Almanac.com Recent Articles

Sky Watch: May 2013

Catherine Boeckmann — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:22:23 +0000

Here are the monthly sky watch highlights. Each month, we share the wonders of the universe to help you explore the night sky from your own backyard. (Note: Times listed below are ET.)

May 2013

by Bob Berman, as featured in
The Old Farmer's Almanac

Saturn remains splendid throughout this month and is out all night long. Jupiter is now getting low in the evening twilight. Mercury hovers to the right of returning Venus, only 7 degrees above the western horizon 40 minutes after sunset on the 23rd.

Venus closely meets Jupiter, a potentially spectacular sight even though both are near their minimum brightness, on the 27th and 28th. Mercury hovers just above them. However, the planetary trio sits just 6 degrees above the western horizon 40 minutes after sunset and thus requires an unobstructed skyline for viewing. They are easier to see from southern states.

Sky Map May 2013

Sky Maps courtesy of Jeff DeTray. Love astronomy? Visit Jeff's site at AstronomyBoy.com

Astronomer Jeff DeTray has created the sky map below to help you navigate the May sky. This month's highlights: Four planets in one night!

Begin your quest to see a quartet of planets with an easy one. Look south on any clear night in May, and find the planet Saturn, bright and beautiful, floating a bit to the left of the bright star Spica in the constellation Virgo, the Virgin. Although Spica is the 15th brightest of all stars, Saturn in May is brighter still. Saturn and Spica are the two brightest points of light in their part of the sky and so should be easy to spot.

This is also a perfect time of year to see the large constellation Leo, the Lion. The bright star Regulus lies at Leo's heart. In fact, the Arabic name for the star translates as "heart of the lion." It should come as no surprise that Denebola, the star at the other end of Leo, derives its name from the Arabic phrase for "tail of the lion." Leo is larger than you might think from looking at the map, so think "big" as you look for the celestial Lion.

More challenging is the tight grouping of three planets visible just after sunset during the last 10 days of May. Refer to the inset in the lower right corner of this month's map. There you'll see Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury as they appear on May 27 just as the Sun slips below the horizon in the west-northwest. You'll need a clear and unobstructed horizon, so look for a viewing location that is free of trees and buildings.

Although they are nearest one another on the 27th, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury spend several days in close proximity starting about May 21. As the Sun sets, the first of the three planets to appear will be Venus, the brightest of all planets. Venus is so bright that it can sometimes be seen when the Sun is still in the sky. As the Sun dips farther below the horizon, the sky will begin to darken slightly, and Jupiter will appear, followed a little later by Mercury. The best view will come about 45 minutes after sunset, when the Sun has moved well below the horizon but Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury are still just above the horizon.

If you manage to see Mercury, you'll be in select company. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and as such is usually lost in its glare. With Venus and Jupiter serving as guides, May 2013 is a golden opportunity to see elusive Mercury. And when you add easy-to-find Saturn, you'll be playing the Planetary Quartet!

Sky Map for May 2013: Click to View PDF

Sky map produced using Chris Marriott's Skymap Pro

Explore the sky night from your own backyard. A printable black and white map is provided below!

Click for Printable Sky Map (PDF)
Just click, print, and bring outside!

Sky Watch: April 2013

Almanac Staff — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:45:03 +0000

Here are the monthly sky watch highlights. Each month, we share the wonders of the universe to help you explore the night sky from your own backyard. (Note: Times listed below are ET.)

April 2013

by Bob Berman, as featured in
The Old Farmer's Almanac

The Moon meets Jupiter in the west on the 14th. This is the final month for easy viewing of the Giant Planet, which has now faded to magnitude -2.0 but is still the brightest "star" in the heavens. The Moon comes extremely close to the blue star Spica on the 24th and then passes to the lower right of Saturn on the 25th. Both rise at around nightfall. Saturn, with its rings now beautifully "open" (meaning not tilted edgewise to us), has its opposition on the 28th, when it can be seen all night. This is Saturn's best and brighest opposition of the past 6 years. Visible through any telescope, Saturn lights up the otherwise dim constellation of Libra.

Sky Map April 2013

Sky Maps courtesy of Jeff DeTray. Love astronomy? Visit Jeff's site at AstronomyBoy.com

This month's highlight: Farewell to Winter Constellations.

April is your last chance for many months to see some of the night sky's brightest constellations.

The sights of the night sky are ever changing. When we look to the West on April evenings, we see stars and constellations that will soon slip below the horizon and not return to view until Spring and Summer have passed and Autumn has arrived. One of these is Orion the Hunter. He is the brightest of all the constellations, with no fewer than seven stars of 2nd magnitude or better. April is our last chance to see Orion before he disappears from the evening sky.

Where does he go, you may ask? The answer is "nowhere."

It's not a trick question. All through the Spring and Summer, Orion is still in the sky. The difference is that from May to October, Orion is in the sky during the DAYTIME. And obviously, we can't see him because the Sun is so bright that it overwhelms the stars. The stars are always there, but we see them only when the Sun sets. There IS an exception: During a total eclipse of the Sun, some stars are visible in the daytime, the only time this is so.

While you are bidding farewell to Orion, enjoy the many fine sites this part of the sky has to offer. The giant planet Jupiter is prominent, not far from the reddish star Aldebaran and the Pleiades star cluster. The crescent Moon passes through the constellation Taurus on its way to Gemini. Not far from Jupiter is Elnath, a star with the unusual property of belonging to TWO constellations. Elnath is the tip of one of the horns of Taurus the Bull, but it is also a part of the lopsided pentagon that comprises the main portion of Auriga the Charioteer.

Say farewell to the constellations of Winter, but don't worry: they'll return in the Fall, as they have for centuries uncounted!

Sky Map for April 2013: Click to View PDF

Sky map produced using Chris Marriott's Skymap Pro

Explore the sky night from your own backyard. A printable black and white map is provided below!

Click for Printable Sky Map (PDF)
Just click, print, and bring outside!

2012-2013 Winter Photo Contest Winners

Almanac Staff — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:23:36 +0000

Congratulations to the 2012–2013 Almanac Winter Photo Contest Winners. Now accepting entries for next year's contest! Click here for contest page.

This year, we had many superb winter bird and wildlife pictures submitted to us. The judges selected the grand prize winner, "Winter Woodpecker," as the best of the bird pictures.

Thank you to ALL who share their photos and videos celebrating the winter season! If you wish, you can click on each of the images below to send a stunning ecard to family and friends.

2012-2013 Grand Prize Winner

"Winter Woodpecker"
Credit: Rae-Lynne
Editor's note: It's interesting to see the bird through the frost-covered branches. We enjoyed the pattern and colors.

Runners-Up

"Patient Goldfinch"
Credit: Holly Miller-Pollack
"A goldfinch patiently waits for spring to arrive."
Editor's note: Nice close-up shot, clear, good field of focus so can concentrate on bird detail. Like the snowflakes.

"A Winter Visitor"
Credit: Cindy Joyce
"This little cottontail visited our backyard, here in Nevada, to soak up some sun on a cold winter's day!"
Editor's note: Simple, very clear, and very cute. Perfect focus, good lights and darks.

Enjoy more gorgeous winter photos (and send as ecards) in our Winter Photo Contest gallery here!

How to Keep Birds Out of the Garden

Almanac Staff — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:55:06 +0000

Birds are a welcome addition to the garden, but if the crows are devouring your corn and the jays are eating your berries, there are ways to deter them and live in harmony.

Have a party! Scary balloons (vinyl balls with menacing faces) are available at garden centers and on-line. Make your own using shiny Mylar balloons, and secure them to posts around your garden. Tie shiny ribbon (or surveyor's tape) from the balloons for more effect, and don't forget to move them every few days.
Build a barrier. To keep nibblers at bay, place inverted crates or disposable cups (with the bottoms cut out) over vulnerable seedlings. Chicken wire can also be laid over a seedbed. (As seedlings grow, raise it slightly using boards or bricks.) "I made a cone out of window screen cloth for my tomato plants," says a gardener in Maryland. "When they got too big for the cones, I switched to netting."
Cast a net. "Netting is the only certain way of deterring birds," says Pippa Greenwood, author of American Horticultural Society Pests & Diseases. To prevent snagging on twigs or thorns, some gardeners construct an inexpensive framework to cover their plants. Use bamboo poles, fence posts, or tall stakes. Drape the netting over the framework, so it reaches the ground, and anchor it to the ground with bent wire for wind protection. If your garden rows aren't too long, consider making a V-shaped “tent” above the row to protect seedlings until they are rooted well enough to resist birds pulling on them.
Throw some line. Fishing line or black thread, artistically woven over your garden, will stymie bird pests. "Birds don't like wires," says Wagner. "Put posts around your garden and weave the thread or line over your crops."
Go high-tech. Birdbusters (www.birdbusters.com) makes a sophisticated screech owl to frighten even the bravest of birds. The owl spins in the wind and has a microchip inside that emits the sound of an attacking hawk.
Go low-tech. One oldtime cure was to soak a few quarts of dried corn in whiskey, and scatter it over the fields for the crows. They would get corned!
Remember the benefits. Although some birds can be nuisances, they are also hardworking garden allies, munching away on annoying pests like snails, slugs, and harmful insects. Keep this in mind, and you may feel more generous toward our feathered friends.

See our Crows page if you are specifically dealing with crows in the garden.

Cabbageworms

Almanac Staff — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:51:26 +0000

Here are tips on how to identify, control, and get rid of imported cabbageworm.

What are Cabbageworms?

Cabbageworms are the same pest as "imported cabbageworms" and "cabbage worms."

The adult butterflies are sometimes called cabbage whites or small whites. The Latin name is Pieris rapae, or Artogeia rapae.

This is a common pest for kale, cauliflower, broccoli. and other members of the cabbage vegetable family.

Do not be overly concerned if you see a hole in a leaf; plants can withstand much leaf loss without consequence.

It is during seedling establishment or early head formation that plants will incur true damage to their growth and yield.

How to Identify Cabbage Root Maggots

These pretty white butterflies (right picture) flying around your veggies are laying eggs which then hatch into small, fuzzy green worms (left picture) that chew the cabbage and deposit worm poop.

The eggs and larvae of the cabbage looper, diamondback moth, and zebra caterpillar also can be found hanging around.

How to get rid of Cabbage Root Maggots

Cover your plants with row covers to deter the adult butterflies from laying eggs on the cabbages.
Manually remove (handpick) the eggs if possible.
Yellow sticky traps will catch the adult butterflies, but may also catch beneficial insects.
Spraying with BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) every 1 to 2 weeks will also help control cabbage family pests. Sevin also is effective. And, the few pests that remain on the vegetables can be washed out after harvest using water and a small amount of detergent or other surfactant.
It is said that if you dampen cabbage leaves and sprinkle them with cornmeal, the caterpillars will eat the meal, swell, and die.
Trichogramma wasps (very tiny; they do not sting humans) parasitize the eggs of the imported cabbageworm; these beneficial insects are available by mailorder, although you'll need to time their release appropriately--the mailorder company would be able to help you.
Check with your local Cooperative Extension for your area's regulations on chemical control.

The Almanac Monthly

Lou Eastman — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:25:10 +0000

For 221 years, as surely as the Sun rises in the east, the print edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been published annually—just as it will continue to be.

However, for fortunate users—like you!—of e-readers and -devices, this steadfast American icon is also available monthly as The Old Farmer's Almanac Monthly magazine!

As of today, you can purchase the Almanac Monthly in the iTunes store. Very soon, it will be available on Kindle, too!

Once (a Year) is Not Enough!

Each edition of this Almanac Monthly contains feature articles on subjects that have defined The Old Farmer’s Almanac as a “calendar of the heavens” for centuries—topics such as astronomy, weather, gardening, nature and the outdoors, farming, food, anniversaries, and, of course, the calendar itself. After all, it’s the holidays and other significant events that make the world go ’round!

The Old Farmer's Almanac Monthly magazine closely ties to the seasons and months. The weather updates will check our annual forecast against recent conditions and inform you about other seasonal weather phenomena.

What’s more, you’ll often find audio and video multimedia content within this Almanac Monthly, making it far more interactive and fun than plain printed pages.

Preview the Almanac Monthly

See a sample of the Almanac Monthly!

We hope that you enjoy the Almanac Monthly! Please tell us what you like, what you aren’t crazy about, and what you want more of: We welcome suggestions from e-readers here.

We want to use the magic of this medium, combined with the Almanac’s unique blend of “usefulness, with a pleasant degree of humor,” to create the best e-experience possible!

Garden Seed Testing

Almanac Staff — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:00:35 +0000

Did you save seed packets from prior gardening seasons? Here is a system to test your garden seeds and see if they can be used for the next gardening season.

Ideally, you kept the seed packets in a dry place without humidity. Some folks keep the packets in a container in their refrigerator. When you are ready to test the seeds:

Just wet a couple of paper towels with warm water, wring them out, and carefully spread them in the bottom of a glass baking pan.
Make rows of seeds on the paper towels, writing down each variety o a corresponding piece of paper as you go.
Put ten seeds in each row (so you just have to add a zero to the number that sprout to get the percentage of germination), but just use five seeds if you do not have many seeds left in a packet.
For tiny seeds, do not worry about counting; just use a smear and when they sprout, estimate the percentage of germination.
Get rid of packets with virtually no seeds left; get rid of seeds that you do not want to grow again.
In making the rows of seeds, separate similar ones so that you don't get them confused.
After all the seeds are laid out, put a piece of plastic wrap over the pan, make sure it is sealed all the way around and—being careful that the seeds do not roll—put the pan on top of the refrigerator.
Leave seeds for a week, remoistening with water in a spray bottle if the plastic wrap comes undone and the towels dry out.
Then check germination rates. Get rid of any seeds that do not germinate at a rate of at least 50 percent.

How Long Do Seeds Last?

Testing seeds, as outlined above, is a good way to see for yourself which ones remain viable for five years or more and which ones won't make it to the next growing season.

Storage conditions greatly affect longevity; in general, seeds that have been kept cool and dry will do better than seeds that have been stored where it is hot and dry.

Reputable seed companies house their seeds at around 50°F and 50 percent humidity.

Saving Seeds

To learn more about seeds and tricks for saving your own, here's a quick primer on the benefits of saving your vegetable seeds.

You may also find it interesting to learn how to harvest the most-common garden seeds. See our "Quick Seed-Saving Guide for Beginners."

Pet Photo Contest

Catherine Boeckmann — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:33:44 +0000

To enter the Almanac Pet Photo Contest, submit a digital picture of your dog, cat, or other pet. Each season (four time a year), we'll feature a furry friend and award a prize!

We are now accepting photos.

To enter, upload your photo here! Make sure you select the "Pet Photo Contest" category. (Note: You'll need to log in.)

Prize

The winning picture will receive a Lupine collar or leash (see colorful patterns in our General Store). Or, if your pet is not a dog or cat, we'll send you an Almanac bundle of products!

Terms & Conditions

This site is for amateur photographers. All photos submitted to this Web site become the property of Yankee Publishing Inc., which may reproduce, distribute, publish, display, edit, modify, create derivative works from, and otherwise use the material for any purpose, in any form, and on any media. In submitting this photo you agree that its content does not infringe copyrights or other property rights of any party. You also agree that the photo you are submitting is your own.

Browse all submitted photos in the Pets Contest Gallery!

Featured Pet Photo Contest Winners

Kind Eye

Credit: Leslie
"Cody is a rescue horse. Even after going through some horrible years before we rescued him, Cody has the kindest eyes."

Winter Run

Credit: Doug Torrie
"Winter Run. Flying through the snow at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Beagle - Tucker (2 y.o.). Beauceron - Sophie (11 y.o.)."
Editors note: We love how the little dog is making leaps to keep up with the larger one, with intent concentration! The larger dog seems to be casually strolling along.

Kitty Kisses

Credit: Stacy Chambliss
"Mack loves giving kisses."

Ready for the Beach

Credit: Cathy
"So what if our pet is a little larger than most . . . she is still just an over grown puppy!! :)"

Bathing in the Sun

Credit: Wilash
"Name: Nutmeg. Occupation: Being a snuggle bug."

Chewing Up Shoes

Credit: Jessica Trinh
"Just being a puppy . . . that's all!"

DeeDee and Sidney

Credit: Gail McDonald
"DeeDee (the doe fawn) was enjoying the weather, when she was joined by Sidney (the cat). They napped together for quite a while."

Fall Frodo

Credit: Kate Wilcox
"Frodo at Bald Knob, Moultonborough, NH - Castle in the Clouds in the background."

Bella's Butterfly Rescue

Credit: Donna Wynne
"Our Lab Bella saw the butterfly in our pool and dove in, rescued the butterfly and then sat it down in the garden and looked at it. It was amazing!"

Enjoy even MORE pet pictures in our Pet E-Card Gallery.

How can I request a refund for my online order?

Amy Bidder — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:00:11 +0000

If you wish to request a refund for your order, send an e-mail to our customer service department or call toll-free 1-877-717-8924.

How can I place an order outside the US?

Amy Bidder — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:04:45 +0000

We currently accept orders from residents of the US and Canada. For Canadian orders, funds must be drawn from a US bank, and the fee for standard delivery is $14.95. Canadian orders will be received within 4-6 weeks.

How can I place an order over the phone for a product seen in the online store?

Amy Bidder — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:15:12 +0000

Call toll-free 1-877-717-8924 to place your order by phone. Our phone hours are Monday-Friday from 7 A.M. to 12 Midnight ET, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. ET

Can I order the Canadian Edition of the Almanac in digital form?

Amy Bidder — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:06:19 +0000

The Almanac Digital edition is an exact digital replica of the US bookstore edition. We do not currently offer digital versions of the Canadian edition. However you can purchase a digital version of the Almanac's Long-range weather forecast for Canada by clicking here.

How can I place an order via the mail for an online store item?

Amy Bidder — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:16:24 +0000

Mail your order instructions along with payment (make checks payable to Yankee Publishing Inc./Almanac) to the following address:

Yankee Publishing Inc.
PO Box 450
Mount Morris, IL 61054-0450

How can I return my online order?

Amy Bidder — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:58:26 +0000

Returns can be sent to the following address:

Kable Product Fulfillment
Almanac Products
4275 Thunderbird Lane
Fairfield, OH 45014

How can I track my online order?

Amy Bidder — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:53:36 +0000

You can log on to your account and click on the orders tab to see if your item has been shipped. For more detailed shipping information please call 1-877-717-8924.

Winners of the 2012 Almanac Essay Contest

Almanac Staff — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 20:37:50 +0000

Thank you to everyone who submitted an essay. We were overwhelmed with words of appreciation and shared memories from across the United States and Canada, both from families who have read and used the Almanac for generations and from folks who have only recently come to know it. In addition to the stories here, folks wrote of making and keeping a wood fire, marketing grain crops by the Moon, digging clams or going crabbing, fund-raising, weaning a child from the bottle, giving speeches, researching woodcut art, and writing a novel. Most writers offered praise for our advice on farming and gardening (especially by the Moon), husbandry, fishing and nature, astronomical sightings and Moon names, recipes, accurate weather forecasts, and the ability to lift spirits in good times and sad. From all of your kind words, we are humbled, heartened, and inspired.

Topic: How The Old Farmer’s Almanac Has Influenced My Life

First Prize

Two years ago, I became an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada and was sent from Toronto to serve three tiny farming towns in rural Saskatchewan. I think that my congregants were as nervous as I was about how a city minister was going to fit in with a community of farmers and ranchers. At Coffee House after my first church service, I mentioned a fact about seeding wheat. There was a stunned silence. Then someone asked how a city person would know that.
“Oh, I read The Old Farmer’s Almanac,” I answered.
You could almost hear the sigh of relief go up. From that moment on, I was one of them!
–Anne Hines, Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan

Second Prize

In 1982, I was a city girl in my early 30s when John, a farm boy, was hired and assigned to share an office with me. Other than age, we had little in common. One day, he was reading The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a book I had never seen before. His obvious enjoyment piqued my interest. We began talking about left- vs. right-hand calendar pages and astronomy vs. astrology, as well as guessing the weather, finding reasons to celebrate obscure holidays, and perusing the home and health tidbits, which he already knew. This eventually led to a special tradition that has continued to connect us. We each buy Almanacs every fall and use them to plan our get-togethers. Even though our lives have taken us in different directions, our tradition with the Almanac has helped us to stay in touch.
–Ellen Waxberg, Skokie, Illinois

Third Prize

A few years ago, The Old Farmer’s Almanac explained why the Sun usually does come out at noon. As a roofer, I soon turned this information to my advantage. Whenever we had one of those gray, damp days, someone would invariably say at coffee break, “Well, it looks like we won’t see the Sun today.”
I’d say, “I bet you it comes out at noon.”
“How much you wanna bet?” he’d ask.
“Five bucks.”
“You’re on!”
Every few months, I’d reel in another one until no one would make a wager except the rookies, who eventually were forewarned, so even they wouldn’t bet me.
One day, a buddy cornered me and asked me how I could be so accurate. “Give me five bucks and I’ll tell you,” I said. With the cash in hand, I told him: “The Old Farmer’s Almanac.”
–Peter R. Anderson, Bozrah, Connecticut

Honorable Mention

My older brother has always teased me about my knowledge, or lack of it, pertaining to the stars. He and I would go out into a local field to challenge each other’s knowledge of the night sky, whenever the weather permitted. He had won all of our weekly contests every year. He did, after all, have an 8-year leg up on me when it came to life and stargazing. But his winning streak had left me downtrodden.
Then, one day, I picked up a copy of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which claimed to contain “everything under the Sun, including the Moon.” Every week since, I’ve given him a good run for his money, mostly swamping him with my spot-on predictions!
–Andrew Pearson, Coweta, Oklahoma

How to Chop an Onion in Four Easy Steps

Almanac Staff — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:08:50 +0000

Whether you're making a sandwich or cooking dinner, there's a good chance that you may be chopping up onions for added flavor.

These wrapped wonders are not only good for cooking, but also provide natural health benefits!

Here are tips on how to chop an onion in four easy steps from expert cook Ken Haedrich.

Select a sharp chef's knife. Before you begin, peel off as many layers of papery skin as you can, the better to make your first cut without your knife glancing off the surface. Pull off any hairy roots, too. They have an unappetizing way of ending up where they shouldn't. Place the onion on its side on a chopping board. Hold your knife comfortably, with your forefinger running down one side of the blade and your thumb pressed against the opposite side. With one fell swoop, slide the knife down and away from you, slicing off the top half inch of the onion. (If your knife isn't particularly sharp, first pierce the surface of the onion with the tip of your knife so the blade has a starting notch.)
Turn the onion so it rests on the newly cut flat surface. Starting at the center of the root end, slice the onion in half. Peel off any remaining skin.
Rest half the onion on its largest flat surface, root end pointing away from you. Working from the far edge of the onion toward your body, slice down through the onion, leaving about 1/2 inch between each cut. Do not, however, slice through the onion at the root end. (An intact root end keeps the onion from falling apart.)
Rotate the onion so the end cut faces your knife blade. Then make 1/2-inch cuts perpendicular to the first set of cuts. The onion will fall apart into neat, 1/2-inch dice. Discard root. Repeat with the other half.

The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Baking

Almanac Staff — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:37:55 +0000

Everyday Baking is the latest title in The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s Everyday cookbook series. This collection of recipes, seasoned baking tips, helpful advice, and beautiful color photos make baking easy as pie.

Available wherever books and magazines are sold, Everyday Baking features 118 original recipes by celebrated baker and longtime Almanac collaborator Ken Haedrich. A winner of the Julia Child Cookbook Award, Ken is the author of 11 cookbooks, including Pie, which was named one of the best baking books of the past 25 years by Cooking Light magazine.

Ken Haedrich Talks about The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Baking

Attachment	Size
A view inside the Everyday Baking cookbook!	3.04 MB
evdy_baking_release__final_jb.doc	37.5 KB

Fund-raising Special Collection

Lou Eastman — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:41:25 +0000

The Old Farmer's Almanac Sun-Face Glass Suncatcher

This hand-made pressed-glass medallion specially designed

for The Old Farmer’s Almanac by Old Hancock Glassworks in

New Hampshire is perfect for adding a little color to any window.

These soft green suncatchers are made from recycled glass—the

tiny bubbles in the glass and the loop at the top for hanging it

add to the charm of these New England craftsman–made pieces.

3" x 3¼"
includes a descriptive card from the artist
comes in protective foam sleeve

P: $10.00 Each

The Old Farmer's Almanac “Everything under the sun” Jigsaw puzzle

In our first puzzle, artist Joel Nakamura captures the

astronomical, agricultural, and seasonal themes of America’s

oldest continuously published—and most popular—annual,

The Old Farmer’s Almanac. This new 1,000-piece puzzle, with

its colorful and challenging image, will supply hours of good fun

or the whole family.

1,000 pieces
24" x 30"
ages 12 and up

Q: $15.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Note Cards

A set of eight note cards and envelopes featuring four

of our favorite Gardening Calendar illustrations.

two of each design
4¼" x 6¼"

R: $9.00 each

Fund-raising Journals

Lou Eastman — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:58:06 +0000

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Engagement Calendar

Advice, folklore, wit, or wisdom in a week-at-a-glance format,

with ample space for appointments, notes, and reminders.

Includes 2014 and 2015 advance planners, plus address,

anniversary, and emergency contact pages.

two-color throughout
high-gloss hardcover
concealed Wire-O binding
7" x 10"

M: $15.00 Each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden Journal

This illustrated, undated, all-seasons journal is loaded with gardening

tips, and planting schedules for flowers, lawns, and vegetables. Ample

space is provided to record varieties, dates, weather, and resources

and to make notes and observations. A perfect gift for novice or

veteran gardeners.

four-color throughout
high-gloss heavy cover
Wire-O binding
80 pages
7" x 10"

N: $10.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Weather Journal

This undated journal provides the ideal means to record and track

daily weather observations. Weather photographs and weather

information, facts, history, and charts aid and enlighten users.

A perfect gift for weather and climate watchers.

four-color throughout
high-gloss heavy cover
Wire-O binding
128 pages
7" x 10"

O: $10.00 each

Fund-raising Cookbooks

Lou Eastman — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:17:37 +0000

The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Baking

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Everyday Baking joins the Almanac’s family

of cookbooks with a guarantee of goodness every day. To fulfill the

promise of great taste, baked goods recipes require precise

measurements and clear directions—and this cookbook delivers.

Its 118 recipes were developed, tested, and tasted by Ken Haedrich,

one of America’s baking authorities and author of 11 cookbooks,

including Pie. Every page will make your mouth water.

Includes recipes for:

quick breads
cookies and bars
pies
crisps and cobblers
cakes for any occasion
and more!
four-color throughout
softcover
136 pages
7 3/4" x 10 1/2"

C: $10.00 Each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden-Fresh Cookbook

This hand-picked collection from The Old Farmer’s Almanac

features more than 325 delicious recipes that celebrate the

flavors of garden-fresh ingredients.

Alongside the bushels of tempting recipes are words of wisdom

for growing, harvesting, preparing, and storing vegetables,

fruit, and herbs as well as choosing the very best ingredients

from the marketplace.

special 2-page gardening sections: herbs, vegetables, flowers, and berries
four-color throughout
hardcover
336 pages
7 1/4" x 9"

D: $20.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Cookbook

From America’s most trusted reference, a cook’s blend of

delicious, home-style fare updated for today’s healthful and

busy times.

With everything from snacks and casual meals

to food for family dinners and special occasions,

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Everyday Cookbook is filled with

over 400 wholesome, good-eating recipes guaranteed to

satisfy hearty appetites year-round.

two-color throughout
16 pages of full-color photography
hardcover
336 pages
7 1/4" x 9"

E: $20.00 each

Yankee Magazine's Best New England Recipes

New Englanders love heirlooms. This collection of updated

vintage and “lost” recipes is for today’s cooks who want

foods from their childhood, the memory-filled family

favorites, reworked for today’s tastes.

This book includes everyday recipes, such as Vermont

Cheddar Pudding, Chicken à la King, and Wellesley Fudge

Cake, as well as special occasion fare like real Swedish

Meatballs, Lobster Pie, and Cream Puffs.

Categories Include:

breads and breakfasts • starters • soups and salads • meats • fish • vegetable entrées and sides • desserts • and more
four-color throughout
softcover
128 pages
7 3/4" x 10 1/2"

F: $10.00 each

Fund-raising Calendars

Lou Eastman — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:30:15 +0000

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Gardening Calendar

Original full-color illustrations accompany beginner-to-

expert advice, traditional folklore, and nature facts. Plus, best

vegetable planting days and Moon phases by region.

wall format
10 7/8" x 8 3/8"

G: $10.00 Each

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Weather Watcher's Calendar

Awe-inspiring seasonal photographs, historic weather events,

observations by the “Old Farmer,” and timeless (true!)

weather proverbs make this a must-have for weather beginners

and buffs alike.

wall format
10 7/8" x 8 3/8

H: $10.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Country Calendar

The country comes to life in full-color photographs and through

“country wisdom,” holiday lore, history, and quirky facts. Plus,

best days for fishing, planting, setting eggs, and more each month.

wall format
10 7/8" x 10 7/8"

I: $10.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Baby Animals Calendar

Oh, so cute! Twelve winsome photos of baby animals in the

home, on the farm, and in the wild. Each month includes

fun facts about the featured animal. A calendar that will

delight both children and adults.

wall format
10 1/2" x 8 1/8"

J: $10.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Recipe Calendar

For the cook or food lover: Inspiring photos of fresh ingredients

accompany home-style recipes and a side order ofkitchen tips

every month.

wall format
10 7/8" x 8 3/8

K: $10.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Everyday Calendar

A compilation of curious facts, fascinating folklore, quirky history,

useful household and gardening tips, fun puzzles, and timeless

proverbs. Why, it’s The Old Farmer’s Almanac in a page-per-day

format!

gift-boxed
plastic easelback
5 3/16" x 5 1/2"

L: $13.00 each

Fund-raising Almanacs

Lou Eastman — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:08:32 +0000

The 2013 Old Farmer's Almanac

Watch family and friends smile with America’s most popular reference book! Every page is “useful, with a pleasant degree of humor.” Here’s just a hint of what’s in this edition:

a peek at parenting through the ages
little-known facts about the Battle of Gettysburg
25 secrets for a great harvest
four seasons of home remedies
all about Louisiana’s mirliton heirloom squash
bacon recipe contest winners
scrumptious baked goods recipes to make and enjoy

$6.00 Each

Plus:

planting by the Moon
weather forecasts
daily astronomical data
best days to do things
readers' gardening tips
calendar, trends, and much MORE!

The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids Volume 4

Kids can’t put it down. Parents can’t wait to pick it up.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids blends wacky facts, quirky
stories, and edu-tainment into fun for all ages.

In Volume 4:

wonders of the night sky and wild tales of meteorites
cold facts, weird winds, and wacky ways to predict the weather
garden how-to’s: cucumber in a bottle, peas, tomatoes, and avocados
backyard Frisbee golf, fishing tips, craft projects, and Much MORE!
192 full-color pages • 5 5/8" x 8 1/4"

$10.00 each

Find more activities for kids at the companion Web site, Almanac4kids.com

The 2013 Old Farmer's Almanac e-copies

Amy Bidder — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:27:50 +0000

Welcome to our Media Friends!

Please click the links below to download your e-copy of The 2013 Old Farmer’s Almanac. We ask that you don’t share this link with your friends and family—this page is exclusively for members of the media.

While we now offer e-books and are using them as a way to get copies of our 2013 edition to our media friends as quickly as possible, the print edition is and will always be available. If you’d like a print copy sent your way or would like to set up an interview with one of our editors, please contact Ginger Vaughan at ginger@quinnbrein.com or at 206-842-8922.

Click here for additional press materials related to The 2013 Old Farmer's Almanac.

Thank you and enjoy!

2013 National Edition
2013 Southern Edition
2013 Western Edition
2013 Canadian Edition

Click to view.

The 2013 Old Farmer's Almanac Regional Editions

Amy Bidder — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:37:38 +0000

By purchasing a digital edition you now have access to all versions of The 2013 Old Farmer's Almanac. Each edition has unique conversion tables for tides, sun rise/set, moon rise/set and other astronomical data based on different major cities. National = Boston, MA; Southern = Atlanta, GA (Savannah for Tides); Western = San Francisco, CA; Canadian = Ottawa.

Although the Classic Edition of The Old Farmer's Almanac, is offered in four regional editions for quick reference, every edition of the Almanac contains instructions and tables in the section titled “How to Use This Almanac” that allow readers to calculate exact events (sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset, moon's place and age, as well as tides and other data) for virtually any location in the United States. In other words, someone in Boston could still use the Western Edition to calculate their exact event times. If calculating exact event times sounds like something you don't want to do, try our My Local Almanac digital product that does the calculations for you.

If you're unsure which edition to use select the National Edition. To access your digital edition please click on of the links below.

2013 National Edition
2013 Southern Edition
2013 Western Edition
2013 Canadian Edition

Click to view.

Succession Gardening Chart

Lou Eastman — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:19:22 +0000

Attachment	Size
succession-gardening-chart.pdf	890.63 KB

Coming Soon Almanac Reader Survey

Amy Bidder — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:09:25 +0000

The Old Farmer's Almanac wants to hear from you!

Come back to this page on or after August 25, 2012, fill out our reader survey and be entered to win a prize.

Almanac Mobile Apps

Amy Bidder — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 20:05:15 +0000

Almanac.com is now optimized for your mobile web browser.

To access the mobile website just navigate to www.Almanac.com from your mobile browser —the system will automatically reformat the site for your phone. You can also view the full site from your mobile device by clicking on the “Visit Desktop Site” link at the very bottom of the mobile site page.

To preview the mobile site from your desktop, just click the “Visit Mobile Site” link at the very bottom of this page. Then adjust the width of the browser to see how it would appear on your mobile device. Click “Visit Desktop Site” to toggle back to the full site.

Also, try these companion apps from The Old Farmer's Almanac:

Full Moon Finder App

The Full Moon Finder App from the venerable Old Farmer’s Almanac will put a smile on your face. Find “next” full Moon dates to help plan events, fishing and hunting trips.

Learn More

Almanac Advice of the Day

With "Advice of the Day" from The Old Farmer's Almanac, learn something new every day! Get a daily dollop—with a curious fact, tried-and-true tip, fun trivia, and folklore.

Learn More

How to Save Money in the Kitchen

Almanac Staff — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:34:46 +0000

In the kitchen, we tend to waste a lot of food, water, and supplies. Here are some ways to save money when buying and preparing food from The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Reuse dishpan water on garden beds. Leave the dishpan under the faucet to catch water whenever you rinse your hands or sponge off a countertop.
Instead of letting the cold water that precedes the hot water out of the faucet run down the drain, capture it in a pot or kettle for later use.
Wash glass jars and plastic food containers and reuse to store leftovers, lunches, and so forth instead of buying new containers, bags, and wrap.
Making a cake? Use the oven's heat to bake potatoes or other foods at the same time. When you turn off the oven, leave the door ajar to dissipate the heat into the room.
Out of croutons for the salad or soup? Popcorn is a good substitute.
Bring your own shopping bags(s) to the store. If you are a clever seamstress, make colorful sacks from scraps of fabric. Some grocery stores give you 5-cent credit for each one of your own that you use.
Use vegetable scraps (broccoli stalks, celery greens, cauliflower centers, and the like) to make vegetable stock for soups. Freeze the stock until you are ready to use.

How do you save money in the kitchen? Share your tips below!

Recipes for Jams, Jellies, and Marmalades

Catherine Boeckmann — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:57:14 +0000

Canning season is here. Get ready with these recipes from the 1983 Old Farmer's Almanac reader recipe contest: Jams, Jellies, and Marmalades.

Prize-Winning Strawberry Jam

1983 FIRST PRIZE:
Mrs. Katie Gilbert, Germanton, North Carolina
Blue Ribbon

This recipe has won prizes for Mrs. Gilbert at the Dixie Classic Fair and the Stokes Fair.

    2 quarts slightly crushed strawberries
    6 cups sugar
    2 tablespoons lemon juice

MIX BERRIES AND sugar and cook rapidly for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add lemon juice and cook about 10 minutes longer, or until thick. Pour into sterilized jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Put on jar lids and screw the metal bands tight. Process in a boiling-water bath for 10 minutes. Makes 3 or 4 pints.

Tutti-Frutti Jam

1983 SECOND PRIZE:
Mrs. F. L. Potter, Southport, North Carolina

    3 cups chopped pears
    1 large orange
    3/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
    1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
    1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
    1 three-ounce package powdered pectin
    5 cups sugar

WASH, PARE, CORE and chop enough pears to make 3 cups of chopped fruit. Peel the orange, remove seeds, and chop the pulp. Place chopped pears in a large saucepan. Add orange pulp, pineapple, cherries, and lemon juice. Stir in pectin. Place on high heat and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add sugar, continue stirring, and heat again to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for one minute. Remove from heat and skim. Spoon into hot sterilized jars and seal. Makes about 7 half-pints.

Blueberry Rhubarb Jam

1983 THIRD PRIZE:
Mrs. Harold Niemath, Grand Island, Nebraska

    5 cups rhubarb, cut fine
    1 cup water
    5 cups sugar
    1 can blueberry pie filling
    2 three-ounce packages raspberry Jello

CUT UP RHUBARB and cook in 1 cup water until tender. Add sugar and cook a few minutes longer, stirring constantly. Add pie filling and cook 6 to 8 minutes more. Remove from heat and add Jello. Stir until completely dissolved. Pour into jars and seal. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

See more recipes from the Almanac recipe archives.

Almanac.com Recent Articles

Sky Watch: May 2013

May 2013

Sky Map May 2013

Sky Watch: April 2013

April 2013

Sky Map April 2013

2012-2013 Winter Photo Contest Winners

How to Keep Birds Out of the Garden

Cabbageworms

What are Cabbageworms?

How to Identify Cabbage Root Maggots

How to get rid of Cabbage Root Maggots

The Almanac Monthly

Preview the Almanac Monthly

Garden Seed Testing

How Long Do Seeds Last?

Saving Seeds

Pet Photo Contest

We are now accepting photos.

Prize

Terms & Conditions

Featured Pet Photo Contest Winners

Kind Eye

Winter Run

Kitty Kisses

Ready for the Beach

Bathing in the Sun

Chewing Up Shoes

DeeDee and Sidney

Fall Frodo

Bella's Butterfly Rescue

How can I request a refund for my online order?

How can I place an order outside the US?

How can I place an order over the phone for a product seen in the online store?

Can I order the Canadian Edition of the Almanac in digital form?

How can I place an order via the mail for an online store item?

How can I return my online order?

How can I track my online order?

Winners of the 2012 Almanac Essay Contest

Topic: How The Old Farmer’s Almanac Has Influenced My Life

First Prize

Second Prize

Third Prize

Honorable Mention

How to Chop an Onion in Four Easy Steps

The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Baking

Everyday Baking Press Release

Everyday Baking Cover Art

The Old Farmer's Almanac Cooking Blogs

Ken Haedrich Talks about The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Baking

Fund-raising Special Collection

The Old Farmer's Almanac Sun-Face Glass Suncatcher

P: $10.00 Each

The Old Farmer's Almanac “Everything under the sun” Jigsaw puzzle

Q: $15.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Note Cards

R: $9.00 each

Fund-raising Journals

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Engagement Calendar

M: $15.00 Each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden Journal

N: $10.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Weather Journal

O: $10.00 each

Fund-raising Cookbooks

The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Baking

C: $10.00 Each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden-Fresh Cookbook

D: $20.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Cookbook

E: $20.00 each

Yankee Magazine's Best New England Recipes

F: $10.00 each

Fund-raising Calendars

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Gardening Calendar

G: $10.00 Each

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Weather Watcher's Calendar

H: $10.00 each

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2013 Country Calendar