"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: Windy, very cold, lake-effect snow (1, 2, 3) with more snow (4, 5). Fair and very cold (6, 7, 8) with Nor’easter, heavy snow (9, 10, 11); fair and bitter cold (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) with more snow in the southern part of the region (18, 19); fair and very cold again (20, 21, 22); windy, lake-effect snow (23, 24, 25) turning fair, not as cold (26, 27, 28, 29, 30) with more lake-effect snow (31).

Full Moon: The first Full Moon of 2020 will occur on Friday, January 10th. Often referred to as Wolf Moon (because of the increased boldness of wolf packs venturing closure and closer to their camps looking for food), it has also been called Hunger Moon by many Native American tribes because of the scarcity of food at this time of year,

Special Notes: The 2020 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack is its 224th edition, continuously published since its first appearance in 1797! 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. He and his partner and son-in-law, Daniel May, would be proud to see their almanac continuing to provide detailed, and now more refined weather forecasts and accurate astronomical data proven to be vital to the agricultural success in the region. It is our commitment to continue improving our look, the accuracy of our weather forecasts, and offering useful information and inspiration to help one survive in today’s world. In that way.

Holidays: New Year’s Day in 2020 falls on Wednesday, January 1st. The birthday of famed civil rights activist leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929) is celebrated on the third Monday of January. This year, it is Monday, January 20th. This great leader must be remembered on this day for the great 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 freezes and thaws, and helps retain moisture - all particularly beneficial over a dry winter. There are many different types of mulch. You can even recycle your cut Christmas tree and use the branches to cover perennials!

The Farm: Best for planting root crops (16, 17); weeding and stirring the soil (12, 13); planting above-ground crops (27, 28); harvesting all crops (2, 4, 20, 21); the best days for setting hens and incubators (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17); 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 (1, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28); harvesting and storing grains (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)

J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living

"The next twelve months offer a world of promise; it all depends on each of us and how much we are willing to give of ourselves to help make it a better world"

“The groundhog is like most prophets;
it makes its prediction and then disappears.”
- Bill Vaughn (1947- )

Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Cold, periods of light snow (1,2,3,4,5) with Nor’easter and heavy snow (6,7,8). Fair, rather cold (9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16) remaining fair, but not as cold (17,18). Snow, some rain in the southern part of the region (19,20,21) turning fair, cold 22,23,24,25,26) with Nor’easter, heavy snow (27,28,29).

Full Moon: February’s Full Moon will occur on , the 9st. It has been called Wolf Moon due to the howling heard during the month, the middle of their breeding season. In other parts of North America, where tribes saw the deepest snow, it was called Snow Moon and because there was such an extreme scarcity of game to hunt, it was also aptly referred to as Hunger Moon.

Special Notes: “Punxsutawney Phil” makes his much-anticipated appearance on Sunday, February 2nd to ‘predict’ the coming of Spring! How this little marmota monax reacts to the day’s weather will determine the arrival of Spring. If is sunny and he sees his shadow, he will retreat underground 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 2020.

Holidays: The Christian Festival of Lights, or Candlemas, is celebrated on Sunday, February 2nd. On this day, many churches would traditionally display many more candles than usual during their daily services to not only make the service special 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 Friday in 2020. Show that special someone just how much you appreciate their being a part of your life. The birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Wednesday, February 12th) and George Washington (Saturday, the 22nd) are collectively celebrated on President’s Day which falls on Monday, February 17th to provide us with an extended holiday weekend. Enjoy!

The Garden: The vegetable garden should get its first good tilling of the year, if weather and wetness permits. This will help the weather aid you in breaking up the dirt clods. 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. 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 (12, 13); Best for weeding and stirring the soil (3, 5); Best for planting above-ground crops (6, 7); Best for planting root crops (18, 19, 20); for harvesting all crops (16, 17). Best days to set hens and incubators (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), slaughter and butcher meat (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), transplant (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), harvest and store grains (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31), wean animals (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25).

J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living

“If everyone were perfect, there would be no need for criticism, even of oneself”

"If you are enough lucky to be Irish, then you’re are lucky enough”

Old Irish Saying

 

MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Snow, in the northern part of the region, rain in the south (1,2,3); fair and cold (4,5,6,7) with showers, some snow in the north (8.9). Fair and cold again (10,11,12,13,14) with snow in the north, rain in the south (15.16.17).  Fair, cold (18,19,20,23,22) snow in the north, rain in the south (23,24,25,26); fair and cold yet again (27.28.29.29, 30,31). 

TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-Atlantic Region during the month of March 

FULL MOON: March’s FULL MOON will occur on March 9th.  Native Americans came to call it WORM MOON because of the abundance of earthworms that would appear due to the warmer temperatures, softening up the frozen soil. It has also been referred to as SAP MOON because sap would begin to rise and run during this time of year.  

 

SPECIAL NOTES: Don’t forget to reset all of your clocks and watches when you ‘spring’ ahead an hour on Sunday, March 8th at 2:00 AM EST when Daylight Saving Time begins. The Vernal Equinox occurs on Thursday, March 19th and signals the arrival of Spring (at last!). Known for its high winds, March is the perfect time to "go fly a kite”!  Nothing is as exhilarating except maybe flying itself! Check out some of these classic designs you can make at home at wwww.my-best-kite.com/how-to-build-kites.html.

HOLIDAYS: Sunday, March 1st is the first Sunday in Lent. Be sure to wear green in honor of Ireland’s own,  St. Patrick, on Tuesday, March 17th. 

THE GARDEN: Don’t feed azaleas or rhododendrons until after they bloom.  Then, give them a fertilizer that is specially formulated for plants that prefer acid soil. House plants will react to longer days and brighter light at this time by putting out new growth.  The end of this month is a good time to pinch them back to generate new growth and to thicken them. And do try to plant your peas on St. Patrick’s Day! 

THE FARM: Best days for planting root crops (10,11); weeding and stirring the soil (2,3,29,30); planting above-ground crops (4,5,31); planting root crops (21,22); harvesting all crops (14,15,16); setting hens and incubators (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16); slaughtering/butchering meat (1,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31); transplanting (1,24,15,26,27,28,29,30,31); harvesting and storing grain (16,17,18,19,2021,22,23); the weaning of all small animals and livestock  (14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23). 

J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING

"Never let a day go by that you don’t do more to your fellow man and for your community than you receive."

"There is no glory in star or blossom till looked upon by a loving eye;

There is no fragrance in April breezes till breathed with joy as they wander by”

William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878)

MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Fair and cool (1,2,3) with showers, some snow in the northern part of the region (4,5,6,7,8); fair and cool again (9,10,11,12,13,14) with more showers (15,16.  Fair and mild (17,18,19,20,21,22,230 with showers, STORMS (24,25) turning fair and warmer (26,27,28,29,30)

TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-Atlantic Region during the month of April. 

FULL MOON: April’s FULL MOON will occur on Tuesday, Sunday, April 7th. It has been called PINK MOON because of the many pretty flowers coming into bloom throughout the month. And because fishing typically improved during the month due to the warmer weather, it has been also referred to as FISH MOON.

SPECIAL NOTES: In 2020, April Fool’s Day falls on Wednesday, April 1st. Keep an eye for practical jokes and pranks that may be coming your way from family, co-workers, and friends!  Taxes are due on Wednesday, April 15th.  If you are going to be late, file a request for an extension immediately using the form found at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf.  And if you cannot pay the full amount of taxes owed on the due date, request an installment plan to help spread the tax liability over several months. Go to http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f9465.pdf for an installment agreement request form and mail it in with your return.  Earth Day is observed on Wednesday, April 22nd. Call the Earth Day Network at (202)518-0044 or go to www.earthday.org for some interesting, fun, and easy activities that you and your family can do that will help promote a healthier relationship with Mother Earth! 

HOLIDAYS: Celebrate Palm Sunday on April 5th, Good Friday on the 10th, and Easter Sunday on April 12th. Honor the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ by attending the church of your choice. The first day of Ramadan falls on Friday, April 24th.      

THE GARDEN: Begin planting indoor seedlings outdoors.  Harden them off first with several short days outside. 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!

THE FARM: Best days for planting root crops (7,8); weeding and stirring the soil (25,26,27); planting above-ground crops (1,2); planting root crops (7,8,9) 21,22); harvesting all crops (11,12); planting above the ground crops (28,29); to set hens and incubators (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15); slaughter and butcher meat (22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29); transplanting (22,23,242,5,26,27,28,29);); harvesting and storing of grain (14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21); weaning of animals and livestock (11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19). 

JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING 

 

"Arise on a rainy day with as much eagerness as on a sunny day”

"The phrase ’working mother’ is redundant.”

Jane Sellman (1955-    )

MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Periods of showers, heavy rain in the southern part of the region (1,2,3,4,5,6); fair and cool (7,8,9) with more showers, STORMS (10,11).  Fair and warm (12,13,14,15) with heavy rains, STORMS in the south again (16,17). Fair and warm again (18,19,20,21) with periods of showers, STORMS (22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29)ending the month with fair and mild temperatures (30,31). 

TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-Atlantic Region during the month of May. 

FULL MOON: The FULL MOON in May occurs on Thursday, May 7th and has been called FLOWER MOON by many Native Americans because of the many flowers that start to emerge and blossom during this month.  The , however, Huron tribes chose to call it BUDDING MOON for the same reasons. Farmers came to refer to it as MILK MOON because of the noticeable increase in milk produced by dairy cows as the weather starts to warm up. 

SPECIAL NOTES: Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on Tuesday, May 5th. Rogation Sunday falls on May 17th, Ascension Thursday follows on May 21st, and World No Tobacco Day is observed on Sunday, 1 May 31st. When looking for a notable historical event that happened to occur during the month of May, it was noticed that the soap operas, Another World and As The World Turns, both aired for the first time on May 4, 1964. Charles W. Fisher, editor of The Almanack from 1973 to 2000, produced both of those shows during over his 28-year career television broadcasting!

 

HOLIDAYS: Mothers are honored on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10th. Let Mom know that she’s special with a telephone call, a sentimental card, a nice flower arrangement, or just by spending some quality time with her on her day. Celebrate Armed Forces Day on Tuesday, May 19th and Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25th.  Those day has been set aside for honoring those who have served in our military and those who are currently serving. Their service and sacrifice have protected our precious freedoms and have ensured that our way of life will continue.  We can extend that recognition to include doctors, all healthcare workers, and everyone deemed essential in this troubled time. 

THE GARDEN: Once your last frost data has passed, warm season crops can be planted. When the ground temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it is safe to begin planting Okra, Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes, Eggplant, Peppers, Peanuts, Watermelon, Cow Peas, Black-eyed Peas, Crowder Peas, Butter Peas and Butter Beans. Trim up hedges and shrubs to shape and tighten them with new growth. Most flowering shrubs will respond to a light trimming at this time of year. Don’t trim away too many of the emerging buds or you won’t have as many flowers. 

THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (20,21,22); weeding and stirring the soil (23,24, 27,28);  planting above-ground crops (25,26); harvesting all crops (8,9); best days for setting hens and incubators (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,30,32); slaughtering and butchering meat (22,23,24,25,26,27,28); transplanting (22,23,24,25,26,27,28); the weaning of small animals and livestock (8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17); harvest and store grains (8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17). 

J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING:

"Perseverance often provides more rewards than that lucky break we’re always hoping for”.

“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
 how much he had learned in 7 years”

Mark Twain (1836-1875)

MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Periods of showers, heavy rain, late (1,2,3,4,5,6)turning fair and warm (7,8,9,10). STORMS (11,12) turning fair and warm again (13,14,15,16,17,18,19). More STORMS (20,21) turning once again, fair and warm (22,23); periods of STORMS, heavy rain, late (24,25,26,27,2,8,29,30.

 

TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees possible tornado activity in the Mid-Atlantic Region from the 26th to the 29th of June.

 

FULL MOON: June’s FULL MOON will occur on Friday, June 5th. Monday, June 17th. It has been called STRAWBERRY MOON because the first strawberries of the season become ripe for the picking (and for the eating!) during this month. And because roses start to show their gorgeous blooms at the beginning of the month, it has also been called ROSE MOON.

 

SPECIAL NOTES: Summer officially starts with the Summer Solstice that occurs on Saturday, 20th but with an unprecedented health crisis dictating that we maintain social distancing and wear face masks, it will be different summer this year. With many graduations cancelled due the Covid-19 pandemic, we must do what we can to honor our favorite students when he or she graduates from high school or college. This is a major milestone and cannot pass without the recognition that it is due. Mark the achievement with a special event or memorable gift (like a copy of this year’s Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack to mark the occasion!).

 

HOLIDAYS: On Sunday, June 14th, proudly display ‘Old Glory’! Be sure to do it properly and check the various ways how to do so at www.ushistory.org/betsy/more/displayonly.htm. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21st . 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 were in, c) helped you finance that new (fill in the blank), or d) All of the above!

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. Feed roses after each bloom cycle, water regularly, and remove any spent flowers. Additional pruning may be required in June of fast-growing plants, such as juniper, privet and yew. This will help promote new growth and also maintain a desirable shape during the growing season.

 

THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (16,17,18); weeding and stirring the soil (19,20); planting above-ground crops (21,22); harvesting all crops (5,6); the best days for setting hens and incubators (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (21,22,23,24,25,26,27); transplanting (21,22,23,24,25,26,27); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13); harvesting and storing grains (13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20).

JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING

“Every person has two educations-one from others, and one more important which he gives himself”

"I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone”

Edith Cavell (1865-1915)

 

MID-ATLANTIC WEATHER WATCH: Fair and warm (1,2,3,4,5)with STORMS 6,7,8); fair and very warm (9,10,11,12)with periods of STORMS (13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22). Hazy, hot and humid (23,24,25,26) with Atlantic hurricane, heavy rain (27,28,29) turning hazy, hot, and humid again (30,31).  

 

TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack no tornado activity in the Mid-Atlantic Region in the month of July.  

 

FULL MOON: July’s Full Moon will occur on July 4th. Native Americans called it THUNDER MOON due to the high number of thunderstorms during the month, some quite severe in many areas, that occur during the month. It has also been called BUCK MOON given the rapid growth of antlers on young bucks in July and HAY MOON and RIPE CORN MOON since both hay tends to ripen and because of the appearance of young corn on the stalks. 

 

SPECIAL NOTES: The ‘Dog Days of Summer’ begin on Friday, July 3rd and will continue into mid-August. 

 

HOLIDAYS: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4th in 2020. Celebrate safely and enjoy the holiday while remaining cautious during this pandemic. If spending time outdoors, use plenty of sunscreen, applying it frequently to yourself and the kids, especially if swimming or engaging in strenuous activities like sports or hiking.  

 

THE GARDEN: 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. Repot houseplants that have been kept outdoors if roots start to crowd their containers. If you have to divide plants, give them a chance to recover from the disruption to their root system by keeping them in the shade for at least a week. 

 

THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (14,15); weeding and stirring the soil (21,22); planting above-ground crops (1,27,28); harvesting all crops (2,3,6,7,8); the best days for setting hens and incubators (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13, 27,28,29,30,31); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (20,21,22,23,24,25,26); transplanting (20,21,22,23,24,25,26); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,29,30,31); harvesting and storing grains (12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19). 

 

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.”