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gardening
August 2, 2021
Harvesting Corn
Sweet corn is an annual crop that produces ears of yellow, white, or bi-colored kernels. A long, frost-free growing season is necessary for growing corn. Here’s how to plant, grow, and harvest corn in your home garden!
About Corn
Corn (maize) is one of the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—and...
gardening
August 2, 2021
Rocks in the Garden
I love rocks! Do you? Just like early farmers, I put them to good use, too. If you have rocks, stones, and boulders that litter your landscape, they may be a blessing in disguise.
In my state of New Hampshire, the Granite State, you see evidence everywhere of the boulders that our forefathers and...
calendar
August 2, 2021
Birthstone for August
August’s birthstone, the peridot, is a light green, ancient, cosmic birthstone that has been found in volcanic lava in Hawaii—and in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. The Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the Sun” and believed it had special healing powers.
August Birthstone Color
The...
calendar
August 2, 2021
Birth Flowers for August
August’s bright, showy flowers capture the essence of sunny, late summer days! Learn the meanings behind August’s two birth flowers.
What are the Birth Flowers for the Month of August?
The August birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy.
The Gladiolus
The...
home-health
August 2, 2021
Corn's More Than Good Eating
Hurrah! It’s corn-on-the-cob season across the nation, and I grew a few rows of corn this year. Corn is great for eating but also has so many other uses including medicinal. Discover the how to use the entire corn including the kernals, husks, silks, and cob to make delicious recipes in the kitchen...
astronomy
August 1, 2021
August Night Sky!
Look up! The Sky Watch for August 2021 features Jupiter and Saturn at opposition appearing bigger and brighter in the night sky. Plus, get ready for the Perseid Meteor Shower to be at its best, thanks to the young Moon and dark skies! Bob Berman shares more information.
Sky Watch...
calendar
August 1, 2021
Lammas: Cross-Quarter Day
Where did the dates for Groundhog Day, Midsummer Day, weddings in June, elections in fall, and Halloween originate? It’s all rooted in the ancient Celtic calendar. There are four “Quarter Days” near the solstices and equinoxes; the midpoints were called “Cross-Quarter Days.” Learn why we celebrate...
calendar
August 1, 2021
It's August! What's Up?
August is upon us! What do we celebrate in August? Why is August a month? See all the notable days of August—from Lammas Day to Left-Handers Day to the Perseid Meteor Shower!
To us, August brings the best bounty of the season—ripened tomatoes, ripe melon, sweet corn on the cob, and zucchini are...
calendar
August 1, 2021
Your August Horoscope
Here’s your horoscope for August 2021. If you follow the ancient practice of astrology, see the month’s at-a-glance predictions for all 12 zodiac signs. Take a gander at what’s in store for you.
We begin this month with a waning Moon with the new Moon occurring on the 8th (9:30 AM...
gardening
July 31, 2021
Caring for Morning Glories
How do you plant and care for morning glories? These strong climbers have beautifully shaped blooms that unfurl in the sun and romantic tendrils that lend old-fashioned charm. Learn all about growing morning glories in your garden!
About Morning Glories
Morning glories bloom from early summer to...
gardening
July 31, 2021
Our Ripeness Guide
How do you know when a vegetable or fruit is ripe and at the peak of flavor? Whether you are harvesting in the garden OR you are picking produce at the market, find out when to pick a pepper—or tomato, cucumber, bean pod, melon, ear of corn, eggplant, pumpkin, and all your common veggies and fruit...
cooking
July 31, 2021
Terrific Tomato Recipes!
Let’s make the most of summer’s tomato harvest! We’ve got 15 delicious summer tomato recipe ideas right here—from tantalizing tomato sauce to fried green tomatoes to super salsa!
1. Fresh Tomato Tart
This free-form tomato pastry dish, compliments of the Almanac Eats cookbook, is...
cooking
July 31, 2021
Canning Tomato Sauce
Have you ever canned tomato sauce? This super-basic canned (jarred) tomato sauce contains only tomatoes—with a little lemon juice or acid for safety. We seal the jars in a boiling water bath. No special “canner” needed. Get ready to use up all those end-of-summer tomatoes!
I grew...
home-health
July 31, 2021
Easy, Fun Summer Eating
Big bowls, platters, and boards are great alternatives for easy-breezy summer meals and also holiday entertaining. Forget casseroles, individual appetizers, and all that work. Guests enjoy the variety of foods and helping themselves. The best part? No (or less) cooking! Work smarter, not harder!...
