Tough Kraut: From Concrete Jungle to Off-Grid Dreams

Have you ever dreamed of swapping the city’s constant hum for the peaceful cluck of chickens, or trading the concrete jungle for a lush, edible landscape? I’m Herman, the German, and together with my wife, we embarked on this transformative journey. We turned our lives upside down, leaving behind 24/7 convenience for the rewarding toil of working the land.

Taking a brake in the countryside - where nature meets hard work.

Three years into this adventure, we’ve gleaned wisdom from both our triumphs and our stumbles, and we’re eager to share it all. Tips, mishaps, and the unparalleled joy of eating what you grow. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just curious about sustainable living, we hope our journey sparks your own.

The story of Tough Kraut is one of resilience and self-reliance, where permaculture breathes new life into depleted soil. We’re not just growing food; we’re cultivating a lifestyle, off-grid and hands-on, with six chickens (our feathered compost crew) and two cats (lazy supervisors). This blog will chronicle our land’s transformation, from barren to bountiful, with photos, videos, and plenty of farmer fumbles. Join us on this journey to build a resilient homestead, demonstrating that growth, much like crafting good kraut, is a product of persistence.

Our first summer off-grid was a wake-up call. No electricity, no fridge, in Portugal’s scorching heat. As a chocolate-loving sweet tooth, I thought I’d planned it all, city engineer, master of logistics. Wrong. Groceries spoiled faster than my confidence, and my precious chocolate melted into sad puddles. We found ourselves laughing (and sometimes crying) as we hauled water by hand, quickly realizing that farm life doesn’t fit neatly into a spreadsheet. That struggle stirred us even more towards permaculture. We layered mulch as good as we can to cool the soil and keep moisture. Like fermentation, it was slow, but now our land sprouts greens, and we’re closer to self-reliance. The chickens help churn compost, and the cats? They just judge my shovel skills.

From up here, every tree, path, and shadow tells a little story of quiet countryside life.

We’re excited to share this journey and build a Tough Kraut community with you as our Kraut Crew member. Do you have your own off-grid story or a permaculture tip to share? Drop a comment below or tag us on Instagram (@ToughKraut). We’re excited to hear about your journey! Subscribe for practical permaculture insights, off-grid hacks, or wok-based recipes from our harvests (my wife’s stir-fries are game-changers).

Here’s to embracing the dirt, chasing our dreams, and mastering the slow art of transformation. Let’s cultivate something tough and delicious together.