The Old Farmer's Almanac Companion Newsletter

I hear the red fox barking
On the moonlit hill,
And bullfrogs by the river
Where the reeds stand still.
–Benjamin Rice (1903–78)

Friday, August 16, 2019
228th day of the year
Autumn begins in 38 days

Steve Carell (actor) was born on this day in 1963.
Aretha Franklin (singer, known as the "Queen of Soul") died on this day in 2018.

Question of the Day
I like to practice my golf swing in the backyard but don't like what it does to the turf. Is there any way to perfect my swing while keeping my lawn looking neat? Answer

Harvest Guide: When to Pick

When to Harvest Vegetables and Fruit
How do you know when fruit and vegetables are ready to pick? Whether you are a gardener or a grocery shopper, this harvest guide will help you recognize when your summer fruit and vegetables are at the peak of flavor.

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SPONSORED

Top U.S. Vet Reveals: The Worst Dog Food You Can Buy

Are you harming your dog by feeding them the wrong food? There are 3 dangerous ingredients that no dog should ever eat, and if you are giving them to your dog then you might be slowly harming it.

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Growing Peaches

Peaches
Mmmm … peaches picked at their peak are pure perfection! Here’s how to plant, grow, and harvest peaches at the right time. Plus, we have some delicious peach recipes to try with your bounty!

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Try the Weed Spinner!

All you need is a drill and weeds and their roots are gone in one quick spin! The action is fun, fast, and satisfying! What’s more, there’s no kneeling, bending, or getting your hands dirty. Expect your neighbors to get curious and want to try the Weed Spinner, too. This back-saving drill bit was invented by retired school teacher Vern Ader and we thank him.

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$15.99

Easy Blackberry Jam

Blackberry Jam Without Pectin

This super-easy Blackberry Jam recipe has so much flavor and it’s not too sweet! Plus, no special equipment nor ingredients are necessary for our no-fuss jam.

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Pros/Cons of Raising Bees

Beekeeping 101: Should You Raise Honey Bees?
Are you interested in raising honey bees? Does having your own beehive sound intriguing? Celebrate World Honeybee Day (August 17) with our 7-part series on Beekeeping 101! Plus, discover an online beekeeping class.

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The Almanac Weather Rock

100% accurate weather predictor! If the rock is wet, it’s raining. If it’s dry and still, just wait a minute—it’s a mistake and will change soon.

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$21.95

DIY Shampoo (Curious?)

How to Make Homemade Shampoo (Only Two Ingredients)
One day early last spring, I counted the ingredients of my shampoos. Each contained at least 20 ingredients—many of them unpronounceable—and three or four of them had suspected toxins. Two contained fragrances that made me sneeze. On that day, I decided to try an easy two-ingredient homemade shampoo that I’d read about for years but that had always seemed too hokey. I’ve never looked back.

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