The Old Farmer's Almanac Companion Newsletter

Sounds of the winter too,
Sunshine upon the mountains—many a distant strain
From cheery railroad train—from nearer field, barn, house.

–Walt Whitman (1819–92)

Thursday, January 17, 2019
17th day of the year
Spring begins in 62 days

Michelle Obama (U.S. First Lady) was born on this day in 1964.
Johnny Otis (musician; known as the godfather of R&B) died on this day in 2012.

Question of the Day
Is it true that Benjamin Franklin invented an odometer? Answer

Ben Franklin's Birthday

Happy Birthday, Benjamin Franklin!
Benjamin Franklin was born on Sunday, January 17, in 1706. To celebrate his birthday, here are some facts and quotes about the great man. Happy Birthday, Ben!

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SPONSORED

Diet Expert Tells All: "It's Like A Powerwash For Your Insides"

According to Dr. Steven Gundry, one of the top cardiothoracic surgeons in the world, all these issues can be addressed by doing one simple thing.

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Lunar Eclipse Weather Sunday

Forecast for The 2019 Total Lunar Eclipse: Cloudy or Clear?
You are cordially invited to the most star-studded event of the season—and we don’t mean some Hollywood awards show! We’re talking about the Super Blood Wolf Moon eclipse on Sunday, January 20. Read on to see whether the weather will cooperate in your area!

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Why Gardening Makes You Happy

8 Reasons Why a Vegetable Garden Makes Us Happy and Healthy
Which hobby helps you live longer? Turns out it’s gardening! If you’re resolved to live a healthier lifestyle, eat better, and get more exercise, gardening can give you all that and more.

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The 2019 Old Farmer's Almanac Weather Watcher's Calendar

For those who like to keep an eye on the sky! Dramatic images of fantastic weather phenomena.

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$9.99

See How to Use Wood Ash

How to Use Wood Ash in the Vegetable Garden
If you have a fireplace or woodstove, use wood ashes to improve garden soil! Wood ash is full of nutrients that plants need, such as potassium and phosphorus, so it’s great for using on the vegetable garden. But it’s important to know where not to use it, too. In this short video, we show you when, where and how much wood ash to apply to keep your plants in tiptop condition.

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The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Notebook

A gardener’s most useful tool is knowledge from past seasons. Don’t rely on sticky notes or memory! You’ll love our beautiful Gardening Notebook with its waterproof cover—easy to bring to the garden. Keep records so you know when pests arrive and when to put preventative controls in place to avoid damage. Also, track what blossoms when, first and last frost dates, what was planted where, what worked, favorite varieties, what you want to move, and other notes.