Editors' Musings
November 15, 2020
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
October 21, 2020
Ever noticed that Halloween pictures always show a full Moon? Well, this year, October 31 brings a Halloween Blue Moon! How rare is a full Moon on Halloween? Let’s learn more about the mythical Moon on this rather mystical night!
A Halloween Blue Moon in October 2020
The next Halloween full Moon occurs this year! We’ll see two full Moons this October: the first occurs on Thursday, October 1, and the second occurs on Saturday, October 31. Halloween’s full Moon will be extra special, since it... more
September 26, 2020
Here’s how to make apple cider with a press! It’s a great way to celebrate fall—and that pure, fresh apple cider taste is like nothing you’ve ever tasted from a grocery store. It’s simple and lots of fun!
In colonial days, it was common for farmers and families to own a barreled cider press (and in those days, the cider was often left to ferment and become an alcoholic “hard” cider). Today, the “old-fashioned” cider press is becoming more popular again, perhaps because more people are planting... more
September 21, 2020
Frost is one of a gardener’s worst foes! Learn how to predict frost, understand the difference between a frost advisory and a freeze warning, and protect your garden from frost!
What Is a Frost?
“Frost” refers to the layer of ice crystals that form when water vapor on plant matter condenses and freezes without first becoming dew.
A light frost occurs when the nighttime temperature drops to at or just below 32°F (0°C).
A hard freeze is a period of at least four consecutive hours of air... more
September 9, 2020
Hawks migrating, bears foraging, acorns falling. Signs of fall are all around. Anyone who’s sweated their way through a long hot summer might be ready for a change of season. What says autumn to you?
The signs of fall start much earlier than the autumnal equinox on September 22, 2020, even if the weather still feels summery. Look very closely. Use your observational skills and your five senses.
Sunlight
Have you noticed it’s darker now in the mornings? The sun is rising later—and setting... more
August 24, 2020
Discover the best herbs for tea and how to make a good, flavorful cup of herbal tea! Not only do herbal teas offer a wide variety of flavors—from mint to chamomile—they also some herbal teas provide health benefits, including allergy relief. See 10 herbs for tea.
At some point, you’ve probably had bland, tasteless tea. This is likely due to either the herbs or the method used to make it—both solvable issues! Let’s start with the herbs …
When it comes to herbs for tea, homegrown herbs—such as... more
August 21, 2020
Read on for a surefire remedy for getting rid of hiccups that can strike a person anytime, anywhere!
It’s hard to forget the embarrassment of being attacked by hiccups in a library.
From that moment, I vowed to share my no-fail, portable hiccup antidote with everyone I met.
Best Cure for Hiccups
Some hiccups just can’t be stopped by breathing into a paper bag, drinking water fast while holding your nose, or having someone suddenly scare you.
Fortunately, you can find the ultimate cure for ... more
May 28, 2020
Why are there ants on my peonies? Will ants harm my peonies? Every year, peony season brings these questions. Plus, we hear that enduring (but delightful) myth that ants need to “tickle the buds” to help peonies open. Peonies and ants do have a relationship but it’s not quite what you may think.
In late spring, we rejoice in the breathtakingly beautiful peony blossoms. However, those of us with peonies in our garden may also notice ants, especially at the peony’s base.
Figure 1Ants searching... more
April 30, 2020
It’s time for fiddlehead season again! Harvesting the young tips of the ostrich fern is a May tradition that has its roots in Native American times. Discover fiddleheads and the ancient family of ferns—which lived BEFORE dinosaurs walked the Earth! Discover the fascinating world of ferns, their healing powers, and more about fiddleheadin’.
What Are Fiddleheads?
In April, young ferns sprout from wet soil here in New Hampshire, appearing bright green against the decaying leaves. These are the... more
March 8, 2020
Every year, we patiently look for the first signs of spring in the air—leaves budding, birds singing, and butterflies migrating. Tell Us: What are you observing in your neck of the woods?
Even if it’s still winter and your ground is covered in snow, observe closely! There are always subtle signs that spring is on the way. For example:
1. Birds are singing!
Backyard birds are one of the best predictors. There is a weather proverb that states, “Bluebirds are a sign of spring; warm weather and... more
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Your Old Farmer’s Almanac editors occasionally share our reflections, advice, and musings—and welcome your comments!
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