I was a private contractor in Iraq and we'd get cantaloupes, cut them open, and put the seeds on the roof to dry out on Sunday, we'd plant them in the native soil and put a sun screen over them, a handkerchief or something like that on Thursday and by Sunday we'd have sprouts and grow our own. It was the wierdest thing to see, but we did that. As long as they had the sunscreen over them they did well. Okra could take the direct sunlight and prosper. I love what you're doing! Best of luck and yeah, I'll keep voting for you.

Add a nice tub with sticks to allow bees to climb in & get a drink next to the hive, and you will get bees. They need water, too, and the access without drowning gets lots of desert bees for you. You may even need another hive or two! Good to see you greening it up. Nice place.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

What you are doing is amazing! A couple of tips if they help, place a solar powered fan on the composting toilet, it'll dehydrate the solids quicker as it sucks the moisture out of the air. Collect your urine and dilute it 1 part pee to 10 parts water and water your leafy greens with it, urine has an excellent balance of NPK and most tests show it equal to Miraclegrow so use it as a fertilizer (hoping you already know this) it's also very good at breaking down a compost heap I want to do what you're doing but finding cheap land in the UK is near impossible as it's such a silly little island. Paul

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Urine is great. I only use it on plants, and trees I don't consume. I wouldn't mind at all I'd even use my humanure but the county doesn't what that happening although done right it's perfectly safe.

you keep on improving all the time. The birds dig it

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

I like your sand bag shelters, I’m going to keep that idea and lots of other things you’ve done. So impressive and admirable. I’ll keep following because you present things worth watching!! Thanks much.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Donna

Wow 2.5 years is an amazing achievement for sure! CONGRATULATIONS💯💯💯

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.

Enjoyed the tour. When I was a kid growing up, the 1st home that I remember living in was the earth contact home that they built. I remember it being comfortable the year around. I grew up with a step-dad. My father got killed in a on the job accident. I never knew him. He was killed 8 months before I was born. The next house was built by my parents on a couple of acres in the country. This is what whetted my appetite for a homestead of my own. My folks had cattle, hogs and chickens. Plus a good sized garden. We had two standard sized apple 🍎 trees, a peach tree and two plum trees that my Mom made jelly from. Across the road was a patch of blackberries that was 8' wide by about 50' long. My Mom made jelly from them as well. It was great until the farmer sprayed and killed them. I rented my folks place for a year and a half. Put out several gardens and Enjoyed the apples immensely. Home made apple butter is the bomb. Can't be beat. That was my only homesteading. Things never happened to where I could get a homestead of my own. Neither of my two wives shared my dreams. Oh, well. I get to enjoy your show. I am impressed with your dedication to your dreams. Keep going my friend. Take care. Vaughn.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

A lot of good memories you have there. I would love to have a blackberry bush like that. I look forward to trees and bushes coming up. I did plant seeds in hopes of them stratefying over the winter. Thanks for sharing.

@davidmesser5813

Жыл бұрын

Homesteading as a child made me very happy. I loved taking care of our steers. Those blackberries made wonderful jelly. Take care. Vaughn

Great Blue Heron, robins, etc, beautiful

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I was excited to see the Great Blue Haron, it was the only one I've seen. I'm grateful it seems to enjoy the pond.

@billintexas7061

Жыл бұрын

If you have any fish in the pond, the heron will get them…make shelter for fish to hide if you want them to survive.

Wow! I'm super stoked to run across this video because I'm interested in homesteading. Natives lived with less for centuries and we're super spoiled in our consumer culture. Great job making the best of your property.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

I'm stoked you did

Can't wait to see the aquaponics system

You are so handsome, been enjoying the building of your homestead

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

I've been called worse. Thanks for following along.

Amazing and inspiring!!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Hey! I'm glad you think so. Thank you for following along.

@mspurrple2184

Жыл бұрын

@@FrugalOffGrid you are welcome!!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

@karenkeller3890

Жыл бұрын

@@FrugalOffGrid ❤❤🎉🎉

Very cool set up. I'm off-grid too, but in the southern Sierra Nevada range at 6840'. The most interesting thing about my set up is the glycol water heater thing. It works great except on short winter days which are cloudy. Otherwise it's the standard solar panels, well for water, wood-burning stoves for heat, satellite internet, etc.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Very cool. I have a solar water heater I may set up.

You have brought LIFE to the desert. 🤗

Great rundown of your time there! Keep up the good work!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill!

One year early in my gardening years, I had a total fail with the cabbage. My brocholi did well that year. I had a few chikdren, and in the effort to keep foid on the table and keep that foid interesting, i used the bricholi leaves for "cabbage rolls", and the brocholi stalks for cold slaw. It turned out so well and tastedso goid we continue to use those dishes on tbe menu.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Yea, they're great. I eat them almost daily. I prefer them to many popular lettuce leafs.

Fantastic video. First time I've watched a desert permaculture homestead and I'm so impressed.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Susan!

This is wild. I first saw your content on Tik Tok when you first started. It’s awesome to see where you are now.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for following along all this time

Beautiful, practical, well thought out homestead! Thanks for sharing with and inspiring the rest of us!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Carole

@carolekjellander8917

Жыл бұрын

@@FrugalOffGrid Sure thing, Frugal! I tried to create an orchard and permaculture garden here in Northern Wisconsin for almost 9 years now, but I'm not as handy as you are, so I only got so far! But, I love permaculture and sustainable ideas, so kudos to you for accomplishing a very comprehensive homestead! 👍

you have done a lot of work in just 21/2 years all by yourself! i am looking to get some land up in the high desert some where outside of flagstaff

Good job on water collection in the desert . Looks like your doig fair on your garden . I live in forest land in arkanasa. I started on my land in a used 5thwheel. Now i have a modern 20x24 cabin with a 20x12 veranda. A solar shed -greenhouse - woodshed . 6 years offgrid . I had a well drilled . My gardening skills are not great ,but learning . I planted apple and peach trees . Will try to add more every year . I do not have animals. Only my 2 dogs . Just want to be able to travel when i want .one day i may get chickens. Peace.

I love how you explain things. Congtatulations ....PS: voted again today.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Great! Thank you so much.

I've been homesteading alone for about the same amount of time. It's a good life! I'm not as far along as you are, but I'm doing similar things. Looking forward to getting chickens and goats, but I still need more fencing and animal sheds ... need to dig cisterns, too.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

It's a good life

Amazing 👏 thanks for sharing your ideas. You might want to plant Comfrey to use as a feed for the animals. They love it. It's very nutritious, very easy to grow, grows fast and you can multiply it more quickly. It's an amazing cover crop so it amends the soil as well. It can also add alot of nutrition to your compost pile.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

So glad to see your progress very proud of how far you've come I remember that first video when you arrived I remember literally praying you'd survive that first month.... Now look at you wow! Amazing homestead maturity... And kept it on The Real this whole way.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!

I have so much respect and admiration for what you continue to do in your homestead. It’s definitely a lot of work. I hope your vlog continues to grow exponentially. I encourage everyone to not only watch, but also subscribe. It’s simply inspiring. Thank you.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks you Bernie

Never fail to impress! I did go vote for you, I hope others do the same!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to do that. We should have a good idea where I stand in the competition tomorrow. cheers

@Fromplefeet

Жыл бұрын

@@FrugalOffGrid Good Luck Friend!

Wow! What a good job you have accomplished ĺiving on the high desert and are self contained. You have done well friend.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Larry

Really enjoy your channel. You have a beautiful oasis :)

Hard living! Much respect to you. I really liked your root cellar.... plus it looks like you may have dug that by hand.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

I did, thanks for watching

I have to remind myself, constantly, to mingle with others. The older I get, the more introverted I am becoming. Getting piece of mind, through silence is something that I crave on a daily basis. Much love, health and happiness, brother!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

If you're happy, there's nothing wrong with your solitude.

That is such an impressive setup. You seem to be a conscientious steward of the land and your animals. I will definitely watch for more updates. Keep up the amazing work.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard!

Congratulations for being so Stout Hearted and doing all this. God bless you in all your endeavors. :)

Great video! Awesome watching your place become self sustaining. Your doing great man

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

You're way ahead of me and I admit I am inspired. I'm three years from homeless and only have solar, chickens and bees. Next is aquaponics. Bees are a pain 😫. They get mites and moths. I lost two "nucs" around 600 bucks to them. Try to find someone REAL CLOSER to mentor you if at all possible. Their help will be invaluable. Subscribed and anxious to see next video!!

@SlothKing33

Жыл бұрын

Google Paul Stamets, he’s got some great information on solving that issue

I'm so lucky to find this fascinating channel!!!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

happy you did

Hey man congratulations. I just found your channel and love the videos. I recently bought high desert property in New Mexico and I'm trying to learn as much as possible. I've already learned alot from watching you. I'm nervous to eventually go off grid in the desert but you're giving me confidence.

@TRUCKER_TRUCKER

Жыл бұрын

Hey buddy, I live in NW NM , we have also started pulling off the grid.. We made a decision to cancel debt, cut the bills, and return to God. We started with a 5thwheel, 1/3acre, solar, and greenhouse. No more rent, no electric bill, no water bill, and soon no food bill.. Roman's 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Sounds great!

Pretty incredible what you're doing with the little amount of rainfall - it's a model for what can be done in those barren areas of the southwest. I'm looking to do the same in Southern Colorado. Keep up the great work!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

In grateful you tuned in

@kasperjensen363

Жыл бұрын

If you need a hand I would love to help. It's my dream to be self-reliant but I just feel stuck in my apartment. Danish dispair...

@Noawarenes

Жыл бұрын

@@kasperjensen363 check out world packers! If you're interested in the south west, there's plenty of places looking for long term work exchange

its amazing you are able to grow anything out there, especially when using the local soil. no need to apologize for your imperfect harvest. very informative video!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

It will only get better, thanks

WOW... This is my first time seeing one of your video's and it sure won't be the last lol. I love the high Desert and have been thinking about setting up a small home and maybe a small homestead in the Desert, I really didn't think you could do as much growing and have so many animals in such a dry place you really opened up my eyes to the possibilities (I was afraid I would have to move someplace cold and rainy, which isn't my thing). I am really looking forward to watching all of your old videos to see how it all began. You earned this sub in under 30 seconds sorry it took me so long to find your channel. Keep being awesome!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Welcome to my channel!

Buy European red wiggler night crawlers worms They will improve your soil and help with garden production

I now live full time at 7k feet elevation in Concho AZ. You really impressed me with your food production. I saw some of your videos awhile back, forgot your location. I've been working on my little spot now for about 8 months or so. Anyway, I hope you have continued success becoming independent from all the normal trappings of life. CVK

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

That is awesome!

Wish I knew half as much as you do brother. One of my dreams that I have to pass. Very interesting channel you made. Will keep watching. God Bless you brother. Take care.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Google

Hybrid willows have worked great on our property! They grow fast, they're healthy, no bad habits, undemanding. While they may not live as long as an oak, they're good for a human lifetime.

I have to say that your channel is one of my favourites!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I love what you're doing. We bought land in AZ a few years ago. My guy has been very hesitant about the idea that we can last or grow anything out there. For the past 4 years I've been trying to tell him about swells.. I'm pretty sure he won't hear me unless someone else say the same thing so thank you.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/d2mqm9itf7qphqQ.html you guys might like this video.

I just happened onto your channel and within a minute I subscribed! Much of what you are doing is not familiar, but I’m very interested in what you are achieving! And how you are doing it! You are among a crowd of people who leading a wave of modern day frontiersman! Please keep producing videos and educating!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for Subscribing!

Just found your channel. Very impressed with all you’ve done! 👍❤️

I'm sure you know of him but geoff lawton is a good source for knowledge regarding what you're attempting to do regarding "greening the desert", the one key thing I see missing in your works is organic matter, lots and lots of it, haul in a couple loads of wood chips, and innoculate with a fungus, it will neutralize any salts and harmful heavy metals in the desert sands and create fertile soil environment. I would imagine a large collection of woody brush material from on and around your property would eventually do the same thing if composted properly. Your swales and soil is exposed to too much sun and wind and elements in general. Amazing work though, inspiring, keep it up

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I currently have several yards of organic matter. I keep livestock so there's no shortage, just haven't been out here long and need to improve my compost system by mulching it first to break down fast.

Alone? wow - disregard past comments - not many doing this alone - you are unique! Blessings to you!

I have my hybrids soaking in water now I can't wait until they root

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Great! It won't be long

I love how you're bringing more wildlife out where you are too. Very cool vids!

LOL'd @20:15 When I was a kid and lived off-grid our out house was a 2 holer.....one adult size and one kid size, we were living the high life!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Hot damn that's classy! Probably had an off grid bidet too.

I think you have done very well. I'm impressed! I live in southern New Mexico. The soil is not very good so gardening has been a challenge. Hot wind out of the west is an issue too. The wind killed a grapevine I planted. Live and learn. I'll plant another but put it in a protected spot. I want to build greenhouses like yours. Thanks for the great video.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I just planted a grapevine, blueberries, and several fruit trees

Haven’t checked in on you lately. Great to see your progress. The world are able to check you out. Thanks

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking in Kenneth

Great re cap of your progress. Any plans on trying out hydroponics , specifically the Kratky method. If you get the PH and the nutrients right you can grow with about 90% less water than conventional growing.

Thank you for your time!

Your success proves a single person can survive and thrive in the high desert. I am forced to do the same thing sortly. I have a tiny house ... and in the jprocess of aquiring land. Need to work on the necessities like water! It will be a long road starting at 60 but you shown a path.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

You got this!

@coyotech55

Жыл бұрын

I started out at 64, I'm small but bullheaded, and I think in many ways it's easier if you're older, although maybe you don't get things done quite as fast as a younger person. It's been going fine. You'll do fine, too.

I have a very small garden. My soil wasn't the best so my mom told me to plant sunflowers. They absorb bad stuff replace with good stuff and and they look pretty, and they feed the birds and bees LOVE them

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

It's really amazing all you have gotten done in a little over two years. Stay strong

Your thermo geo underground garden is recognizable from one that an elderly gentleman made in Nebraska. It has oranges growing in Winter; amazing 😁 You have a good deal of Super great ideas all bundled up.😊

i’m so glad the algorithm lead me to you! ❤

This is my new favorite KZread channel! Thanks for the inspiring content :)

It's kind of increadable what we can achieve without the every day distractions I like your knowledgeable posts nice

Potato digging is a lot of work so I use tires stacking them and filling with sand, leaves and potting soil that I have reused for 6 years. I can't go over 6' high as I'm 5'9" and too old for ladders. Time for harvest push the stack over to pick potatoes laying on the ground. You need mulch on the ground inside the green house. That top soil is what our bottom soil looks like in NC.

Watched your channel for the first time today. Was very impressed! I have a lot to learn from you that is for sure. I will be starting my off grid journey in northwest Arizona late September. I'm 72 and want to get back to the basics of life. I've been a city girl most all of my life. I am tired of the crazy prices of groceries and everything in general. I'm not afraid of hard work and know how to build things. As they say Jack of all things master of none. Keep your video's coming and God bless you!

Bravo!! This is wonderful!

Digging all your food source. Learning a lot!

Oh man! Excellent! Thanks for sharing.

@FrugalOffGrid

2 ай бұрын

You bet!

Dear sir, you are such an inspiration. You are amazing.

Great to see you having success. Best of luck and good fortune. I look forward to seeing you grow and improve.

Phenomenal! I'm in the UK so my climate is quite different, I'm in awe of what you have created! Just subbed as your video popped up on my feed and going to look through your channel 😊 Good luck sir, you emanate so much peace and joy. Hermit life has its joys and rewards 🙏🏼

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

You have done a lot! It’s not easy alone in the high desert. I bought land out there in spring 2022, I had to head out this spring to make more $$$, I am working on creating income that I can make somewhat passively when I’m back in the desert. You are inspiring me with all your projects. 🌞

Thank you very much for the video I enjoyed it.

I'm always amazed to see how far you have come thus far buddy!!!

It is tea time!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I'll poor some red tea blend. Cheers

You're such a badass and an inspiration!!! Keep up the great work!!

Thanks for the tour! I love what you are doing, just bought some green tea blend and will share with friends.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

Good for you!!! I use to live in the High Desert north of LA. I love love the landscape there.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Donna

Amazing! New subber..... Like your seed saving system....

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Hot damn! 💪 🤠

Great job for all the things you have done since you have started living off grid. I did try and vote for you to get tags for deer but did not see where I could vote. Stay safe, and I am praying for even more great news about furthering this great move.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Peppermint oil will attract the bees also. Also a dish of honey/water solution will bring them!

You have done great.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

BLESS YOU. YOU ARE A GOOD MAN. YOU WORK HARD AND I KNOW ALL THIS KIND OF LIVING IS NOT EASY BUT ENJOYABLE

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

What you've done is amazing. I take my hat off to you!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Cheers

Be very careful with that root cellar. Decomposing vegetables release a gas hesvier than air that will accumulate on the bottom. I know you have ventilation to help combat this. But you might want to consider increasing the airflow rate with bigger fans and pipes just to be safe. Especially if you do sleep in it during the cold.

Buddy you look like Johnny Baristow! :D But jokes apart very impressed by your tenacity. Kudos. Hope you and your stead flourish and exceeds expectations. much love and energy from India.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Great! I should be able to land a wife like his! 💪 🤠

I enjoyed your video.

I love all of this!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Happy to hear it! Thank you

Been with you since you drove onto the first (wrong) property. You've come a long way!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for following along.

Very impressed with the water collection system which allows you to have animals and grow food.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

A great video...thanks for posting

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thank YOU

Keep going! It’s important..

I watched one of your videos today and you were at like 19,000 subscribers. I'm watching another one now and now you're over 20k! Good for you! I'm new here, but I really enjoy your content!

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Derek, welcome to my channel

Inspiring!

Nice job! Look at companion plantings paying attention too root depth, carrots love peas for example. Get more for the water and mulch! I’d look at local scrub and trees to transplant around that pond, creating a micro climate and try some fruit and nut trees there. Just some ideas, well done. Compost can increase your heat in the greenhouse during the winter as well, free heat for better soil.

You look very organized! Good video.

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

I like to keep things organized, thanks

Wow...we are planning this kind of living aswell ...once we get a small land in Ireland...somewhere very remote but not too isolated .

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

That sounds wonderful

Thank you man, to create a biotop like this, you are an example 🙂🙂🙂

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Thank you

@FrugalOffGrid

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome