Planting by the Farmers Almanac

[The Lurker]

Anyone use it?

The Farmers Almanac has been a staple in my bathroom since I had my own little toilet in the corner!

http://xxx.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/gardening/


Last few seasons I've tried to use the planting calendar as much as I can, but I've never done a serious study to see if it matters. Mostly trying to juggle a workingman's schedule, the North Florida climate and the moon phase is a bit much. I have found it can be hit or miss. Anyone serious out there? All I have is a 15 by 15 plot in the backyard.

[44044]

Some people plant "in the sign"

I always planted in the dirt...

[10 Bears]

Use frost caps, if you worry at all.
Or, plastic covers of some kind.

Folks around here save their gallon milk jugs (with caps), with bottoms cut out.

Any more, I plant short season stuff, and plant late.

[Sanders]

Some say plant certain seeds under a full moon. Some other seeds at the dark of the moon.

I never paid attention to it, myself.

The Farmer's Almanac is fairly accurate for long range weather forecasts, though. About as accurate as the guy on the radio, anyway.

I'm going to try the Wall o' Water around my sensitive plants this year. A late frost played hell on my garden last year.

[ColonelKorn]

If it rains too much or not at all, no matter if you plant by the signs you're fudged.

[mr-ak-47]

... grow anything,..some low life wetback will only steal it.

[WWes]

Originally Posted by mr-ak-47

... grow anything,..some low life wetback will only steal it.

It's a great reference but I fear the quoted text applies more now than ever.

All I've ever grown from seed are peppers and tomatoes. I've done squash, melons but not productively. Truth is I prefer to buy local grown (named) plants. You can certainly do it yourself. I mess with flowers and pollen. Same labor of love as growing from seed. Not getting rich but I have more fun and make more money as a flower gardener. There's money in small crops of veggies, depends on if you want to save or sell. I've got a small specialty niche going. I buy daily sales passes at the local farmer's market. Good scratch at prime time. I wish to expand but FWIW. There's a little extra out there if you have a day or two. I make enough to call it a "Christmas Bonus" on top of the flowers and real work. Fun times, good people for the most part. Most are fair to newbies with limited goods. Evil walks, they'll be there too.

If you're growing a garden, make $100 or make $2000 cash dollars. I do it in my lawn. Eric Holder won't be there to count Barack's pennies. $30 pass doesn't mean you sold $30. They might owe you?
Call me a Mexican thief. I'm just an American.

Irrelevant to your question, but there is some money to be made. Look to popular heirlooms and desirable hybrids. Food and money are the best of both worlds. You'll meet good people. Always be selective. Look at what's selling and look at what commands a premium.