Do you know how to read an almanac??? This is one of the those things that was passed down to me. My Granny taught me how to use and read the Blum’s Almanac. I’m very thankful that she taught me how to do this. A part of my Granny’s legacy now can live on with me as I plant each season. I do plant and transplant by the almanac signs and use the Almanac prior to planting. It’s my “Gardening Bible”.
Here’s the signs I look for to plant or transplant Full Month view by each day complete with moon phases The signs to stay away from when you need to plant 🪴 but these are great for weeding or trimming.
I hope this is a helpful tutorial especially if you have never done or used this before via picture format. Wilkes County Hardware keeps the Blum’s Almanac in stock each year. Last year was the first year that we debuted the garden calendar. Look for the 2024 editions to arrive in November.
This is definitely the quick version of a plant guide!!! Love it 😍
FYI: Some folks will not get a haircut, have a dental procedures, or even have major surgery IF the sign isn’t correct. I have answered many questions for people when it was a good time to can, or what the correct body sign was because they had a medical procedure upcoming.
Dental procedures… wait for a sign that is below the waist for faster wound healing.
I am a firm believer in using this as my planting guide. I haven’t ever used the Almanac to plan a surgery or a haircut, so I can not speak to the effectiveness of this expertise… the Almanac does say it does not give medical advice, but provides advice on the best days to do such activities such as gardening, and cooking. The “Zodiac man signs” are included as the 12 signs dividing the human body into parts. Ancient astrologers believed that each sign influenced a certain portion of the body, so folks have used this for years seeking the “best days” medical advice.
True confession time, I love plants. Now that the truth is out, and I’ve officially said it, “I’m a plant lady”, my green little plant heart is “rooting” for you to get on board with me! I must admit the presence of green plants in my home makes me smile on the dreary, dank, bitterly cold days of winter. Simply put, my Plants bring me joy.
Here’s to Going Green!
October has arrived!
It’s a beautiful time of the year, but the reality for a “Plant Lady” living in western North Carolina, means a significant dip in nighttime outdoor temperatures. Nighttime temperatures can begin to dip into the 50’s some nights. The daytime temperatures are still quite gorgeous with ample, warm sunshine all day. Dare I say, the word FROST! But alas, Frost will be expected by the end of October, if not before. All that being said, my green, tender, warm-natured plants must find residence back inside, as they have enjoyed basking in the summer warmth on the back porch steps for the last few months.
Frosty Fall mornings will be coming soon!
For me, as a “plant mama” who enjoys her houseplants flourishing outdoors during the late spring and summer months, knows the time of change is arriving. I must prepare for the transition from the shaded back porch steps to life indoors for the late Fall and Winter months.
These beauties will be headed inside by the end of this week. Low temperatures are expected to be in the 40’s by Saturday night.
So how do I prep these “green little goddesses” for the adjustment indoors??? AND keep them “growing”all year long. Here’s my step by step guide that I have been using the last few years for moving my cherished plants back inside.
1. Evaluate each plant. Repot if necessary. I tend to repot plants before moving indoors and allow a few days of adjustment before moving inside.
This year, I’m in the process of repotting a few plants prior to moving them indoors.
2. Consult your almanac planting calendarand be a weather watcher!!!! Weather can change quickly and cooler nights are a given in October. Be proactive and begin working towards moving your plant babies back inside in late September or early October before the cold weather hits. I never transplant until it’s a good time to do so! I’m a firm believer in this step! Unsure how to use an almanac??? Click the link below to learn more!
3. Remove any damaged leaves, or dead areas of the plant. Take additional rootings if possible to begin new plants! “Get growing”! What type of plant lady would I be if I didn’t root my own plants 😂.
My kitchen window is my rooting station for my newest plants. The sunlight is perfect for them to root beautifully and flourish into a newly established plant. For plant roots that take a little bit of extra work… stocked inside Wilkes County Hardware
4. Spray each plant you plan to move indoors with insecticidal soap. This will help prevent bugs from making their way inside with your plants. I also spray the soil as well. Reapply as needed if pests appear during the fall or winter.
Insecticidal soap sold at Wilkes County Hardware For the DIYer… I’m sure you can find a homemade version of Insect soap on the internet. Spray bottles are a essential item stocked inside Wilkes County Hardware.
5. Clean pot to remove surface dirt prior to moving indoors.
6. Call in the “troops for assistance” if needed… to help move your plants inside. Make it a family project! Get everyone involved!
7. Find the sweet spots… where are these plants going to thrive and have the correct light requirements. Take note to keep plants away from heat registers, drafts to maximize the plants potential.
8. Find your joy in planting! I do have plants that I haven’t been able to get “growing”. But, I haven’t given up on all plants. Take the time to grow what you love and find your joy! Final plant motivation thoughts… “I beleaf” in you! Take a “leaf of faith”! You can do this! I’m “rooting” for you!
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