Editors' Musings
February 9, 2021
Our 2021 Online Garden Planner is easier, faster, and better—thanks to your input over the past two years! It has so many amazing features, figuring out how much space plants require, how to group vegetables, exactly when to sow seeds for your location—plus, get a printable planting schedule. This is powerful stuff!
“You have made gardening EASY and FUN! Fail-safe crop rotations, plant quantities and supply (irrigation) lists specific to my plan, planting times for my location for indoor and... more
January 19, 2021
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—but 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
January 1, 2021
From the Babylonians who resolved to return borrowed farm equipment to medieval knights who would renew their vow to chivalry, New Year resolutions are nothing new. See this brief history—and compare the top 10 resolutions from the 1940s to today! Are you surprised?
Short History of New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions actually go back to ancient times! So, before you pooh-pooh the idea, let’s explore the history behind this tradition.
In 2000 B.C., the Babylonians celebrated the New... more
December 23, 2020
Is the year 2021 the start of a new decade? Or, did it begin in 2020; after all, we’re living in the “twenties.” It’s a simple question, but the answer can depend on the words you use! There are two ways of thinking about this. We’ll explain—and let us know what you think.
What Is a Decade?
When does the new decade begin and end, anyway? Let’s consider what the word “decade” means. The Oxford Dictionary states, “a period of 10 years, especially a period such as 1910–1919 or 1990–1999.” That’s ... more
November 15, 2020
Keeping warm is a basic need we all share. As we go into winter’s chilliest months, we present our top tips for keeping cozy that don’t include turning up the furnace!
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... 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 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
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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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