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

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grasshopper

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)

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Support Farmers Tote Bag > Learn More
 
What is a Black Moon?
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.
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Basil
Basil
Basil is a warm-weather, fragrant herb that tastes great in many dishes—including the beloved 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...
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2020 Old Farmer's Almanac Online Edition

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?

A special website makes reading our Online Edition as easy as flipping the pages of a book. Features enlargeable type, zoom, search, printing pages, or saving as a PDF file to your device. It’s the Almanac always at your fingertips. Plus, pay no shipping charges either!  

 
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Canning for Beginners: What Is Canning?
Canning for Beginners: What Is Canning?
Home canning is experiencing a resurgence of interest. Imagine preserving the taste of vegetables and fruit at their peak to enjoy all-year long. From homemade pickles to tomato sauce and jams, canning captures the best flavors. See our introduction to canning for beginners to what canning is all...
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The 2020 Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Calendar

Our perennial best-seller for over 40 years! 
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5 Fast-Growing Vegetables to Try
5 Fast-Growing Vegetables to Try
Here are five super-speedy vegetables for a harvest in just a few short weeks! Not only will growing a few edibles at home reduce trips to the grocery store, but also you’ll also enjoy better-tasting, fresher food—and the tonic of the plants and the outdoors!  (Note: Full article...
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The 2020 Old Farmer's Almanac Moon Calendar

Loaded with dramtic images, lunar lore, and more! Makes a great stocking stuffer!
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Fresh Basil and Tomato Frittata
Fresh Basil and Tomato Frittata

This Fresh Basil and Tomato Frittata is a prime example of how tasty a simple recipe can be.
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The 2020 Old Farmer's Almanac Weather Watcher's Calendar

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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