When the Water Suddenly Stopped: What a Broken Pipe Taught Us About Preparedness

 

Last month, we were suddenly reminded just how important preparedness can be when our water stopped running.

Literally.

One minute we had running water, and the next it was gone. Not even a drop.

At first, I went outside to see if perhaps a city utility truck was nearby and the water had temporarily been shut off. Instead, to our dismay, I noticed a trail of water coming from the side of our house and rolling down the street!

We had another water leak. My heart plummeted. 

We'd dealt with a broken water line a few years earlier, so this wasn't entirely unfamiliar territory. With the Texas heat, drought and shifting ground, broken water lines are something we've seen more than once in our neighborhood.

And, of course, it happened on a Friday afternoon, with the weekend looming and the possibility of higher plumbing costs right along with it.

After calling several plumbers, we finally found one who agreed to come out that evening. Unfortunately, we were told the actual work wouldn't begin until Saturday. The plumber estimated it could cost approximately $700 to $900 just to dig down and locate the leak, depending on how much digging was required.

That didn't include repairing the pipe.

I questioned him again.

"$700 to $900 just to dig?" My brain tried to calculate how much the total could be. $1500 or $2000? 

He nodded. 

I told him I'd think about it and let him know whether we wanted to keep the Saturday morning appointment.

Pipe located

Maybe I Could Dig It Myself

The timing was almost comical.

Earlier that very day, I had been online registering for archaeology and anthropology classes at my local college. Archaeology has been a lifelong interest of mine, and I've participated in excavations before. I've also been thinking about how important it is for me to stay active and in good physical condition if I want to continue doing fieldwork.

Archaeological excavations can involve a lot of walking, hiking, bending, lifting and, of course, digging.

So after hearing that someone wanted $700 to $900 just to dig a hole, something occurred to me.

Wasn't I just thinking about how I needed to stay in shape so I could dig again?

The water had already been shut off at the main, so I grabbed a hoe and started carefully working away at the soil.

Before long, I felt the pipe.

Based on our previous repair, I suspected the new leak might be somewhere near the same area. I didn't want to turn the water back on and soak the ground again just to confirm it, so I stopped for the evening and allowed the area to dry.

The following morning, I went back to work on the hole.

My husband was still recuperating from a recent medical procedure, but he came outside and helped as much as he could. Sure enough, we located the pipe and cleared the dirt away from it so a plumber could easily access the damaged section.

From what we could see, it appeared that a connection had pulled apart. The shifting ground may have placed enough pressure on the line that the pipe needed a little additional length before it could be properly reconnected.

I took a photograph and texted it to another plumber. I didn't call back the first plumber as I felt they were overpriced. 

He agreed to come out on Sunday and repair it. Because we had already located and exposed the pipe and agreed to refill the hole ourselves afterward, he agreed to have it repaired for $450. 

We had turned an expensive emergency into something much more manageable simply by doing the part of the job we were capable of doing ourselves.

I buy my 5 gallon jugs at grocery stores and keep filled for emergencies 

Our Stored Water Bought Us Time

There was another important part of this experience that had nothing to do with plumbing.

We weren't panicking about not having running water.

We already had water stored.

We kept containers of water available for flushing the toilets. We placed a bowl of water in the sink for basic hand rinsing and cleaning. Most importantly, our Berkey water filter was already filled, giving us drinking water while the household water remained shut off. (In a true grid down situation, we wouldn't waste water on toilet flushing...)

That stored water did more than provide something to drink.

It bought us time.

Because we could function without running water for a couple of days, we didn't feel forced to accept the first expensive option simply because someone could get the water running sooner.

That may have been the biggest preparedness lesson of the entire experience.

Located! Didn't even need to turn on water to double check. 

Preparedness Can Keep an Emergency From Becoming a Financial Emergency

I came away from this experience looking at household preparedness a little differently.

Emergency supplies aren't useful only during hurricanes, tornadoes, power outages or some major national disaster. Sometimes the "disaster" is simply a broken pipe on a Friday afternoon.

Having water stored meant we could wait. Having some emergency money available meant the $450 repair didn't have to become another crisis. Doing some of the physical work ourselves reduced the amount of professional labor we needed to pay for.

And perhaps most importantly, we didn't panic. We were annoyed and inconvenienced, but at least we could manage. 

We also trusted what we already knew about our house. The first plumber made it sound as though they might need to excavate a considerable distance along the water line before locating the problem. Based on our previous experience, we suspected where the leak was likely to be.

We dug there first.

And we found it.

Texted plumber this photo - Pipe (purple edge) completely detached 

I'm not saying homeowners should start digging up pipes or attempting repairs they aren't qualified to make. There are plenty of jobs I wouldn't attempt myself. Electrical work, complicated plumbing repairs and anything that could create a serious safety hazard are situations where I want someone who knows exactly what they're doing.

But I learned something else that I'll remember the next time we have to call someone for a home repair:

Ask questions.

Before automatically paying for every part of a job, I can ask the contractor what needs to be done before the repair begins. Is there preparation we can safely do ourselves? Can we move furniture, remove materials, expose an accessible area or handle the cleanup afterward?

Sometimes the answer will be no.

But sometimes there may be several hundred dollars worth of labor that we're perfectly capable of doing ourselves.  I asked the plumber how much we saved doing the actual digging/locating ourself. He said we saved ourselves $500! 

Our broken water pipe was certainly inconvenient. But in the end, it reinforced something I've come to believe more and more:

Even though we didn't "earn" $500, I'm reminded of the quote: A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED! 

Pipe fixed! 

Preparedness isn't always about preparing for the worst thing that could happen. Sometimes it's simply about being prepared enough that an ordinary emergency doesn't force you into an expensive decision.

If the Water Stops Flowing: Simple Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Grid or Cyber Attack

The Most Important Prep You Can Never Lose

Backyard Chickens: Are They Worth It? Eggs, Food Security & the Cost of Raising Your Own

 

Backyard Chickens 

Are Backyard Chickens Worth It?

With egg prices, shortages, and recalls making headlines from time to time, backyard chickens start looking pretty appealing. But are they really worth the trouble—and do they actually save money?

I grew up around chickens, and I've raised my own backyard chickens several times over the years. I've only rehomed my flocks when travel made keeping them impractical, and every time I've had chickens, I've enjoyed having them.

The biggest benefit?

I never ran out of eggs.

We ate fresh eggs every day, and sometimes I had more eggs than we knew what to do with.

Fresh Eggs

Getting Started Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

You really don't need a fancy setup to raise chicks.

I've started chicks right in my kitchen using a dog crate, along with inexpensive feeders and waterers purchased at Tractor Supply. You'll also need appropriate chick feed and, when they're young, a safe source of warmth.

I've even ordered chicks through the mail. Yes, live baby chicks can actually arrive at your local post office!

Baby Chick in kitchen box

Once they're old enough to move outside, you'll need a secure coop and enclosed area.

Because I live within city limits, I've never wanted my chickens roaming freely.  I supplemented their regular chicken feed and scratch with table scraps and weeds. 

I'd even gather suitable greens and plants, including chickweed and other vegetation growing nearby or from the park, to give them some variety.

They loved it.

My compost bin, however, did not.

Once I had chickens, it seemed like almost every kitchen scrap that would normally have gone into the compost suddenly went to the hens instead.

Box and leaves for their nest. Used a simple office lamp for heat. 

Did Backyard Chickens Save Me Money?

Maybe. 

After factoring in feed and supplies, I think I roughly broke even.

If your only goal is obtaining the cheapest possible dozen eggs, backyard chickens may disappoint you. Feed costs money, caregiving is a daily requirement, and hens don't produce the same number of eggs throughout their entire lives. If you live on acreage, there are other ways to supplement and replace their feed. 

But farming my own eggs wasn't the only reason. 

I knew where my eggs came from.

I had fresh eggs practically every day.

I could turn many of our kitchen scraps into eggs instead of waste.

And most importantly from a preparedness standpoint, I wasn't completely dependent on the grocery store for eggs. Or worried about recalls and shortages. 

That has value too.

Overwhelmed with eggs 

Before You Buy Your First Chicks

Getting started can be surprisingly simple but check your local rules first.

Find out:

• How many hens you're allowed to keep.
• Whether roosters are permitted.
• How far the coop must be from neighboring homes or property lines.
• Whether your HOA has additional restrictions.

And don't underestimate predators.

Keeping the girls extra safe during the day

Chickens need a secure place to be locked up every night.

Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, opossums, snakes, dogs, and other animals can turn an unsecured backyard flock into a disaster surprisingly quickly.

table scraps - nothing wasted! 

So, Are Backyard Chickens Worth It?

For me, yes.

Not because they saved me a fortune.

They didn't.

They were worth it because we had fresh eggs every day, fewer kitchen scraps going to waste, and one more small piece of our food supply coming directly from our own backyard.

There's also something satisfying about walking outside in the morning and finding breakfast waiting for you. Sometimes from your opened window, you might even hear your breakfast being made! 

Chicks in the City: Chicks in the Kitchen: Raising Baby Chickens Indoors

Good Morning to You too: When Our Hen Turned Out to Be a Rooster

Brooding for More: Frizzle Cochin Bantam Chicks Join the Coop

How to Make Hardtack: The Survival Cracker That Lasts for Years

 

The Pioneer Cracker That Fed Sailors, Soldiers, and Settlers for Centuries

Hardtack may not be the most exciting cracker you'll ever eat, but it has earned its place in history. Made from just a few simple pantry ingredients, this humble cracker helped feed sailors crossing oceans, pioneers heading west in covered wagons, U.S. Army soldiers, and even served as an emergency ration aboard the Titanic.

If you're looking for an inexpensive food storage staple that you can make yourself, hardtack is hard to beat.

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Easy Homemade Hardtack Recipe

Makes: 12–16 crackers

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: About 1 hour

Shelf Life: Several years when thoroughly dried and stored properly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup water (add a tablespoon more if needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Mix the flour and salt together.
3. Slowly stir in the water until a stiff dough forms.
4. Knead for about 3–5 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll the dough to approximately ½ inch thick.
6. Cut into squares about 2½ to 3 inches wide.
7. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes across each cracker. These help moisture escape during baking.
8. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Turn each cracker over and bake another 30 minutes.
10. Turn the oven off and allow the crackers to cool inside the oven with the door cracked open. This helps remove as much remaining moisture as possible.

The finished crackers should be completely dry and very hard.

Homemade Hardtack Crackers

How Long Does Homemade Hardtack Last?

One of the reasons hardtack became famous is because of its incredible shelf life.

If properly baked until completely dry and stored in an airtight container, homemade hardtack can easily last several years.

For even longer storage:

• Store in a cool, dry location.
• Vacuum seal with oxygen absorbers.
• Protect from moisture.

Museum collections have preserved Civil War-era hardtack for well over a century. While those crackers aren't considered food today, they demonstrate just how durable properly dried hardtack can be.

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Hardtack Cracker tin found on Lifeboat from the Titanic 

Hardtack Aboard the Titanic

When I visited the Titanic Museum, one display especially caught my attention.

It was a small metal emergency tin that had been placed aboard the Titanic's lifeboats.

Inside these tins were emergency supplies—including hardtack biscuits.

The crackers were selected because they were lightweight, inexpensive, durable, and capable of remaining edible for years if kept dry.

Standing there looking at that small tin, it reminded me that preparedness isn't a new idea. More than a century ago, people understood the value of keeping simple foods that could survive almost anything.

Ways to Eat Hardtack

Let's be honest—most people don't eat hardtack because it tastes amazing.

Historically, people softened it before eating.

Some favorite ways include:

• Dipped in hot coffee
• Crumbled into soups or stews
• Topped with peanut butter
• Spread with butter and honey
• Served with cheese and summer sausage
• Crushed into breadcrumbs
• Paired with canned meats
• Used as a camping or emergency cracker
• 
  

Although I enjoy making homemade hardtack, I've also purchased Sailor Boy Pilot Bread to add to my preps. There are other versions of hardtack on the market out there, but the recipe is simple and making your own costs only pennies and gives you another old-fashioned skill worth knowing.

Hardtack for long shelf life 

A Cracker with Hundreds of Years of History

Hardtack has existed in one form or another for thousands of years, but it became famous during the Age of Sail.

Long voyages across the Atlantic required food that wouldn't spoil. Fresh bread lasted only a few days, but hardtack could survive months aboard damp wooden ships as long as it remained reasonably dry.

It kept people alive. 

US Army Bread Hardtack

The U.S. Army's Famous Survival Cracker

Long before MREs existed, the United States government depended heavily on hardtack to feed its soldiers.

During the American Civil War, Union soldiers received hardtack as one of their primary daily rations. Government bakeries produced millions upon millions of crackers because they were inexpensive to make, lightweight to transport, and remarkably durable.

Soldiers often joked that hardtack was so hard it could break a tooth. Some nicknamed it "sheet iron crackers." Others softened it in coffee, fried it in bacon grease, or crumbled it into soups.

Even with all the jokes, it remained one of the most dependable foods carried by the U.S. Army throughout long military campaigns.

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Hardtack on the Oregon Trail

Families traveling west in covered wagons also packed hardtack.

The trip from Missouri to Oregon or California often lasted four to six months, making food preservation one of the greatest challenges pioneers faced.

A typical adult required roughly 1½ to 2 pounds of food each day. Along with flour, beans, bacon, rice, coffee, dried fruit, and salt pork, hardtack provided dependable calories that could survive the rough journey.

Unlike fresh bread, hardtack:

• Didn't mold easily.
• Traveled well over rough trails.
• Withstood changing weather.
• Stayed edible for months.
• Could be eaten dry or softened in coffee, milk, soup, or stew.

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Sometimes the Old Ways Still Work

Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that have already proven themselves for generations.

From sailing ships crossing the Atlantic, to U.S. Army rations, to covered wagons heading west, and finally to the emergency lifeboats of the Titanic, hardtack earned its reputation by doing one thing exceptionally well:

It lasted.

In a world filled with high-tech emergency foods, it's comforting to know that one of history's greatest survival staples can still be made today with little more than flour, water, salt, and an afternoon in the kitchen.

The 5 Cheapest Foods That Could Help Keep You Alive During Hard Times

FOODS THAT NEVER EXPIRE: What You Can Safely Store for Decades

How I Kept Goldfish Alive for 15 Years Without a Filter, Pump, or Electricity

 

Goldfish Pond

A Fish Pond That Runs Completely on Nature

One of my favorite projects around our Texas home has been one of the simplest.

For over 15 years, I've maintained a 3-foot galvanized stock tank fish pond with no electricity, no filter, no pump, and no aerator. It has quietly become its own little ecosystem, requiring surprisingly little maintenance while providing water for wildlife, mosquito control, and endless enjoyment.

In today's world, we're often told that a pond needs expensive filters, circulating pumps, UV lights, and constant maintenance. My experience has been quite different.

Nature has done almost all the work.

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Small Goldfish at PetSmart are now currently .49 cents each in 2026 

Starting with Ten-Cent Goldfish

When I first filled the stock tank, I purchased several tiny feeder goldfish for about 10 cents each.

I fed them koi pellets during their first years, but over time I discovered something remarkable.

As the pond matured, the fish became less dependent on me.

Algae developed naturally.

Mosquito larvae appeared.

Tiny aquatic insects and microorganisms established themselves.

Leaves occasionally drifted into the water and broke down, creating nutrients for microscopic life.

The pond slowly became a balanced ecosystem.

Eventually, I rarely fed the fish at all.

One of those tiny feeder fish grew so large we named him Goliath.

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Pond frozen solid - couldn't break ice for the fish

Surviving the Historic Texas Freeze

The biggest surprise came during the historic Texas freeze of February 2021.

Our pond froze solid across the top.

Everything was iced over during the Texas Freeze

The ice became so thick that I couldn't even break it open.

I assumed every fish had died.

When the weather warmed, I walked outside expecting the worst.

Instead...

Several goldfish—including Goliath—were still swimming.

That experience completely changed how I viewed goldfish. These inexpensive little fish turned out to be incredibly hardy.

Goldfish thriving off organic matter

Why the Pond Works Without Electricity

The secret isn't complicated.

It's balance.

Instead of trying to sterilize the pond, I allowed it to become a living ecosystem.

The fish helped control mosquito larvae.

Algae provided oxygen during daylight and served as food for countless microscopic organisms.

Beneficial bacteria naturally broke down waste.

Rain refreshed the pond.

During extreme summer heat, I simply topped off the water occasionally.

That's about it.

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Trees and fallen leaves provide shade and shelter for the fish

Partial Shade Made All the Difference

One lesson I learned early was that location matters.

The stock tank sits where it receives partial shade.

Even during long stretches of Texas triple-digit temperatures, the water stayed surprisingly moderate.

I also kept another barrel in full sun.

That water became dramatically hotter.

Although I installed a small solar fountain in that barrel—which created a beautiful spray and attracted bees and dragonflies—the water itself became much warmer than my shaded fish pond.

The shaded stock tank remained the healthier environment for fish.

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Nature's Mosquito Control

One of the greatest benefits of keeping goldfish is their appetite.

Goldfish eagerly consume:

• Mosquito larvae
• Small insects
• Aquatic worms
• Algae
• Organic matter

Instead of becoming a mosquito breeding ground, the pond actually helped reduce mosquitoes around our yard.

For anyone interested in preparedness or simple living, that's a welcome bonus that requires no chemicals.

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Using a barrel for extra water using solar powered fountain

Providing Water During Texas Drought

During dry summers, our nearby creek has occasionally stopped flowing altogether.

Knowing that always bothered me.

The pond became more than just a place for fish.

It became a dependable water source for local wildlife.

Almost daily we would see:

• Birds
• Rabbits
• Squirrels
• Frogs
• Dragonflies
• Opossums
• Bees
• Butterflies

Even stray animals found their way to the pond.

In fact, we suspect one stray cat survived partly because she had access to water there before eventually finding her way into our family.

For that reason alone, I don't think we'll ever be without a backyard pond again.

Using solar powered fountains to provide more water for wildlife

For water features without fish, I place in direct sunlight. Mosquitoes won't lay in hot water, and I'll run solar fountains. 

These are some of the solar fountains I've purchased and would buy again. 

COLOR CHANGING SOLAR FOUNTAIN 

SOLAR PANEL FOR FOUNTAINS

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Rosy Red Minnows .29 cents each at PetSmart 2026

Discovering Rosy Red Minnows

Recently we decided to try something different.

We purchased about 10 rosy red minnows.

Like many feeder fish, a few didn't survive the initial adjustment, which is fairly common after transport.

But after three months, only one has died.

The rest continue swimming happily—and here's the surprising part:

They've never been fed.

Just like the goldfish eventually did, they've been living entirely on what the pond naturally produces.

So far they've proven to be remarkably hardy little fish.

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Goldfish

Goldfish vs. Rosy Red Minnows

Both species make excellent choices for outdoor ponds, but they have different strengths.

Goldfish

Goldfish are descendants of the Prussian carp, a freshwater fish native to eastern Asia. Over hundreds of years, people selectively bred them into the many colors and varieties we know today.

Goldfish:

• Can live 15–30 years under good conditions.
• Continue growing throughout much of their lives.
• Eat mosquito larvae, algae, insects, aquatic plants, and organic matter.
• Tolerate both hot summers and surprisingly cold winters.
• Help keep ponds biologically balanced.

Their adaptability explains why inexpensive feeder goldfish can become large, beautiful pond fish with very little care.

Rosy Red Minnows

Rosy Red Minnows

Rosy red minnows are a pink-orange color variety of the fathead minnow, a native North American fish found naturally in slow-moving streams, ponds, wetlands, and prairie waters.

Compared to goldfish, rosy reds:

• Stay much smaller.
• Reproduce readily in outdoor ponds.
• Eat mosquito larvae and tiny insects.
• Thrive in shallow water.
• Tolerate low oxygen better than many aquarium fish.
• Handle wide temperature swings.

Because they're naturally adapted to North American ponds, they are exceptionally hardy and make excellent companions—or even alternatives—to goldfish in simple wildlife ponds.

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A Pond That's Ready Even When the Power Isn't

As someone interested in preparedness and self-reliance, I appreciate systems that continue working when the power goes out.

This pond doesn't depend on electricity.

No pump.

No filter.

No extension cords.

No monthly electric bill.

Even during outages, the pond continues providing:

• Water for wildlife
• Mosquito control
• Habitat for frogs and dragonflies
• Beauty in the backyard
• A healthy environment for fish

Sometimes the simplest systems prove to be the most dependable.

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Final Thoughts

Looking back over the past 15 years, I never imagined that a simple galvanized stock tank would become one of my favorite backyard projects.

It has taught me an important lesson:

Nature is incredibly capable of finding balance if we simply allow it to.

Our little pond has survived droughts, record heat, freezing temperatures, and years with almost no maintenance.

The fish have thrived.

The wildlife has benefited.

And every summer evening, watching dragonflies skim across the water reminds me that sometimes the best homesteading projects aren't the complicated ones—they're the ones that let nature do what it has always done best.

My first blog post about the fish tank - 9 years ago: 

NO MAINTENANCE GOLDFISH POND - feeding optional

Backyard - Certifying for Wildlife Habitat

Power Outages Are Becoming More Common: How to Prepare

Turn a Plain Garden Wall Into a Scenic Garden Backdrop With Shower Curtains

 

How I Used Scenic Shower Curtains to Create a Magical Garden Wall

Sometimes the smallest garden spaces can feel magical with one simple change. In my own garden, I used scenic shower curtains as outdoor wall backdrops to create the feeling of a hidden courtyard garden. Since shower curtains are made to handle moisture, they can be a fun and budget-friendly way to decorate a garden wall, patio, balcony, or garden tunnel.

Scenic shower curtain of a house window - I used this alongside my house wall

I try not to place mine in strong direct sunlight because the printed scene can fade over time, but in a shaded or partly protected spot, they add instant charm. A plain wall can suddenly look like a stone cottage, a flower-filled courtyard, or a cozy garden path.

Staircase and cobblestone village - I used this scene by my garden tunnel

More Ways to Use Scenic Shower Curtains Around the Home and Garden

Scenic shower curtains are not just for the bathroom. With the right print, they can completely change the feeling of a space. A plain wall can suddenly look like a country cottage, a Mediterranean courtyard, a quiet garden path, or even a cobblestone street in Italy.

Indoors, these graphic shower curtains could be used to create a cozy garden room. Hang one behind a group of potted plants, and it instantly gives the space more depth and charm. Instead of looking at a blank wall, you can create the feeling of a little greenhouse corner, a cottage window view, or a peaceful outdoor retreat.

Shower Curtain looks realistic

You can find this particular shower curtain of the rock wall and ivy on Amazon link 

They could also work beautifully on the inside wall of a covered patio. Since shower curtains are made for moisture, they are a practical option for areas that may get damp, especially if the space is protected from strong sun and heavy wind. A covered patio, screened porch, balcony, or garden tunnel could all become more inviting with a scenic backdrop.

Rock waterfall shower curtain for scenic background 

This shower curtain on Amazon would be perfect for a garden wall link

Another simple idea is to use one in a corner behind potted flowers or climbing plants. Add a few containers, a small chair, a trellis, or a garden stool, and the whole area can feel like a decorated garden nook. This would be especially pretty with floral prints, stone cottage scenes, beach paths, old doors, windows, brick walls, or European village scenes.

This shower curtain could give the illusion your space is larger

Tuscany town shower curtain on Amazon link 

For someone who loves cozy decorating on a budget, this is such an easy way to change the mood of a space. You could turn a room into a country cottage, create a Mediterranean beach scene with potted flowers, add the look of cobblestones in Italy, or make a plain patio feel like a hidden courtyard garden.

European house window shower curtain 

European Italian Landscape Curtain Amazon link 

The best part is that it does not require construction, painting, or expensive outdoor decor. A scenic shower curtain can be changed with the seasons, moved to a different wall, or tucked away when not in use. It is a simple, budget-friendly way to decorate your home, garden, patio, or balcony and make it feel more like a cozy retreat.

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I hope these ideas inspire you to get creative with your own space and start building the cozy dream garden you’ve always imagined — one simple, beautiful touch at a time.

My garden tunnel ideas:  

Building My Texas Garden Tunnel: Cattle Panels, Raised Beds & Shade Cloth

Best Lentils for Sprouting: Grocery Store vs Specialty Seeds

Can 5-Year-Old Lentils Still Sprout? Walmart Lentils vs Premium Sprouting Seeds

For years, I've kept lentils in my pantry as part of my food storage program. Like many preparedness-minded families, I look for ways to stretch my budget while still maintaining a practical stockpile. With food prices continuing to rise, I recently decided to conduct a simple experiment to see whether inexpensive grocery store lentils could still compete with premium sprouting seeds.

The experiment compared two very different products.

5-year-old-Lentil-Seeds

The first was several packages of lentils I purchased from Walmart more than five years ago - stored in an old wine jug ;)  These lentils had been sitting in storage and were originally purchased as food rather than specifically for sprouting.

Purchased fresh from online 

The second was a fresh package of sprouting lentils from Todd's Seeds, a company I have purchased from before and have always been pleased with. Todd's Seeds sells high-quality sprouting seeds specifically intended for germination.

The difference in cost immediately caught my attention.

My Walmart lentils (prices today - June 2026) cost only $1.96 per pound.

My original Walmart lentils were purchased over five years ago and likely cost well under today's $1.96 per pound price. The fact that they still sprouted after years in storage made this experiment even more interesting.

The Todd's Seeds package cost $9.99 for just one-quarter pound. At that rate, purchasing a full pound would cost approximately $39.96.

Product	Cost per Pound
Walmart Lentils	$1.96
Todd's Seeds	$39.96
Difference	Todd's costs about 20 times more

I do want to add that I have successfully purchased seeds from Todd's Seeds, and have been satisfied but this article is merely a price comparison, because groceries continue to spike, I think it is important to look for more ways to get bang for the buck. 

STORE is 5 year seeds from Walmart - blank tray is Todd's Seeds

To compare the two, I sprouted both varieties side by side under the same conditions. The fresh Todd's Seeds lentils performed exactly as expected and produced the best germination rate. Overall, they appeared to sprout about 25 percent better than my old stored lentils.

I rotated two trays of each on the sprouter

However, the most surprising result was not that the fresh seeds won.

It was that the five-year-old Walmart lentils still sprouted remarkably well.

Tray of old seeds on left side - not much difference than the new seeds on right 

Considering their age and the fact that they had been purchased as ordinary grocery store food, I was impressed by how many still germinated successfully. For anyone interested in preparedness, food storage, or reducing grocery costs, this demonstrates that inexpensive pantry staples can sometimes serve multiple purposes.

Newer seeds on left - old seeds on right. 

Would I buy the premium sprouting seeds again?

Yes.

If my goal were achieving the highest germination rates possible, Todd's Seeds clearly produced the best results. Fresh seeds specifically intended for sprouting have advantages, and those advantages showed up in this experiment.

But if my goal is maximizing value and stretching my preparedness budget, the grocery store lentils deserve serious consideration. The price difference is difficult to ignore when one pound of specialty seeds can cost nearly $40 compared to less than $2 for a pound of grocery store lentils.

Again, I want to emphasize that this experiment was using 5-year-old seeds. I have no doubt the new Walmart seeds will germinate just as good as the new seeds shown.  

This experiment reinforced something I have learned repeatedly over the years: sometimes the best preparedness bargains can be found right in the grocery store aisle.

Seeds are on sale today. I personally would bargain shop for anymore seeds online

While specialty products certainly have their place, stocking up on affordable foods when prices are reasonable can often provide excellent value. Even after five years in storage, these lentils were still capable of producing fresh sprouts, making them an inexpensive option for anyone interested in adding fresh nutrition to their pantry planning.

Today's price - June 2026. When I purchased the old seeds 5 yrs ago, I paid less than $1 a bag.

As food prices continue to climb, finding practical ways to stretch every dollar becomes increasingly important. This side-by-side comparison was a reminder that the most expensive option is not always the only option, and sometimes the bargains we overlook today may become some of the most valuable items in our pantry tomorrow.

Sprouting 5 year old Lentil Seeds along with new

All in all, this experiment reinforced me to keep saving my old seeds, to do more shopping comparisons and to stock up while the prices are low. 

Do you love this DELUXE SEED SPROUTER? <-----------I'm thinking of buying another. I am an Amazon affiliate and any products I recommend I actually buy and use myself. I receive a small commission at ZERO cost to you.    Check out my other links on sprouting: 

Sprouting Seeds: The Fastest Garden You Can Grow Anywhere