Spring is not being shy anymore. Garlic is up, birds are making nests, gardens are being planted.
Now is a great time to prepare yourself for the coming seasons opportunities for preservation. Spring brings some opportunities to preserve, summer adds more and late summer/fall give you opportunities every direction you look!
There are a few things I suggested to help prepare (physically and mentally) for a successful preservation season:
- Tidy your storage space.
- Tally your equipment needs.
- Take note of your priorities.
Tidy Your Storage Space
Organize and clean your pantry space(s), as well as your freezer(s). This means rearranging as needed, discarding as needed (didn't eat that 2014 canned kohlrabi? bag didn't seal well & is freezer burnt?), and eating things up!
My pantry grew in two locations last year, so I am working to condense to one. As I'm organizing my jars I'm taking mental notes.
This is the time of year where I like to empty, clean and defrost freezers, as necessary, which really helps to take a look at all stock. We have one large chest freezer (things can get buried), one small chest freezer (generally meat) and one upright freezer (meat). The upright needs defrosting. There are two-year-old tomatoes and stew hens in the large freezer that need using BEFORE I throw more on top.
This tidying could also mean organizing your supplies to be more accessible, or into one area.
What do you need to do to prep your pantry/freezer/storage spaces?
Tally Your Equipment Needs
For beginners and veterans alike, it's a great time to look through your preservation equipment to see what you are in need of adding, or restocking. Think through each one of the preservation methods you use - or want to start - and make sure you are picking up items that will be necessary.
You don't want to get berries on the stove for jam and realize you don't have enough pectin!
Canning Items: pressure canner, water bath canner, hows the canner seal?, jar lifter(s), funnel(s), lids, rings, jars, pectin, timer, canning books, etc.
Freezing: vacuum sealer, freezer baggies, cookie sheets, ice cube trays, etc.
Dehydrating: dehydrator, trays, fruit leather trays, mandolin, packaging, etc.
Then there is fermenting, freeze drying, curing, and so forth.
You may also need bulk spices, salt, apple cider vinegar, etc. for things like pickling or pesto. Check out Azure Standard for a great bulk buying option we just love, supporting a great company.
What equipment do you need to pick up new? Replace? Add to current inventory?
Take Note of Your Priorities
While you are cleaning your pantry and freezer be taking notes to inform this year's preservation needs. What did you run out of early and need to preserve more? What do you have an abundance of and need to preserve less, or not at all?
Then think about your personal needs. What are the kids devouring at this time that you could preserve and save money? Do you want to freezer extra berries for winter jam making or smoothies? Prioritize items that you know you will use, have easy access to, will save you money and bring you joy.
Freezer space still looking really full? Maybe you need to prioritize canning. Maybe it's even time to try canning meat!
Have limited storage space? Perhaps dehydrating is the way to go.
Pregnant or have a little one? Don't forget about baby led weaning supplies for down the road! I can't tell you how grateful I am putting up fruit for a toddler!!
Think ahead for other things like holiday gifting, parties, picnics, etc.
Use this list to plan your garden, preservation plan, local foods plan and more.
What are your biggest priorities? Is there are farmer you need to be in touch with to help you meet your goals? Is there something you can grow to help with these priorities?
Creating Intention
Taking the time to prepare yourself, creating that intentional space for a successful preservation season, really will pay off. Looking through what you have put up previously makes you proud, puts you more in touch with your needs and creates gratitude. Taking care of your equipment and storage spaces will reduce stress in busier times, avoid unnecessary hiccups and help you be ready for a bumper crop.
Overall you will be more prepared and your future self will thank you.
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