The Old Farmers Almanac

For extended bloom in the summer garden, it’s hard to beat hydrangeas. They come in such a wide array of types, from popular bigleaf and panicle varieties to distinctive oakleaf and rugged mountain. See photos and information about the most popular hydrangeas! Hydrangeas are a safe bet for almost any gardener. These easy-care shrubs blossom when summer is at its peak, and they flower for weeks, adding color and life to gardens and vases. See our free Hydrangea Growing Guide for planting tips.

Do peonies really need help from ants to bloom? Garden folklore says that ants “tickle the buds” to help the flowers open. Peonies and ants do have a mutually beneficial relationship, but it’s not quite what you may think. Here’s the story about peonies and ants—plus, tips on how to bring peonies indoors without the ants. In late spring, we rejoice in the breathtakingly beautiful peony blossoms.

Do you have yellow leaves on your tomato plants? Do your tomatoes often start to crack? Are pests feasting on your tomato crop? Read about the top 10 tomato problems and their solutions (and watch our video, too). Keep your homegrown tomatoes healthy! Top 10 Tomato Problems and Solutions What is it? Blossom-end rot causes sunken black patches at the blossom end of tomato fruits. It is a common disease caused by dry soil conditions that result in a shortage of calcium in the plants.

Weather has shaped some of the most important moments in human history. From fog that saved the American Revolution to the forecast that made D‑Day possible, here are five times the sky changed the course of events. Since 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has chronicled the ways weather influences our lives. These stories show how, at key moments, it also influenced the fate of nations—and the lives of ordinary people. 1.

Body When baking a peach pie or an apple cobbler, it can be challenging to determine how many pounds of fruit you need to purchase and prepare for the recipe. Our handy conversion chart makes it easy to answer questions, like “How many peaches are in a cup?” and “How many strawberries are in a pound?” How many cups are in a pound of fruit? A pound of most fresh fruit equals about 2 to 4 cups, depending on the type of fruit and how it is sliced or prepared.

If you’ve ever finished a day in the garden only to wake up itching like mad, you may have crossed paths with one of the tiniest but most irritating pests around: the chigger. Here’s everything you need to know about what chiggers are, where they live, how to avoid bites, and how to get rid of them—especially in gardens. These nearly invisible mites thrive in grassy, shady areas—exactly the kind of inviting space a garden provides.

Primary Image Body Welcome to The Old Farmer’s Almanac Stargazer’s Toolkit—your guide to tonight’s sky. Explore free astronomy tools to track Moon phases, spot visible planets, plan meteor shower viewings, and discover what’s shining overhead tonight. 🌙 Moon Tools Never miss a lunar spectacle! See the exact date and time of the next full Moon for your location, perfect for stargazing, photography, or planning moonlit evenings.

Some summers are tougher on gardens than others—and this year, longer dry stretches are likely in parts of the country. Dry soil, stressed plants, browning lawns, and tougher decisions about what gets watered first may become familiar challenges during stretches without steady rain. Dry summers are making more gardeners think differently about keeping soil moist, choosing plants, and using water more carefully outdoors.

No plot? No problem! If you don’t have space for an in-ground garden, tomatoes grow surprisingly well in pots, containers, and even simple buckets. After years of growing tomatoes in containers, I’ve found that choosing the right variety, pot size, and watering routine makes all the difference. Here’s everything beginners need to know to grow a productive patio tomato harvest.

Is there anything worse than a pest that strikes while you sleep? We don’t think so! If you’ve found yourself dealing with bedbugs (or fear you might), this guide will walk you through how to identify, eliminate, and prevent them—with confidence. What Are Bedbugs? Bedbugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human (and sometimes pet) blood, typically while you sleep. The species most commonly found in homes is Cimex lectularius, also known as the common bed bug.