Regardless of whether you had a large harvest of food from the garden this year, or simply found a lot of cucumbers on sale at the grocery store, preserving food is an excellent way to provide yourself with a little more self-sufficiency in the winter months. While canning and dehydrating are common methods of food preservation, another method to consider is fermentation! Fermented foods add a unique flavor to your meals and provide you with beneficial probiotics.
For this month’s contest, we’re giving away a fermentation starter kit including a1.3-gallon fermenting crockandthe book Fermented Vegetables.
Want to learn more about preserving food at home? Check out our articles aboutfermentation recipes,dehydrator recipes, andour guide to canning at home.
Insteading December Contest GiveawayReady to sign up? To enter, submit your email below and share this contest with your friends via Email, Facebook, or Pinterest for an extra entry.
Past Competitions:
- 2019-11:Homesteading Starter Library:Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens,The Beekeeper’s Bible,Practical Permaculture, andHomesteading: A Backyard Guide.Winner: TBA from TBA
- 2019-10:Cast Iron Cooking Set:a 5-quart cast iron dutch oven,a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, andThe Dutch Oven CookbookWinner: Jackie G. from California
- 2019-09:3-Tray Worm Composter.Winner: Nina E. from Massachusetts
- 2019-08:Sourdough Bread Making Kit:Bread Proofing Basket, aSourdough Starter Jar, aDough Scraper, aCast Iron Dutch Oven Bread Pan, andArtisan Sourdough Made Simple.Winner: Karrie L. from Florida
- 2019-07:Canning Starter Kit:Granite Ware canning set,Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving, aset of 12 Ball canning jars, andBall canning labels.Winner: Connie B. from New York
- 2019-06:5-Tray Excalibur Dehydrator. Winner: Kari P. from New York
- 2019-05:Summer Garden Maintenance Tools:a soaker hose, a4-claw weeder,pruning shears, anda hori-hori knife.Winner: Kayla from Pennsylvania
- 2019-04:Compost Tumbler. Winner: Deidre H. from Lethbridge, AB
- 2019-03:Seed Starting Kit:Heirloom seed bankandSeed growing heat mat and germination station.Winner: Amanda F. from Nevada
- 2019-02:Wild Edibles Foraging Kit:The Forager’s Harvest Handbook, aforaging basket, aforaging knife,bamboo work gloves, andpruning shears.Winner: Paula C. from North Carolina
- 2019-01:50-Gallon Rain Barrel.Winner: Daryl S. from Illinois
- 2018-12:Spring Garden Prep Kit:后院自耕农季节性计划ner, ametal raised garden bed, and ahori-hori knife.Winner: Jarib B. from Oregon.
- 2018-11:Bird Feeder Kit:Handmade Cedar Bird Feeder,16-Pound Bag of Bird Seed, and abird feeder hook pole.Winner: June G. from Pennsylvania.
- 2018-10:Backyard Shiitake Mushroom Growing Kits:Shiitake Mushroom Farm, andThe Book Mushroom Cultivation: An Illustrated Guide to Growing Your Own Mushrooms at HomeWinner: Jim C. from California.
- 2018-09:Urban Homesteading Library:The Backyard Homestead,Practical Permaculture,Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens, andThe Beekeeper’s Bible.Winner: Al W. from Minnesota and Susan A. from Victoria, BC.
- 2018-08:Gardening Weeding and Maintenance Set:Hori Hori Knife,Root Assassin Rake,Step and Twist Weeder.Winner: Kathy R. from Washington.
- 2018-07:Canning Starter Kit:Granite Ware canning kit with a blancher, aPut ‘Em Up Canning Book,12 Ball jars,reusable lids, andcanning jar labels.Winner: Nancy H. from Oregon.
- 2018-06:Summer Garden And Planter Set:Hori Hori gardening knife, aFiskars lopper, aheavy-duty soaker hose, andtwo 15-inch galvanized hanging planters.Winner: Owen from Toronto, ON
- 2018-05:Tomato Growing Kit:4 Lifetime tomato cages, an8 pack heirloom tomato seeds, aFiskars garden trowel, and the书中种植西红柿es.赢家:雅各布·g .来自德克萨斯州。
- 2018-04:Gardening With Kids Kit:Giantex raised garden bed, akids toolset,kids gardening gloves, twogardening booksfromPantry Paratus, and an8 pack of heirloom seeds.Winner: Dirk M. from California.
- 2018-03:Cooking With Cast Iron Set:Lodge cast iron dutch oven, aLodge cast iron skillet, aset of 2 pan scrapers, and the bookDutch Oven Obsession.Winner: Carol M. from North Carolina.
- 2018-02:Algren Soil Saver Compost Bin.Winner: Laura L. from Oklahoma.
- 2018-01:Spring Garden Prep Kit:Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden,Certified Organic, Heirloom, Non-GMO Garden Seeds, aFiskars Big Grip Trowel, and aGorilla Cart.Winner: Sherry L. from Missouri.
- 2017-12:Fermentation Starter Kit:1.3-gallon fermenting crockand the bookFermented Vegetables: Creative Recipes for Fermenting 64 Vegetables & Herbs.Winner: Nathan M. from North Dakota.
- 2017-11:Scratch And Peck Chick Starter Kit.Winner: Barbara M. from Arizona & Sandra K. from Arkansas.
- 2017 - 10:ASet Of Two Giantex Portable Cold Frames.Winner: Melissa S. from Kansas.
- 2017-09:Fall Garden Cleanup Kit: AFiskars Stand-Up Weeder, aHori Hori Knife,Pine Tree Tools Bamboo Working Glovesand aFiskars Kangaroo Gardening Bag.Winner: Barbara S. from Alabama.
- 2017-08:Dehydrator Starter Kit:A5 Tray Stackable Food Dehydratorby Excalibur, a 400 RecipeDehydrator Bible, and a3-Piece Set of Airtight Hinge-Lock Jars.Winner: Anthony G. from New York.
- 2017-07:Ball Canning’s Home Canning Starter Kit: ABall Canning Starter Kit,Dill Pickle Mix, a 4-Piece Set ofBall Sharing Mason Jars, and the500+ Precipe Guide to Preserving.Winner: Dave C. from Ohio.
- 2017-06:The Ultimate Drought Fighting Kit: A Heavy Duty MetalHose Nozzle, a 2.5-Gallon SteelWatering Can, a 50-Foot RubberGarden Hose by Craftsman, & a 50-FootSoaker Hose.Winner: Jennifer C. from Massachusetts.
- 2017-05:The Epic Tomato Growing Starter Pack: Set of 4 Heavy GageTomato Cages, Assortment of8 Heirloom Tomato Seed Varieties, & a Copy ofEpic TomatoesBook. Winner: Eileen B. from West Virginia.
- 2017-04:Crown Bee’sBeeWorks™ Cottage Kit: A Cedar Wood Cottage, Trays for Mason & Leafcutter Bees, a “How to” Booklet, & the actual bees themselves. Winner: Katie J. from Washington.
- 2017-03:Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company’s 25-pack Heirloom Seed Collection& Clyde’s Garden Planner. Winner: Nicole B. from Arkansas.
- 2017-02:Two of our favorite gardening time-savers: AHori Hori Knife Gift Boxand aSteel Frame Dump Cart.Winner: Jean C. from Oregon.
- 2017-01:Two sets ofbooks on permaculture:Gaia’s GardenandThe Permaculture City.Winners: Maureen L. from Oregon & Michael S. from Washington.
- 2016-12:New Country Organics 50 lb bag of Organic Layer Chicken Feed: Supplemented with Kelp, Alfalfa, & Poultry Nutri-Balancer, formulated with additional Calcium & Flaxseed, Soy-free, 7 Certified Organic. Winner: Michael B. from Indiana.
- 2016-11:Bramble Berry’s Natural Soap Making Kit: Soap Making Tools, Reusable Mold, Essential Oils & Natural Botanicals, Lye, Lather & all other soap ingredients. Winner: Rachel B. from Washington.
- 2016-09/10:Home Canning Starter Kit: ABall Canning starter kit, a copy ofBall Jar’sComplete Book of Home Preserving12-piece组Ball Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, and a 60-piece set ofDissolvable Jar Labels.Winner: Dora M. from Michigan.
- 2016-07/08:Dehydrator Starter Kit: AHamilton Beach 32100A Food Dehydrator,The Dehydrator Biblerecipe book, and a3-piece set of Bormioli Rocco Fido Airtight Hinge-Lock Jars.Winner: Carlin S. from Washington.
- 2016-06:Urban Homesteading Starter Library:The Beekeeper’s Bible,Urban Homestead, andThe Chicken Whisperer’s Guide to Keeping Chickens.Winner: Marlene B. from Ohio.
- 2016-05:Felco Pruners,Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit, andPractical Permaculture Book.Winner: Nancy W. from Texas.
Robin Jsays
I have been wanting one of these for a while. I garden and we water chickens with many buckets laying out everywhere to catch the rainwater right now. It would be nice to have it all in a convenient barrel. Thanks for the opportunity.
Cindy Cortsays
I need a rainvarrel to collect water for my garden.
Trisha Thompsonsays
Thanks for the chance to win
CD SIMION SRsays
I really appreciate your kindness in letting me enter your giveaway. I have been looking at the all of the ideas for making me a rain barrel but living way out in the country doesn’t have very many choices if any for these types of barrels.. Thanks again for your offer.
Rachel brownsays
Thank you
Cynthia Chiaritosays
I would Love this. I try to go green every way possible. I sotra live off the grid and this would be so much help with my garden and animals
martin j hettichsays
contest
Wanda Traceysays
Thanks for the awesome contest and chance. It inspires me to look forward to spring and my gardens.
Shanasays
I’m trying to share the link on FB but it’s showing up as the Feb contest.
Melissa Krausesays
I would love this!
Cynthia Quisenberrysays
thanks so much! This is really nice and I am so ready for Spring!
Leigha Staffenhagensays
We are beyond ready for spring, too! Good luck! -Leigha
Laird Kellysays
Would love to enter for the seed starting kit but since Facebook crashed and burned ..
Julie Brownsays
I am excited about finding your website and all the amazing things I have been learning from it! It’s time to become more self sufficient, as my son has been saying to me for years now. A starting seed kit would be a nice send-off. Thank you for the opportunity?
Leigha Staffenhagensays
Thanks for the kind words, Julie! I agree with your son! I think we could all benefit from being a little more self-sufficient. Good luck! -Leigha
Julie Brownsays
I am excited about finding your website and all the amazing things I have been learning from it! It’s time to become more self sufficient, as my son has been saying to me for years now. A starting seed kit would be a nice send-off. Thank you for the opportunity?
Sandra G Willssays
Love digging in the dirt! Would love to have a go at these.
凯瑟琳says
Thank you so much for this chance to win! I’ve been looking at getting one for too long! Thank you so much!
martin j hettichsays
I need one!
Wanda Traceysays
Thank you for this awesome prize in the giveaway and chance to win. I would love this as I am always gardening and I love ways that help us to go green. This would be perfect!
Paula Loniaksays
This would be a much better solution than my current ‘plan’ of composting in an open pile in the corner of my yard…where my dog like to pick certain items out & bring them back inside the house (sad face).
Carlsays
wow
Cassandra Souzasays
Just been thinking of starting a compost site.
Barbara Foxsays
Would love to start composting!
Rita Duffsays
would love to compost
Barrie Templetonsays
I welcome any and all gardening aids and hints.
Tim Youngersays
It is time to get out into my garden, these tools would make it easier for me!
Juia Wickersays
Bring on the birds, bees, and blooms! Fresh fruit and veggies are more than welcome. too. Thanks for a fun giveaway.
Leigha Staffenhagensays
I couldn’t agree more! Good luck!
tina youngsays
Thanks for a great giveaway!
Rose Ehniesays
I need 2 read more articles. I guess.
Catherine Grimmsays
Started dabbling a few years ago. I love it!
Raeleen Ragersays
Thank you for this great sweepstakes. I do a lot of gardening and these would be great to win.
sarah woodssays
Unique for water resourcing as well as conservation
Jennifer D Raskasays
Would love this!
Carol E.says
These have always looked so interesting to me!
Huguette E.says
Great information! Thanks for the chance!
Kylie Tsays
Fantastic, good luck everyone.
Kate Kelleysays
I have been wanting one of these. Thank you for the chance to win.
Amy W.says
Hope everyone wins! These are such great dehydrators~
Zoliswa Blousays
Good luck
Elizabeth N Tsosiesays
Thanks for the chance to win!!
Deb Woffordsays
Ive been wanting to start canning for a long time now. My grandma did and i helped her but i dont remember much. I really need this!! Thanks for the entry!
Leigha Staffenhagensays
Hi Deb!
I canned with my grandma too! It’s such a fun family tradition. Good luck!
Leigha
CARRIE Prenticesays
Just getting into canning and pickeling. This would be awesome to have!!
Leigha Staffenhagensays
Hey Carrie!
Canning is pretty great. Good luck!
Leigha
Marilyn Rowesays
Would love to have this starter kit — Thanks for the opportunity!
Maureen Saparasays
Thanks for the chance to win this kit.
I would gift it to my sister who is an amazing gardener and cook.
Beverly Metcalfsays
I love to garden and this would be nice to have, to can all those extra veggies from the garden. Thanks!
Annie Georgesays
Be awesome to win this… Thanks for the chance…
Bonita R Tracysays
This is so cool. I love sourdough bread.
Leigha Staffenhagensays
Me too! Isn’t it delicious?! Good luck!
Leigha
Cindy DeGearesays
Would love to win this!
Nohasays
Really excited to have found this! Here’s to good luck
Susan I ONeilsays
I was trying to sign up for the Sour Dough Starter kit, but I don’t think I signed in the right place. Can you be sure I have signed up for it:)? I have wanted to make my own sour dough bread forever.
Thank you,
Susan O’Neil
Leigha Staffenhagensays
Hi Susan!
I just checked and we did receive your entry. Thanks for signing up!
Leigha
Sabinasays
Would love to win this.