Choosing chicken breeds, new 2020 plants!, February forecast for Groundhog Day and beyond

This is an archived issue of our Almanac.com Companion email newsletter.

Daily Newsletter for Sunday, January 26, 2020

thaw

There are two seasonal diversions that can ease the bite of any winter. One is the January thaw. The other is the seed catalogs.
–Hal Borland (1900–78)
Sunday, January 26, 2020
 26th day of the year


Wayne Gretzky (hockey player) was born on this day in 1961.
Robert Hegyes (actor) died on this day in 2012.
 
Vegetable Gardener's Handbook
 
February Forecast Update

 February Forecast Update: Winter Weather Ahead for Groundhog Day and Beyond
The two most important events of the year for many both occur on the same day this year—Sunday, February 2—when Pennsylvania groundhog Punxsutawney Phil will be looking for his shadow during commercial breaks in the early-morning TV run-up to Super Bowl LIV, which will be taking place that evening in Miami Gardens, Florida’s partially covered Hard Rock Stadium. 
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SPONSORED

How To Entirely Empty Your Bowels Every Morning - Top Surgeon Explains How
Dr. Steven Gundry Reveals How To Defeat The War In Your Stomach. Learn More >>
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Embedded thumbnail for How to Use Garden Planner Software
A Garden Planner Intro

 How to Use Garden Planner Software
In this video, we demonstrate how to use the Almanac Garden Planner software—and how it can save you time and money.
  WATCH VIDEO  
 
Crossbody Purses for Cell Phones by Chala
Perfect size for carrying most cell phones, cash, ID, and a few credit cards. Very nicely made and features adjustable straps.
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$32.99
 
New 2020 Edibles and Flowers

 New and Notable Plants for 2020
We are being inundated with seed catalogs this year. It will be hard to find room among the tried and true to experiment with all the new things I’d like to try. Here are some edibles that caught my eye—as well as a few flowers.
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Try the Weed Spinner!
All you need is a drill and weeds and their roots are gone in one quick spin! The action is fun, fast, and satisfying! What’s more, there’s no kneeling, bending, or getting your hands dirty. Expect your neighbors to get curious and want to try the Weed Spinner, too. This back-saving drill bit was invented by retired school teacher Vern Ader and we thank him. 
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$15.99
 
Kung Pao Chicken

 Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is named for Ding Baozhen, a Chinese official who served as the governor of Sichuan Province in the 1800s.
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Easy and Safe Tick Remover Tool (3-Pack)
The best tick remover is the one that is easy to carry and always with you! This safe tick removal tool attaches to key chains, leashes, and backpacks. Made in the USA from high-strength aluminum that won’t break or bend. 
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$19.95
 
Choosing Chicken Breeds

 The Best Chicken Breeds for Your Backyard
With more than a hundred breeds of chickens to choose from, it can be challenging trying to figure out which breeds you want to raise. Here’s my advice—plus, see this page for a free beginner’s guide to gardening which includes my four-season guide to raising chickens!
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Local Farmers' Market Tote

Features long and short handles for convenience. Plus, a two-sided design and small interior pocket.
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$6.97 (You Save $5.00)