Skip the Canner: Preservation Methods That Work
I’m just going to say it…
I don’t like canning.
I know — that sounds strange coming from someone who raises her own beef, grows a garden, and spends half her time covered in dirt. But the truth is, I’ve never been a fan of the long, hot hours of boiling jars and sticky countertops.
Every summer, I promise myself it’ll be different. I’ll enjoy the process, light a candle, make it a “moment.” But by the second batch of tomato sauce, I’m over it.
Still, I love filling our freezer and pantry with food we grew ourselves. So instead of forcing myself to love canning, I’ve leaned into other preservation methods that fit our farm life — and honestly, I enjoy them so much more.
Here’s what works for us at Orbe’s Heritage Farm.
1. Freezing: The Unsung Hero of Food Storage
Since we already sell grass-fed beef straight from the farm, freezers are the backbone of our food system. It just makes sense to use them for more than meat.
I freeze everything I can — berries, peppers, blanched green beans, shredded zucchini, even herbs in olive oil. It’s quick, low-effort, and I can do it in small batches throughout the season instead of giving up a whole weekend to canning marathons.
Freezing is also great for busy homesteaders. No pressure canner, no broken seals, no mid-summer kitchen sauna. Just good food, ready when you are.
2. Drying and Dehydrating Herbs
I grow most of our own herbs — basil, oregano, mint, chamomile, and a few others that like to take over if I’m not careful.
At the end of the season, I hang bunches upside down in a warm, airy spot or use a small dehydrator. Once they’re dry, I crumble them into jars and store them for cooking or tea blends.
It’s one of those small homesteading rituals that feels peaceful instead of stressful. Plus, dried herbs make beautiful gifts when packed in small glass jars or tied in bundles with twine.
3. Fermenting (a.k.a. Controlled Chaos)
Fermenting is where things get fun — and sometimes, a little weird.
We love experimenting with sauerkraut, pickles, and kefir, but I’ll be honest… not every batch turns out. Some jars go to the chickens instead of the dinner table.
Still, when it works, fermenting creates incredible flavor, adds healthy probiotics, and gives you a low-effort way to preserve vegetables without heat or special equipment.
If you’ve never tried it, start small — one jar of kraut or a few carrots in brine. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked (and probably start naming your jars like pets).
4. Root Cellaring & Cool Storage
This is the old-fashioned method that still works best for certain crops.
Potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, winter squash — they all keep beautifully in a cool, dark place. Even if you don’t have a true root cellar, a basement corner, garage cabinet, or insulated cooler can do the trick.
It’s the simplest form of preservation there is. No electricity, no jars, no special tools — just nature doing its thing.
The Big Picture
Homesteading isn’t about doing everything. It’s about finding what works for your home, your land, and your rhythm.
If you love canning, that’s great. If you don’t, that’s okay too. What matters is that you’re using what you have and creating a system that supports your family and your sanity.
So if canning makes you want to hide from your kitchen, maybe it’s time to explore something different.
Ready to Ditch the Canner (at Least a Little)?
I put together a simple guide breaking down the easiest alternatives to canning — plus a few tips to help you get started with freezing, drying, and fermenting without feeling overwhelmed.
👉 Alternatives to Canning Cheat Sheet
Here on the Farm
At Orbe’s, we believe in practical homesteading — building systems that work for your real life, not just what looks picture-perfect online. Whether that means skipping canning, growing your own herbs, or starting small with a few animals, it all counts.
If you’re dreaming of building a homestead but aren’t sure where to start (or how much it’ll cost), our Homestead Startup Calculator can help you plan it out. It’s an easy, no-fluff tool that walks you through what you’ll actually need — from fencing and feed to garden supplies and startup costs — so you can grow with confidence instead of guesswork.
Kelley