Black Moon tonight, growing basil, canning and preserving
This is an archived issue of our Almanac.com Companion email newsletter.
Daily Newsletter for Wednesday, July 31, 2019
The Poetry of earth is never dead:
When all the birds are faint with the hot sun,
And hide in cooling trees, a voice will run
From hedge to hedge about the new-mown mead;
That is the Grasshopper’s—he takes the lead
In summer luxury,—he has never done
With his delights; for when tired out with fun
He rests at ease beneath some pleasant weed.
–John Keats (1975–1821)
Dean Cain (actor) was born on this day in 1966. Robert A. Taft (politician) died on this day in 1953.
"Black Moon" Tonight
What is a Black Moon?
Much media hype surrounds Moon names, such as “Blood Moon” and “Blue Moon,” but have you ever heard of a “Black Moon”? This year, there’s a Black Moon on July 31. Here’s an explanation of this ominous-sounding name.
Basil Basil is a warm-weather, fragrant herb that tastes great in Italian dishes—and let’s not forget homemade pesto! Plant seeds or transplants after all danger of frost has passed and soil is warm, and it will yield an abundant harvest within weeks. Keep harvesting the leaves to keep the plant going strong.
Detailed weather forecasts for the entire U.S., gardening and growing, food and recipes, astronomy, tides, home remedies, trends, handy tips, history, plus lots of humor—what’s not to like?
Canning and Preserving Your Harvest
If you are blessed with an overabundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, preserve your harvest for winter. Canning is one time-honored way. Here’s an overview on how to can!
5 Fast-Growing Vegetables to Try
Here are five super-speedy vegetables that will give you a harvest in just a few short weeks—just the job for the impatient among us!
