December 2022
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
Charles Dickens (1812-
MID-
SEVERE WEATER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy snow and a wintery mix (8,9,10,11); high winds (11) and more heavy snow (25,26,27).
FULL MOON: December‘s full moon falls on the 7th. Because of the lower temperatures during the month, it has been appropriately called COLD MOON by many Native American tribes. Other tribes noticed that the beavers were scurrying to finish building their dams and lodges before the lakes and ponds begin to ice over so they called it ICE-
SPECIAL NOTES: The Winter Solstice of 2022 will occur on Thursday, December 21st. Remember that The Almanack makes a great gift, one that keeps giving throughout the entire year! Go to www.almanack.com/order, order a holiday copy or two (or three or four!), and this year, consider including a nifty THE ALMANACK KNOWS WHICH WAY THE WIND BLOWS! sweatshirt or tee under the tree. Go to www.bonfire.com/the-
HOLIDAYS: Hanukkah begins at sunset on Sunday, December 18th , celebrate Christmas on Sunday, December 25th, and Kwanzaa, on Monday, December 26th. Enjoy the holiday festivities with family and friends and try to keep that joyful and giving spirit alive throughout the coming year. Everyone here at The Hagerstown Town & Country Almanack wishes everyone the happiest of holidays and again, pledges to its loyal readers (and followers on social media!) to continue to inform, inspire, and entertain as it has done for the past 227 years! New Year’s Eve falls on Saturday, December 31st. Plan and enjoy a safe, family-
THE GARDEN: Enjoy a rest! The days are becoming too short and getting colder to do any more things outdoors. Instead, turn your gardening attentions to those houseplants (and other plants you have moved inside for the winter). Remember that warmer indoor temperatures can quickly dry out most plants so they will need a bit more than usual. It is never too soon to start planning for next year. Go to www.smartgardener.com/ for a free online vegetable garden layout tool that will help you to successfully grow healthy and tasty food
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (17,18); weeding and stirring the soil (12,13); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“The thought that goes into the giving of a gift to a friend or loved one is so much more important than the value of the gift itself”
November 2022
“November woods are bare and still.
November days are bright and good.
Life’s noon burns up life’s morning chill.
Life’s night rests feet which long have stood.”
Helen Fiske Hunt (1830-
MID-
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack forecasts heavy rain (10), heavy snow (11) multiple hard freezes (12,13).
FULL MOON: The FULL MOON in November will occur on Saturday, November 18th. With the leaves falling and grasses dying off, it has been referred to as FALLING LEAF MOON and DYING GRASS MOON. And because of the high winds sweeping across The Plains, many called it BIG WIND MOON.
SPECIAL NOTES: The 2022 elections will be held on Tuesday, November 8nd. This year, even though we are not electing President of The United States, your vote is still needed to help maintain the course of America for the future. If voting by mail, complete your ballot immediately upon receipt and place the properly-
HOLIDAYS: In 2022, Veteran’s Day falls on Friday, November 11th. Each and every member of our military service branches who have served or who are currently serving, deserve our thanks and gratitude on this solemn day of remembrance. Thanksgiving is celebrated on Thursday, November 24th. Join with family and friends and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for and please, try to carry that appreciation throughout the coming year.
THE GARDEN: Even though lawns rest in winter, they still need all the winter sunlight they can get so don’t put away the rake until all of the leaves and pine needles have fallen and you can remove them. If you do have to do that one last mow, don’t bag those grass clippings. Instead, recycle them back onto the lawn. Feed the birds in a fun, unique way by making a pinecone bird feeder. Just roll a large pinecone in peanut butter and birdseed. Hang the finished ‘ornament’ with rustic twine or ribbon on a tree limb close to a window for easy observation. Remember that once you start feeding them, don’t stop until natural food becomes available for them again next spring.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (19,20,21); planting above-
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Whenever you feel blue or depressed, let a child show you the wonders and beauty of the world we live in.”
October 2022
“O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild
Should waste them all.”
Robert Frost (1874-
MID-
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees hard freezes hitting the region on the 10th to the 12th and from the 30th to the 31st.
FULL MOON: October’s FULL MOON will occur on October 9th and is the HUNTER’S MOON of 2022. Many Native Americans named it so because of the extra light it provided, extending their hunt for food well into the early evening. It was also referred to as both YELLOW LEAF and FALLING LEAVES MOON by the Cree Tribe because of the many leaves turning that color and that most of the trees lose the last of their leaves during the month.
HOLIDAYS: Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 10th, United Nations Day is celebrated on Monday, the 24th, and Halloween will fall on Monday, October 31st.
SPECIAL NOTES: October is Fire Prevention Month. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety and whole home safety. Have an evacuation plan ready with your family and check smoke detector batteries often.
THE GARDEN: One last effort at weeding will help to improve the appearance of the garden throughout the winter. Any weed that you can eliminate from the garden this Fall will possibly prevent thousands of weed seeds from sprouting in the garden next Spring! Do not prune or fertilize any trees or shrubs anymore this year. They need to go into a resting phase to prepare for the colder winter months ahead. Do cut back perennial foliage and shrubs to discourage winter pests. Leave flowers with seeds for the birds. The longer your house plants are allowed to remain outside in the fall, the more shock they will go through when they are finally moved indoors. If you haven’t brought them in yet, do it now.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (11,12, 23, 24); weeding and stirring the soil (18,19,20); planting above-
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“A true fiend offers a helping hand without expecting thanks in return”
September 2022
Not Available!
August 2022
“August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new
Fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.
Sylvia Plath (1932-
MID-
SEVERE WATCH: Severe THUNDERSTORMS, heavy rain (12); Severe THUNDERSTORMS, heavy rain (22,23).
FULL MOON: August’s full moon will occur on August 11th which just so happens to be the end of the ‘Dog Days of Summer’! Appropriately so, it has been referred to as DOG MOON by many while other Native American tribes called it RIPE MOON or FRUIT MOON due to the many fruits and vegetables that ripen during this month.
SPECIAL NOTES: The Gruber Almanack, LLC proudly announces the release of the 227th edition of J. Gruber’s Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack! The Almanack should now be available at newsstands and at popular retailers throughout the Mid-
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 students.
THE GARDEN: August is not too late to sow Portulaca (moss rose). They will bloom in about three weeks from seed. To encourage more flowers, azaleas should be trimmed after they bloom in the spring and before the end of August. Stop feeding trees and shrubs after mid-
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (17,18,19); weeding and stirring the soil (7,8,9); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING: “Keeping one’s eyes, ears, and mind open but mouth closed will often lead to a more thorough understanding of life’s problems”
July 2022
“The United States is the only country with a known birthday”
James G. Blaine (1830-
MID-
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees severe thunderstorms, heavy rain (14); excessive heat (17,18,19); severe thunderstorms, heavy rain (20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28).
FULL MOON: July’s Full Moon will occur on Wednesday, July 13th. It has been often referred to by many Native American tribes as THUNDER MOON because of the numerous thunderstorms during the month (see this month’s forecast above!), many quite severe in some areas. However, other tribes in other regions of The United States, called it BUCK MOON due the rapid growth of antlers on young bucks during the month, RIPE CORN MOON because of the appearance of young corn on the stalks, or HAY MOON since hay tended to ripen as well.
SPECIAL NOTES: Watch out! Those Dog Days of Summer will be upon us starting Sunday, July 3rd. Get ready for some hot, hazy, and humid weather (the dreaded 3 H’s) that will continue into mid-
HOLIDAYS: This year’s Fourth of July celebration falls on Monday, July 4th! On this most famous day in United States History, in 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution saying, “these United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent states”. Hopefully, you have already ‘tried out’ the old grill this season. Nobody wants any surprises so it was wise to have made sure that it is functioning properly and you remembered to fill up the propane tank (or picked up plenty of charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid!). Now it’s time to enjoy! If planning extended outdoor, use the appropriate level of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and apply frequently, especially if swimming or perspiring.
THE GARDEN: Leggy annuals may need to be pruned back to encourage new growth and more flowering. Be sure that all tall annuals and perennials are securely staked so that they will remain upright during the afternoon thunderstorms that are so common for this time of year. 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. 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.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (21,22); weeding and stirring the soil (1,2,3,28,29); planting above-
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 2022
“I wonder what it would be like to live in a world
where it was always June.”
L. M. Montgomery (1929—2003)
MID-
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees severe thunderstorms (3); severe thunderstorms, heavy rain (14,15,16); more heavy rain (17); excessive heat (18,19); severe thunderstorms (25,26,27).
FULL MOON: The FULL MOON in June will occur on Tuesday, June 14th. It has been known 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 Saturday, 20th, signals the officially start of summer (it’s finally here!). It’s graduation time so honor your high school or college grad. This is a major milestone and is should be recognized as such with a party or a very special gift. Consider marking the special year (or any special event) with a copy of this year’s Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack. Go to www.almanack.com/order and order one right now!
HOLIDAYS: Proudly display ‘Old Glory’ on Tuesday, June 14th! Be sure to display it properly and reference www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/displayonly.htm to be sure. 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!
THE GARDEN: 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. It’s not too late to start warm-
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (23,24,25); weeding and stirring the soil (4,5,26,27); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“A wise man will often rely less on his own judgment to pay respect to judgement of others.”
May 2022
“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there”
Robert Browning (1812—1889)
MID-
EXTREME WEATHER WATCH: Severe thunderstorm (5); more severe thunderstorms with heavy rain (17,18); still more severe thunderstorms, heavy rain ( 26,27,28,29,30,31)
FULL MOON: The FULL MOON in May occurs on Sunday, May 15th. Many Native American tribes called it FLOWER MOON because of the many flowers that start to emerge and blossom during this month, While the Huron tribes specifically chose to call it BUDDING MOON for the very same reasons! The colonial farmer called it MILK MOON because of the noticeable increase in milk produced by his dairy cows.
SPECIAL NOTES: The first day of Shawwai begins at sunset on May 2nd. National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 5th, was established in 1952 at the direct suggestion of Reverend Billy Graham (1918–2018). It was signed into law under Ronald Reagan in 1988.
HOLIDAYS: Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on Thursday, May 5th. Mothers are honored on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 8th. That “very special lady” deserves a nice dinner out, a sentimental card and/or nice flower arrangement, or just a telephone call to say, “I love you”! Rogation Sunday falls on May 22nd, and Ascension Day follows on Thursday, May 26th. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 3oth in 2022. On this day we honor those who have died protecting our freedoms and to all those who are currently serving today. Their unflinching service and sacrifice have protected our way of life. We should also extend that recognition to include doctors, all health care workers, and all who are deemed essential in this troubled time.
THE GARDEN: Carrots, lettuce, potatoes, corn, beans, peas and most popular vegetables, with the exception of the warmer weather crops, can be seeded or planted into the vegetable garden at any time now. Wait until mid to late May before planting the warmer weather crops like Tomatoes, Squash, cucumber, pumpkins and peppers. Now is a good time start repairing 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. 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 (27,28,29); weeding and stirring the soil (2,3,4,30,31); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING:
Never let a day go by that you don’t give more to your fellow man and to your community than you receive.
April 2022
“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-
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack forecast a wintery mix (4,5,6) and warns of a possible hard freeze (19) and severe THUNDERSTORMS (28,29,30).
FULL MOON: April’s FULL MOON will occur on Monday, April 16th. It has been called PINK MOON because of the many pretty flowers blooming during the month. And because fishing typically improves, due to the warming weather, it has also been called to as FISH MOON,
SPECIAL NOTES: April Fool’s Day falls on Friday, April 1st in 2021. Beware of practical jokes and pranks that may be coming your way from family, co-
HOLIDAYS: Ramadan begins on April 2nd at sundown. Easter Sunday falls on Sunday April 17th in 2022. Celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, by attending the church of your choice.
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. Fertilize winter planted vegetables early in the month and after any danger of frost, begin planting warm season vegetables.
THE FARM Best days for planting root crops (30); weeding and stirring the soil (5,6,7); planting above-
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“The wise man often says little while observing much, while the fool observes little while talking a lot”
March 2022
“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 you”
Old Irish Blessing
MID-
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees Heavy Snow, High Wind (1,2,3) with Severe Thunderstorms in the Mid-
FULL MOON: March’s FULL MOON for will occur on the 18th. It has been called WORM MOON by many tribes of Native Americans because of the abundance of earthworms beginning to appear because of the softening of frozen soil from the warming temperatures. It has also been called SAP MOON because sap would begin to rise and run during this time of year.
SPECIAL NOTES: Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13th in 2022. Don’t forget to reset all of your clocks and watches when you ‘spring’ ahead an hour at 2AM EST. The Vernal Equinox will occur Sunday, March 20th which is considered the first day 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-
HOLIDAYS: Shrove Tuesday falls on March 1st, Ash Wednesday is observed on March 2nd , and the First Sunday in Lent is March 6th. And in honor of St. Patrick on Thursday, March 17th, 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. It’s time to start tomatoes, lettuce, and many other vegetable seeds indoors. And do try to plant your peas on St. Patrick’s Day!
THE FARM: Best days for planting root crops (18,19,20); weeding and stirring the soil (9,10); planting above-
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 2022
“The groundhog is like most prophets; it makes its prediction and then disappears.”
Bill Vaughn (1947-
MID-
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: High winds (16).
FULL MOON: February’s FULL MOON will occur on the 16th in 2022. Where tribes saw the deepest snow, it was called SNOW MOON while other tribes called it WOLF MOON because of all of the howling heard during the month, which 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: Look out for “Punxsutawney Phil” to make his annual and much-
HOLIDAYS: The Christian Festival of Lights, or Candlemas, will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 2nd. 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. Valentine’s Day, February 14th, falls on Monday, in 2022. Show that special someone just how special they are and how much you appreciate that they’re part of your life. The birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Saturday, February 12th) and George Washington (Tuesday, the 22nd) are collectively celebrated on President’s Day, which falls on Monday, February 21st, providing us with an extended holiday weekend. Enjoy!
THE GARDEN: In the event of snow, be sure to shake or brush off the white stuff from the branches of your evergreens and shrubs. Plants that may have been pushed out of the ground by frost heave should be pressed firmly back into place. 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 (26,27); Best for weeding and stirring the soil (9,10,11); Best for planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Be happy if you can, but do not despise those that are otherwise for you know not their troubles”
January 2022
“Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring out the false, ring in the true”
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-
MID-
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: Wintry mix (1-
FULL MOON: The first FULL MOON of 2022 will occur on Monday, January 17th. It has been called WOLF MOON by many Native American tribes because of the increased boldness of wolf packs venturing closer and closer to their camps looking for food. Other tribes called it HUNGER MOON because of the scarcity of game at this time of year.
SPECIAL NOTES: The 2022 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack is its 226th edition. It has been continuously published since it first appeared in 1797 and while it is the second oldest almanac in the United States, it is the ONLY almanac in America that is still published by heirs of its founder, John Gruber. Both he and his partner and son-
HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day falls on Saturday, January 1st. Martin Luther King, Jr., famed civil rights activist leader, was born on January 15, 1929. His birthday is celebrated on the third Monday of the month. In 2022, that is Monday, January 17th. This great leader will be forever remembered for the social changes he brought about in this country and for the ultimate sacrifice he made pursuing unity and racial harmony which still eludes us today.
THE GARDEN: Mulch landscape beds for winter if you haven’t already (and if the weather allows). Mulching prevents erosion, protects against soil You can even recycle your cut Christmas tree and use the branches to cover perennials! Begin planning your garden now. Buy an extra wall calendar and dedicate it to tilling and planting activities. Look ahead and record the last projected frost dates for your region and mark down when to plant seedlings indoor. Check out this useful website www. usna.usda.gov/Hardzone to determine local hardiness.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (23,24); weeding and stirring the soil (18,19,20); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Resolutions are only as good as the intent to keep them”