Welcome back to base camp! Today, we're discussing whether it's more feasible to develop a sustainable homestead or to foster a sustainable community. Up here in the mountains where I reside, our local practices offer a glimpse into effective community-based agriculture. For instance, a neighbor, who raises cattle, has been busy processing last year's herd. This fresh, unvaccinated, and purely raised beef is sold directly from our mountain at just under six dollars a pound.

Our small community is a vibrant example of agricultural diversity. Along with beef, we have locals who raise goats, sheep, and even rabbits. A recent addition is a neighbor who bought a trout farm, aiming to supply both wholesale and retail markets with trout fillets. Almost all our meat needs are met locally, except for chicken. However, plans are underway for a USDA certified processing facility which could soon include poultry.

Through my consulting work with homesteads, I've realized the significant land and resources required for cattle and sustainable feed production. This reinforces the value of community support where local producers are supported above market rates, ensuring fair profit and sustainable living.

The recent shortages in grocery stores post-snowstorm highlight the benefits of local food production. With global uncertainties like major grain purchases by countries such as China, local sustainability ensures food security.

Remember, supporting local agriculture isn't just about buying local—it's about creating a network of mutual support that benefits everyone. If you're in the area, or even if you're from as far as Virginia or Florida, it’s worth considering sourcing your meat from us. Feel free to reach out if you're interested in learning more about managing a sustainable setup or if you're looking for quality, locally-produced meat.

As always, like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our endeavors. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need advice or products. Catch you in the next video!

For more information on homestead consulting, visit us at:  Carolina Homestead Planner

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're exploring a robust solar energy solution for an off-grid well pump system, featuring a 6000-watt inverter as its core. This system cleverly integrates various power sources to ensure seamless operation, even during power outages.

The inverter, though lacking a built-in solar charger, is a pivotal component in a setup designed to disconnect a 220-volt well pump from the grid. The configuration includes separate main panels for the house and guest cottage, as well as essential power supplies for critical loads, such as kitchen lights and the furnace.

During a power loss, a generator automatically kicks in, powering all essential systems. However, the goal here is to minimize generator use by integrating solar power. This is achieved by connecting the well pump to the inverter, which then utilizes either grid power, generator output, or solar energy, depending on availability and priority settings.

The inverter itself offers a dual AC priority mode—favoring grid or solar power—and automatically switches to battery power if the grid fails. This flexibility ensures the well operates uninterrupted, regardless of external power conditions. If solar energy is insufficient (e.g., during prolonged snowy conditions), the system seamlessly returns to grid power until solar conditions improve.

Installation insights reveal a practical setup using readily available materials like unistrut and four-inch standoffs for mounting solar panels on the roof. This economical method ensures stability and ease of installation while maintaining roof integrity with double-sided perma-seal and roof cement.

This solar-powered system not only provides a sustainable solution to run a 220-volt well pump off-grid but also demonstrates the versatility and efficiency of integrating solar energy with traditional power systems. The entire setup, including a thousand watts of solar panels, offers a reliable and cost-effective way to maintain water supply independently of the grid.

For those interested in similar systems, whether for residential or small-scale commercial applications, this project exemplifies how solar power can effectively reduce reliance on conventional power sources and generators, promoting a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.

Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more updates on innovative off-grid solutions. If you're considering a custom setup or need guidance, feel free to reach out—we're here to help design and implement the system that best meets your needs.

Get more information and resources at:  Carolina Homestead Planner.  Contact us to help with your preparedness and homestead consulting.

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC, where we are excited to share our latest project in the beautiful state of Tennessee. We are currently developing a remarkable site featuring 16 cabins, all nourished by the natural purity of spring water. This endeavor involves constructing a dam, meticulously designed to harness this pristine resource effectively.

The heart of our project is the innovative Spring Water Dam, complemented by a homemade sediment tank. This setup is not only efficient but also one of the most user-friendly systems I have worked with recently. The process includes using heavy machinery to transport stones, enhancing the structural integrity of the dam, and preventing erosion with additional rock layers.

Moreover, the homeowner has ingeniously created a spring box, utilizing simple yet effective materials, like a five-gallon container, to filter the water. The system delivers about a gallon of water per minute, gradually improving as it filters through the rocks. We're committed to expanding this system, building a comprehensive dam that will significantly increase the water capacity and quality.

Our construction strategy is hands-on and community-based. Local friends assist by laying pipes and managing the sediment. We take pride in engaging with the community, ensuring that every aspect of the build is handled with care and precision.

The project's scope includes not only the physical construction but also the installation of a filtration system and overflow management. This ensures that the water is not only abundant but also clean and safe for the cabins' future residents.

We are thrilled to take you along on this build. Our commitment to sustainable and efficient construction practices is evident in every step we take. If you are interested in developing a spring on your property, we are more than happy to assist through consultations or direct services.

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to follow our journey at Base Camp WNC. We appreciate your support and look forward to showcasing more of our innovative projects. Thank you for watching!

For more great tips and solutions to your self-reliant living and homesteading, visit Carolina Homestead Planner.  Contact us to provide consulting services for preparedness.

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC. It has been some time since I've checked in due to personal and family commitments. As you can see, we are currently at the farm. Despite it being nearly mid-April, we've endured a long, cool, wet winter. Currently, the team is busy setting out watermelon plants.

Let's take a stroll up the row where the crew is in the midst of harvesting strawberries. All the customers are located on the opposite side of the farm, while the field over here remains open.

As we continue up the aisle, the team plans to plant four different types of watermelon, dedicating four beds to each variety. This morning was spent planting various tomato breeds, totaling eight varieties for the farm.

Elsewhere, all the squash has been set out. The irrigation has been running for about four to five days to thoroughly moisten the soil, adhering to the old saying: "Sow dry, set wet." This means planting seeds when it's dry and transplanting when it's moist. There are still some beds that need filling.

The tomato plants stretch from here to there, keeping everyone quite busy. Our planting strategy is based on soil temperature, typically not setting out seeds until it reaches 55°F. As the old folks say, "Never plant your garden until the blackberries bloom." Given that the blackberries are currently in bloom, it's safe to plant the vegetable garden according to their wisdom.

Soon, we'll visit the Strawberry Fields and observe the blackberries. A new machine has recently tilled the area beneath the beds to control weeds. I had hoped to film it in action during my visit.

I've just returned from the mountains where the temperature was near freezing, but here it's soared to 80°F. Farmer Walter has returned to tractor duty, lending a hand to speed up the work.

The team is spacing out watermelon plants for planting, with two individuals working the planter and planting every other slot. I'll show you more as they make their return pass. It’s genuinely fascinating to watch.

Watching the planting is enjoyable, and this year, they've implemented a new technique by tying the plants in with string, creating a narrower pathway than before. The plants are kept within the trellis wires to facilitate upward growth and to allow machinery access for weed control. We avoid herbicides and have experimented with various methods like black plastic and filter fabric, but none have been completely effective for long-term crops.

We've also started using an overhead spray system to elevate the water lines, helping prevent rabbits from damaging the drip tape on the ground.

The blackberries are in better shape than they have been in a while, having been prepared for harvest around June, with blueberries following in May and strawberries still in season.

It’s a sunny 80°F today. The public crowded the fields over the weekend, and we have a team picking berries now. We'll also check out the blueberry plants across the ditch. These blueberries, planted two years ago, were cut back significantly but are maintained at no more than four feet in height for easier harvesting.

While the weekend crowds are a challenge, particularly with rain, we remain diligent in our care for the crops. We fertilize based on soil analyses, using a precise liquid fertilizer system to tailor nutrients specifically to each crop, be it watermelons, corn, or strawberries.

That's all for this update. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask. Despite the unpredictable weather, including frequent rain, we adapt and manage as best we can. If you found this informative, like, share, subscribe, and tell your friends about it. I’ll see you in the next update.

For homestead and preparedness consulting, visit us at Carolina Homestead Planner.