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The Old Farmer's Almanac Best Days by Activity for 2026

Here are the 2026 BEST DAYS from The Old Farmer's Almanac—listed by activity. (Or, see Best Days by Date.) 

Find out when to start a diet to lose weight, cut hair to increase growth, plant vegetables, quit smoking, lose weight, potty train, mow grass to slow growth, and more activities, based on the Moon’s sign. The 2026 Best Days Calendar dates are based on several factors, including the position of the Moon in the 12 signs of the Zodiac, as well as the lunar phase. Planetary relationships may also be considered. When positions and/or phases are suitable, tradition says that activities are more likely to yield favorable results.

→ For all 12 months of Best Days, pick up a copy of The Old Farmer’s Almanac!

Best Days by Activity for October 2026
ActivityBest Days
BakeOct 3, Oct 4, Oct 30, Oct 31
Begin Diet to Gain WeightOct 14, Oct 24
Begin LoggingOct 16, Oct 17, Oct 18
Begin a Diet to Lose WeightOct 5, Oct 28
Breed AnimalsOct 11, Oct 12, Oct 13
Brew Beer or CiderOct 11, Oct 12, Oct 13
Can or Pickle Vegetables and FruitOct 3, Oct 4, Oct 30, Oct 31
Castrate AnimalsOct 19, Oct 20
Color HairOct 26, Oct 27
Cut Hair to Discourage GrowthOct 9, Oct 27
Cut Hair to Encourage GrowthOct 21, Oct 22, Oct 23
Cut HayOct 24, Oct 25
Destroy Pests and WeedsOct 24, Oct 25
Dry Fruit, Vegetables, or MeatOct 5, Oct 6
End ProjectsOct 9
Get MarriedOct 9, Oct 10
Go CampingOct 14, Oct 15
Graft or PollinateOct 3, Oct 4, Oct 30, Oct 31
Harvest Aboveground CropsOct 16, Oct 17, Oct 18
Harvest Belowground CropsOct 7, Oct 8
Have Dental CareOct 7, Oct 8
Make Jams or JelliesOct 21, Oct 22, Oct 23
Make SauerkrautOct 3, Oct 4, Oct 30, Oct 31
Move to a New HomeOct 1, Oct 2, Oct 28, Oct 29
Pick FruitOct 7, Oct 8
Plant Aboveground CropsOct 11, Oct 12, Oct 13
Plant Belowground CropsOct 3, Oct 4, Oct 30, Oct 31
Potty-Train ChildrenOct 5, Oct 28
Prune to Discourage GrowthOct 5, Oct 6
Prune to Encourage GrowthOct 14, Oct 15
Quit SmokingOct 5, Oct 28
Set Posts or Pour ConcreteOct 16, Oct 17, Oct 18
Slaughter LivestockOct 11, Oct 12, Oct 13
Start ProjectsOct 11
Straighten HairOct 14, Oct 15
TravelOct 5, Oct 6
Wean CalvesOct 5, Oct 28
Wean ChildrenOct 5, Oct 28
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