Outdoor Life Prepare for Anything Survival Manual (33 page)

Containers are a great way to grow food in small spaces or to add extra growing space in and around your home and property. Many vegetables grow well in containers (see item 139 for a few ideas). It’s best to use a self-watering container—this reduces your labor and also allows plants to suck up the water they need through their roots, which can help to eliminate any over- or underwatering. Daily watering can be annoying, and commercial self-watering containers can be pricey. Here’s how to make your own, with some simple-to-obtain supplies. You’ll need two 5-gallon (19-l) food containers, an 8-ounce (225-g) plastic deli container of the sort you’d buy potato salad in, a length of plastic pipe, and a power drill.

STEP 1
Drill some small holes all the way around the deli container, spaced about an inch (2.5 cm) apart.

STEP 2
Using a 3-inch (8-cm) hole saw, make a hole in the bottom of one of your large containers, and then follow up with smaller drainage holes all around the central hole. Then, using a 11/4-inch (3-cm) hole saw, drill a water hole for the pipe to run through.

STEP 3
Assemble the container, placing the plastic deli container in the bottom tub (the one without the holes) and the drilled-out tub on top of it.

STEP 4
Determine where the inner container’s bottom is (holding the whole container up to a strong light should make this apparent). Drill a small overflow hole about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) below the inner tub’s bottom.

STEP 5
Run the watering pipe down through the 11/4-inch (3-cm) hole.

STEP 6
Fill the container with potting soil (it will fill the deli container as well) and plant your produce.

STEP 7
Pour water down the pipe until it flows out the drainage hole. This will now water your plants through their roots. Every week or so, pour a little water down the pipe and see how your reservoir is doing.

There are a whole host of things you should take into consideration when planning a survival garden. First and foremost are ease of planting, yield of crops, and nutritional density. You want to grow as much as you can as easily as possible. And you want those crops to be nutritious. You also want them to be safe for all members of your household—including Fido and Fluffy. Stay informed about which plants to keep out of reach of your pets. Aloe, garlic, leeks, rhubarb, and certain kinds of holly can be toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested. Effects can range from nausea (indicated by drooling) to tremors and death. Check with your veterinarian if you have any questions.

Some years ago, I was diagnosed with terminal, stage 4 squamous cell cancer of the larynx and trachea, and my prognosis was not good. My physician told me that my chance for survival—to live for more than a year—was less than 1 percent. I had been an EMT for more than two decades, and it felt like the medical system I had served for so long was failing me; I was being instructed to prepare for the end. I knew I would only survive if I took charge of my own wellness.

So I did.

I studied herbal and alternative treatments. I juiced fresh vegetables to give me strength and stamina, and I designed a daily herbal regimen to strengthen, nourish, and support my depleted immune system and to combat my disease.

My quest for survival led me to a passion for herbal medicine that I still share today—25 years later. Take charge of your own wellness—not just to survive, but to thrive.

WHITE PINE COUGH SYRUP
This decoction/reduction of white pine bark and other herbs can quell a persistent, dry cough. It will feel soothing and is an excellent healing agent for the mucosa lining of the mouth and throat.

Blend roots and bark in a heavy pan. Add 16 ounces (470 ml) cold water. Bring to a slow boil. Simmer for 30 minutes. Strain mixture through a sieve, return liquid to heat. Continue heating to reduce volume by half.

While still hot, add 2–3 well-rounded tablespoons of honey or molasses.

HARMONIC TEA
Cook up some Harmonic Tea for harmony, balance, and nutritional support for the neuromuscular system. This tea is very high in vitamins, protein, and trace minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. I drink a cup of this wonderful tea nightly; it helps maintain my blood pressure and I get a restful sleep.

Use 1 tablespoon of this mixture per 1 cup (0.2 l) of hot water. Let it steep, and sweeten as desired.