Many people are looking to Yurts as affordable alternatives to building conventional homes for their off grid properties. They are beautiful, easy to construct and the price is right. But will they last over the long haul? On average, a basic yurt will...
Do you want to grow your own apples, pears or mangoes without waiting ten years for a fruit tree to grow from seed? One way to grow a tree that will produce fruit in a relatively short amount of time is by air layering. This process works with many types of fruit...
For years I have been living off grid with Solar Hot Water Heaters as a primary source for heating water. Through the cold winters of Vermont to months of rain in Hawai’i, I have used Solar Hot Water Heaters in some pretty adverse conditions. If you...
People are drawn to the idea of living off-grid for many reasons, to reduce their environmental impact, to be self-sufficient or simply to have a simple life! But the main motivator is often the idea of living debt free and financially independent. If you set yourself...
Off-grid living highly values using natural and readily available resources. The most abundant of which being rainwater. Hawaii, being a tropical climate, has its fair share of precipitation across the year, a valuable resource ready to be harnessed! Setting up a...
Green, leafy vegetables are hardy and easy to grow plants. They make great additions to the understory areas of your food forest and provide beautiful and edible ground cover. Greens make up a vital part of a healthy diet and have unlimited health benefits for your...
Herbs are the unsung heroes of the garden. When we think of gardening to fill our plates, we first think of leafy greens, root crops and fruits! Incorporating herbs into your food forest will open up a whole world of possibilities for preparing and flavoring the food...
Tropical food forests are regaining popularity as a great way to start self-sufficient gardening and grow what you eat. An ideal tropical forest garden will have up to seven layers of plants. There is a canopy layer for large fruit and nut trees, then a low tree layer...
Planting a fruit tree can provide abundance for decades. But how soon will that abundance actually begin? Some fruit trees take decades to start fruiting. Plant a mangosteen tree and you may be a grandpa before you get any fruit from it. Lucky for us...
Packed full of color, flavor, and nutrients, carrots are a staple vegetable in many households. If you purchase your carrots at a local grocery store in Hawai’i, they will most likely be imported. Carrots are known for being a cold climate vegetable so would it...
