatchet & a chopping block to dispatch the bird. If you have butchered chickens this way you know where the saying “she is running ‘round like a chicken with it’s head cut off” comes from. That scene and the smell of scalding chickens in …


SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, we focus on the death of Gabby Petito. (See the Wyoming section.) Idaho Idaho’s unemployment rate continues to drop o  o  o Labor shortages are still impacting Idaho industries. This is why. o  o  o COVID-19 surge forces health care rationing in parts of West.



Preparedness Notes for Monday — September 20, 2021

On September 20, 1995, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to discontinue the national 55 MPH speed limit. This allowed the states to again decide their own speed limits, without fear of losing Federal highway funding. On this day in 1519, Magellan left Europe on his voyage of discovery. — Today we are posting another review by our veteran Field Gear Editor, Pat Cascio.


Desert Eagle .44 Magnum Pistol, by Pat Cascio

Much as I hate to admit, there was a time, a long, long time ago, when I lusted after every new type of firearm I saw in the gun magazines. And, truth be told, I did lay claim to a lot of those guns. As I grew older – and maybe a little wiser – I stopped this foolishness. I discovered that any number of firearms were pretty much the same – in many ways – as some of the guns I desired to own. I believe it was back around 1975, when I was reading an issue of Soldier …


Recipe of the Week: Zucchini Soup

The following recipe for Zucchini Soup is from reader M.N.R.  He says: “Super easy. No exact measurements needed.” Ingredients Onion  (I prefer a sweet onion such as Vidalia) Garlic to taste (I use 2 cloves sliced into tiny pieces) Two large potatoes (I use Yukons because they’re ready) Lots of sliced zucchini (A great way to use up those oversized zucchini) Water Salt to taste Directions Put all ingredients in large saucepan. Add just enough water to cover. Boil until everything is soft. Pour everything into a blender. Blend on high until thoroughly blended (a minute?) Yummy creamy zucchini soup! …


Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, I describe ratio trading, in your tangibles portfolio. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: There should be a bounce-back in precious metals, from the drops on the mornings of Thursday and Friday, last week. I try not to let short-term market volatility bother me. I’m more of a “Long Haul” metals …