The Almanac, released in September of every year since 1792, is a reference book that contains weather forecasts, tide tables, planting charts, astronomical data, recipes and articles on gardening, sports, and farming. The book features anecdotes and predicts trends in fashion, food, home décor, technology and living for the coming year. It is the oldest continuously published periodical in North America.
As children of farm families, we are accustomed to consulting the Almanac to learn when to plant crops and various garden vegetables. (Root vegetables should not be planted in conjunction with those produced above ground.) This book told our parents and grandparents when to butcher hogs, plan a trip or set a date for a wedding. They consulted the moon signs to see when to pull a tooth or have surgery.
Never discount the value of the Old Farmer’s Almanac. In World War II, a German spy was apprehended with a copy of the 1942 Almanac in his pocket. He believed the USA would stockpile munitions and schedule military movements according to the Almanac’s advice. He hoped to break the code.
Abiding by the references of the Almanac can save us from big mistakes and costly disasters. In 220 years it has seldom been wrong.
Every home should have a copy.
So true......I was raised a "city girl" but my father re-married into a family that had 100 acres in western Rhode Island.....they absolutely had that Farmer's Almanac out front and center and bragged often as to it's historical accuracy.....what and when to plant were based on those guidelines/predictions of the Almanac......allegiance to the Farmer's is a fact that unites land lubbers East and West....so nice to be reminded of that......
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