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Previous Month’s Almanacks
"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-
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-
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 -
The Farm: Best for planting root crops (16, 17); weeding and stirring the soil (12, 13); planting above-
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"
JANUARY 2020
“The groundhog is like most prophets;
it makes its prediction and then disappears.”
-
Mid-
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-
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-
J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living
“If everyone were perfect, there would be no need for criticism, even of oneself”
FEBRUARY 2020
"If you are enough lucky to be Irish, then you’re are lucky enough”
Old Irish Saying
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-
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-
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-
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."
MARCH 2020
"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-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-
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-
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-
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
"Arise on a rainy day with as much eagerness as on a sunny day”
APRIL 2020
"The phrase ’working mother’ is redundant.”
Jane Sellman (1955-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-
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-
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-
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (20,21,22); weeding and stirring the soil (23,24, 27,28); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING:
"Perseverance often provides more rewards than that lucky break we’re always hoping for”.
MAY 2020
“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-
how much he had learned in 7 years”
Mark Twain (1836-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees possible tornado activity in the Mid-
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-
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-
THE GARDEN: It’s not too late to start warm-
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (16,17,18); weeding and stirring the soil (19,20); planting above-
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Every person has two educations-
JUNE 2020
"I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone”
Edith Cavell (1865-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack no tornado activity in the Mid-
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-
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-
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.”
JULY 2020
“What dreadful hot weather we have!
It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance”
Jane Austen (1775-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in August.
FULL MOON: August’s full moon will occur on August 3rd. Because of the many fruits and vegetables that ripen during the month, many Native American tribes called it FRUIT MOON or referred to as RIPE MOON. And since August 11th marks the end of the ‘Dog Days of Summer’, it has also been called DOG MOON as well.
SPECIAL NOTES: The 225th edition of J. Gruber’s Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack will be on newsstands and at popular retailers throughout the Mid-
HOLIDAYS: Where did the Summer go? Labor Day is right around the corner so enjoy the summer while it lasts! If planning outdoor activities such as going to the beach, boating, or in your own backyard, barbequing on the grill, be sure to include plenty of water and sun screen!
THE GARDEN: August is not too late to sow Portulaca (moss rose). They will bloom in about three weeks from seed. 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. Don’t move them in just yet but get them accustomed to their containers early. Rosemary, thyme, and tarragon are the best candidates for this. 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 (10,11,12); weeding and stirring the soil (17,18); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Congratulating oneself is not the best evidence of success”
AUGUST 2020
"Happy we who can bask in this warm September sun, which illumines
all creatures, as well when they rest as when they toil, not without
a feeling of gratitude; whose life is as blameless, how blameworthy
soever it may be, on the Lord’s Mona-
Henry David Thoreau (1817-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the month of September.
FULL MOON: September’s Full Moon has been famously-
SPECIAL NOTES: The 2021 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack will be on newsstands and at popular retailers throughout the Mid-
HOLIDAYS: Labor Day falls on the first Monday of the month which is September 7th in 2020. We must always remember those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001 and to also honor all of the brave first-
THE GARDEN: Make a long-
THE FARM: Best days for planting root crops (6,7,8); weeding and stirring the soil (14,15); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING: “If you are going to do a good thing, do it now; if you are going to do a mean thing, wait until tomorrow”
SEPTEMBER 2020
"Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!” Humbert Wolfe (1885-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity for the Mid-
FULL MOON: October has two FULL MOON to occur during the month. The first, occurring on Thursday, October 1st was recognized last month as the HARVEST MOON of 2020 (the full moon falling closest to the Autumnal Equinox). The second to occur is the HUNTER’S MOON of 2020. Named because of the extra light it provided many Native Americans to extend their hunt for food into the early evening, it will occur on Saturday, October 31st. It was also referred to as MOON OF FALLING LEAVES and YELLOW LEAF MOON by the Cree Tribe because many of the trees lose the last of their leaves during the month and because of the many leaves turning that color during October.
HOLIDAYS: Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 12th, United Nations Day is celebrated on Saturday, the 24th, and Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31st.
SPECIAL NOTES: Remember…..get your flu shots early this year! And follow current guidelines for protecting yourself, your family and loved ones as well as others we may encounter throughout our day. 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: 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, with the exception of 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 FARM: Best for planting root crops (4,5,15,16); weeding and stirring the soil (11,12); planting above-
J. GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“Be fair in the criticism of others, but more so in that of yourself.”
OCTOBER 2020
"The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest."
William Blake (1787-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-
FULL MOON: The FULL MOON in November will occur on Monday, November 30th. Due to the colder days and heavy frosts during the month, all of the leaves have fallen and most of the grasses have all died off and thus, has been referred to as FALLING LEAF MOON and DYING GRASS MOON. And because of the high winds sweeping through many regions this time of year, it was called BIG WIND MOON.
SPECIAL NOTES: Daylight Savings ends for 2020 on Sunday, November 1st so be sure to “fall back’ an hour at 2AM And be sure to check out Almanack Weather Prognosticator, Chad Merrill’s article in the 2021 edition of The Almanack, where he presents the case of whether to continue the practice, offering the pro and cons of this annual
HOLIDAYS: The 2020 elections will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd and this year, it will be for The President of The United States. Now more than ever, your vote is needed to help determine the course of America for the next 4 years. If voting by mail, complete your ballot immediately upon receipt and place the properly-
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. Keep mowing if your lawn is still growing. If you do have to do that one last mow, don’t bag those grass clippings. Instead, recycle them back onto the lawn. Contrary to what you might have heard, clippings will not become thatch (a spongy layer found between grass blades and roots). Keep watering until the ground temperature reaches 40 degrees F. Now is the time to start those forced bulbs that were placed in a cool area in August or September.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (1,12,13); weeding and stirring the soil (7,8,9); planting above-
JOHN GRUBER’S THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S LIVING
“There is more to be learned by listening closely and keeping an open mind, even though you often may not agree with the speaker.”
NOVEMBER 2020
”I heard the bells of Christmas Day; old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good will to men!”…..Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1802-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-
FULL MOON: The FULL MOON for December occurs on Tuesday, December 29th. Many Native Americans referred to December’s FULL MOON as COLD MOON (for obvious reasons!). Other tribes called it ICE-
SPECIAL NOTES: Winter Solstice will occur on Monday, December 21st. 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 225 years! Remember that The Almanack makes a great gift that keeps giving throughout the 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: Hanukah begins at sunset on Friday, December 11th, Christmas is celebrated on Friday, December 25th, and Kwanzaa begins on Saturday, December 26th. Enjoy family and friends during these festive times and keep that joyful and giving spirit alive throughout the coming year. New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday, December 31st. Make plans to attend a First Night Celebration and enjoy a safe, family-
THE GARDEN: Consider a garden shop gift card or garden tool for the gardener in your life. Books on their favorite type of plants or a gift card to a popular gardening catalog are welcome gifts (and so would The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack!). 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.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (9,10); weeding and stirring the soil (5,6); 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”
DECEMBER 2020
“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.”…..Cavett Robert (1907-
MID-
TORNADO WATCH: The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack sees no tornado activity in the Mid-
FULL MOON: The first FULL MOON of 2021 will occur on Thursday, January 28th. It has been called HUNGER MOON by many Native American tribes because of the scarcity of game at this time of year. Other tribes called it WOLF MOON because of the increased boldness of wolf packs venturing closure and closer to their camps looking for food.
SPECIAL NOTES: The 2021 Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack is its 225th edition. It has been continuously published since its first appearance in 1797and 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 Friday, 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 2021, that is Monday, January 18th. 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: Be sure to shake or brush off heavy snow from the branches of your evergreens and shrubs. The light fluffy snow poses no real threat, but if it should become wet and frozen, the weight dramatically increases. Branches are more brittle when the plants are dormant, and the weight of the snow may snap them off. Take care of our feathered friends who will need a reliable supply of water and food during winter. Once you start feeding them, they'll keep returning for more, so be prepared to continue providing ample amounts of both until natural water supplies and food becomes available later in the Spring.
THE FARM: Best for planting root crops (5,6); weeding and stirring the soil (1,2,3,4); planting above-
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”
JANUARY 2021