When i first introduced chickens into my small urban backyard i didnt realize it would spark a deeper journey into sustainable living raising hens brought me closer to the rhythms of nature eggs in the morning compost from food scrraps and a deieper sense of stewardship over the food we grow and consume it didnt take long before my permaculture inspired garden was producing more than i could eat fresh Thats when i turned to the lost art of canning and food preservation
In a world where most food comes prepackaged and perishable canning is a quiet act of rebellion its about reclaiming control over your food not just how its grown but how its stored and savored throughout the year this ancient practice is having a modern revival especially among those of us pursuing a more resilient sustainable lifestyle right in the heart of the city
Why Canning Fits Perfectly Into a Permaculture Lifestyle
Permaculture design emphasizes closed loops minimal waste and systems that feed and support one another chickens fertilize the garden the garden feeds the family leftover produce is preserved scraps go back to the chickens its all connected
Canning fits beautifully into this loop it prevents waste extends the life of our harvest and allows us to eat locally grown produce even when the garden is dormant More than just a technique it becomes a mindset preserve now so nothing is lost
My First Foray Into Canning
I started small a few jars of tomatoes and pickled cucumbers from a bumper crop i didnt have fancy equipment just a big pot a few mason jars and the determinaation to learn i followed safe canning practices steriilized everything and was amazed by the pop of the lids as they sealed shut one by one
Opening those jars in winter was like tasting summer all over again the tomatoes were sweet the cucumbers tangy and i knew i was hooked it wasnt just about food it was about self sufficiency confideence and making the most out of a small backyard space
Canning In Small Spaces Yes You Can
Many people assuume you need a homestead or a large farmhouse kitchen to start canning Im here to tell you tahst you dont i live in the city and my kitchen is compact but with some organizations and minimal tools Ive been able to preserve dozens of jars each season
What you need for that
- A large stockpot (or water bath canner)
- Mason jars with lids and rings
- A jar lifter or tongs
- A funnel
- Clean towels and space to cool jars
Thats it no pressurre canner required for high acid foods like tomatoes fruit preserves and pickles start there and grow as you go
What To Can From a Cackyard Garden
Your options depend on what you grow or whats available locally in season Heres what Ive preserved right from my backyard or from neighbors who share their excess
- Tomatoes whole crushed or as sauce
- Peppers pickled or roasted
- Herbs Made into pestos or herbed oils stored refrigerated
- Fruits jams jellies and pie fillings
- Zucchini in relish form or as pickles
- Chilies hot sauces or fermented pastes
Even if you dont grow it all you can support local markets or CSA boxes and preseerve the bounty
How Chickens Help Feed The Preservation Loop
Our hens betty rosie and clara my chickens that I added to my small farm beforeare more than egg layers they are compost machines every peel stem or scrap that isnt canned goes into their coop and in return we get nuttrient rich manure that feeds the soil the richer the soil the better the harvest The better the harvest the more we preserve And the cycle continues
Plus eggs can be preserved too while not commonly canned methods like pickling hard boiled eggs have a long history in homesteading and are making a comeback in the urban homestead kitchen
Safety First The Basics Of Smart Canning
Food safety is non negotiiable improperly canned foods can be dangerous, so always follow tested recipes and guideelines from sources like the National Center for Home Food Preservation
Quick safety reminders
- Only water bath can high acid foods like fruits and pickles
- Pressure can low acid foods like beans corn or meats
- Never can dairy eggs except pickled or anything you arent sure about
- Always check seals before storing
- Store in a cool dark place and label your jars with dates
When done correctly canning is incredibly safe and satisfying
Building a Year Round Pantry From The Garden
One of the joys of canning is building up a pantry that tells the story of your garden on my shelf right now
- Summer strawberry jam from June
- Tomato basil sauce from July
- Spiced pear butter from a friends tree in September
- Pickled carrots and green beans from a fall harvest
Each jar has a memory a season and a flavor Its more than food its a lifestyle one that brings nature nourishment and intention into your everyday life
Teaching The Next Generation
One afternoon my niece helped me fill jars with peach slices Her small hands were sticky and curious she asked questions where do peaches come from why do we boil the jars What does sealing mean?
Thats when i realized this isnt just a skill its a legacy teaching the next generation about food preservation is part of the permaculture mindset passing down knowledge that builds resilience in uncertain times
Final Thoughts You Dont Have To Live On a Farm To Live Sustainably
Canning just like backyard chickens and urban gardening is not just for people with acres of land its for anyone with a little space a little time and a lot of heart whether you are harvesting from your own raised beds or buying bushels at a local market you can take control of your food supply one jar at a time.
In the quiet clink of jars cooling on the counter in the steam rising frrom a boiling pot in the deep red of homegrown tomato sauce there’s power theres peace theres purpose
From coop to kitchen from garden to jar this is the rhythm of a sustainable life