The Prepping Thread - A Newer Beginning ;)

thriftwizard

MingVase was right, TS is beginning to HTF in a very real sense, in a potential perfect storm. Definitely hatch-battening time, but worth remembering that it is actually only potential. We may not get flooding, the lorries may turn out to belong to cautious souls who don't swamp our beleaguered customs, the council may not be able to repair every pothole but we can walk or drive over them if we're careful, and we can all keep an eye and a helping hand out for the elderly, the vulnerable and the overwhelmed. If we can't trust the grubbyment to look after us, we can at least look after each other as best we can.

boultdj

Well said thriftwizard.

baggins11

I have just recently bought a big sack of pots and thinking about buying another. Does anyone know if the sack can be put in a plastic storage box in the garage (to prevent rats) or do the pots need to breathe? Also how long would you expect a sack to last before they go off? They are straight from farm with a dusting of soil.

jamanda

Potatoes need to breathe.  Don't put them in plastic.  They need to be kept cool and dark (no frost) to prolong their life. 

baggins11

Ah I thought that might be the case. I might not risk getting in a second bag then as we frequently get unwanted guests in the garage and I am told they eat potatoes!

VJsmum

I'm not confident about storing potatoes long term.  I am however, quite concerned about shortage of fresh food, from January - particularly if there is no deal. 

Not sure what to buy to get maximum bang for my storage space - thinking about tins of fruit, soups, beans, corn.  I am not fussed on tinned veg other than corn and maybe mushy peas.  I think i will clear a little more space to gradually buy some of these tins over the next few weeks.  Not panic buy, exactly, just add a few extra here and there.. 

what are others storing? 

boultdj

Lack of space is why I've gone for the mixed dry veg as a back up supply, also gone quite heavy on the fresh veg and frozen veg on my christmas delivery order. Got a bit of tinned fruit in as well.

euronorris

I've still got plenty of rice, and some pasta (needs topping up), then have lots of stock cubes, frozen and tinned veg in. Also some dried noodles. That gives us a good basis for lots of meals where the meat and fresh veg can be stretched out.

Still got some tatties in the ground too. They should be ready in the next 2-3 weeks. 

I'm also keeping notes on alternative places to obtain groceries, like the farm shop and even a new budgens. I got a too good to go box from there last week, and it was SO quiet when I went (6pm friday). So have decided that this is the place to go to get any important missing items and avoid crowded shops.

And speaking of too good to go, I've purchased several boxes/bags from three local shops through them recently and have been very pleased each time. All good food. All good quantity, and a bargain to boot! Allows me to put more money aside for emergencies/more expensive times.

VJsmum

The local farm shop is a good idea - we used it a lot during last lock down then kind of got out of the habit.  i will begin to frequent them more again.  I'd rather support them than the supermarkets in any case.

Also thanks for the dried veg idea.  I have a bit of a horror of mixed veg (from being forced to eat that horrid tinned stuff at primary school - i'm now 56 ) but i'm sure i can cope with adding some dried to make soups.

DryTheRain

Yes worth thinking beyond the supermarkets if possible, peas and potatoes are ok tinned, but canned carrots are the devil’s work IMO  
Farm shops can be very good as you say, as are wholefood stores if you have one nearby. For years I thought the local one was a bakery, as its name suggested that, but it’s an absolute treasure trove, selling a huge variety of dried fruits & veg, herbs, spices, pulses (including fast cooking soup mixes), cheaply and in lots of different sizes. If space is an issue, many more independents offer local delivery or click & collect now, allowing you to plan a nice balanced order rather than getting carried away in store!