Helping Families Learn Homesteading and Self-Sufficient Living
When you think of enjoying cozy homemade pumpkin muffins, you are probably imagining it being Autumn. But what if I told you that this delicious treat was perfect in the Spring? For starters, Spring in Alaska is still cool and cozy. We have crisp mornings …
Each Spring brings with it a sense of freshness and renewal. After a long Winter, a boost of fresh air and sunshine feels glorious. But along with these wonderful aspects of Spring comes the seasonal shifts that often lead to problematic symptoms. There is a …
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When planning a garden, one of the first decisions you’ll make will be whether or not to start your own seeds. This choice is critical for determining the cost and labor required to achieve your gardening goals. To start seeds indoors will require a little more time and effort. Buying plant starts from a nursery will save you time, but will be more costly.
Each Spring, I eagerly await the opportunity to place my newly purchased seeds into soil. It is something that truly gets me through Winter. It is cost efficient, provides variety, and helps to combat our short growing season in Alaska. In this article, I’m going to show you why growing seeds indoors is a game changer for you as well, and how to do it.
If you follow my blog, then you know that my family and I run a homestead in Alaska. The bitterly long Winters and deep cold have me longing for Spring and greenery each year. One thing that has always helped to ease the end of Winter blues is starting our garden seeds indoors. This gives me the opportunity to tend to something green and save my family money in the long run.
The plant starts at my local nursery range from $3-$10 each. That cost adds up quickly, especially if you have a large garden. One packet of organic, heirloom seeds is just $4 and I’ll grow 20 tomato plants for the price of one start.
It also helps to add variety into my garden. The local nurseries are limited in their capacity to carry many varieties of plants. If you browse the seed section of any store, you’ll find many different varieties to suit your gardening needs.
Living this far North also affects the length of our growing season. The typical growing season in Fairbanks, Alaska is 150-120 days. Last year in 2025, we had one of the longest growing seasons on record, a whopping 129 days! That is still not a lot of time to grow your own food. To combat the short growing season, we start seeds indoors as early as possible to ensure they have plenty of time to grow.
One of my favorite aspects of starting my own seeds is that I get to have control over the quality of the soil and inputs. It is important to me to only use organic and regenerative practices. When I am buying starts at the nursery, I am unsure of what type of soil and usually even what type of seeds have grown that plant. Organic soil and compost, no synthetic fertilizers, and heirloom variety seeds are my non negotiables and learning to start seeds myself really helps me to achieve this every year.
When you purchase seedlings, they have to be transported back to your home to be placed in the garden. I’ve lost quite a few seedlings to shock from this journey, which is why it just isn’t worth it to me anymore. When I start my own seeds, the seedlings only have to be transferred from indoors to the garden. You also have the opportunity to harden them off to your specific micro-climate.
A quick Google search will show you that this process can be as simple or as complex as you like. If you are a simple backyard gardener, there’s definitely no need to go out and buy the latest fancy seed starting equipment. There’s nothing wrong with buying it if you want, however.
You can start seeds indoors in as little as a simple egg carton. If you save your egg cartons leading up to Spring, then it makes it essentially free. I like the egg carton method because it’s biodegradable, meaning you can tear off the section of carton your seedling is in and place it in the ground. It will reduce the shock to the plant.
In a pinch, I’ve used just about anything that could hold soil to start seeds indoors. Old yogurt containers, butter containers, and plastic cups work just fine.
Other items that can be used are a bonus because they also have the effect of becoming a mini DIY greenhouse. Milk jugs and other clear plastic containers are perfect for trapping in heat and light and creating a humid environment, perfect for your seedlings. This is what many people use in a gardening method called Winter Sowing. There’s a lot of groups and resources out there that teach you this method of sowing seeds in containers Outdoors that will germinate once the temps are just right. Here’s a great article that explains it well: Winter Sowing: A Simple Way To Successfully Start Seeds Outdoors.
If you can, the easiest containers to start seeds are seed starting trays. I’ve used a variety over the years and they all work about the same. When finding a seed starting tray, look to make sure it comes with a plastic bottom to hold water, peat seedling trays, and a plastic dome to cover it all until the seeds germinate.
To make an optimal seed starting setup, you’re going to need a few essentials. First and most important is a quality seed starting mix. This can be something you purchase ( I usually do), or something that is easily DIY.
The primary difference in seed starting mix and regular potting soil is the consistency. Seed Starting mix is much lighter in texture and makes it easier for little seedlings to establish and grow roots. It will increase your germination rate to use this. But the thing about plants is that they DO want to grow, so it can be done in regular soil. Just expect a lower germination rate this way.
You will need a way to identify your seedlings when you start seeds indoors. There are a variety of ways to label your seed starting trays, just make sure you don’t forget so you know what is what when it comes time to plant in the garden! You don’t want to mistake lettuce for a tomato plant if you are a novice. They have significantly different needs. I simply write what I am planting with a sharpie on a Popsicle stick and place it in the soil. Don’t forget to keep a notepad or some way to document what you planted and when. Those sowing dates are important for transplanting into the garden.
Depending on where you keep your seed starting tray, grow lights may be necessary to prevent “leggy” starts. We’ll go over lighting needs next so you can determine whether or not you need them.
Here is a great starter kit that includes most of these items to start seeds indoors.
When growing seeds starts indoors, you’ll have to think carefully about how you’re going to provide light. If you have a sunny south facing window, then you can probably get by with placing them in the window. I haven’t had success with that up here in Alaska. If you live in a more northern climate, grow lights will definitely be the way to go.
When choosing grow lights, be sure to look for T5 lights that mimic natural sunlight and promote the growth of stronger, healthier seedlings.
There’s a broad range of temperature between 65F and 85F that will germinate your seeds. What you really want to aim for, however, is a consistent 70F to 75F. This is the optimal range for a lot of different types of plants. A quick Google search can lead you to your optimal temps.
If you live somewhere cold and drafty, a special heating pad can be placed underneath your seed starting tray to provide warmth. In our old cabin, this was often an issue because we had a heater that wasn’t consistent and the temps fluctuated a lot. These heat pads were a life saver!
If you are placing your seedlings anywhere other than a sunny window, make sure you think about all of these factors. You’ll need somewhere by an electrical outlet to plug in your grow lights. You also want a warm spot without drafts. Think about the safety of your starts also, do not place the trays close to an edge. With pets and children in my home, I’ve lost countless seed trays and have had to start all over again, wasting precious growing season.
My current setup is my favorite and most successful thus far. I use this exact seed starting soil mixture placed in the Ferry Morse seed starting trays. I’ve been purchasing the 72 cells because I have a large garden and plenty of seeds to get started.
This seed starting Cart was the game changer that dramatically increased my success rate. Each shelf has a fixed grow light and a plastic covering with easy access that traps in the heat and humidity my young plants need to thrive. I also love that it has a 12 hour timer so that I don’t even have to think about when to switch it off. If you have the ability to get a good setup like this, I do recommend it. I wish I would have sooner.
Now that we’ve gone over why you should start your own seeds and what you’ll need to do it, we can discuss how to grow your own plant seedlings indoors.
Though It is a pretty simple process to start seeds indoors, there are a few common mistakes that we should go over.
When exactly to transition your seedlings to the garden will entirely depend on your climate and location. You definitely want to wait until after your last frost date. It’s best to ask around and get the best advice from local gardeners and nurseries. The general guideline here in Fairbanks is to transition after Memorial Day. A lot of folks, myself included, choose to wait until June 1st, just to be safe. Alaskan Springs are VERY erratic. Depending on the type of plant, you’ll want consistent overnight temperatures of at least 55F to 65F.
The back of your seed packets will give you a general idea of when to start your seeds so they’ll be ready with its time to transition to the garden. Hawke’s Greenhouse, a local nursery in Fairbanks, put out an excellent schedule if you happen to live up here. You can find that schedule here. It’s important to start your seeds at the right time for a higher success rate.ng
I invite you to try starting your own seeds this gardening season. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it is so rewarding to watch your first sprout pop up. It is something that excites my kids and I as we eagerly await putting those seedlings into the garden.
If you are curious about what exactly to plant in your garden, these easy, low-maintenance plants are a great place to start.
No matter the method, I hope that this inspires you to plant your garden this year. It’s always a good year to grow something, even if it’s just herbs in your window. Gardening is beyond rewarding, both physically and mentally. It is one of my favorite homesteading activities and something I truly look forward to, year after year, and I think you will too.
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There is something deeply empowering about knowing you can care for your family with your own two hands. Creating your own herbal first aid balm is an act of preparation, intention, and self-reliance. It’s slow living in its most practical form. In a world full of synthetic quick fixes, learning to make a nourishing, plant-powered DIY salve recipe feels a little bit like reclaiming something we were always meant to know.
Today, I’m sharing my family’s go-to homemade Neosporin alternative—an herbal balm crafted with calendula, comfrey, yarrow, and vitamin E oil. This simple yet powerful recipe has become a staple in our home apothecary.
If you’ve ever felt called toward herbalism, natural living, or simply reducing the number of questionable ingredients in your medicine cabinet, this one’s for you.
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why.
Many conventional over-the-counter antibiotic ointments contain ingredients like petroleum derivatives, synthetic preservatives, and antibiotics that can contribute to skin sensitivities or antibiotic resistance. While they certainly have their place, many minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and insect bites can be supported beautifully with herbs that have been used for generations.
Creating your own natural first aid salve allows you to:
Just like I’ve shared in our adventures about slowing down and reconnecting with nature, herbalism is another pathway back to intentional living. (If you’re new here, you might also enjoy my posts on outdoor family rhythms and seasonal living for more inspiration on bringing nature into everyday life.)
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, many plant-based remedies have long histories of traditional use, and interest in botanical medicine continues to grow as families seek complementary wellness approaches. While herbs are not a substitute for medical care when needed, they can absolutely play a supportive role in minor skin care.
This balm combines four simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one brings its own gifts to the jar.
Calendula officinalis—also known as pot marigold—is a staple in herbal skin care.
Qualities & Actions:
Calendula is gentle enough for children yet effective enough for everything from scraped knees to chapped winter skin. It helps stimulate the skin’s natural healing process and supports healthy tissue regeneration.
In many herbal traditions, calendula is considered one of the best herbs for first aid salves because it reduces redness, calms irritation, and promotes clean healing.
Symphytum officinale has a long history of use for skin and bone support.
Qualities & Actions:
Comfrey is sometimes called “knitbone” because of its traditional use in supporting healing. The allantoin it contains encourages new cell growth, making it incredibly helpful in a DIY herbal salve designed for minor cuts and scrapes.
Important note: Comfrey should not be used on deep puncture wounds because it can speed surface healing before deeper tissue has fully healed.
Achillea millefolium is a powerful wildflower that often grows right along trails and meadows.
Qualities & Actions:
Yarrow is wonderful for fresh scrapes because it helps slow minor bleeding and reduces the risk of infection. Historically, it was used on battlefields to treat wounds.
Yarrow grows abundantly in the land that surrounds Fairbanks. It can also grow easily in a garden, so there has never been a reason for me to buy it. Yarrow, along with many other healing plants, grow in the Boreal forest that make up Alaska and other places. If you’re curious to identify and use some of these plants for your own herbal journey, check out my article 20 Medicinal Plants Found in a Boreal Forest.
Vitamin E isn’t an herb, but it plays an important role in this balm.
Benefits:
Vitamin E oil helps prevent oxidation in your infused oil and gives the salve additional skin-nourishing benefits.
Before you can create your balm, you need to infuse your herbs into oil. This is where the magic begins.
(Always use dried herbs to prevent mold.)
This is my favorite method when time allows. There’s no need to measure out specifics with these 3 dried herbs. I just keep a consistent 1:1:1 ratio and have found great success.
If you’d like your DIY salve recipe ready sooner, you can use gentle heat.
Low and slow is key—you don’t want to fry your herbs. You can also use a slow cooker for this method. Follow the steps above and keep your slow cooker to warm or low, for up to 24 hours.
Now comes the transformation.
To test consistency, place a small spoonful in the freezer for 1 minute.
This herbal first aid balm is ideal for:
Clean the wound first. Apply a thin layer of balm. Cover if needed.
Avoid deep wounds or serious burns—seek medical care when appropriate.
Stored in a cool, dark place, your balm should last 6–12 months. Vitamin E helps extend its life, but always discard if it smells rancid.
One of my favorite parts of making this balm is involving my children.
They help:
When you involve your children, it becomes more than a recipe—it becomes knowledge passed down.
Just like we teach our children how to read and navigate math, teaching them how to care for a scraped knee with herbs builds confidence and connection.
I am a huge believer in teaching kids these “old world” skills. It fosters confidence and also teaches them valuable skills that could be extremely beneficial as they grow up. I’ve written an article that goes over 5 more primitive skills that you might be interested in teaching your own children.
Making your own natural first aid salve isn’t about rejecting modern medicine. There is definitely a place in this world for modern medicine and I am grateful that it is there when we need it. But there are alternatives that can be looked at first, which will contain significantly less toxins, chemicals, and price tags.
Making your own herbal products IS about:
When you open your medicine cabinet and see a jar you made yourself, one infused over weeks and crafted with care, you feel it.
It’s the same feeling as baking bread from scratch or growing your own food. It brings a sense of contentment, accomplishment, and an overall satisfaction that can’t be bought.
Learning how to make this DIY herbal first aid balm is a simple but powerful step toward natural living.
You don’t need to be an expert herbalist.
There’s no need for fancy tools.
You just need curiosity and a willingness to begin.
Start with one jar, an herbal infusion, and a small shift towards self-reliance.
Before long, your home apothecary will begin to grow, as will your confidence.
If you try this salve recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. And if you’re looking for more ways to build intentional rhythms into your home, be sure to explore more of my Borealis Mom guides on seasonal living, outdoor family life, and simple homesteading skills.
What do you think of when you envision a simple life? For me, it is slow days spent doing creative work, time with my children and husband, and a free schedule. I often envision Tolkien’s Hobbit, and imagine what life would be like in the …
Hello my friends and welcome back to the next chapter of Borealis Mom. I’ve been quiet over this past year, but have been hard at work behind the scenes. The life of this blog has been up in the air because of all of the …
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When you live in Alaska or another extremely cold, remote climate, emergency preparedness isn’t about panic — it’s about peace of mind. Winter storms, extended power outages, supply disruptions, and delayed emergency response are not hypothetical here. They are part of life. That’s why having a 72-hour emergency kit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family when things don’t go as planned.
This guide walks you through exactly what to include in a family-friendly 72-hour emergency kit, with special consideration for cold weather, rural living, and northern winters. Whether you’re just starting or refining your preparedness plan, this is a calm place to begin.
Emergency agencies recommend being prepared to care for yourself for at least 72 hours after a disaster. In places like Alaska, that timeline can easily stretch longer.
Snowstorms can ground flights. Roads can become impassable. Power restoration may take days — not hours. Emergency responders may not reach remote homes immediately.
A 72-hour kit gives your family:
For off grid/homesteading families, this kit is especially important. Living rural usually means you are last for restored services in the event of a power outage or other event. After snow storms, there is usually a priority level for snow removal on roads. The further from town that you are, the lower the priority. Having what you need in the event that you cant get to the store for a few days/weeks is essential for comfort and even survival.
Off-Grid Life: 5 Survival Essentials You Need to Thrive
Preparedness is not about expecting the worst — it’s about reducing stress when the unexpected happens.
A 72-hour emergency kit contains the essential supplies your household needs to survive for three days without outside help.
This includes:
Think of it as a short-term safety net, not a survival fantasy. This kit is meant to be realistic, reachable, and maintainable for busy families.
In extreme cold regions, emergencies tend to cascade:
In Alaska, many families have experienced:
A 72-hour kit bridges the gap between “everything is fine” and “help has arrived.”
Water is the most overlooked — and most vital — part of any emergency kit.
In cold climates, dehydration still happens — especially indoors with dry air and increased caloric needs.
In the case of extended outages, knowing how to purify water you can collect can be an essential skill. Here’s an article on a few backup methods to purify water if you happen to run out of your stored water supply.
Include:
The Food and Water Needed For a 72-Hour Kit
Your emergency kit food should be:
Cold weather increases calorie needs, so emergency food matters more in winter.
Avoid foods that require refrigeration, long cook times, or excessive water.
Cold increases appetite and energy needs. Choose foods that feel comforting and sustaining, not just efficient.
In extreme cold, staying warm is survival.
Never use outdoor grills or generators indoors.
Emergencies are stressful — small tools make a big difference.
No two families are the same — and preparedness must reflect that.
Preparedness isn’t just physical. Familiar foods, routines, and comforts help children stay calm during uncertainty.
Emergency preparedness doesn’t need to happen all at once.
Start with:
Then add:
Preparedness is a practice, not a finish line.
In Alaska and other cold regions, resilience is built season by season. A 72-hour emergency kit is one of the simplest ways to care for your family — quietly, intentionally, and without fear.
Good locations:
In places like Alaska, preparedness isn’t extreme — it’s normal.
A 72-hour emergency kit isn’t about fear. It’s about knowing that if the lights go out, the road closes, or the temperature drops, your family is cared for.
Prepared, not afraid.
Calm, not chaotic.
Ready, not rushed.
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