A smokehouse is an essential tool for preserving meat and enhancing flavors through smoking. Follow these steps to build your own:

Materials Needed:

• Wooden pallets or treated wood (for walls)
• Metal sheeting (for the roof)
• A metal drum or firebox (for generating smoke)
• Chimney pipe
• Wire racks or hooks
• Basic tools: hammer, nails, saw, and drill

Steps to Build:

1. Choose a Location: Select a shaded area with good ventilation away from flammable materials.
2. Frame the Structure: Use wooden pallets or treated wood to construct a rectangular frame for the smokehouse.
3. Install the Roof: Cover the top with metal sheeting to protect against rain and elements.
4. Add the Firebox: Connect a metal drum or firebox to the base using a chimney pipe for smoke flow.
5. Set Up Interior: Install wire racks or hooks inside for hanging meat or placing food items.
6. Test the Smokehouse: Run a trial with wood chips to ensure proper airflow and consistent smoke generation.

Explore additional tips and recipes for smoking meat at Smoking Meat Forums.

Make Your Own Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are a natural way to support health and wellness. Here’s how to craft a few basics:

Supplies Needed:

• Herbs (e.g., chamomile, calendula, peppermint)
• Carrier oils (e.g., olive, coconut)
• Glass jars with lids
• Mortar and pestle
• Cheesecloth

Steps to Create an Herbal Oil Infusion:

1. Choose Your Herbs: Select dried herbs suited for your remedy (e.g., calendula for skin healing).
2. Prepare the Infusion: Fill a glass jar halfway with herbs, then cover with a carrier oil until fully submerged.
3. Infuse: Place the jar in a sunny spot for 2-4 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
4. Strain and Store: Strain the oil through cheesecloth and store in a clean glass jar.

Learn more about herbal remedies at Herbal Academy.

Craft a Root Cellar

A root cellar is a traditional way to store fresh produce without refrigeration. Here’s how to build one:

What You’ll Need:

• Shovels and pickaxes
• Concrete or wooden beams (for structural support)
• Ventilation pipes
• Thermometer and hygrometer

Steps to Construct:

1. Choose a Location: Find a spot with natural shade and drainage, preferably on a slope.
2. Excavate: Dig a hole large enough to store your desired amount of produce.
3. Reinforce the Walls: Use concrete or wood beams to support the walls and prevent collapse.
4. Install Ventilation: Add pipes for airflow to maintain consistent humidity and temperature.
5. Organize Storage: Use shelves or bins to keep produce off the ground and properly sorted.

Find root cellar maintenance tips at Mother Earth News.

Wylder Space Community

Join our Nourishing Traditions Community for live workshops and tutorials on building smokehouses, creating herbal remedies, and crafting root cellars.