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!
July is a bountiful time in the garden. All of your hard work that has been done thus far, is now rewarded with beautiful blooms and hopefully a bountiful summer veggie and fruit harvest.
July is also a time of the dreaded heat… the Dog Days of Summer has begun! The days can often be sweltering. (Find the link above on my blog about the Dog Days of Summer) It is easy to retreat inside and enjoy the air conditioning grandiose glory, and as a result, your garden may begin to suffer under the abuse of the intense sun and heat. Don’t get discouraged though! Check out the following tips and best days to garden for July.
July Best Days To Plant or Transplant:
July 6-7
July 10-12
July 15-17
July 23-26
July Best Days to Weed
July 13-14
July 18-22
July 27-28
July 31
July Garden Tips:
1. Water well- especially your containers. These will dry out very quickly! Smaller pots dry out much faster than larger ones! You may need to water these every day if rainfall is insufficient. Water them throughly from the base not from the top down.
WCH Recommends: Zero G water hose for a lightweight water hose for summer watering.
2. Walk your garden frequently to monitor… weeds, and pests. I try to walk in my yard several times a week after dinner to evaluate any new potential problems.
This has been a very popular item for summer gardens, sadly!!!
3. It’s hot, but don’t forget that weeds grow in those humid summer days too! July Weed control is important to keep up and add layer of mulch to prevent future weeds from growing.
WCH Recommends: Preen
4. Deal with pests and insects in your garden quickly to prevent further damage, stop by Wilkes County Hardware to see what options you have available to keep your garden growing all summer long!
From fungal diseases to pest control problems in your summer garden, we can help you find what you need! We keep a great selection of lawn and garden care products. If you don’t see what you need, ask us to order it for you!
5. Deadhead flowers and apply fertilizer when necessary.
An amazing liquid fertilizer! Now on sale for 9.99!!!
6. Remove spent spring or early summer plants and replace or replant.
7. Plan your fall garden: begin seeds indoors or in shady areas of your garden.
Now is a fantastic time to purchase your seeds for your fall favorites!
8. Divide irises in late July.
9. Enjoy the harvest! It’s time to gather some fresh veggies or flowers this month!
Nothing better than an amazing peach from your local farmers market or orchard in July. Please don’t forget to shop local… all the ways that you can!
Did you know that Sirius XM radio name originated from the star Sirius, also known as “ The Dog Star”???
Y’all know when The Dog Days of Summer time of year has come, the weather can be intense. Once these days arrive, they can be long and sweltering. Dog Days can be an unbelievably unpleasant portion of the humid Southern summer season… akin to a dog’s wet tongue wagging endlessly to cool down or the literal feeling of being slapped in the face with a wet washcloth when walking outside.
During the Dog Days of Summer, the temperature can climb well into the 90’s with high levels of humidity too! Ugh! WCH Recommends: A good working thermometer will help you know what to expect during the hottest days of summer.
“Sirius” Facts: Things You Should Know About Dog Days of Summer
1. The Dog Days of Summer begins each year on July 3rd and extends until August 11th.
2. The Dog Days of Summer lasts for 40 days, and it can be some of the hottest days of the summer season.
3. The name, The Dog Days of Summer, refers to the time shortly after the summer solstice and the appearance of the “Dog Star”, Sirius, rising in the summer sky.
No, the name “Dog Days” truly has nothing to do with your cute little dog. It’s all about what’s happening in the morning sky. Times have changed from the perspective of the Greeks and Romans, thoughts about Dog Days but the name has lingered. Here’s my cute little dog, JoyAnd cutie pie, Cookie
“Sirius Superstitions”: Dog Days of Summer
1. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Dog Days were a time of bad luck, and drought. The long, hot days of summer could drive men and dogs “mad”… Here are a few superstitions that I found interesting while researching The Dog Days of Summer.
2. Snakes will strike at anything during DogDays for they are blinded. Be wary as you trek outdoors during these 40 days!
3. If it rains on July 3rd, on the first Dog Day, then more rain will follow.
4. Dogs are likely to go mad during Dog Days.
5. Wounds will not heal properly during DogDays, the old wives tale suggests that one should put off surgeries until after Dog Days have passed.
6. People are more prone to drowning during Dog Days.
Pool swimming safety is always important all summer long. Swim safely by keeping your pool water clean and sanitized, and never swim alone.
Now that the calendar has hit July 3rd, and The Dog Days of Summer have arrived, how can we all stay in “cool” state of mind all summer long??? Check out the next few sections of the blog for some helpful tips.
AC Cooling Tips: Dog Days of Summer
1. Keep your furnace filters clean! Remember to change your furnace filters once a month!
Wilkes County Hardware has a vast selection of many sizes of filters! Ask us to find your size for you.
2. Try not to place your furniture on your vents, reduced air flow will make your unit work harder. Close blinds or curtains during the day to keep the excess summer heat out.
3. Remember to keep your vents open to allow good airflow throughout your 🏡 home. This helps your AC unit to work properly.
4. Stop by into Wilkes County Hardware and buy a whole box 📦 of filters at once! Plan ahead, saving time and another trip to town🚗. If you don’t see your exact size?? Ask us to order your size!
5. Changing out your furnace filters regularly may save you a bundle in the long run… Spend the money on a filter each month to keep your unit working effectively and stay cool all summer long.
Hydrate!!! Watering tips for your flower garden: Dog Days of Summer
1. Water in early morning or evening. Rain water is ideal, but not always going to happen everyday.
2. For your beautiful container plants, watering daily might be necessary!
WCH Recommends: Zero G! This is a lightweight water hose that makes watering an easy chore in the summer.
3. New additions to your garden will need extra TLC. Be ready to monitor them closely and anticipate watering these new plants more frequently than established plants in your garden.
WCH Recommends: A good watering can goes a long way during The Dog Days of Summer
4. Water any plant thoroughly if signs of wilt begins. The plant will be under great stress and needs an immediate boost.
5. Water plants and flowers from the base not from the top. Use a watering wand, watering can, or a sprayer that can help you achieve success.
WCH Recommends: Watering wands extend the length of your hose and allows for less bending in the garden.
6. If you are using a heavier water hose to water your summer blooms, move your hose in place before turning on the water flow to make it easier to maneuver.
WCH Recommends: These hoses are heavy duty and ready to go the distance you need.
Pool Splashing Fun: Dog Days of Summer
Pools are a great way to cool off in the hot, sultry, humid Dog Days of Summer.
1. Pool maintenance is an ongoing process all summer long, even on the hottest days of summer. Chemical reagents that you use to check chlorine & PH need to be replaced each year! If your pool water seems a little bit off and you can’t seem to get a good balance of chlorine & PH, check your reagents!
WCH Recommends: Replace your test kit each year to allow for accurate testing results. WCH Recommends: Pool owners should be well stocked on various chemicals needed in order to swim safely all summer long. Stop by WCH to stock back up.
2. Your pool will take some abuse during the Dog Days of Summer with the intense summer heat and pop-up afternoon thunderstorms. PH and chlorine levels can dive down into dangerous levels if left unchecked. Stop in with a water sample for a FREE water analysis and pick up the chemicals you might need in order to keep swimming safely all summer long!
WCH tests pool water all summer long!
Tips on Beating the Heat During Dog Days of Summer… Just for Fun 😎
1. Make homemade ice cream during Dog Days. Find the link below for Homemade Ice Cream.
2. Create a Summer Playlist full of your summer favorite songs.
3. Watch your Summer Favorite Movies 🍿 or head to our local Liberty movie theater to enjoy one of the Free Movies each week. I’m definitely going to check out this movie by Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon that a friend just told me about.
4. Get outside and put your shades on!!! Enjoy some summer sunshine!
WCH Recommends: You can’t beat $3.99 for a pair of shades! Make sure you have bug spray and sunscreen too!
5. Take the kids or grandkids and go pick some summer fruit… blueberries, blackberries, or peaches!
6. Make a Sonker with your fruit picking finds. Find the link below for recipe for Summer Sonker.
7. Stop by and visit us at Wilkes County Hardware of course! Our doors are always open in the summer, take a seat in a rocking chair, and enjoy the breeze. We keep our drink coolers well stocked with Gatorade and bottled water as well as other drinks. Hydrate and simply relax!
Celebrating the End Of Dog Days of Summer
August 11th marks the official end of the Dog Days of Summer. Celebrate the end of the hottest days of summer! This year, I’ll play the song, The Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine on August 11th, will you join me?
These daisies started blooming last week. Just in time for the beginning of June.
The warmer temperatures are definitely here to stay. After reviewing the almanac for the entire month of June, it appears that it is a wonderful time to share with y’all all of the information for you to get growing this Month in June. No, it’s not too late to plant! We still have plenty of warm days ahead to begin seeds, and enjoy flowers all summer long.
Stop by and pick up a few more seeds! We have a small bundle of these gardening guides left. Stop by to pick one up soon!
June Gardening Guide
June 1-2 Planting DaysJune 3-4 : Harvest Days These lettuce seeds were planted in May and almost ready to harvest! June 5-6 : Plant root crops, prune to encourage growth June 7-8: Destroy weeds, and harvest crops . Wilkes County Hardware has a wide selection of weed control products… sprays and concentrate. June 9-10: plant, transplant, prune to encourage growth, apply organic fertilizer. Black Wonder composting soil now back in stock!
June 11-12: Harvest crops
June 13-14 : plant, transplant, prune to encourage growth
WCH Recommends: Baccto potting soil
June 15-17: destroy weeds, harvest crops
WCH Recommends: A 2-4D concentrate will not harm your grass but targets the existing weeds.
June 18-19: plant, transplant, seed beds, prune to encourage growth, apply chemical fertilizer
By mid June your garden should be in full bloom!
June 20-24: Barren signs means a great time to do weed control. Never plant during a barren sign… slow to no growth. Never trim bushes or trees during a barren sign.
June 21st Marks the first day of Summer!
June 25-29: planting days resume. June 28-29 are good days to seed beds, apply chemical fertilizer.
June is a good time to address any emerging issues that you might have with your roses. Be proactive, and shop early to prevent any damage.
June 30th: Prune to discourage growth
No matter what you grow this year… flowers, vegetables or maybe both… just enjoy your surroundings. Happy Planting!
Living the "hardwarelife", join us in our journey of hardware store ownership
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 