Living Off The Grid Benefits and Facts

by Bailey Sons – October 07, 2024

Living Life Off The Grid

There is a growing trend across America to live off the grid—also known as homesteading. A decade ago, it was estimated that at least a quarter of a million people in the United States had embraced this lifestyle, says Wikipedia.org. With the boom in pop culture and media, off-the-grid living has probably grown exponentially.

It may not be easy even to imagine life without modern conveniences. Homesteading was not a novelty to our ancestors. They knew how to raise their food and live comfortably without electricity, running water, cars, or power tools. If you are considering leaving the grid, here are some interesting characteristics of the lifestyle:

Alternate Sources of Power

Believe it or not, it is possible to live without electricity. People used candles and lanterns for millennia before Franklin and Edison. There are several ways to power your house without shelling out to the electric company each month. Many homesteaders choose solar panels for electricity. Although the setup can be costly, it will more than pay for itself with a lack of utility bills. Wind and hydropower are often used to supplement solar power. The second choice people consider is generators; however, battery power is preferred over gasoline models.

Lush Mosses In Streams

Becoming Your Grocery Store

How easy it is to jump in your car and get all your food at the grocery store! The generations before us did not have this luxury. They also did not have the same problems with obesity and cardiovascular disease as we do. The Center for Disease Control reports that 36.5% of Americans are overweight or obese.

Our grocery stores are filled with processed food laden with fat and artificial ingredients, states bodyecology.com. Most of our meat comes from industrial farms that practice extreme animal cruelty. They also pump the meat up with dangerous growth hormones.

Modern-day homesteaders eschew most grocery stores and opt for raising their food. You can quickly grow your fruits and vegetables in a garden. When you serve whole family foods from your garden, you know they are getting foods free from hormones and artificial ingredients. 

Raising farm animals off the grid ensures they are treated well and receive healthy food. When they are humanely butchered, you can have fresh meats that do not have all the added junk like the meat in grocery stores. Meats can be preserved in your pantry, also.

A Culture of Do It Yourself

You learn to do many things for yourself when you are a homesteader. There are many traditional skills that you can learn to provide for your family. Many homesteaders have learned how to knit, crochet, and sew to make clothes and other household items. Woodworking is a valuable skill for building and making furniture. Instead of buying cleaning products, you can learn how to make your own with natural ingredients. You and your family can make just about anything you need.

Going off the grid is not an easy decision. It requires that you do more to live without less. You will have a safer home and a lifestyle that you and your family will love in the long run.

For your planting needs, visit TN Nursery.

https://www.tnnursery.net

Products from the article

Best Sellers

Pawpaw Tree - TN Nursery

Pawpaw Tree

The Pawpaw tree is a small deciduous tree with large, tropical-looking leaves and greenish-brown, banana-like fruits. It is known for its unique flavor and suitability for North American temperate regions. It is one of our hottest sellers because of its native fruiting abilities, distinctive appearance, contributions to biodiversity, potential for edible fruit, ability to create natural habitats, and role in promoting ecological balance, which makes it a valuable addition to outdoor spaces. One of the key advantages of using it in landscaping is its distinctive appearance. Our pawpaw trees are already pollinated when shipped and we guarantee they will bear fruit at maturity. Pawpaw trees are a popular choice, and property owners are looking for medium-sized plants with an unusual look. They have a slim, grayish-brown trunk topped by thick clusters of leaves. Its crown is usually higher than it is vast and can be slightly triangular. They can reach up to 50 feet high. Their pleasantly compact shape makes them look excellent when planted as a focal point in a lawn. Landscapers also like to plant them in bunches or rows to create accent points near driveways, sidewalks, or other landscape features.  Pawpaw Trees (Carica papaya) Have Stunning Foliage  One of the most distinctive traits of this plant is its gorgeous leaves. Each branch is draped in large leaves that gracefully droop downwards. The leaves are a smooth oval shape with a slight flare towards the tip, and they are rich, emerald green for most of the year. In early fall, long before other plants change color, these leaves turn a rich golden-yellow color that adds plenty of appeal to your landscape. Pawpaw Tree Offers Appealing Flowers in Spring Starting in mid-spring, this plant begins to produce some very eye-catching blossoms. The flowers of this plant are a rich, purplish-red color. The deep burgundy flowers have a set of three small petals nestled inside of a set of three larger petals. The flowers often appear before the plant regains the leaves it lost in winter, so the effect of the deep purple blooms on bare branches is quite striking. The Pawpaw Tree Fruits In Summer And Fall During the summer and fall months, the Pawpaw Tree produces some exciting fruit. These fruits start around two inches wide and gradually grow to six inches. They're an elongated, oval shape with a green, matte peel. The fruits' colors can include subtle variations of yellow, brown, orange, and green, adding many stunning features to the plant. The contrast between the darker leaves and the paler fruit clusters makes this plant look especially interesting and exciting. Pawpaw Trees Are A Favorite Of Customers At TN Nursery Where do pawpaw trees grow best? Pawpaws grow best in USDA hardiness zone 5-8 on neutral to moderately acidic well-draining loam soil, deep and rich loam soil. They like full or part shade, often river valleys or forest but not in the major canopy.  How many pawpaw trees are required for fruiting?  Fruit development requires that pawpaw trees should be cross-pollinated; this usually requires a minimum of two different pawpaw trees. Other insects like bees are very important as they have to transport pollen from one flower to another.  When is it possible to get fruits from the pawpaw tree?  Pawpaw trees generally take between 4-8 years to start producing fruits based on the environment and type of pawpaw. Grafting also helps in reducing the time taken before fruiting.  How can we best fertilize the pawpaw trees?  10-10-10 - A slow-release, balanced fertilizer should be spread on the pawpaw trees when they are in flower. Fungicides should be used sparingly, nitrogen in particular being the main one which stops fruit production.  How long do pawpaw trees live?  Pawpaws are said to live for about two and a half (25-25) years if allowed the best possible growing conditions, but they can live much longer. Usually fertile for about 10-15 years of their reproductive life. Where do pawpaw trees grow best? Pawpaw trees are planted in the USDA hardiness zone 5-8 in neutral to slightly acidic soil with good drainage and deep and fertile loam soil. They prefer full to partial shade, commonly in river valleys or forests but not in the major canopy.  How many pawpaw trees are required for fruiting?  Fruit development requires that pawpaw trees should be cross-pollinated; this usually requires a minimum of two different pawpaw trees. Other insects like bees are very important as they have to transport pollen from one flower to another.  When is it possible to get fruits from the pawpaw tree?  Pawpaw trees generally take between 4-8 years to start producing fruits based on the environment and type of pawpaw. Grafting also helps in reducing the time taken before fruiting.  How can we best fertilize the pawpaw trees?  A balanced but slow-releasing fertilizer, 10-10-10, should be applied to pawpaw trees at the time they are growing. The use of fertilizers should be done sparingly, especially nitrogen, since it hampers fruiting.  How long do pawpaw trees live?  When given the best environments to grow, pawpaw trees are known to live for approximately twenty to twenty-five (20-25) years, but they can also live longer. They are usually fertile for about 10-15 years in their reproductive years.

$24.99
$24.99
Peach Fruit Tree - TN Nursery

Peach Fruit Tree 3-4'

Peach trees are known for their fragrant pink blossoms in spring. They produce sweet and juicy, round or slightly flattened, fuzzy-skinned fruit in various colors, such as yellow or white. Incorporating these into landscaping offers many benefits beyond their produce. They bring beauty, seasonal interest, edible yields, contributions to biodiversity, and a touch of nostalgia to outdoor spaces. A Peach Fruit Tree is a colorful and aromatic plant that offers several benefits to your land. It can benefit your neighbors and the local wildlife months after planting. Add Color to Your Home With The Peach Fruit Tree (Prunus persica) The produce helps transform your land into a sea of orange or some variation relatively quickly. They come from will create pink flowers that add even more variety wherever they are planted. One of the primary benefits of buying this type is that it will create seeds on its own after reaching maturity. However, it is essential to note that reaching that stage of life can take two or three years. Of course, your patience will be well rewarded as a single plant can turn into multiple ones, which will help maximize the value you get for your money. Enjoy The Amazing Aroma Of Peach Fruit Trees Planting any type that bears fruit can create a fragrant smell that everyone can enjoy outside. Furthermore, the fact that you have them on your property that bear anything edible will likely improve its overall market value. In most cases, your neighbors will also see the value of their properties increase. Animals Love The Peach Fruit Tree Peach Fruit Tree generally serves as shelter or food for various insects and animals. Although you will likely see birds, pollinators, and other creatures on your property, they will likely be able to do minor damage. This is because this item is toxic to many different types of animals, which means you can enjoy nature without worrying about replacing what you took so long to cultivate for yourself. Where do peach trees grow best? Peach trees grow well in well-drained soils, areas that receive full sun, and in a moderate climate. They need a cold winter so as to dormant well and warm springs to bloom. Several varieties are commonly grown in areas of the USDA zones 5-9.  In which season does peach grow?  There are 700+ varieties of peaches, but most produce and harvest them between late spring and summer. The flowers are in flower in early spring, the fruits set once the heat has hit.  For how long do peaches take to ripen while still on the tree?  On average, peaches take between 2 and 4 months to develop after flowering is evident on the tree. The time that varies depends on the climate in the particular region, and other factors of the growing of the grapes. That's when you look for a slight softness and that rich, deep color; then, they are ready to be harvested.  Can I plant a peach tree near the house?  When planting a peach tree, it is recommended that you plant it about 10-20 ft away from your home so you do not disturb the roots in searching for space while at the same time avoiding construction structures. It also brings about proper space that enhances proper airing to counter-check pests and disease outbreaks.  What are two interesting facts about peach?  On the one hand, peach is destined to be presented for eternal life and immortality because it's an old fruit. Also, they have Vitamin A and C so these fruits are healthy.
$43.99
$43.99
Apple Fruit Trees - TN Nursery

Apple Fruit Trees 3-4'

Apple Trees are valuable contributors to local ecosystems. Their blossoms provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, aiding in pollinating nearby plants. When they fall, the leaves add organic matter to the soil, enriching its fertility and promoting a healthy microorganism population. Enjoy the Beauty Of the Fruits of Apple Trees (Malus domestic) No backyard is complete without a few fruit-bearing trees in it. You might have a beautiful arrangement of flowers and other plants, but you need fruit trees and plants. So, for new and experienced gardeners trying to incorporate fruits into their landscaping, start with apple fruit trees.  Apple Day is just around the corner, meaning that planting an apple tree in your backyard makes total sense between October and March. Imagine walking out of your house into your backyard and picking an apple to snack on. While growing a whole tree in your backyard sounds a little overwhelming, planting and growing a tree is relatively easy. Fruit trees are a great way to add dimension to your landscape and bear the most delicious and fresh fruits for you to enjoy. When you buy an apple tree, it not only provides you with fresh food but also offers a natural food source for various wildlife, including birds and insects. Features of Apple Fruit Trees Compared to growing vegetables in your garden, fruit trees are effortless to grow and relatively low maintenance, making them the perfect fruit plant for beginners. Apple trees require full sun to grow. A garden with at least 8 hours of sunlight daily is perfect for growing apples. Apple Fruit Trees Bears Stunning Blooms Before turning into a fruit, the tree bears vibrant blooms with rich nectar that help attract different pollinators to provide them with food and shelter. Fruit trees improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, contributing to a healthier environment. Check Out Our Many Varieties of Apple Trees At TN Nursery You can get organic apple trees for sale from TN Nursery today and turn your flower garden into a local farmer’s market. Our other top 3 best-seller fruit trees include Plum Fruit Tree, Mulberry Tree, and Peach Fruit Tree. How long does an apple tree take to fruit? Apple trees begin bearing fruit 2 to 5 years after the plant is established, depending on the type of apple tree planted or the rootstock used or grafted. Some dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees bear fruit earlier than trees of standard size.  How do I pollinate an apple tree? Apple trees, in particular, depend on cross-pollination from another apple variety for the plant to bear fruits. To promote pollination, you can plant close to different apple varieties or apply some measures to attract bees: plant flowering plants nearby.  Are apple trees self-fertile?  Many apple trees bear what is known as 'incompatible' pollen and, therefore, require pollen from a different type of apple tree in order to bear fruit. However, there are a few that are partially self-fruitful but produce more fruit when cross-pollinated, for example Golden Delicious.  Does apple reproduce by cutting?  Although cuttings are possible for apple trees, the practice is a bit finicky and uncommon. Grass-graftage is a decision made by the individual but apple tree budding usually involves rootstock. What is the lifespan of an apple tree?  Originating from Central Asia, an apple tree can still yield fruit if it is still alive for 50-80 years. However, its most fruitful years are between 10 and 30 years of production from when the tree is planted.
$34.99
$34.99

Best Sellers

Pawpaw Tree - TN Nursery

Pawpaw Tree

The Pawpaw tree is a small deciduous tree with large, tropical-looking leaves and greenish-brown, banana-like fruits. It is known for its unique flavor and suitability for North American temperate regions. It is one of our hottest sellers because of its native fruiting abilities, distinctive appearance, contributions to biodiversity, potential for edible fruit, ability to create natural habitats, and role in promoting ecological balance, which makes it a valuable addition to outdoor spaces. One of the key advantages of using it in landscaping is its distinctive appearance. Our pawpaw trees are already pollinated when shipped and we guarantee they will bear fruit at maturity. Pawpaw trees are a popular choice, and property owners are looking for medium-sized plants with an unusual look. They have a slim, grayish-brown trunk topped by thick clusters of leaves. Its crown is usually higher than it is vast and can be slightly triangular. They can reach up to 50 feet high. Their pleasantly compact shape makes them look excellent when planted as a focal point in a lawn. Landscapers also like to plant them in bunches or rows to create accent points near driveways, sidewalks, or other landscape features.  Pawpaw Trees (Carica papaya) Have Stunning Foliage  One of the most distinctive traits of this plant is its gorgeous leaves. Each branch is draped in large leaves that gracefully droop downwards. The leaves are a smooth oval shape with a slight flare towards the tip, and they are rich, emerald green for most of the year. In early fall, long before other plants change color, these leaves turn a rich golden-yellow color that adds plenty of appeal to your landscape. Pawpaw Tree Offers Appealing Flowers in Spring Starting in mid-spring, this plant begins to produce some very eye-catching blossoms. The flowers of this plant are a rich, purplish-red color. The deep burgundy flowers have a set of three small petals nestled inside of a set of three larger petals. The flowers often appear before the plant regains the leaves it lost in winter, so the effect of the deep purple blooms on bare branches is quite striking. The Pawpaw Tree Fruits In Summer And Fall During the summer and fall months, the Pawpaw Tree produces some exciting fruit. These fruits start around two inches wide and gradually grow to six inches. They're an elongated, oval shape with a green, matte peel. The fruits' colors can include subtle variations of yellow, brown, orange, and green, adding many stunning features to the plant. The contrast between the darker leaves and the paler fruit clusters makes this plant look especially interesting and exciting. Pawpaw Trees Are A Favorite Of Customers At TN Nursery Where do pawpaw trees grow best? Pawpaws grow best in USDA hardiness zone 5-8 on neutral to moderately acidic well-draining loam soil, deep and rich loam soil. They like full or part shade, often river valleys or forest but not in the major canopy.  How many pawpaw trees are required for fruiting?  Fruit development requires that pawpaw trees should be cross-pollinated; this usually requires a minimum of two different pawpaw trees. Other insects like bees are very important as they have to transport pollen from one flower to another.  When is it possible to get fruits from the pawpaw tree?  Pawpaw trees generally take between 4-8 years to start producing fruits based on the environment and type of pawpaw. Grafting also helps in reducing the time taken before fruiting.  How can we best fertilize the pawpaw trees?  10-10-10 - A slow-release, balanced fertilizer should be spread on the pawpaw trees when they are in flower. Fungicides should be used sparingly, nitrogen in particular being the main one which stops fruit production.  How long do pawpaw trees live?  Pawpaws are said to live for about two and a half (25-25) years if allowed the best possible growing conditions, but they can live much longer. Usually fertile for about 10-15 years of their reproductive life. Where do pawpaw trees grow best? Pawpaw trees are planted in the USDA hardiness zone 5-8 in neutral to slightly acidic soil with good drainage and deep and fertile loam soil. They prefer full to partial shade, commonly in river valleys or forests but not in the major canopy.  How many pawpaw trees are required for fruiting?  Fruit development requires that pawpaw trees should be cross-pollinated; this usually requires a minimum of two different pawpaw trees. Other insects like bees are very important as they have to transport pollen from one flower to another.  When is it possible to get fruits from the pawpaw tree?  Pawpaw trees generally take between 4-8 years to start producing fruits based on the environment and type of pawpaw. Grafting also helps in reducing the time taken before fruiting.  How can we best fertilize the pawpaw trees?  A balanced but slow-releasing fertilizer, 10-10-10, should be applied to pawpaw trees at the time they are growing. The use of fertilizers should be done sparingly, especially nitrogen, since it hampers fruiting.  How long do pawpaw trees live?  When given the best environments to grow, pawpaw trees are known to live for approximately twenty to twenty-five (20-25) years, but they can also live longer. They are usually fertile for about 10-15 years in their reproductive years.

$24.99
$24.99
Peach Fruit Tree - TN Nursery

Peach Fruit Tree 3-4'

Peach trees are known for their fragrant pink blossoms in spring. They produce sweet and juicy, round or slightly flattened, fuzzy-skinned fruit in various colors, such as yellow or white. Incorporating these into landscaping offers many benefits beyond their produce. They bring beauty, seasonal interest, edible yields, contributions to biodiversity, and a touch of nostalgia to outdoor spaces. A Peach Fruit Tree is a colorful and aromatic plant that offers several benefits to your land. It can benefit your neighbors and the local wildlife months after planting. Add Color to Your Home With The Peach Fruit Tree (Prunus persica) The produce helps transform your land into a sea of orange or some variation relatively quickly. They come from will create pink flowers that add even more variety wherever they are planted. One of the primary benefits of buying this type is that it will create seeds on its own after reaching maturity. However, it is essential to note that reaching that stage of life can take two or three years. Of course, your patience will be well rewarded as a single plant can turn into multiple ones, which will help maximize the value you get for your money. Enjoy The Amazing Aroma Of Peach Fruit Trees Planting any type that bears fruit can create a fragrant smell that everyone can enjoy outside. Furthermore, the fact that you have them on your property that bear anything edible will likely improve its overall market value. In most cases, your neighbors will also see the value of their properties increase. Animals Love The Peach Fruit Tree Peach Fruit Tree generally serves as shelter or food for various insects and animals. Although you will likely see birds, pollinators, and other creatures on your property, they will likely be able to do minor damage. This is because this item is toxic to many different types of animals, which means you can enjoy nature without worrying about replacing what you took so long to cultivate for yourself. Where do peach trees grow best? Peach trees grow well in well-drained soils, areas that receive full sun, and in a moderate climate. They need a cold winter so as to dormant well and warm springs to bloom. Several varieties are commonly grown in areas of the USDA zones 5-9.  In which season does peach grow?  There are 700+ varieties of peaches, but most produce and harvest them between late spring and summer. The flowers are in flower in early spring, the fruits set once the heat has hit.  For how long do peaches take to ripen while still on the tree?  On average, peaches take between 2 and 4 months to develop after flowering is evident on the tree. The time that varies depends on the climate in the particular region, and other factors of the growing of the grapes. That's when you look for a slight softness and that rich, deep color; then, they are ready to be harvested.  Can I plant a peach tree near the house?  When planting a peach tree, it is recommended that you plant it about 10-20 ft away from your home so you do not disturb the roots in searching for space while at the same time avoiding construction structures. It also brings about proper space that enhances proper airing to counter-check pests and disease outbreaks.  What are two interesting facts about peach?  On the one hand, peach is destined to be presented for eternal life and immortality because it's an old fruit. Also, they have Vitamin A and C so these fruits are healthy.
$43.99
$43.99
Apple Fruit Trees - TN Nursery

Apple Fruit Trees 3-4'

Apple Trees are valuable contributors to local ecosystems. Their blossoms provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, aiding in pollinating nearby plants. When they fall, the leaves add organic matter to the soil, enriching its fertility and promoting a healthy microorganism population. Enjoy the Beauty Of the Fruits of Apple Trees (Malus domestic) No backyard is complete without a few fruit-bearing trees in it. You might have a beautiful arrangement of flowers and other plants, but you need fruit trees and plants. So, for new and experienced gardeners trying to incorporate fruits into their landscaping, start with apple fruit trees.  Apple Day is just around the corner, meaning that planting an apple tree in your backyard makes total sense between October and March. Imagine walking out of your house into your backyard and picking an apple to snack on. While growing a whole tree in your backyard sounds a little overwhelming, planting and growing a tree is relatively easy. Fruit trees are a great way to add dimension to your landscape and bear the most delicious and fresh fruits for you to enjoy. When you buy an apple tree, it not only provides you with fresh food but also offers a natural food source for various wildlife, including birds and insects. Features of Apple Fruit Trees Compared to growing vegetables in your garden, fruit trees are effortless to grow and relatively low maintenance, making them the perfect fruit plant for beginners. Apple trees require full sun to grow. A garden with at least 8 hours of sunlight daily is perfect for growing apples. Apple Fruit Trees Bears Stunning Blooms Before turning into a fruit, the tree bears vibrant blooms with rich nectar that help attract different pollinators to provide them with food and shelter. Fruit trees improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, contributing to a healthier environment. Check Out Our Many Varieties of Apple Trees At TN Nursery You can get organic apple trees for sale from TN Nursery today and turn your flower garden into a local farmer’s market. Our other top 3 best-seller fruit trees include Plum Fruit Tree, Mulberry Tree, and Peach Fruit Tree. How long does an apple tree take to fruit? Apple trees begin bearing fruit 2 to 5 years after the plant is established, depending on the type of apple tree planted or the rootstock used or grafted. Some dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees bear fruit earlier than trees of standard size.  How do I pollinate an apple tree? Apple trees, in particular, depend on cross-pollination from another apple variety for the plant to bear fruits. To promote pollination, you can plant close to different apple varieties or apply some measures to attract bees: plant flowering plants nearby.  Are apple trees self-fertile?  Many apple trees bear what is known as 'incompatible' pollen and, therefore, require pollen from a different type of apple tree in order to bear fruit. However, there are a few that are partially self-fruitful but produce more fruit when cross-pollinated, for example Golden Delicious.  Does apple reproduce by cutting?  Although cuttings are possible for apple trees, the practice is a bit finicky and uncommon. Grass-graftage is a decision made by the individual but apple tree budding usually involves rootstock. What is the lifespan of an apple tree?  Originating from Central Asia, an apple tree can still yield fruit if it is still alive for 50-80 years. However, its most fruitful years are between 10 and 30 years of production from when the tree is planted.
$34.99
$34.99

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