October 2025
“The trees are in their autumn beauty, The woodland paths are dry, Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky
…..William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: dry and seasonable at first, then rain, followed by cooler and dry weather (1,2,3,4,5); dry and turning sharply warmer on the 7th, then isolated showers and much cooler but seasonable conditions (6,7,8,9,10); dry and seasonable (11,12,13,14,15); dry and warm, then scattered showers and turning dry and cooler (16,17,18,19,20); 21-25: initially dry and turning quite warm, then rain followed by dry and seasonable weather (21,22,23,24,25); heavy rain and warm, then turning dry and much colder with a hard frost (26,27,28,29,30,31).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees a hard freeze hitting the Mid-Atlantic Region on the 30th.
FULL MOON: October’s FULL MOON will occur on October 6th and is the HARVEST MOON of 2025. Named because of the extra light the moon provided more time to bring in the harvest. The Cree Tribe referred to as and YELLOW LEAF and FALLING LEAVES because of the many leaves turning bright yellow (and many others, as well!)and because most trees have lost the last of their leaves during the month.
HOLIDAYS: Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 13th, United Nations Day is celebrated on Friday, 24th, and Halloween (Booo!) falls on Friday, October 31st.
SPECIAL NOTES: October is Fire Prevention Month. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in 1922 in commemoration to the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by educating families, students and communities across the United States raising fire safety awareness. During this month, local and regional fire departments provide education to their communities and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety. Remember to have an evacuation plan ready for your family to follow, check smoke detector batteries often, and always, always respect the power of fire.
THE GARDEN: Mulching fall planted perennials will keep the soil warmer longer, allowing root growth to continue, however, the plants do need time to harden off for winter. Spread a thin layer of mulch after fall planting, and then add a thicker layer once the ground has frozen. Mulching fall planted perennials will keep the soil warmer longer, allowing root growth to continue, however, the plants do need time to harden off for winter. Spread a thin layer of mulch after fall planting, and then add a thicker layer once the ground has frozen. Shredding leaves, along with lawn clippings, dead plant stalks from the vegetable garden make a fine addition to the compost heap. And try this simply trick: remove all large vines and spent plants from the vegetable garden. Mix 1 can of cola (not diet), 1 cup of dish soap, and ¼ cup of ammonia and add to 20-gallon hose end sprayer and fill to top. Saturate the layer of mulch that’s left on top of the garden’s soil and then say, “Good Night” until the next growing season!
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (8,9,19,20.21); weeding and stirring the soil (14,15,16); planting above-ground crops (22,23); harvesting all crops (2,3); the best days for setting hens and incubators (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,29,30,31); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28); transplanting (21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28); weening of all small animals and livestock(1,2,3,4,5,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); harvesting and storing grains (13, 14,15,16,17,18,19,20).
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING When a boy passes through a graveyard, does he whistle to keep his own spirits up or to keep the spirits of other people down?
September 2025
(Special Note: September’s Full Moon [Corn Moon] will occur on September 7th)
“September blow soft till the fruit’s in the loft.”
…..Anonymous
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: dry and comfortable to start, then turning slightly warmer with isolated afternoon showers (1,2,3,4,5); warmer and more humid, then showers followed by dry and cooler weather on the 10th (6,7,8,9,10); dry, turning very hot and humid, then a round of afternoon thunderstorms followed by cooler temperatures (11,12,13,14,15); very cool and pleasant at first, then warmer with a few showers, ending before the 20th and turning pleasant again (16,17,18,19,20); seasonable and dry, except showers on the 22nd (21,22,23,24,25); 26-30: warmer and dry, then scattered showers and turning dry and cooler on the 29th and 30th (26,27,28,29,30).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy rain in the region from the 21st to the 24th.
FULL MOON: September’s Full Moon is most famously known as the HARVEST MOON. It is the Full Moon that falls closest to the Autumnal Equinox. During this time, the moon would rise very soon after the sun would set on several successive days, giving the farmer a few extra hours of ‘light’ and a little more time to finish up their daily chores. This year, the Autumnal Equinox will occur on Monday, September 22nd and signals the beginning of Autumn. The Full Moon closest to that date will occur on Monday, October 6th and is therefore the HARVEST MOON of 2025.
SPECIAL NOTES: We must never forget that on September 11th, 2001. America was attacked like never before and it has never been the same since. Today, we honor those who perished on that day and the brave first-responders, many who also perished, trying to minimize the loss of life . The 2026 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack has been available on newsstands and at popular retailers throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region now since early August, again, almost a month earlier than past years! For a complete listing of retail locations, go to www.almanack.com/where-to-buy-us but save some time and go to www.almanack.com/order, order your copy today, and have it delivered right to your front door! And consider taking advantage of our very popular 3-year subscription. Or become a Friend of The Almanack (FOTA), get immediate access to our new on-line digital version (as well as the next edition!), receive a single printed copy of the current edition, access to past digital editions, and so much more! Check it out at www.almanack.com/specials). All great deals for a great almanac!
HOLIDAYS: Labor Day falls on the first Monday of the month which falls on September 1st in 2025.
Citizenship Day is observed on Wednesday, September 17th
THE GARDEN: Remember that Fall is for planting! Plant cabbages, peas, fennel, cauliflower, lettuce, Swiss chard, onions, leeks, Chinese peas, and endive crops for late autumn harvest. Also, try beets, turnips, spinach, radishes, collards, and broccoli but be sure to water them thoroughly after planting. Other fast-growing vegetables to consider are arugula and kale. Don’t forget to consider what your flower garden might need. Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost. Plant pansies quickly so they can develop reliable roots before soil gets too cold (Fall-planted pansies WILL survive winter!).
THE FARM: Best days for planting root crops (2,3,11,12); weeding and stirring the soil (17,18,19); planting above-ground crops (24,25,26); harvesting all crops (1,4,5,6); best days for setting hens and incubators (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28); transplanting (21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,27,28,29,30); the harvesting and storing of grains (14,15,16,17,18,19,20.
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING “Every person has two educations – one that he receives from others and one more important which he gives himself”
August 2025
“Summer has set in with its usual severity.”
…..Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: seasonable and dry at first, then late day showers and thunderstorms and turning less humid (1,2,3,4,5); comfortable at first, then turning a bit more muggy but dry overall (6,7,8,9,10);seasonably warm and humid at first, then hot and humid with late day storms followed by a transition to cooler and less humid weather (11,12,13,14,15); comfortable and dry at first, then bursts of heavy rain and thunderstorms followed by pleasant and dry weather (16,17,18,19,20); dry and tolerable at first, then scattered afternoon showers and storms, then turning cooler and less humid (21,22,23,24,25); dry and pleasant, then turning hot with showers and storms, then ending with cooler temperatures (26,27,28,29,30,31).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy rain in the Mid-Atlantic region in August (20,21).
FULL MOON: August’s full moon will occur on Saturday, August 9th. Since August 11th marks the end of the ‘Dog Days of Summer’, it has been called it DOG MOON. Other Native American tribes referred to it as FRUIT MOON or RIPE MOON because of the many fruits and vegetables that ripen during the month.
SPECIAL NOTES: The Gruber Almanack, LLC proudly announces the release of the 230th edition of J. Gruber’s Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack! The Almanack will be available for sale at newsstands and at popular retailers throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region in early August, beating the competition once again! Watch for the official press release for specific dates. For a full listing of retailers and their locations, go to www.almanack.com/where-to-buy or when it is officially available, order your copy of The Almanack at www.almanack.com/order and have it delivered right to your front door! Consider our popular 3-year subscription, offering guaranteed delivery of The Almanack for the next three years with no increase in price for only $24.95! Or you can register as a Friend of The Almanack (FOTA) and receive a hard copy of the current edition, get immediate access to the digital version of The Almanack (and to next year’s digital edition, too!), access to past digital editions, the monthly newsletter, all for the low price of only $15. All great deal for a great almanac!
HOLIDAYS The end of summer is near and Labor Day is a just few weeks. Many are starting school, some for the very first time, and may need special attention. Begin planning now and make a list of the things that need to be done and when they need to be completed. Schedule immunizations and/or physicals, purchase new clothes, and assess school supplies that will be needed with ample lead time to ensure a successful ‘first day’ for your young student.
THE GARDEN: August is the peak of the hot and dry season and your plants will need water more than anything during this time. If watering is limited or restricted in your area, concentrate on getting the most to newly planted trees and shrubs.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (15,16); weeding and stirring the soil (21,22); planting above-ground crops (1,2); harvesting all crops (3,4,5,8,9); the best days for setting hens and incubators (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30); transplanting (23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,31); harvesting and storing grains (16,17,18,19,20,21,22).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING “If all our todays held as much hope as our tomorrows, what wonderful memories we would have of all our yesterdays.”
July 2025
“I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone”…..Edith Cavell (1865-1915)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: seasonably warm and humid, then very hot with late day showers and THUNDERSTORMS followed by a transition to more tolerable temperatures (1,2,3,4,5); turning hot and humid with PM showers and THUNDERSTORMS then turning slightly less humid (6,7,8,9,10); less humid at first, then turning hot and humid with a round of afternoon THUNDERSTORMS (11,12,13,14,15); mainly dry and seasonably warm and humid (16,17,18,19,20); quite humid and seasonably hot with a few rounds of shower and storms, then turning far less humid and dry (21,22,23,24,25); isolated afternoon THUNDERSTORMS and showers and seasonably warm, then turning more comfortable and dry (26,27,28,29,30,31).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees excessive heat (2,3,4,8,9,10) along with severe THUNDERSTORMS and heavy rain (14,15,16,22,23,24).
FULL MOON: July’s Full Moon will occur on Thursday, July 10th. Many Native American tribes referred to it as BUCK MOON because of rapid growth of antlers on young bucks during the month. It has also been called THUNDER MOON because of the numerous severe thunderstorms during the month (just look at this month’s forecast above!) Many other tribes called it either RIPE CORN MOON, because of the appearance of young corn on the stalks that were planted in the Spring, or HAY MOON since hay tended to ripen as well.
SPECIAL NOTES: Watch out! Those Dog Days of Summer will be upon us starting Thursday, July 3rd. Get ready for some the hot and humid weather to hit and last until mid-August.
HOLIDAYS: The Fourth of July is celebrated on Friday in 2025. On this day, in 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution saying, “these United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent states”. And always remember, if planning any extended outdoor activities, use the appropriate level of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Apply it frequently, especially if swimming or perspiring. The Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday, July 18th. If a barbeque is planned, double-check the grill. Nobody wants any surprises, so it is wise to make sure that it is functioning properly and that you remember to fill up the propane tank (or to pick up plenty of charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid!).
THE GARDEN: This is the last month to plant these veggies for a fall crop if you are in zone 5: snap beans, peas, cukes, carrots, kohlrabi, summer squash, early sweet corn, and green onions, can go in right now! Allow roses to rest in July and August. Do not fertilize, but continue spraying, and give them a light pruning in July to encourage new fall growth. During the dry summer months, remember to mow the lawn when it is high and mow less often. Taller grass withstands drought better because its blades shade the soil.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (18,19); weeding and stirring the soil (25,26); planting above-ground crops (4,5,6); harvesting all crops (7,8); the best days for setting hens and incubators (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18); the slaughtering and butchering of meat(1,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); transplanting (1,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15); harvesting and storing grains (17,18,19,20,21,22,23).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING “Do not regard liberty and freedom so lightly that you forget its value and take it for granted.”
June 2025
“Reputation is what men know of you, Character is what the angels know of you…..Thomas Paine (1737-1809)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Dry and seasonable, then humid with occasional isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms (1,2,3,4,5); initially dry, very warm and humid, then a few showers, followed by dry and slightly cooler weather (6,7,8,9,10):dry and turning warm and humid with late day showers and thunderstorms after the 12th (11,12,13,14,15); dry and turning unseasonably hot and humid with mainly afternoon thunderstorms after the 19th (16,17,18,19,20); dry, warm, and humid at first, then showers and thunderstorms, then dry and turning a touch cooler and less humid (21,22,23,24,25); dry and comfortable at first, then warm and humid with scattered afternoon storms on the 29th and 30th.
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees severe thunderstorms in the Mid-Atlantic Region on the 23rd and the 24th of the month (23,24).
FULL MOON: The FULL MOON in June will occur on Wednesday, June 11. It has been known, quite famously, as ROSE MOON because roses start to show their gorgeous blooms at the beginning of the month. It has also been referred to as STRAWBERRY MOON because the first strawberries of the season become ripe for the picking in June!
SPECIAL NOTES: The Summer Solstice that will occur on Friday, June 20th, marking the official beginning of summer. June is graduation time for many high school and college students.
Celebrate this major milestone with a big party with family and friends or a very special gift. Consider marking the special year (or any special event) with a copy of the 2025 edition of The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack. Go to www.almanack.com/order and order one right now!
HOLIDAYS: Proudly display ‘Old Glory’ on Saturday, June 14th. Be sure to display it properly and reference www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/displayonly.htm to be sure you’re doing it right! Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19th. Do something really nice for the guy who a) taught you how to ride a two-wheeler b) videotaped every sporting event or recital you ever were in, c) helped you finance that new (fill in the blank), or d) all of the above! National Independence Day, or Juneteenth, is celebrated on Thursday in 2025. The day commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
THE GARDEN: Feed roses after each bloom cycle, water regularly, and remove any spent flowers. It’s not too late to start warm-season crops such as corn, beans, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and eggplant. Plant or sow summer annuals such as nasturtiums, vinca, verbena, geraniums, phlox, marigolds, lobelia, impatiens, cosmos, sunflowers, zinnias, and alyssum. Feed annuals and remove spent flowers to promote another round of flowers.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (21,22); weeding and stirring the soil (1,23,24, 27,28); planting above-ground crops (7,8,9,25,26); harvesting all crops (10,11); the best days for setting hens and incubators (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,1,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (1,25,26,27,28,29,30); transplanting (1,25,26,27,28,29,30 ); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18); the harvesting and storing grains (18,19,20,21,22,23,24).
GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING “Send your son into the world with good principles, a good temper, a good business education, and habits of industry, then he will work his way.”
May 2025
“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there”
…..Robert Browning (1812—1889)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: rain and thunderstorms, then cooler and dry followed by more seasonable temperatures (1,2,3,4,5); very warm and dry, then heavy rain and turning cooler(6,7,8,9,10); very warm and dry at first, then rain and thunderstorms, followed by much cooler weather (11,12,13,14,15); seasonably warm with occasional rain, then dry and pleasant (16,17,18,19,20); dry and turning hot, then showers and cooler (21,22,23,24,25); dry and turning warmer, then periodic downpours followed by dry and cooler weather (26,27,28,29,30,31).
EXTREME WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy rains (1,2,10,26,27,28,29) and severe thunderstorms (14,15,16).
FULL MOON: May’s FULL MOON occurs on Monday, May 12th. Its name depends upon who you’re talking to. To many Native American tribes, it was called FLOWER MOON, due to the many flowers starting to blossom during this month while the Huron tribes specifically chose to call it BUDDING MOON for the very same reasons! But if you asked a colonial farmer, he would say it was MILK MOON because of the noticeable increase in milk produced by his dairy cows in the month of May.
SPECIAL NOTES: SPECIAL NOTES: National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 1st was established in 1952 at the direct suggestion of Reverend Billy Graham (1918–2018) and signed into law under Ronald Reagan in 1988. Rogation Sunday falls on May 25th and Ascension Day follows on Thursday, May 29th.
HOLIDAYS: Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on Monday, May 5th. Mothers are honored on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11th. That ‘very special lady” needs to be treated like royalty today, so plan a nice dinner out, send her a sentimental card with a nice arrangement of flowers, or just give her a telephone call to say, “I love you”! Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26thh. On this day, we honor those who have died in defense of our freedoms, Their unyielding service and sacrifice protect our way of life every single day!
THE GARDEN: Early flowering deciduous shrubs such as Forsythias, Weigela, and Spirea should be pruned back when they have finished blooming. Cut back a third of the oldest canes to ground level, then cut back one third of the remaining branches by one third of their height. Work lime in the soil around your Hydrangeas to produce pink flowers or Aluminum Sulphate for blue blooms. May is a good month to repair your lawn. Fill in the bare spots by slightly loosening surface of the soil and sow a good quality lawn seed over the area evenly. Tamp the seed in gently and water. Keep the patch moist by covering with light mulch of lawn clippings. Also, this is the time to eliminate lawn weeds by hand pulling, or the application of a ‘weed and feed’ fertilizer…. before they go to seed! Setting your mower for a higher cut during the spring months will help the grass to grow in fuller and help choke out the weeds.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (25,26); weeding and stirring the soil (27,28,31); planting above-ground crops (1,2, 29,30); harvesting all crops (13,14,15); best days for setting hens and incubators (4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20); slaughtering and butchering meat (1,2,3,26,27,28,29,30,31); harvest and store grains (20,21,22,23,24,25); Transplanting (1,2,3,26,27,28,29,30,31); weaning of small animals and livestock (13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING:
“While the truth may be painful to hear today, the wise man will benefit from it tomorrow”
April 2025
“Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see the world hath more fools in it than ever.”…..Charles Lamb (1835-1910)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Dry and mild at first, then warmer with showers and thunderstorms, then turning much cooler and dry (1,2,3,4,5); rain and mild, then much colder with flurries west followed by more rain and milder temperatures (6,7,8,9,10); unseasonably warm with heavy rain then dry and cooler (11,12,13,14,15); chilly at night and warm during the day, then warm and humid with rain and thunderstorms, then cooler and dry (16,17,18,19,20); dry and turning warmer then showers and storms and turning much cooler with a light frost (21,22,23,24,25); turning very warm and dry, then rain and cooler (26,27,28,29,30).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees high winds (3,4,5), hard freeze (7,8), heavy rain (12,13) and another hard freeze (23).
FULL MOON: April’s FULL MOON will occur on April 12th. Many Native American tribes referred to it as FISH MOON because the fishing starts to improve as the weather warms up. It also has been called PINK MOON because of the many pretty flowers that begin to display their bright pink hues as they bloom throughout the month.
SECIAL NOTES: April Fool’s Day falls on Tuesday, April 1st in 2025. Watch out for practical jokes and pranks that may be coming your way from family, co-workers, and even your friends! Tax Day is Tuesday, April 15th. Always remember that if you need more time to file, request an extension using the form found at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf. Earth Day is observed on Monday, April 22nd. Check out The Earth Day Network, at (202)518-0044, and at www.earthday.net offers some interesting, fun, and easy activities that you and your family can do that will help promote a healthier relationship with our fragile Mother Earth! Arbor Day falls on Wednesday, April 30th. Go to www.arborday.org/ for more on The Arbor Day Foundation’s mission, which focuses on helping others understand and use trees as a solution to the many global issues we face today that include air quality, water quality, a rapidly changing climate, deforestation, poverty, and hunger.
HOLIDAYS: Easter Sunday falls on April 20th in 2025. Celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, by attending the church of your choice and enjoying a fine meal with family and/or friends
THE GARDEN: Set out annuals and other perennials now. Cool season vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and beets can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. A good test of “soil readiness” is to take a handful of soil and squeeze it. If it remains in a ball, it’s too moist and should be allowed to dry further. If it crumbles, start planting! Begin planting indoor seedlings outdoors. Harden them off first with several short days outside under cover.
THE FARM Best days for planting root crops (19,20); weeding and stirring the soil (29,30); planting above-ground crops (4,5); harvesting all crops (16,17,18); to set hens and incubators (5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21); the slaughtering and butchering of meats (1,2,3,27,28,29,30); transplanting (1,2,3,27,28,29,30);harvesting and storing of grain (20,21,22,23,24,25,26); weaning of animals and livestock (16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24).
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING: “Gardens are for all ages: the young for hope of the future, the elderly, for fond memories of the past, and for those in between, the rewards of a good life, now.”
March 2025
“May you always have work for your hands to do. May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your windowpane. May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer.“…..Old Irish Blessing
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Chilly with a rain and snow mix, then dry and milder with more rain on the 5th; (1,2,3,4,5);occasional periods of rain then dry and seasonably mild(11,12,13,14,15); rain, then very warm and dry, a few showers and then becoming dry and seasonably cooler (16,17,18,19,20); few showers, then turning sharply colder and brisk with snow showers; dry by 20th (16,17,18,19,20); still windy, then calm with showers, dry and turning warm after the 22nd (21,22,23,24,25); seasonably mild with occasional rain (26,27,28,29,30,31.
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees high winds on the 21st and 22nd.
FULL MOON: March’s FULL MOON for 2025 will occur on the 14th. Many Native American tribes called it WORM MOON due to the abundance of earthworms that would appear when the earth starts to soften. It also has been referred to as SAP MOON because sap would rise and run during th month due to the warming temperatures throughout the month.
SPECIAL NOTES: Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins on Sunday, March 9th in 2025. Don’t forget to ‘spring’ ahead an hour at 2AM EST. The Vernal Equinox will occur Thursday, March 20th and signals the beginning of Spring! The Almanack suggests that you “Go fly a kite” during this very windy month. Check out some of these classic designs you can make at home at wwww.my-best-kite.com/how-to-build-kites.html.
HOLIDAYS: Ash Wednesday falls on the 5th, the first day of Lent. And don’t forget that St. Patrick falls on Monday, March 17th, so be sure to wear something green and festive!
THE GARDEN: Get started early if the weather allows. Test your soil for pH to see if any amendments are necessary. A general rule of thumb is to add 4 lbs. of lime per 100 sq. ft. of garden for every pH point below 6.5, or 1 lb. of sulfur per 100 sq. ft. for every pH point above 7.5. Sawdust, composted oak leaves, wood chips, peat moss, cottonseed meal, and leaf mold lower the pH while ashes of hardwoods, bone meal, crushed marble, and crushed oyster shells raise the pH. Prune trees and vines but stay away from birch and maples as they often bleed sap at this time of year if pruned.
THE FARM: Best days for planting root crops (15,16,22,23,24); weeding and stirring the soil (6,7); planting above-ground crops (8,9); harvesting all crops (20,21,25,26); setting hens and incubators (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14, ,16,17,18,19,20,21,22); slaughtering/butchering meat (1,2,3,4,5,29,30,31); transplanting (1,2,3,4,5,29,30,31); harvesting and storing grain (22,23,24,25,26,27,28); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING: “It is often true that the more one learns, the more one realizes how little one knows”
February 2025
“Late February days; and now, at last, might you have thought that winter’s woe was past; so fair the sky was and so soft the air.”….William Morris 1834–1896)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Turning milder with occasional showers, perhaps starting as freezing rain, then turning dry, blustery and more seasonable (1,2,3,4,5); turning milder with a rain/snow mix then turning blustery with flurries; light snow accumulation far west (6,7,8,9,10); another round of rain, changing to snow then colder, but turning dry (11,12,13,14,15); dry, then warmest weather of the month followed by rain (16,17,18,19,20); more rain, then turning more seasonable (21,22,23,24,25); seasonable and dry (28,27,28).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no severe weather activity in the month of February.
FULL MOON: February’s FULL MOON will occur on February 12th in 2025. It was called SNOW MOON, where the snow was deepest, while many other tribes called it WOLF MOON because of all of the howling heard during the month, which just happens to be the middle of their breeding season! And because there is such an extreme scarcity of game to hunt everywhere during this month, it was also aptly referred to as HUNGER MOON.
SPECIAL NOTES: The famous “Punxsutawney Phil” makes his annual and much-anticipated appearance on Sunday, February 2nd when he issues his ‘prediction’ of the coming of Spring! If it is a sunny day and this little marmot monax sees his shadow, he will retreat post haste underground, to remain there for another 6 weeks of Winter! If it is cloudy and he doesn’t get scared by his own shadow, Spring will come early in 2025. The Christian Festival of Lights, or Candlemas, is celebrated on the 2nd as well. As part of a long tradition, many churches would display many more candles on this day during their daily services. Not only did it make the service a special one, but it was also believed that the additional light would provide protection from illness and plague in the coming year.
HOLIDAYS: Valentine’s Day, February 14th, falls on Friday in 2025. Show that special someone just how special they are and how much you appreciate them. The birthdays of Presidents Abraham Lincoln (Wednesday, February 12th) and George Washington (Sunday, the 22nd) are collectively celebrated on President’s Day, which falls on Monday, February 17th, providing us with an extended holiday weekend. Enjoy!
THE GARDEN: It’s time to turn the compost pile (if it’s not too frozen!). Plants that may have been pushed out of the ground by frost heave should be pressed firmly back into place. Deciduous shrubs and trees are still dormant enough to transplant this month. Once the buds have begun to swell, it will be too late. Continue feeding our feathered friends. You will want them to stick around so they will provide natural insect control when the weather warms again.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (23,24); Best for weeding and stirring the soil (6,7); Best for planting bove-ground crops (1, 8,9,10) Best for harvesting all crops (21,22); Best days to set hens and incubators (5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21); slaughter and butcher meat (1,2,3,4,27,28); transplant (1,2,3,4,27,28); harvest and store grains (20,21,22,23,24,25,26); wean animals (1,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING: “Never seek happiness at the expense of another person.”
January 2025
“The next twelve months offers us a world of promise; it depends on each of us and how much we are willing to give of ourselves to help make it a better world”….John Gruber (1768-1857)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Seasonably cold at first, then turning mild with a few rain showers followed by seasonably cold temperatures under clear skies (1,2,3,4,5); turning mild with a rain and snow mix, then dry with mild daytime temperatures and a chilly overnight (6,7,8,9,10); seasonably warm and dry at first, then rain with a brief period of snow on the storm’s backside; becoming blustery and chilly with dry weather on the 15th (11,12,13,14,15); chilly at first, but becoming much milder with dry weather expected (16,17,18,19,20); rain followed by snow showers and turning much colder (21,22,23,24,25); period of light snow and rain, then breezy and staying on the cooler side of average (26,27,28,29,30,31).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack warns of heavy snow and high winds (24,25).
FULL MOON: The first FULL MOON of 2025 will occur on Monday, January 13th. It has often been referred to as HUNGER MOON because of the extreme difficulty finding food in most regions at this time of year. And it has also been called WOLF MOON because of the increased presence of wolf packs that boldly wander close to tribal villages and encampments searching for any food.
SPECIAL NOTES: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack celebrates its 229th edition in 2025! It has been continuously published since it first appeared in 1797 and it has been our on-going commitment to continue to improve its look, the accuracy of its weather forecasts, and provide useful information and inspiration to help one survive in the 21st Century! Go to www.almanack.com/order and purchase a printed copy, the new, online digital version in flipbook format, or the 3-year subscription guaranteeing no price increase for 3 years. Sign up to become a Friend of The Almanack, receive a printed copy of the latest edition, access to the latest on-line digital version (and for the following year’s edition as well!), access to past digital editions, the monthly newsletter, and so much more! A great deal for a great almanac!
HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day falls on Wednesday, January 1st and Epiphany follows on Monday, January 6th. Martin Luther King, Jr., famed civil rights activist leader, was born on January 15th in 1929. His birthday has been celebrated as a federal holiday on the third Monday of the month since 1983 and a state holiday in all 50 states by 2000. In 2025 that is Monday, January 20th. MLK will be forever remembered for paying the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of unity and racial harmony which still eludes us today.
THE GARDEN: Now is the time to spoil those indoor plants! They not only brighten up the house but they also rid indoor air of nasty pollutants. Extra watering is required to keep them from drying out indoors. They also need to be rotated periodically to ensure they receive adequate sunlight all around during the winter months.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (19,20,21); weeding and stirring the soil (10,11); planting above-ground crops (12,13,31); harvesting all crops (24,25,26); the best days for setting hens and incubators (7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22),; the slaughtering and butchering of meat (1,2,3,4,5,29,30,31); transplanting (1,2,3,4,5,29,30,31); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (1,2,3,4,5,24,25,26,27,28,29); harvest and store grains (21,22,23,24,25,26,7,28)
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING: “Resolutions are only as good as the intent to keep them”