Oops! We meant to say...Best planting dates, soil prep, 3 mistakes to avoid

Daily Newsletter for Friday, February 3, 2017

Dear Almanac readers,

Apologies if you received a Companion newsletter earlier this morning about Groundhog Day. (No, we are not reliving Groundhog Day again!)

Today's issue focuses on the yard and garden. Prime your soil so that it's in top-notch condition for the coming growing season. Check your planting dates (based on the last spring frost).  

If you're new to gardening (or, even if you're not), review the top "3 Garden Planning Mistakes" video. It's especially helpful for motivating some of us who haven't yet planned our gardens!

Sincerely,

Your Almanac Editors

Deep down within the frozen brook
I hear a murmur faint and sweet,
And lo! The ice breaks as I look,
And living waters touch my feet.
–Jane Goodwin Austin (1831–94)
Friday, February 3, 2017
34th day of the year


Maura Tierney (actress) was born on this day in 1965.
Frances Reid (actress) died on this day in 2010.
 

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Best Days to Plant Seeds

Gardening by the Moon Calendar
Our Gardening by the Moon calendar works according to the age-old belief that phases of the Moon affect plant growth. Lunar planting is a longtime Old Farmer’s Almanac tradition. 
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The 2017 Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Calendar

Force spring flowers indoors: Cut forsythia, dogwood, or crabapple branches. Before placing in a vase, mash the cut ends…
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$9.99
 
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Boost Your Soil Now!

How to Enrich Your Garden Soil With Minerals
The secret to a successful garden is right beneath your feet. Show your soil some love and you can expect bigger, better harvests. In this short video, we demonstrate five simple yet highly effective ways to prepare your soil to give your crops the best possible start this spring.
  WATCH VIDEO  
 
The 2017 Old Farmer's Almanac Moon Calendar

The Algonquin people named the Full Snow Moon after this time when the heaviest snows fall.
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$10.99
 
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Handy Crop Rotation Chart

How to Rotate Your Vegetable Crops
Crop rotation is key to a successful vegetable garden after the first year.
  WATCH VIDEO  
 
The 2017 Weather Watcher’s Calendar | Save 50%

For those who like to keep an eye on the sky! Features dramatic photography, weather proverbs, historical weather events, trivia, and more.
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$4.99
 
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How to Start Seeds Indoors

Top Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting plants from seed is economical and helps your plants get a head start on producing an earlier and longer harvest.
  WATCH VIDEO  
 
In the Garden Handcare Caddy

A silver-toned caddy holding our popular foaming hand soap and rich hand lotion together in one place, whether in the bath or the kitchen. Very elegant, very convenient. 
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$21.99
 
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3 Top Gardening Mistakes

3 Garden Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Ready to start garden planning? Here’s a timely video with three normal mistakes gardeners make when planning their gardens, but you really want to avoid!
  WATCH VIDEO  
 
Iditarod Beanie Hat

Designed for extremely cold weather! Features the softest and most luxurious Alpaca fleece.
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$49.95