Hello, fellow green thumbs and homestead enthusiasts! It’s Ryan here from Backroads Homestead, and today, we’re diving into the enlightening world of grow lights. Yes, it’s that time of the year when we turn racks into lush, LED-powered growing stations, and I’m thrilled to share every step with you!
BBOUNDER 3FT LED Shop Light Fixture, Super Bright 3300LM, Cool Daylight White 6500K
SZHLUX LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants 2ft 80W https://amzn.to/3uaS6fp
Sunco Lighting 6 Pack LED Grow Light, 80W, Full Spectrum, Integrated Suspended Fixture https://amzn.to/3HF0BlP
Sunco Lighting 4 Pack LED Grow Light, 80W, Full Spectrum, Integrated Suspended Fixture https://amzn.to/3vQ2E3Y
AntLux 4FT LED Grow Lights 50W Full Spectrum Integrated 4 Foot Growing Lamp Fixtures https://amzn.to/48QsYtA
Bolt Dropper 11″ Black Zip Cable Ties (1000 Pack) https://amzn.to/3u7jhaS
Metal 16 Outlet Power Strip – https://amzn.to/3Shrj98
So, we’re in the thick of winter, almost February, and while we might be a tad late, it’s never too late for a good start, right? We’ve unpacked our trusted LED grow lights from our last greenhouse adventure in Wisconsin, and we’re ready to roll. From the vibrant purple lights to the full-spectrum white shop lights and some fancy specialty lights, we’ve got a brilliant array for this season’s seed starting. Fun fact: Most of these gems are from Amazon, competitively priced and just a click away!
The game plan? Daisy-chain six sets together, zip-tie them to the rafters, and voilà – a canopy of light! But let’s talk about the real MVP here: the utility tech zip ties, sturdy and reliable, just like a good old Jeep (and you know I love my Jeeps). Remember, when it comes to zip ties, size does matter – 11 inches is your golden number.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. We’ve got our shop lights emitting just the right amount of warmth for our seed trays – cozy and bright. But the real stars? Our staple lights. After a minor tweak (removing the heat shield), they’re ready to nurture our seedlings with their intense glow. A word of caution though – handle them with care as they’re a tad fragile without their metal backbone.
As we wire, snip, and adjust, here’s a revelation for you: Full-spectrum is the key. Yes, those regular shop lights from your local store can work wonders, just like the fancier grow lights. My experiments over the years have shown that as long as the light is full spectrum, your plants will thrive. So, there’s a handy tip to save some bucks and still have a lush, thriving green oasis!
Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into seed trays and the magic of sprouting life. And hey, if you love what we’re doing, show some love! Subscribe, hit that notification bell, and spread the word. YouTube might be giving us a hard time, but with your support, we’ll keep this sustainable living dream alive and thriving.
And remember, Affiliate Links support our channel at no cost to you. So, let’s grow together, one seed, one light, one thriving homestead at a time. Until next time, this is Ryan from Backroads Homesteading, signing off. Keep those green thumbs up!
Which means, your family’s share of the debt is increasing by $10,000 every 136 days.
Welcome back to our corner of tranquility and resilience, homesteaders… Today, I want to share with you an exciting development that’s not just changing the way we trade at Backroad Homestead, but also how we perceive the very foundation of our economic practices.
A New Dawn with Goldbacks In our continuous quest to embrace self-sufficiency and independence, we’ve recently ventured into something quite remarkable – Goldbacks. These aren’t just any form of currency; they are a revolution in the way we engage with trade and value. A Goldback is a fractional gold note, with real, tangible gold embedded right within it. This isn’t a concept pulled from the annals of history; it’s a modern solution to a problem as old as trade itself – the problem of value, stability, and trust in currency.
The Constitution & The Value of Real Assets Our journey with Goldbacks aligns beautifully with the principles laid out in Article 10 of the Constitution. It clearly states that no State shall issue anything but gold and silver as tender in payment of debts. This makes us ponder – what truly backs our conventional currency, the US dollar? In our hands, with Goldbacks, we hold not just a piece of paper but a real asset, a piece of gold that’s as valuable as it is stable.
Practicality Meets Tradition One of the most compelling aspects of Goldbacks is their practicality. Dealing with large gold coins or bars for everyday transactions isn’t feasible. Goldbacks, however, change the game entirely. They come in denominations as small as 1/1000th of a Troy ounce, making everyday transactions not just possible but practical. Imagine trading a gallon of milk or a dozen eggs without worrying about the fluctuating value of paper currency – that’s the reality with Goldbacks.
A Growing Movement This isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement towards a more stable and honest form of trade. Several states, including Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and potentially Texas and Arkansas, are recognizing the value and stability Goldbacks bring. They’re not just another form of currency; they are a statement, a declaration of stability and trust in an asset that has stood the test of time – gold.
Why We Believe in Goldbacks At Backroad Homestead, we’re not just preparing for an uncertain economic future; we’re actively shaping a more stable and sustainable present. Goldbacks represent more than a currency to us; they symbolize our commitment to values, stability, and a form of trade that’s as reliable as the sunrise on our homestead.
We’re excited to be part of this journey, and we’re even more thrilled to bring you along. Whether you’re a fellow homesteader, a curious mind, or someone seeking a semblance of stability in these turbulent times, we believe Goldbacks offer a beacon of hope and a tangible solution.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, let’s embrace the stability and value that Goldbacks bring to our lives and our community.
Welcome back, fellow homesteaders and friends of the Backroads!
Ryan here again, and I’m thrilled to bring you the latest updates from our beloved homestead. Just this morning, I wrapped up an oil change on our trusty car, and it got me thinking about all the progress we’ve made and the exciting plans we have in store. So, I figured it’s the perfect time for a hearty update!
2024 Thoughts And Ideas
A Glimpse into Our World
Our homestead has been a hive of activity lately. We’ve reclaimed our tractor, been busy laying water lines, and let me tell you, we’ve got a lineup of videos that we can’t wait to share with you! Our schedule is getting packed, with live streams aimed for every Friday or Saturday and fresh videos every Tuesday and Thursday. We’re all about hands-on work here, and whether it’s changing oil or exploring alternative energy sources like waste oil heaters, we’re diving deep into the world of sustainable living.
A Direct Line to Our Community
We’re beyond excited to announce that our website is now live, complete with an active email list! This platform is our way of connecting directly with you, our community. Given the nature of our content, not everything is YouTube-friendly, so we’ve taken to platforms like Rumble X and our very own newsletter to ensure you don’t miss a beat. For those who choose to support our channel, we’re rolling out membership perks – from exclusive content and stickers to a heartfelt thank you letter.
Homesteading, Community, and Beyond
Our vision extends far beyond just maintaining a homestead. We’re talking about a vibrant, thriving community. We’ve got plans for primitive camping sites for those adventurous spirits and a dive into agritourism. But it’s not just about us. We’re laying down water lines, setting up fences, and planting a variety of berries and fruit trees – it’s about creating a space where self-sufficiency meets community spirit.
We’re active across social media, and we cherish the direct, uncensored line of communication that our email list and potential print newsletters offer. These platforms are our way of ensuring that our journey, our learnings, and our community’s stories are shared far and wide.
The Journey Ahead
As we gear up for the future, we’re reminded daily that homesteading is not just about the land; it’s about the people, the community, and the shared journey towards a more sustainable, fulfilling way of life. Our mission is to support local agriculture, promote self-sufficiency, and foster a space where life is lived in harmony with nature.
We’re here to share, to grow, and to support each other every step of the way. Whether it’s through our videos, our membership program, or our social media channels, we’re building more than just a homestead – we’re nurturing a community.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support fuels our passion and drives us to keep moving forward, one backroad at a time.
Keep homesteading, stay connected, and remember – Affiliate Links support our channel at no cost to you.
Every journey begins with a first step, or sometimes, it doesn’t begin at all. Many of us observe others embarking on new endeavors, often giving the illusion that we are following a similar path. However, the necessity of cultivating your own food cannot be overstated.
In these times, as we face difficulties unparalleled since the era of our great grandparents, the importance of self-sustainability becomes increasingly clear. The world, including the USA, is experiencing a level of instability and turmoil unprecedented in history, with negative forces seemingly gaining ground rapidly.
Instead of fixating on factors beyond your control, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, seek guidance and strength through prayer, and strategize for your family’s survival in these uncertain times. At The Backroads Homestead, we are committed to sowing the seeds of liberty and inspiring others to do the same. Our community not only encourages each other in these endeavors but also rewards such efforts.
Approach this as an enjoyable challenge. Avoid getting bogged down by overthinking or succumbing to despair. Recognize the grim state of the world, but choose to plan for survival rather than sinking with the metaphorical ship. Many people are overwhelmed by the fear and negativity broadcasted in the media, leading to a sense of helplessness. However, it’s crucial to move past these feelings and take action. Surround yourself with positive, action-oriented individuals, and distance yourself from naysayers.
Make it a game. Ya, I mean, keep it fun. Don’t suffer from analysis paralysis or woe be me stuff. That’ll end with your doom. Know enough to make the conscious decision to say “ok, the world is kinda sucking right now, need to plan on how to not go down with this ship”. I see so many people take the negative, fear-mongering garbage on our screens and just throw a pity party… or even a puddles pity party (below, ya, that’s a thing). Sure, everyone hurts sometimes, but then get over it! DO SOMETHING. Wipe away those tears, get with people who do the things, and get rid of the negative people who tell you you can’t. Jess, Link and I care about you, and want you to live and even thrive when the next crash goes hard-core.
Take us, as an example. Back in 2014ish, neither my wife or I had any clue how to garden, but we had a child now and parental instincts started kicking in about the world around us not heading in a good direction for our child. While we can’t control what God does, what wars happen, or how the earth goes round, we CAN start to take some effort in making things, and learning how to do things, and getting ready to deal with people who didn’t see the writing on the wall.
Let me put this a different way, to be more Frank. As society erodes, those of us who are doing the things, will gravitate towards others who are doing the things. Many will begin to see those who are not doing the things as a threat to those doing the things. Don’t be a threat, do the things. Matter to the people who will help protect you, your family, and your property. And it doesn’t take much! Those who do the things are always looking for those taking the effort to do the things, even if they fail, they are really trying, the folks doing the things may step in and help where needed.
People think you need a big farm setup and lots of land and big bucks to launch food production. Nope, grab some soil, seeds, and time to care for them, and you too, can be part of this new culture of independence resurgence. Here’s a video of how we took the simple, small backyard of our last property and turned it into a little Garden of Eden. We started with one thing, then we did another. And before you knew it… the entire back yard was producing produce, even the old hot tub! Myself, Jess, and Link are dedicated to your well-being and aim to see you not just survive but thrive in the face of future adversities. Our own journey began around 2014, with no prior knowledge of gardening, driven by parental instincts to provide a better world for our child. While we can’t control divine will, global conflicts, or the natural order, we can certainly strive to be proactive in learning and preparing for challenges.
In closing, I’d like to really put the emphasis on putting your thoughts into action. Join us and share your results with us! We all need to encourage one another and make things happen.
