December 2024
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”….Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Mild and dry (1,2,3,4,5); rain, then turning seasonably cold (6,7,8,9,10; dry and seasonably cold (11,12,13,14,15): seasonable with a few flurries and sprinkles (16,17,18,19,20; dry then breezy with a heavy rain/snow mix (21,22,23,24,25); seasonably cold with periods of light snow (26,27,28,29,30).
SEVERE WEATER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy snow and high winds in December’s forecast (24,25).
FULL MOON: December‘s full moon falls on the 15th. Because many Native American tribes noticed beavers scurrying to finish their dams and lodges before the lakes and ponds begin to ice over, it has been called ICE-FORMING MOON and BEAVER MOON It also has been referred to as COLD MOON by other tribes because of the lower temperatures during the month.
SPECIAL NOTES: The Winter Solstice, signaling the beginning of Winter, will occur on Saturday, 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!).
HOLIDAYS: In 2024, Advent Sunday is December 1st. The first day of Hanukkah is the same as Christmas this year, Friday, December 25th, and Kwanzaa begins on Saturday, the 26th. Enjoy the holiday festivities with family and friends day and try to keep the that joyful and giving spirit alive throughout the coming year! Everyone at The Hagerstown Town & Country Almanack wishes all its readers (and followers on social media!) the happiest of holidays and again, pledges to continue to inform, inspire, and entertain as it has done for the past 229 years! New Year’s Eve falls on Tuesday, December 31st. For a safe, family-oriented evening of fun, food, and entertainment on the very first night of the year, go to www.firstnight.com/cities to find a First Night Celebration nearest you.
THE GARDEN: Utilize this time to do any major last-minute cleanup projects around the garden area. Haul away any debris that is too large or woody for the compost, build paths, turn the compost pile to keep it warm, and generally make the garden space tidy before it is under heavy use again in the spring. 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 and they will need a bit more than usual. Consider a garden shop gift card, garden tools, or offering to clean or refurbish and sharpen garden equipment for the gardener in your life. Books on their favorite type of plants, or a gift card to a popular gardening catalog are also welcomed gifts.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (23,24); weeding and stirring the soil (18,19); planting above-ground crops (7,8,9); harvesting all crops (10,11); the best days for setting hens and incubators (8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,30,31); transplanting (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,30,31); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,28,29,30,31); harvesting and storing grains (22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29).
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 2024
“The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of.”….Henry David Thoreau (1817)-1872)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Seasonable with occasional Showers (1,2,3,4,5); 6-10: dry and turning very warm (6,7,8,9,10);rain and gusty winds followed by cooler temperatures (11,12,13,14,15); brisk and chilly with snow showers west and sprinkles east (16,17,18,19,20); seasonably cool with rain showers (21,22,23,24,25); dry and seasonable (26,27,28,29,30).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy rain with flooding in the Mid-Atlantic Region (10,11,12).
FULL MOON: The FULL MOON in November will occur on Friday, November 15th. Many Native American tribes called it BIG WIND MOON because of the high winds that would sweep across the Plains during the month. Other tribes called it FALLING LEAF MOON and DYING GRASS MOON because of all the leaves falling and grasses dying off.
SPECIAL NOTES: Daylight Saving Time ends at 2AM on Sunday, November 3rd. Remember to “fall back” an hour! Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 5thin 2024. This year, we are casting our ballots for President of the United States and we must all participate in this great privilege no matter which candidate is support. If voting by mail, be sure to complete your ballot immediately upon receipt and place the properly-completed ballot into a legitimate drop box in your area or mail as early as possible.
HOLIDAYS: In 2024, Veteran’s Day falls on Monday, November 11th. Honor our military service branches and those who have served and who continue to serve and protect us today and remember them in our prayers. Thanksgiving is celebrated on Thursday, November 28th. Enjoy time with family and friends and reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for and make an effort to carry that appreciation not only throughout the holiday season, but for always!
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. Take the time to organize, clean, and sharpen your garden tools. Keep them from underfoot, cleaned, and sharpened and they will be ready to go come Spring. 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 (25,26,27); planting above-ground crops (1,2); weeding and stirring the soil (21,22); harvesting all crops (8,9,12,13); the best days for setting hens and incubators (9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8); transplanting (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8); the weaning of small animals and livestock (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,30); the harvesting and storing grains (22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30).
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Pay heed to what one promises when seeking your vote or friendship; it sometimes bears little resemblance to what you receive after the goal that was sought has been attained.”
October 2024
“O hushed October morning mild, Thy leaves have ripened to the Tomorrow’s wind, if it be will Should waste the all.”….Robert Frost (1874-1963)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Dry and milder at first, then turning breezy and colder with rain east and snow west (1,2,3,4,5); seasonably cold and dry, then breezy with light snow (6,7,8,9,10); dry, turning milder, then rain, possibly mixed with wet snow West (11,12,13,14,15); dry and mild at first, then showers, turning breezy and cooler (16,17,18,19,20); seasonably mild with periods of rain (21,22,23,24,25,26); dry, turning cooler but more seasonable; flurries possible west (27,28,29,30,31.
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no severe weather events in the month of October.
FULL MOON: October’s FULL MOON will occur on October 17th and is the HUNTER’S MOON of 2024. Named because of the extra light the moon provided to many Native American tribes, giving them more time to hunt for. The Cree Tribe referred to as YELLOW LEAF and FALLING LEAVES because of the many leaves turning bright yellow (and many other colors, as well!) and most trees have lost the last of their leaves during the month.
HOLIDAYS: Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 14th, United Nations Day is celebrated on Thursday, the 24th, and Halloween (Booo!) falls on Thursday, 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: There is still time left to plant perennial seeds and bulbs! With a little effort at Fall planting time, you will speed the timing of that first new growth by as much as a month. During the fall months, after soil temperature drops below 60°F., the bulbs of spring flowering Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Siberian Squill, Dwarf Irises, Anemone, and Crocus should be planted. Most spring flowering bulbs should be in the ground by the early part of this month, except for Tulips which can be planted up until early November. Select healthy, disease-free bulbs. Add bone meal or bulb fertilizer into the planting hole, as you prepare the soil. One last effort at weeding will help to improve the appearance of your 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! The longer your house plants were 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 (1,2,13 14); weeding and stirring the soil (8,9,10); planting above-ground crops (15,6,17); harvesting all crops (18,19,26,27); the best days for setting hens and incubators (1,2,3,4,5,6,22,2e,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (14,15,16,17,18,19,20); transplanting (14,15,16,17,18,19,20); weening of all small animals and livestock(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,27,28,29,30,31); harvesting and storing grains (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13).
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“A true fiend offers a helping hand without expecting thanks in return”
September 2024
“Although September 11th was horrible, it didn’t threaten the survival of the human race, like nuclear weapons do.”…..Stephen Hawking (1942-2018)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Seasonably warm and humid with isolated late afternoon showers and thunderstorms west (1,2,3); seasonably warm with PM thunderstorms central and east (4,5,6); dry and quite warm with late afternoon showers, then turning less humid (7,8,9); mainly dry and comfortable (11,12,13,14,15); warm and humid with late afternoon isolated showers at first, then dry and cooler (16,17,18,19,20); few afternoon showers at first, then turning unseasonably cool (21,22,23,24,25); pleasant at first, then warm and humid with afternoon showers and THUNDERSTORMS followed by cooler, less humid conditions (26,27,28,29,30).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS, heavy rain (4) with more SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS (28,29).
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 Sunday, September 22nd and signals the beginning of Autumn. The Full Moon closest to that date will occur on Tuesday, September 17th and is therefore, the HARVEST MOON of 2024.
SPECIAL NOTES: We must never forget that on September 11th, 2001, America was attacked like never before and that it has never been the same since. Today, we honor those who perished then on that day and we must never forget the brave first-responders, many who also perished, trying to minimize the loss of life . The 2025 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack has been available on newsstands and at popular retailers throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region now since mid-August, again, almost a month earlier than any other year! 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 2nd in 2024. Citizenship Day is observed on Tuesday, September 17th
THE GARDEN: Make a long-range plan to gradually convert your current landscape to the one you desire. 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 which will occur. . Bring in summer vacationing houseplants. Be sure to place pots where they receive plenty of light.
THE FARM: Best days for planting root crops (20,21); weeding and stirring the soil 1,2,3,4,27,28); planting above-ground crops (7,8,9); harvesting all crops (18,19); best days for setting hens and incubators (11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10); transplanting (2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17); the harvesting and storing of grains (1,24,25,26,27,28,29,30).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“The man who will not admit he’s been wrong, loves himself more than the truth.”
August 2024
“Whilst August yet wears her golden crown, Ripening fields lush-bright with promise; Summer waxes long, then wanes, quietly passing Her fading green glory on to riotous Autumn.” Michelle L. Thieme (1937- )
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Dry, warm and humid (1,2,3,4,5); rain and thunderstorms followed by cooler temperatures (6,7,8,9,10); pleasant mornings at first, then dry and turning very hot and humid with scattered late day thunderstorms (11,12,13,14,15); dry and hot (16,17,18,19,20); very hot at first, then PM thunderstorms and cooler (21,22,23,24,25); hot and humid with scattered PM thunderstorms (26,27,28,29,30,31).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees severe thunderstorms in the Mid-Atlantic region (14,15).
FULL MOON: August’s full moon will occur on Monday, August 19th. 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 229th 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 late 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 $23.50! 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 students.
THE GARDEN: If you choose to water your lawn, do so only when wilted or discolored. Think about potting herbs you plan to move indoors for the winter. Do not move them in just yet, but get them accustomed to their containers early. Rosemary, thyme, and tarragon are the best candidates. Stop feeding trees and shrubs after mid-August. You do not want to promote new growth that will not have time to fully mature before winter sets in.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (24,25); weeding and stirring the soil (3,4,5); planting above-ground crops (11,12); harvesting all crops (18,19); the best days /for setting hens and incubators (12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11); transplanting (4,5,6,7,8,9,1,11); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21); harvesting and storing grains (1,2,3,26,27,28,29,30,31).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING “Great things are not accomplished by idle dreams, but by years of patient study.”
July 2024
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves”…..
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Dry, warm, and humid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5); very hot and humid at first with late-day scattered thunderstorms, then cooler (6, 7, 8, 9, 10); seasonably warm and humid with evening thunderstorm at first, then a pleasant morning or two and dry (11, 12, 13, 14, 15); 16-20: seasonably warm with late day thunderstorm (16, 17, 18, 19, 20); turning very hot and humid with scattered afternoon thunderstorm (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26); warm and humid with isolated PM afternoon & evening thunderstorm, then turning cooler (27, 28, 29, 30, 31).
Severe Weather Watch: The Town and Country Almanack sees severe thunderstorm (11, 12, 13); heavy rain (20, 21, 22, 23, 24), and severe thunderstorm (26, 27, 28)
Full Moon: July’s Full Moon will occur on Sunday, July 21st. Many Native American tribes referred to it as Thunder Moon because of the numerous severe thunderstorms during the month (just look at this month’s forecast above!) while other tribes called it Buck Moon because of rapid growth of antlers on young bucks during the month. 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 Wednesday, 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 Thursday 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 picked up plenty of charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid!).
The Garden: Continue to keep the garden adequately watered (that is, if July’s forecasted wet weather is not enough!). Expect plants to do well with all of the extra rain in July but as the summer continues, be sure to make up for what Mother Nature neglects to provide. 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. 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.
The Farm: Best for planting root crops (1, 2, 28, 29); weeding and stirring the soil (3, 4, 7, 8, 9); planting above-ground crops (15, 16); harvesting all crops (17, 18); the best days for setting hens and incubators (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); transplanting (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25); harvesting and storing grains (1, 2, 3, 4, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31).
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 2024
“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could not stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in 7 years”….. Mark Twain (1836-1875)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Dry, then turning very warm (1,2,3,4,5); afternoon showers and thunderstorms, followed by cooler and seasonable conditions followed very quickly by very warm and humid weather (6,7,8,9,10); more rain, then much cooler and less humid 11,12,13,14,15); dry, then turning hot and humid with near record temperatures and isolated late day THUNDERSTORMS17,18,19,20): hot and humid with late day THUNDERSTORMS (21,22,23,24,25); warm and rather humid with late day showers and thunderstorms east (26,27,28,29,30).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy rain with the possibility of flooding in the Mid-Atlantic Region (10-13,29-30)).
FULL MOON: The FULL MOON in June will occur on Friday, June 21st. It has often been referred to as ROSE MOON because roses start to show their gorgeous blooms at the beginning of the month. It has also been known as STRAWBERRY MOON because the first strawberries of the season become ripe for the picking in June!
SPECIAL NOTES: The Summer Solstice will occur on Thursday, June 20th, signaling the official start of summer (Thank God, it’s finally here!). It’s also graduation time so honor your high school or college grad. This major milestone 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 Friday, June 14th. Be sure to display it properly and reference www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/displayonly.htm to be sure you are doing it correctly. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th. Do something nice for “The Old Man”, who took the time to raise you right!
THE GARDEN: 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 (3,4); weeding and stirring the soil (5,6,7); planting above-ground crops (8,9); harvesting all crops (210,21,24,25); Best days for setting hens and incubators (14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13); transplanting (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27); the harvesting and storing grains (20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27).
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 2024
“The phrase ’working mother’ is redundant.”
Jane Sellman (1955- )
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Rain and very warm, then turning dry and cooler (1,2,3,4,5); occasional showers, then dry and slightly cooler (6,7,8,9,10); dry, then scattered afternoon thunderstorms and mild (11,12,13,14,15); thunderstorms, then dry with record heat (16,17,18,19,20); dry and very warm and then afternoon showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain (21,22,23,24,25); scattered showers and then dry and cooler (26,27,28,29,30,31).
EXTREME WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees heavy rains and possible flooding in the Mid-Atlantic Region (22,23,24).
FULL MOON: May’s FULL MOON occurs on Thursday, May 23rd and its name depends upon who you were 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 have said its named was MILK MOON because of the noticeable increase in milk produced by his dairy cows in the month of May.
SPECIAL NOTES: The National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 2nd, was established in 1952 at the suggestion of Reverend Billy Graham (1918–2018). It was signed into law under President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Rogation Sunday falls on May 5th, Ascension Thursday, on May 9th, Whit Sunday (or Day of Pentecost) falls on May 19th, and Trinity Sunday is May 26th.
HOLIDAYS: Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on Sunday, May 5th. Mothers are honored on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 12th. 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 27th. 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: 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. It’s still not too late to fertilize your trees and shrubs. Use a Rhododendron or Evergreen type of plant food to feed evergreens and other acid loving plants like Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Camellias and Junipers, etc. Use an all-purpose garden fertilizer (10-10-10) to feed roses, deciduous shrubs and trees. Be sure to water the fertilizer in thoroughly after it is applied.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (18,19,20); weeding and stirring the soil (9,10); planting above-ground crops (11,12,21,22); harvesting all crops (23,24,25); best days for setting hens and incubators (1,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); slaughtering and butchering meat (7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14); harvest and store grains (1,2,3,4,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); Transplanting (7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14); weaning of small animals and livestock (1,2,3,4,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING:
“Keeping one’s eyes, ears, and mind open and mouth closed, often leads to a more thorough understand of life‘s problems”
April 2024
“God bless my bit of garden
And make its flowers grow
That it may give some pleasure
To all the folks I know”
– John Gruber (1768–1857)
Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Showers, then turning seasonably warm and dry (1, 2, 3, 4, 5); dry, then very warm with showers and severe thunderstorms (6, 7, 8, 9, 10); dry, then a quick round of gusty showers, falling temperatures and flurries (11, 12, 13, 14, 15); dry, sunny and much colder with a morning hard freeze (16, 17, 18, 19, 20); turning very warm with isolated afternoon showers (21, 22, 23, 24, 25); dry and quite mild, then showers to end the month (26, 26, 28, 29, 30).
Severe Weather Watch: The Town and Country Almanack sees severe thunderstorms in the Mid-Atlantic Region (7, 8) and the possibility of a hard freeze (19, 20).
Full Moon: April’s Full Moon occurs on April 23rd. Many Native American tribes referred to April’s full moon as Pink Moon because of the many pretty flowers that begin to display their bright pink hues as they bloom throughout the month. It also has been called Fish Moon because the fishing starts to improve as the weather warms up
Special Notes: April Fool’s Day falls on Monday, April 1st in 2024 (which also happens to be Easter Monday!). Watch out for practical jokes and pranks that may be coming your way from family, co-workers, and friends! Tax Day is Monday, April 15th. Earth Day is observed on Monday, April 22nd. Check out The Earth Day Network 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 Tuesday, 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.
The Garden: 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! Set out annuals and other perennials now. Cool season vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce. Water new plantings and blooming shrubs (such as azaleas & rhododendron) regularly. Don’t forget to water plants under overhangs. Don’t forget to do an all-points check on the old lawn mower. Sharpen or replace dull, worn blades, install new spark plug, clean or replace the air filter, and change the oil. Fill it up with gas and be sure to check the pull cord (if manual start) for any undue wear. Replace it immediately if frayed.
The Farm: Best days for planting root crops (1, 2); weeding and stirring the soil (12, 13); planting above-ground crops (14, 15); harvesting all crops (26, 27); to set hens and incubators (1, 2, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30); the slaughtering and butchering of meats (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14); transplanting (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1, 3, 14); harvesting and storing of grain (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7); weaning of animals and livestock (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30).
J. 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 2024
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Seasonable at first with a light wintry mix, then turning mild (1,2,3,4,5),becoming very warm with rain, then windy, cooler and more seasonable (6,7,8,9,10); seasonable and dry at first, then milder (11,12,13,14,15); wintry mix, followed by rain and then turning cooler and dry (16,17,18,19,20); rain at first, colder with light snow or flurries, then dry (21,22,23,24,25); turning wet with rain, followed by mild and dry weather (26,27,28,29).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: No severe weather events are predicted by The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack for the month of March.
FULL MOON: March’s FULL MOON for 2024 will occur on the 24th. It has been referred to as SAP MOON by many Native Americans because, due to warming temperatures in many regions this time of year, sap would begin to rise and run. It has also been called WORM MOON due to the abundance of earthworms that begin when the earth starts to soften.
SPECIAL NOTES: Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins on Sunday, March 10th in 2024. Don’t forget to ‘spring’ ahead an hour at 2AM EST. DST will end on November 3rd, at 2AM EST, unless the Sunshine Protection Act is signed into law. Passed by the Senate in March, 2022, the act is awaiting the President’s signature after a final review by the House. The Vernal Equinox will occur Monday, March 19th 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-best-kite.com/how-to-build-kites.html.
HOLIDAYS: The first day of Ramadan is Sunday, March 10th, Palm Sunday is Sunday, March 24th, Good Friday is March 29th, and Easter Sunday is Sunday March 31st in 2024. And don’t forget that St. Patrick falls on Sunday, March 17th, so be sure to wear something green and festive!
THE GARDEN: March is prime time for feeding shrubs and perennials that bloom in the Summer. Also, begin pruning early-flowering shrubs, roses, fruit trees, grapes, and raspberries. Start an all-purpose spray regimen. Be sure to feed well and use supplementary nitrogen in early Spring, in addition to yearly feeding. Spray fruit trees with a dormant oil when temperatures exceed 40 degrees and before they leaf out. If you did not do so in February, apply a pre-emergent herbicide (that prevents crabgrass) to established lawns before March 15th. But If you plan to seed fescue lawns, do not apply a pre-emergent. It will prevent the grass seed from germinating. It’s also 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 (5,6); weeding and stirring the soil (15,16); planting above-ground crops (17,18,19); harvesting all crops (3,4,30,31); setting hens and incubators (1,2,3,17,8,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); slaughtering/butchering meat (10,11,12,13,14,15); transplanting (10,11,12,13,14,15); harvesting and storing grain (3,4,5,6,7,8,9); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,30,31).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Great things are not accomplished by idle dreams, but by many years of patient study”
February 2024
“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time”…..Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Seasonable at first with a light wintry mix, then turning mild (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) becoming very warm with rain, then windy, cooler, and more seasonable (6, 7, 8, 9, 10); seasonable and dry at first, then milder (11, 12, 13, 14, 15); a wintry mix, followed by rain and then turning cooler and dry (16, 17, 18, 19, 20); rain at first, colder with light snow or flurries, then dry (21, 22, 23, 24, 25); turning wet with rain, followed by mild and dry weather (26, 27, 28, 29).
Full Moon: February’s Full Moon will occur on February 24th in 2024. 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: “Punxsutawney Phil” makes his annual and much-anticipated appearance on Friday, February 2nd when he issues his ‘prediction’ of the coming of Spring! If it is a sunny day and this little marmota 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 2024.
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. Shrove Tuesday (or Fat Tuesday, the start of Mardi Gras) is February 13th and Ash Wednesday is February 14th, marking the beginning of Lent.
Holidays: Valentine’s Day, February 14th, falls on Tuesday in 2024. Show that special someone just how special they are and how much you appreciate them. The birthdays of Presidents Abraham Lincoln (Monday, February 12th) and George Washington (Thursday, the 22nd) are collectively celebrated on President’s Day, which falls on Monday, February 19th, providing us with an extended holiday weekend. Enjoy!
The Garden: It’s a good time to stroll around and trim back any branches that were damaged by the ravages of Winter. If you haven’t yet applied your dormant spray to your fruit trees, Do it now! Stored summer flowering bulbs may try to start into growth if they are subjected to heat. They should be kept very dry, and stored at 45E F. If they are shriveling, put them into slightly damp peat moss, but keep them cool!
The Farm: Best for planting root crops (1, 7, 8); Best for weeding and stirring the soil (17, 18); Best for planting above-ground crops (11, 12) Best for harvesting all crops (4, 5, 6); Best days to set hens and incubators (1, 2, 3, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29); slaughter and butcher meat (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15); transplant (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15); harvest and store grains (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8); wean animals (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12).
J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living
“You only reap what you sow, so be sure to spread more kindness and consideration for your fellow man than envy or ill will”
January 2024
“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”….Benjamin Franklin (1705—1790)
MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Dry and mild, then rain showers (snow showers west) and seasonably colder (1,2,3,4,5); rain, turning to wet snow, brisk and colder (6,7,8,9,10);
11-15: turning warm with rain (11,12,13,14,15); warm and dry at first, then turning colder with a rain/snow mix (16,17,18,19,20); turning mild with rain showers, then dry and becoming seasonably cold (21,22,23,24,25); light wintry mix, heaviest north and west followed by blustery snow showers west then turning milder (26,27,28,29,30,31).
SEVERE WEATHER WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack warns of heavy snow, wind (4,5,6,7); wintry mix, then heavy snow, wind (26,27).
FULL MOON: The first FULL MOON of 2024 will occur on Thursday, January 25th. It has been It has often been referred to as WOLF MOON because of the increased presence of wolf packs that boldly wander close to tribal villages and encampments searching for food. And because of this extreme difficulty finding food at this time, it has also been called HUNGER MOON.
SPECIAL NOTES: The 2024 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack is its 228th 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-in-law, Daniel May, would be proud to see their almanac continuing to provide even more reliable weather forecasts and astronomical data vital to agricultural success in the region. It is our continued commitment to improving our look, the accuracy of our weather forecasts, and providing 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, the 3-year subscription guaranteeing no price increase for 3 years, or sign up as a Friend of The Almanack, receive a printed copy of the latest edition, access to the latest digital version (and for the following year, as well!), the monthly newsletter and so much more! A great deal for a great almanac!
HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day falls on Monday, January 1st and Epiphany follows on Saturday, January 6th. 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 2024, that is Monday, January 16th, his actual date of birth! MLK will be forever remembered for paying the ultimate sacrifice 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 freezes and thaws, and helps retain moisture – all particularly beneficial over a dry winter. Our feathered friends need a reliable supply of water and food during winter but be prepared to continue providing ample amounts of both until natural water and food becomes available later in the Spring.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (3,4,5); weeding and stirring the soil (1,2,21,22); planting above-ground crops (14,15); harvesting all crops (8,9); the best days for setting hens and incubators (1,,2,3,4,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); the slaughtering and butchering of meat(11,12,13,14,15,16); transplanting (11,12,13,14,15,16)); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15); harvesting and storing grains (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10).
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Resolutions are only as good as the intent to keep them”