Preparing For Hard Times

What happens when fragile supply chains break down? In this episode Geoff and the crew discuss survival gardens, water security, edible weeds, medicinal plants, and practical ways to prepare for uncertain times. 

Watch the video episode here.

🎓 Explore Geoff's online courses: https://www.discoverpermaculture.com

Key Takeaways:

00:00:15 - 00:03:28: Why modern supply chains are fragile and how permaculture creates food security

00:03:28 - 00:04:24: Survival gardens and the power of perennial food systems - Isabell Shipard's books: https://herbs-to-use.com

00:04:24 - 00:05:58: Medicinal plants, foraging, and using plant ID apps

00:06:36 - 00:08:20: Jerusalem artichokes, edible weeds, and survival foods hiding in plain sight

00:09:24 - 00:10:51: Lessons from Covid and how permaculture builds resilience during crises

00:11:36 - 00:12:41: Geoff’s favorite survival crops: taro, cassava, yam, and chaya

00:12:41 - 00:14:29: Sprouts and microgreens as emergency nutrition systems

00:14:02 - 00:14:29: Action Step #1: Start sprouting seeds this week

00:15:05 - 00:16:23: Feeding 60 students with sprouts during supply shortages in Jordan

00:16:23 - 00:19:25: Comfrey, moringa, turmeric, and other survival superplants

00:19:25 - 00:20:36: Sterile comfrey varieties and how they spread

00:21:06 - 00:23:05: Long-term food storage strategies and preserving seeds

00:24:00 - 00:24:28: Action Step #2: Plant comfrey or moringa

00:25:12 - 00:26:38: How moringa seeds can clean dirty water naturally

00:27:01 - 00:27:30: Action Step #3: Learn and eat an edible weed

00:28:24 - 00:30:09: Why water systems are vulnerable in modern society

00:30:22 - 00:32:01: Simple rainwater harvesting explained

00:32:01 - 00:33:57: First flush diverters, algae biofilms, and rainwater tanks

00:33:58 - 00:36:13: Rainwater vs municipal water systems

00:39:53 - 00:41:05: Action Step #4: Set up a rain barrel and store water

00:42:25 - 00:43:33: Doulton ceramic filters and gravity-fed water systems

00:43:44 - 00:46:59: Reed beds, gray water, and using plants to clean water naturally

00:46:59 - 00:48:57: Final survival garden checklist and practical preparedness steps