2.4.22

Blum’s Almanac

I know it’s a little early, but I’m already thinking about our upcoming garden. Usually, I make myself a wishlist and check things off as I spot them in local nurseries. Last year my wing-it method failed. I didn’t find all the plants on my list, and my new azaleas didn’t live through the summer. So I’m going to garden a little differently this year. My plan is to order my plants and use Blum’s Almanac as a guide.

This is the first time I’ve ever used an almanac. I don’t know why I’ve never bought one before; I grew up with almanacs and planting calendars around the house. Mamaw used them for her flowers, and Papaw used them for his vegetable garden.

Papaw didn’t let me nose around his veggie patch much, but I helped Mamaw in the flower garden every year. I remember her saying that you never plant your flowers before Mother’s Day. For the life of me, I can’t remember any of her other gardening rules. I wish I’d learned those old ways while I had the chance. 

Since Mamaw isn’t here to share her wisdom, I’m using her old tools to learn from. So far, it’s going great. Blum’s Almanac accurately predicted the snow we’ve gotten over the last few weeks – and it taught me how to clean the washing machine.

North Carolinians have trusted Blum’s Farmer’s and Planter’s Almanac since 1828. A few North Carolina almanacs have come and gone over the years, but as far as I know, Blum’s is the only one still standing.

The almanac was first published in Salem by John Christian Blum. The publication remained in the Blum family until it was purchased by J.B. Goslen Sr. in 1921. The Goslen family still publish the almanac in Winston-Salem today.

I don’t think Mamaw used Blum’s almanac – but I’m sure she’d approve. She loved practical products that worked. She liked them even better when they had deep roots.

Does anyone else use an almanac for their gardening? If so, do you use Blum’s?

Leave a Comment