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March 20, 2019
Learn how to predict frost, differentiate between a light frost and a hard freeze, and protect your garden from frost with these tips!
How to Predict a Frost
First, plan ahead. Look up the average frost dates for your area to know when frosts are most likely to occur. Use our Frost Dates Calculator to find frost dates for spring and fall in your area.
Keep in mind that frosts can vary greatly by microclimate. In fact, while you may have frost in your garden, your neighbor across the street may... more
March 7, 2019
Was Saint Nicholas a real person? Actually, he was! Find out about the history of St. Nicholas (and St. Nicholas Day) as well as his ties to Santa Claus!
Saint Nicholas Day: The Feast of Sinterklaas
Many countries in Europe celebrate the Feast of Sinterklaas—also known as St. Nicholas—on the eve of December 6. After dinner, families hunt for their presents, following clues in funny, anonymous poems. In Belgium and the Netherlands, a fellow dressed as St. Nicholas would arrive by ship on... more
February 22, 2019
Isn’t it nice to wake up and hear the birds singing? If you observe closely, the first signs of spring are in the air—leaves are budding, birds are chattering, and butterflies are migrating. Every year, we enjoy hearing what readers from different regions have to say!
Even if it’s still winter and your ground is covered in snow, there are indeed subtle signs that spring is on the way.
1. Birds are singing!
To me, my backyard birds are one of the best predictors. There is a weather proverb that... more
February 1, 2019
Are you ready to break out some delicious Super Bowl dip recipes for the big day? Scoop up classic guacamole, spicy buffalo chicken dip, delicious spinach dip, and more!
Dip Tip: If having a party, tell your friends and family to bring the chips, while you take care of the dip!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Spicy, chunky, and oh-so cheesy! Buffalo chicken dip is a natural addition to any Super Bowl party. See a video version of this recipe.
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner.
Crab Dip
Tasty and easy to... more
December 14, 2018
Where I live, winter temperatures are often in the single digits, but no matter where you live, keeping warm is a basic need that we all share.
Here are some tips—from both Almanac editors and readers—about how to stay warm. These aren’t “big” projects like buying a new heating system—just inexpensive, resourceful ways to help you warm up now!
How to Keep Warm in Winter
1. Dress in layers
Bundle up. Wear long underwear, sweaters, and even hats indoors. Remember the days of “sleeping caps”? They... more
November 30, 2018
Labyrinth gardens are meant as a place for personal contemplation and renewal. See pictures of our outdoor labyrinth garden—and learn more about this increasingly popular “healing garden.”
What is a Labyrinth?
In a labyrinth, you follow a curving pathway that winds to a center. It is NOT a maze, which has false paths and dead ends. Labyrinths are not designed to be difficult to navigate. Once at the center, you simply take the same path out.
Labyrinths have existed for centuries and may be best... more
November 19, 2018
Why do we eat turkey (well, most of us) on Thanksgiving? It’s a bit of a mystery but it helps if you know a little history of this all-American feast day.
Did Pilgrims Eat Turkey at Thanksgiving?
Nobody is sure if turkey was served at the harvest celebration held by the pilgrims of Plymouth colony in 1621.
The best existing account of the Pilgrims’ harvest feast comes from colonist Edward Winslow, author of Mourt’s Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. Winslow’s first-hand account of... more
November 11, 2018
Happy November! In honor of the 11th month of the year, we take a look at 11 favorite facts, folklore, proverbs, and puzzles from the pages of The 2019 Old Farmer’s Almanac Everyday Calendar!
11 Days of November
Nov. 1: It’s All Gravy—To improve the flavor of meat gravy, add the water in which potatoes have been boiled. If the water contains salt, do not add salt to the gravy.
Nov. 3: Cliché Day—Call it a day! It’s a good time to remember to let sleeping dogs lie and that it takes two to tango... more
November 6, 2018
Twenty years ago, our Almanac declared sweet potatoes to be the “healthiest vegetable of them all.” This fleshy root vegetable is indeed highly nutritional, low in calories, and, for the chef, it is easier than pie to use.
Did You Know: Before George Washington became a general and the first U.S. President, he was a sweet potato farmer! Central Americans were raising sweet potatoes when Christopher Columbus first landed on their shores in 1492.
Sweet Potato Fun Facts and Benefits
A Sweet... more
November 1, 2018
When it comes to Thanksgiving, turkey may be the centerpiece of the table, but it’s dessert that can make the meal extraordinary. Here are eight scrumptious pie recipes using everything from classic ingredients like apples and cranberries to the slightly more adventurous combination of maple and bacon. (Yes, bacon for dessert!) Plus, we’ve included two delicious Thanksgiving puddings!
For our scrumptious pie recipes, we’ve included recipes that classic ingredients like apples and cranberries to... more
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