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| Photo Credit: Goslin Printing Company |
| Blum’s Farmer’s and Planter’s Almanac has been published since 1828. |
Still waiting for it to feel like spring has “officially” sprung? Be sure to check in with a copy of Blum’s Farmer’s and Planter’s Almanac – sure as spring rain, it’ll let you know when you can truly get gardening in your neck of the woods! Just don’t get too comfortable while you’re reading, because chances are you’ll find out you’ve got some chores to do. And they’re all there waiting for you in the 180th Edition of Blum’s Almanac.
First printed in 1828 by John Christian Blum, Blum’s Almanac is a family publication. Although it’s changed quite a bit since its inception, current editor Allen Goslen says Mr. Blum would easily recognize the format of the 2008 issue, the artwork on the cover, the calendar pages and the “general nature of the editorial content.” (The 2008 cover features a reproduction of an original Blum’s Almanac woodcut of a farm scene.) There’s a reason why this great reference has been around so long – Blum’s really is a big help! This year it reminded me of when to prune summer-blooming plants like oleanders and crape myrtles, as well as warned me to cut back my evergreens before new growth appeared. And I didn’t argue when it recommended I set out my rosebushes, apply recommended plant food to shrubbery and start work on my lawn by raking, fertilizing and rolling when the soil wasn’t wet. (All good advice!) The almanac even mentions moon phases (on page 64). Shortly after my sister’s birthday (I pick her because she’s the best gardener in the family), I learned that there will be a full moon – good for planting – and Antares will rise at 1:43 a.m.
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