Lynn Smythe
Farmer's Almanacs
October 23rd 2008 18:09
This article, Farmer's Almanacs; Folklore or Authentic Gardening Methods? first appeared on the Suite101 website on October 19th, 2007. Over 1 year has passed since the article was first published so now I am able to add it to other websites.
Article Overview
Gardeners and farmers have relied on the information contained in these annual reference books for over 150 years.
Farmers and gardeners are responsible for the planting, growing, and harvesting of a variety of food crops which are a necessary component of our food supply. In the past farmers used imitative magic techniques, such as leaping high into the air while astride their pitchforks, in order to cause the crops to grow tall and prosperous. Farmers have always paid close attention to the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac when planning any of their gardening chores.
The modern-day farmer’s almanacs, which are updated and published on a yearly basis, contain a plethora of information regarding weather forecasts, high tides, average frost dates, planting tables, holidays, eclipses and more. A great deal of the information included in almanacs, such as astrological timetables, gardening by the moon’s sign, the moon’s place in the astrological zodiac, and secrets of the zodiac, is of astrological significance especially as pertains to the ancient branch of astrology referred to as natural astrology.
The farmer’s almanacs give the dates and times of the four main phases of the moon namely the new moon, first quarter moon, the full moon, and the last or third quarter moon. Each month the moon spends approximately 2 1/2 days in each of the 12 zodiacal signs giving us our months of approximately 30 days each.
When performing any of your gardening chores, consult a farmer's almanac to determine which sign of the zodiac the moon is in on that particular day and plan the work accordingly.
A synodic month is an astronomical term and is the length of time that it takes the moon to make one complete revolution around the earth as measured from one new moon to the next consecutive new moon. This cycling of the phases of the moon, from new moon to first quarter to full moon to last or third quarter and finally back to the next new moon, is equal to approximately 29.53 days.
Full moon - an auspicious time for the harvesting of above ground plants. Herb leaves can be gathered during the full moon prior to the plant going to flower.
New moon - this is the best time for planting seeds. Herb roots can be dug out of the ground during the new moon. Harvesting roots during this dark phase of the moon in the fall will ensure that the roots are at their most potent.
Waxing moon - the moon appears to be increasing in size, from the new moon to the full moon. This phase of the moon is best for the planting of above ground plants such as lettuce, cabbage, and spinach.
Waning moon - the moon appears to be decreasing in size, from the full moon to the new moon. This phase of the moon is a good time to plant underground root crops such as potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips. This is also the best time to pull out weeds from the garden as the influence of the waning moon is supposed to discourage the weeds from re-growing.
Obtaining Almanacs
Local home improvement stores sell many different varieties of farmer’s almanacs. Almanacs all contain similar information and at least one version should be on anyone's bookshelf that has an interest in gardening and other endeavors honoring our great mother earth.
The almanacs include a variety of informative articles in each issue. Some recent topics have included Okra; Out of Africa and into the Kitchen, Top Ten Easiest Houseplants to Grow, Learn How to be a Nature Detective, Kids Grow the Sweetest Potatoes, Toad Patrol, Water-Wise Gardening, and Companion Planting Chart. The current version of the almanacs start appearing in stores in the fall.
The Almanacs
Farmer's Almanac
The Almanac for Farmer's & City Folk
The Old Farmer's Almanac
Llewellyn Worldwide
Llewellyn Worldwide publishes a variety of yearly almanacs and calendars including the Herbal Almanac, Magical Almanac, Astrological Calendar and the Daily Planetary Guide. Llewellyn publications can be found at major bookstores or purchased directly from their website.
Resources
See the article Zodiac Gardening for additional information on planting by the signs of the moon.
Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article Farmer's Almanacs in Vegetable Gardens is owned by Lynn Smythe. Permission to republish Farmer's Almanacs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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