by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
The traditional growing season is coming to a close. If you have grown heirloom tomatoes, then seed saving is next on the ‘to-do’ list. Here is a guest blog from one of our new writers here at PREPARE Magazine. We hope you enjoy these 8 Easy Steps to Fermenting Tomato Seed for Seed Saving.
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By Guest Blogger, Chris Smith
Some seeds need to be fermented in order to break down the gelatinous placental layer that surrounds the seed. Once this layer is broken down the seeds can be dried and stored in a cool, dark and dry location.
Step One – cut along the equator to reveal the seed categories
Step Two – squeeze or scrape seeds into a clean container
Step Three – top the container up with clean water and stir vigorously
Step Four – leave to ferment for 2-3 days. Stir daily
Step Five – seeds will sink to the bottom. Fermented gunk will form on top
Step Six – pour off the gunk, fill with water and pour off the gunk. Repeat until most of the gunk is gone.
Step Seven – do a final rinse to make sure seeds are clean.
Step Eight – allow seeds to dry thoroughly before storing. I use coffee filters
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Chris Smith is an enthusiastic grower and permaculture student from a green-thumbed family! On his ½ acre micro-farm, Chris is experimenting with landraces, selective seed saving, crop trials and seed grow outs. With a newborn in the family, the importance of resilient food systems is high in his mind. Chris works at Sow True Seed in Asheville, NC as the Community Coordinator and is active in promoting good quality, regionally adapted open-pollinated seed.
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Popular Questions
What are the easy steps to ferment tomato seeds for saving?
To ferment tomato seeds for saving, start by cutting the tomato along the equator and squeezing the seeds into a clean container. Add clean water and stir vigorously, then let the mixture ferment for 2-3 days, stirring daily. After fermentation, the seeds will sink, and you can pour off the gunk that forms on top. Rinse the seeds thoroughly before allowing them to dry completely.
How long should you ferment tomato seeds for saving?
Fermenting tomato seeds typically takes about 2-3 days. During this time, it's important to stir the mixture daily to ensure even fermentation. After the fermentation period, the seeds will settle at the bottom, and you can remove the floating debris. This process helps break down the gelatinous layer surrounding the seeds, making them easier to clean.
What should you do after fermenting tomato seeds for saving?
Once the fermentation process is complete, pour off the gunk and rinse the seeds with clean water to remove any remaining debris. Repeat this rinsing process until most of the gunk is gone and the seeds are clean. After rinsing, allow the seeds to dry thoroughly, which is crucial for proper storage. Using coffee filters can help absorb moisture effectively during the drying process.
Why is it important to ferment tomato seeds before saving them?
Fermenting tomato seeds is essential because it helps break down the gelatinous layer that surrounds the seeds, which can inhibit germination if left intact. This process also helps eliminate any potential pathogens that may be present on the seeds. By fermenting, you ensure that the seeds are clean and ready for storage, increasing their viability for future planting. Properly fermented seeds can lead to healthier plants in the next growing season.
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
“One of the things I’d like to do is to show people how to start “positive” epidemics of their own.
The virtue of an epidemic, after all, is that just a little input is enough to get it started, and
it can spread very, very quickly.” ~ Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point
Growing a Sustainable Garden – The “Vital Few” or the “Trivial Many”? Which are you: one of the “Vital Few” or the “Trivial Many”?
I submit that your knowledge of the Mittleider Method of sustainable gardening makes you one of the “vital few.” With that knowledge, comes both opportunity and responsibility.
In his book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell describes how the few can make a tremendous positive difference for everyone else, which he compares to an epidemic, or that point before which not much seems to be happening, and after which effects begin to explode.
We Need to Start An Epidemic … And You Can Help!
Family gardening can, and should, become as common and important again as the family car.
Why?
Because your garden can FEED you — even when:
• Your car won’t run because there’s no gasoline (or you can’t afford to buy it) …
• There’s no food to buy in the stores … or
• There’s no money (or not enough) to buy food – for whatever reason.
This is the context, or the overriding reason why the message YOU carry is so vital for everyone.
Gardening should be sustainable, using true, proven principles and the best methods and techniques, so it will yield the “most bang for the buck,” and be worthwhile and enjoyable for the long term.
The Mittleider Method will feed your family! It will give you “the garden you’d want if your life depended on it.” And it very well may.
Today truly effective family vegetable gardening is done by only about 1% of the people who may soon desperately need it.
The best growing principles, methods and procedures are the closely guarded secrets of the large field and hydroponic growers. Meanwhile, the large majority of gardening families are back in the 19th century mentality, using only manure and compost, scared into believing that ANY use of “chemicals” will threaten their health, or even their lives.
What makes the Mittleider Method so unique – and so vitally important – is that it teaches the best principles, procedures, and techniques used by large commercial and hydroponic growers, but adapted to the small family garden. It works in any soil, and in almost any climate. The procedures are easy to learn; simple and straightforward.
In addition, the Mittleider Method eliminates the problems so often associated with large-scale commercial food production, such as overuse of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, high cost, and lack of freshness and flavor.
Now here’s our opportunity … and my challenge to you!
Great changes have always been initiated by just a few people who knew what they wanted, were focused, and were willing to share their knowledge with everyone they could influence.
I challenge every person reading this article to be among the “vital few” who help people around you improve their lives while preparing for the uncertainties of the future.
How?
First, by learning how to grow your own food using the best system available as demonstrated and taught by The Food For Everyone Foundation, and then by promoting, teaching, and demonstrating what you’ve learned about sustainable gardening, and getting others to do the same.
Choose a group of people with whom you have a genuine, social relationship. Your church group, email list, gardening club, voting district, family, or neighborhood association are all good places to start.
Show them your own garden. Tell them of your own success. Loan them a book or CD. Offer to teach a seminar. Point out the benefits of learning and doing it NOW, before their need is urgent and it’s too late to learn or prepare.
Show and Tell!
Share articles, tips and advice from the Food for Everyone Foundation Website. Share important posts from the archives of the MittleiderGardeningMethod@yahoo.groups.com and encourage people to subscribe. And invite friends to add Mittleider Gardening to their Friends on Facebook.
Even if you do nothing more than persuade them to buy a can of vegetable seeds and a couple bags of fertilizer, you’ve done tremendous good. A triple-sealed #10 can of 22 heirloom vegetable varieties that can be stored for many years can be purchased at the Foundation website or at www.mvseeds.com.
Do something NOW! Make your voice heard, and your influence felt. You CAN make a difference for good in the world around you.
It’s time to spread an epidemic … (Not bird flu. The gardening “bug!”)
We can do it. Malcolm Gladwell says we can do it. And remember: “out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”
Thanks for your interest in gardening, your willingness to do it right, and your courage to share.
By Jim Kenard
Jim Kennard is the President of Food For Everyone Foundation (501)(c)(3) Charitable Foundation. Mission – “Teach the world to grow food one family at a time” with the world-renowned Mittleider Method.
Popular Questions
How can I start a growing epidemic of sustainable gardening in my community?
To initiate a growing epidemic of sustainable gardening, begin by sharing your own gardening experiences with friends and family. Organize small gatherings or workshops where you can teach others about the Mittleider Method and its benefits. Encourage participants to start their own gardens and provide them with resources, such as books or seed packets, to help them get started. By fostering a supportive environment, you can inspire others to join in and create a ripple effect of positive change.
What are the key principles of the Mittleider Method for creating a gardening epidemic?
The Mittleider Method emphasizes using proven techniques that maximize yield while minimizing resource use. It teaches gardeners how to adapt commercial growing practices to small family gardens, making it accessible for everyone. By focusing on soil health and efficient nutrient management, this method can help families grow food sustainably, even in challenging conditions. Sharing these principles can empower others to embrace gardening as a vital skill.
Why is it important to promote family gardening as a growing epidemic?
Promoting family gardening is crucial because it equips individuals with the ability to produce their own food, especially in uncertain times. As reliance on grocery stores can be risky, having a personal garden ensures access to fresh produce regardless of external circumstances. By encouraging others to garden, you help build a community that values self-sufficiency and resilience. This collective effort can lead to a significant shift in how families approach food security.
What steps can I take to encourage others to join the gardening epidemic?
Start by demonstrating your own gardening success and sharing the results with your social circles. Offer to host informational sessions or hands-on workshops where you can teach others about sustainable gardening practices. Provide resources and support, such as seed exchanges or gardening clubs, to foster a sense of community. By actively engaging with others and sharing your knowledge, you can inspire them to take action and join the gardening movement.
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, emergency preparedness, self-reliant living
In a world often riddled with uncertainty, self-sufficiency becomes more than a lifestyle; it’s a necessity. Imagine the empowering feeling of growing your food, knowing that you have a reliable source of sustenance at your fingertips.
Starting a seed bank for preparedness is the first step towards this independence. It’s about cultivating a diverse collection of seeds that will ensure your survival and nourish your family in any situation.
This journey towards self-reliance is not just about survival, but also about embracing a lifestyle that respects and nurtures the environment. So, are you ready to take the first step towards self-sufficiency? Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of seed banking. Together, we will explore how to start, maintain, and use a seed bank for preparedness.
Why Start a Seed Bank?
Starting a seed bank is an essential step towards preparedness and self-sufficiency. It provides a reliable source of diverse, high-quality seeds for future planting, ensuring food security in uncertain times. By preserving seeds, you’re safeguarding genetic diversity, which is crucial for adapting to changing environmental conditions and potential threats like disease or pests.
Seed banks also offer an opportunity to cultivate heirloom varieties, many of which have been passed down through generations and hold unique flavors and nutritional profiles. These seeds are often more resilient and adaptable than commercial seeds, making them a valuable asset in any survival situation.
Creating a seed bank isn’t just about survival, though. It’s about taking control of your food supply, knowing exactly where your food comes from, and ensuring it’s grown without harmful chemicals or GMOs. It’s a way to connect with nature, learn about different plant species, and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
Starting a seed bank requires some initial investment of time and resources, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. You’ll need to learn about seed saving techniques, storage conditions, and germination requirements for different species. But once you’ve mastered these skills, you’ll have a renewable source of food and the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for any situation.
Remember, a well-stocked seed bank is more than just a collection of seeds. It’s a living library of plant genetics, a tool for food sovereignty, and a testament to the resilience and foresight of its creator. So, why not start your seed bank today?
Choosing the Right Seeds
When starting a seed bank for preparedness, the first step is selection. It’s crucial to choose seeds that are hardy, easy to grow, and can thrive in your local climate. These might include vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and beans, or grains such as wheat and corn.
Selecting heirloom seeds is another important consideration. Unlike hybrid seeds, heirloom varieties have been passed down through generations, and they retain their original traits. This makes them a reliable choice for a seed bank as they are known for their longevity and resilience.
Also, consider the nutritional value of the plants you’re growing. Opt for seeds that will produce nutrient-dense foods. This way, you’re not just growing food, but you’re also ensuring that your diet remains balanced and healthy during times of emergency.
Seed storage is another critical aspect. You’ll want to store your seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain their viability. It’s also advisable to regularly rotate your seed stock to ensure freshness.
To wrap up, remember to include seeds of plants that are beneficial to your garden’s ecosystem. These could be plants that attract beneficial insects or those that naturally repel pests.
Starting a seed bank for preparedness is a proactive step towards self-sufficiency. By choosing the right seeds, you’re laying the foundation for a sustainable and resilient food source.
How to Store Seeds?
Storing seeds properly is a crucial step in starting a seed bank for preparedness. The first step is to dry the seeds properly. This helps in preserving the viability of the seeds for a longer period. The drying process should be done in a cool, dark place with good air circulation.
Once the seeds are adequately dried, they should be stored in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from reaching the seeds, which can lead to mold growth and seed decay. Glass jars with rubber seals are often recommended for this purpose.
The stored seeds should be kept in a cool and dark place. This helps in preserving the seeds’ vitality. The ideal temperature for seed storage is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s also important to label your seeds. This should include the type of seed and the date of storage. This information can be crucial when it’s time to use the seeds.
- Dry the seeds
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep in a cool, dark place
- Label your seeds
Remember, the key to a successful seed bank is not just about collecting seeds, but also about storing them properly. This ensures that when the time comes to use the seeds, they are still viable and ready to grow.
Long-term Seed Storage Tips
Starting a seed bank for preparedness is a crucial step towards ensuring food security. Seed storage plays an integral role in this process as it can significantly extend the lifespan of your seeds. The first tip for long-term seed storage is to keep seeds dry. Moisture can lead to the growth of mold and fungi, which can damage your seeds.
Another key tip is to store seeds in a cool place. High temperatures can reduce the seeds’ viability and shorten their lifespan. A temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for seed storage.
Proper packaging is also essential when storing seeds. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture and pests from reaching your seeds. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or vacuum-sealed bags are excellent choices for seed storage.
One must also consider the seed variety. Some seeds, like those of tomatoes and peppers, can last for up to ten years if stored correctly. Others, like onions and parsley, have a shorter shelf life.
Lastly, regular seed testing is crucial. It ensures that your seeds are still viable and ready for planting when the time comes. This involves planting a few seeds from your storage and checking if they germinate.
Starting a seed bank for preparedness is a long-term commitment, but with these tips, you can ensure the longevity and viability of your seeds.
Maintaining Your Seed Bank
Maintaining a seed bank is an essential aspect of preparedness planning. Regularly check your seed bank to ensure the seeds are still viable and replace any that have passed their germination period. This practice, known as seed rotation, is crucial for the longevity of your seed bank.
Store your seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent them from sprouting prematurely. Airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for seed storage, as they protect seeds from moisture and pests.
Labeling is another important aspect of seed bank maintenance. Clearly mark each seed packet with the type of seed and the date of storage. This helps in effective seed rotation and prevents confusion during planting.
Seed diversity is also essential for a well-rounded seed bank. Including a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains in your seed bank ensures you have a balanced diet in case of emergencies.
Remember, the key to a successful seed bank is regular maintenance and rotation. With these tips, you can ensure your seed bank remains a reliable source of food for years to come.
Trading and Sharing Seeds
The act of trading and sharing seeds is a vital part of establishing a successful seed bank for preparedness. This practice not only fosters community engagement, but also enhances biodiversity and ensures the survival of various plant species.
By trading seeds, you can diversify your seed bank, which is crucial for long-term sustainability. Different plant species have different growth requirements and resilience to environmental changes. Therefore, having a wide variety of seeds increases the chances of successful plant growth and food production, regardless of the circumstances.
Sharing seeds also plays a significant role in preserving heirloom varieties. These are plants that have been passed down through generations, selected for specific traits, and adapted to local conditions. By sharing these seeds, we can preserve our agricultural heritage and protect biodiversity.
Here are a few tips on how to effectively trade and share seeds:
- Always store seeds properly to maintain their viability.
- Ensure the seeds are labeled correctly with their variety and date of collection.
- Consider the needs and preferences of the person you are trading or sharing with.
Remember, the goal of a seed bank is not just survival, but also the preservation of biodiversity and agricultural heritage. By trading and sharing seeds, we can contribute to this goal and ensure a sustainable future.
Best Practices for Seed Germination
When starting a seed bank for preparedness, it’s crucial to understand the best practices for seed germination. To ensure the viability of your seeds, proper storage is key. Keep your seeds in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The use of silica gel packets can help maintain low humidity levels, extending the lifespan of your seeds.
When you’re ready to plant, soak your seeds in water for 12-24 hours. This softens the seed coat and kickstarts the germination process. Plant your seeds at the correct depth; a general rule is to plant seeds three times as deep as their width.
Maintaining the optimal temperature for germination is vital. Different plant species have unique temperature requirements, so be sure to research this beforehand. A heating mat can help maintain consistent soil temperatures and improve germination rates.
Watering is another significant factor in seed germination. Overwatering can lead to rot, while underwatering can hinder germination. Maintain a balance by ensuring the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Lastly, remember that patience is key. Germination can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the plant species. By following these best practices, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful seed bank for preparedness.
Dealing with Seed Legislation and Restrictions
When starting a seed bank for preparedness, understanding the seed legislation in your region is vital. Seed laws vary widely, from restrictions on importing foreign species to rules governing the sale and trade of seeds. These laws are often in place to protect local ecosystems from invasive species, but they can also impact your ability to build a diverse seed bank.
Seed restrictions often apply to certain types of seeds, particularly those from plants considered invasive or potentially harmful to local ecosystems. It’s essential to research these restrictions before purchasing seeds to avoid legal complications.
In some regions, there may also be laws regarding the storage and preservation of seeds. For instance, some countries require that seeds be stored in specific conditions to maintain their viability. It’s crucial to understand these regulations to ensure your seed bank remains compliant.
In addition to legal restrictions, there may also be practical considerations. Certain seeds may require specific conditions for germination, making them less suitable for a general-purpose seed bank.
Seed legislation can also impact the sourcing of seeds. Some laws restrict the sale of seeds to licensed vendors, while others may prohibit the trade of certain species entirely. It’s crucial to understand these laws to ensure you’re sourcing your seeds legally and ethically.
All in all, remember that legislation can change, so it’s important to stay informed about any updates to seed laws in your region. Regularly checking with your local agricultural extension or seed trade organization can help keep you up-to-date on any changes.
Conclusion: Harvesting the Benefits of Seed Banking
Starting a seed bank is an essential step towards preparedness; it not only ensures food security but also contributes to preserving biodiversity. This article has extensively covered the importance of seed banking, from understanding why to start a seed bank, to the selection of appropriate seeds and their proper storage.
Long-term seed storage tips have been provided, highlighting the importance of maintaining the right conditions to ensure seed viability. We’ve also discussed the significance of maintaining your seed bank and the potential benefits of trading and sharing seeds, which can strengthen community resilience and promote diversity.
Best practices for seed germination have been shared, ensuring the successful growth of your seeds. We’ve also touched on the importance of being aware of seed legislation and restrictions, which can impact your seed banking efforts.
As we move forward, trends such as climate change and increased urbanization may pose challenges to seed banking. However, with the right knowledge and practices, these hurdles can be overcome. Remember, starting a seed bank is not just about preparedness, but also about taking part in a global effort to secure our food future and preserve our planet’s biodiversity. So, start your seed bank today and reap the benefits for years to come.
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Coming Issue Updates, Preparedness planning
It has been a very busy couple of months for us at PREPARE Magazine. We are so thankful for the support and encouragement we’ve received, and have been humbled as we recently celebrated our one-year Anniversary of the digital publication. It’s been quite a journey. It hasn’t been easy, and we’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but our hearts are filled with joy and thanksgiving for each of our wonderful subscribers, expert contributors, and advertisers.
With our Celebration, we have released some excellent new services and resources. We continue to do our best to respond – as it fits our vision and mission – to the needs and requests from our preparedness community. We are blessed to have a small part in sharing good training, resources, and important strategies to help families in their preparation efforts.
Our desire is to share a message of hope and encouragement for the future. Certainly, there are difficulties ahead – but we can not allow the difficulties and challenges to drain us of hope. We believe we can work together to build a prosperous and happy future.
Here are some of the new resources that we have JUST LAUNCHED!:
New Premium Membership Subscription: In response to the growing requests and needs of more in-depth training in preparedness, we have created and launched a new Members Subscription. This new subscription-based service will allow us to go a bit deeper in training than what is typically found in a magazine format. We will be collaborating with some special experts to share regular monthly live-webinars to offer instruction and training on a wide-variety of preparedness topics. These monthly webinars will be offered as part of the benefits package for our Premium Members, and will be recorded so that our member have a growing library of expert resources and tools archived for their benefit.
There are other great resources that are included in the Premium Membership, including access to all previous released digital publications of PREPARE Magazine, how-to ebooks and special reports, videos, and much more.
For more information, go to: www.PrepareMember.com
Print Publication of PREPARE Magazine: It has taken a bit longer than we thought, but we are pleased to say that we have launched the print version of PREPARE Magazine. It is beautiful.
The full-color, bi-monthly, print edition is now available for subscription. There is a special bonus to early-subscribers, so if you have an interest in a print version of PREPARE – you may want to take action now.
If you want more information, go now to: http://www.preparemag.com/print-subscription/
Coming This Month!
Special Preparedness Training Webinars and Events:
Our first live-Webinar training will be held this month (scheduled for May 16th).
Our monthly Webinars are special live training events that are video and audio recorded. These training webinars will be made available to Premium Members (free), and others by registration and appropriate fee.
The topics (and guest presenters) are different each month, and offer diverse training content on topics related to preparedness, self-reliance, and disaster survival.
Webinars will be recorded and archived for Premium Members
Webinar Attendees will be able to ask questions (either live, or prior to the event) of the expert presenters or host.
Downloadable written materials will be provided on the webinar topic, and made available to attendees
Premium Members will be able to attend the webinars and receive access to the recording free-of-charge. Others wishing to attend (who are not Premium Members) will need to pay a fee to attend these training events.
Preparedness Community Board and Forum:
One of great needs in Preparedness is joining and sharing within a community. Coming soon to our Members area will be an active forum where people can discuss and share ideas on Preparedness topics.
Popular Questions
What special events are coming this month for PREPARE Magazine?
This month, we are excited to host our first live-Webinar training on May 16th. These webinars will cover various preparedness topics and feature expert presenters. Premium Members can attend for free, while others can register for a fee. Each session will be recorded and archived for future access.
How can I participate in the upcoming training webinars?
To participate in the upcoming training webinars, you can register through our website. Premium Members will have complimentary access, while non-members will need to pay a registration fee. Each webinar will include downloadable materials related to the topic, enhancing your learning experience. Be sure to submit any questions you have for the presenters in advance or during the live session.
What new resources are being launched this month for subscribers?
This month, we are launching a new Premium Membership Subscription that offers in-depth training and resources. Members will gain access to monthly live webinars, a library of archived sessions, and various educational materials. Additionally, we are excited to announce the availability of our print edition of PREPARE Magazine, which subscribers can now order. These resources aim to better support our community's preparedness efforts.
Are there any community features coming soon for PREPARE Magazine members?
Yes, we are introducing a new community board and forum for our members. This platform will allow subscribers to engage with one another, share ideas, and discuss various preparedness topics. It aims to foster a sense of community and collaboration among our readers. Stay tuned for more details on how to join and participate!
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog
When preparing for when the SHTF – toilet paper is like gold!
How much toilet paper does one person actually need when SHTF (Shtuff Hits The Fan)? It seems that toilet paper is one of the hottest commodities due to the catatonic state of fear one falls into thinking “What if we run out of TOILET PAPER?!” This thought is often followed by a pail flushing of blood from the face, a glazing over of the eyes and the sheer terror of trying to figure out if leaves and twigs would really do the job when SHTF.
Let’s face it. After the outhouse came in, we’ve become far more accustomed to quilted, cushioned softness than our ancestors. But this is a disposable commodity, so we need to plan if suddenly it was not as readily available. In future posts, we may explore other options that are a bit more eccentric, yet none-the-less still quite effective for the more daring of derrieres. For this post, however, we will look at how to effectively figure for the stocking up of TP from a ‘trying to live life as normal’ scenario.
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First, we would like to offer a painless way to figure out how much is necessary to stock up for your selected amount of storage time. For sake of argument for this portion of the exercise, we are going to assume that you are using this method of planning for when you have adequate plumbing and a flushing toilet. So, for the ‘life as normal’ type of planning, we want to share an easy way to take the guess-work out of figuring just how many rolls of the treasured tissue on a tube are needed on hand in your home if the trucks just suddenly stopped delivering to the stores indefinitely. Please don’t faint at the thought.
Behold…simple math is our friend. We’ll just use it in an unorthodox way.
Easy Steps: Select the one bathroom that is most frequented in your home, a new roll of toilet paper, a post-it and a pen or marker. Upon starting the new roll of toilet paper, put the date on the post-it and then on the wall. When the roll is at an end, mark the date on the roll.
See the images below for the start and finish:
If you’ll notice then the number of days between the start and the finish (in this case it was 6 days).
Now here comes the math.
We figure this one bathroom as if it’s used by only one person (even if there were guests) and round days up a full day to make the weeks easier to figure.
1 bathroom = 1 person
used 1 roll
in 7 days
.
So in this case, if there was only one person in the home, this person would need to store 4 rolls for 4 weeks, 8 rolls for 8 weeks…and so on. If the goal is a year’s supply of toilet paper on hand then one person needs 52 rolls for one year. Then simply multiply by the number of individuals who will be sharing the home/bathroom.
Here are a few scenarios:
- 4 people storing for 4 months would be 4 (rolls) X 16 (weeks) = 64 rolls of toilet paper at a minimum for this household.
- 4 people storing for a full year would be 4 X 52 = 208 rolls of toilet paper is the minimum amount needed for a household of this size for a full year.
Another option is to run this ‘tally’ in each bathroom of the home. Provided people are home most of the time this will give you an adequate estimate for how fast TP gets used by your household. For example: if there are 3 bathrooms and 6 people and it takes 3 days to go through 3 rolls for all 6 people you can figure that this way:
3 days = 3 rolls. Multiply by 2.5 to get the week’s worth of TP for your household (plus a little bit more for padding…). This home goes through 7.5 rolls of TP a week. Then simply multiply by the number of weeks you want to have on hand.
- 7.5 rolls x 4 weeks of storage = 30 rolls of TP
- 7.5 rolls x 52 weeks of storage = 390 rolls of TP
Each household’s results will vary depending upon the methodology of using TP. Do you crumple or fold? Do you count squares or rotations of the roll? Do you use it in place of facial tissue or to stop shaving nicks and cuts? The roll of toilet paper (pun intended) is more important than it’s end result.
There are two factors, however, that cannot be accounted for when planning for how much toilet paper to stock up. They are in fact immune to your stress over being without and will indeed take full advantage of an opportunity to help you become unraveled once you think you’ve gotten it all figured out. We’ve caught them in the act and yet, even as scared as one might be about running out of TP we can’t help but realize they really don’t care and might be able to teach us a thing or two about ‘where to go’ when we have to do without. You see, there’s really just no planning for this kind of attack. Your best-laid plans are useless against their cuteness.
Popular Questions
How can I calculate the amount of toilet paper I need when preparing for SHTF?
To determine how much toilet paper you'll need when SHTF, start by tracking your usage in your most frequented bathroom. Use a new roll and note the date when you start and when it runs out. This will give you a clear idea of how many rolls you use in a week, which you can then multiply by the number of weeks you want to prepare for.
What is a good method for estimating toilet paper needs for my household during a crisis?
A practical method for estimating toilet paper needs is to assess usage across all bathrooms in your home. For instance, if you have multiple bathrooms, track how many rolls are used over a set period, then calculate the average weekly usage. Multiply this by the number of weeks you want to stock up for, ensuring you have a buffer for unexpected needs.
How many rolls of toilet paper should I store for a family of four during an emergency?
If you have a family of four, a good rule of thumb is to plan for 52 rolls per person for a year. This means you would need a minimum of 208 rolls for the entire household. Adjust this number based on your family's specific usage patterns, and consider storing extra for peace of mind.
What factors should I consider when estimating my toilet paper needs for SHTF?
When estimating your toilet paper needs, consider how often each member of your household uses it and any alternative uses you might have for it. Also, think about whether you have guests frequently, as this can increase your consumption. In closing, account for any unexpected situations that might arise, such as illness or increased usage during stressful times.
Is there a simple way to track toilet paper usage in my home?
A simple way to track toilet paper usage is to mark the start and end dates on each roll you use. This will help you see how long each roll lasts and give you a better understanding of your household's consumption rate. You can then use this data to make informed decisions about how much to stock up on for future emergencies.
by PREPARE Magazine Editorial Team | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
Here at PREPARE Magazine, we’re always delighted when another Author who really walks the talk reaches out to share with us and you. Today’s Guest Blogger, Abby Artemisia is exactly the kind of grassroots instructor/teacher that we love introducing to you.
It’s interesting that Abby submitted this article while our most recent issue was in at the design desk. She had no way of knowing, other than that ‘feeling in the air’ what the cover of the most recent issue would be! You can get this exact Issue for FREE if you subscribe before November 15, 2015.
<- Just take a look at how appropriate it is in regards to this topic!
As with all of our Authors, Abby endeavors to live a more self-sustaining lifestyle. Her steps toward this lifestyle have taken her into her area of expertise. We are happy to introduce her to you and hope you will connect with her at the end of reading this article. Look for more from Abby within the upcoming pages of PREPARE Magazine!
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Squirrel Syndrome
By Abby Artemisia, http://www.mightyoakfromlittleacorn.com/
As I write this, it’s mid-October and I’m seriously suffering from Squirrel Syndrome. One of the last times I was in Asheville, my friend pointed to a squirrel, frantically running across the road with a nut in its mouth, and exclaimed, “Look, that’s you!”
We both burst out laughing, but it struck a chord somewhere deep inside of me. Then she said, “But just think, soon it will be winter and you can stop foraging.” Instead of calming me, that remark panicked me.
So what’s “Squirrel Syndrome” you ask. It’s when I feel like one of those squirrels who tries to run under your tires. I imagine their mouths are full of high-protein, health-supporting, oil-rich nuts, going to the equivalent of their root cellar. I start to believe they’re so hyper-focused on getting in the last of the available wild food, they barely (on a good day) stay alive.
That’s what I feel like this time of year. I have a list of at least twenty species of wild edibles and 
medicinals I want to harvest and preserve before it’s too late. I’ve been trying to get to the wild greens before they’re frost damaged, including things like sochan (the Cherokee word for cut-leaf coneflower) and raspberry leaf for tea. Luckily some greens like chickweed are hardier and will stick around most of the winter.
This is the perfect time of year for digging roots. My friend and I have been teaching about roots lately, like dandelion, burdock, chicory, and sun chokes (aka Jerusalem artichoke [neither from Jerusalem or an artichoke]). They’re all in the Aster family, and all have inulin, shown to help balance blood sugar, and prebiotics, the food for probiotics in our body.
And, of course, who can forget: nuts! Around here, there don’t seem to be many acorns this year. It changes from year to year. How about where you are? They can be a lot of work, but I think they’re worth it. I wish I would have harvested more chestnuts, but there still seem to be plenty of hickory nuts and black walnuts.
Instead of succumbing to the panic of Squirrel Syndrome, I’ve decided to remember about Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. I love this holiday because:
1) you aren’t expected to buy gifts for anyone, and
2) it’s all about gratitude for everything, but especially the abundance of nourishing, fresh food.
In that vein, I’m grateful that I got chestnuts at all this year. I’m grateful that the hickory and walnuts can wait to be processed until squirrel (syndrome) season is over. I’m grateful for the elderberries, pawpaws, and persimmons I harvested when I went home to Ohio to visit. I’m grateful to live in such an incredibly biodiverse region with so much wild food and medicine. I’m grateful, that though foraging is a lot of work, I get to do it in beautiful locations. Most importantly, I’m grateful to the plants for giving parts of themselves or even their whole lives so freely for my nourishment. Now off to gather the last of the nettles! Happy foraging!
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Abby Artemisia is a botanist, herbalist, professional forager and mom living in a small community in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She received her botany degree in Ohio, worked on organic farms across the country, and learned about plant medicine and spirituality from Native Americans. Abby teaches about edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms, while foraging as much as possible. Her mission is to inspire nature (re)connection and health empowerment.
Visit Abbey’s Website: http://www.mightyoakfromlittleacorn.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/abbyfrolickingintheforest/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyBotanistHerbalist/
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