■ farm and garden october
Best days according to Moon phases.
Best planting days Above ground crops . . .
Root crops . . . . . . . . . . . . Seed beds . . . . . . . . . . . . Kill plant pests . . . . . . . . .
Best fishing days Best . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-2, 5-6, 23-25, 28-30 10-11, 14-15, 22 14-15, 24-25 16-21
Folksy Tips, Hints & Wisdom
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin Tips for selecting the best pumpkin ever
5-6, 14-15 3-4, 10-11, 31
1-2, 7-9, 19-20, 24-25, 28-30 12-13, 16-18, 21-23, 26-27
Best days to do other stuff Begin diet to gain weight . . . . . . . . . . . .
Begin diet to lose weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . Begin logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breed animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Make sauerkraut, can, or pickle . . . . . . . Cut hair to discourage growth . . . . . . . . Cut hair to encourage growth . . . . . . . . Cut hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Destroy pests and weeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . End projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Go camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graft or pollinate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harvest above ground vegetables . . . . Harvest below ground vegetables . . . . Go to the dentist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plant above ground vegetables . . . . . . . Plant below ground vegetables . . . . . . . Prune to discourage growth . . . . . . . . . . Prune to encourage growth . . . . . . . . . . Quit smoking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set posts or pour concrete . . . . . . . . . . . Start projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wean animals and children . . . . . . . . . . .
• Choose a pumpkin that is completely orange. A partially
green pumpkin might not ripen any further. • 6, 24 10, 19
1-2, 28-29 24-25 14-15 21-22 5-6 7-8 7-8
21-22 26-27 14-15
1-2, 29 19-20 19-20
5-6, 24-25 14-15 16-18
7-8, 26-27 10, 19
1-2, 28-29 24-25 10, 19
—from the Old Farmer’s Almanac • •
Size is an important factor. Medium pumpkins are best for pumpkin carving. Small pumpkins are better for cooking. Don’t pick a pumpkin that’s too big for you to carry, especially if you have back problems.
Does the shade of orange matter? If so, there are hundreds of varieties, some with different shades of orange.
Selecting the shape is a matter of personal preference. Some like ‘em tall. Others, like ‘em round.Often, people pick shapes to fit the carving patterns they will use. Pick your pattern before you go.
•
Don’t lift or carry a pumpkin by it’s stem. The pumpkin stem gives it character.
• A ripe pumpkin has a hard shell that does not dent or scratch easily when pressing on it with a thumbnail. Examine the entire pumpkin carefully for soft spots. If you find even one soft spot, go on to the next pumpkin.
• • •
Check for cracks and splits. If you find one, examine it to be sure it is not turning into a soft spot or has mold inside of the crack.
Look for bugs and insects. Specifically, look for holes in the pumpkin, which are indicative of insect problems.
If you are out in the pumpkin patch picking a pumpkin, consider bringing a small wagon with you. It’s easier to haul tired kids and pumpkins.
Good luck in your search for the “Great Pumpkin!” 10 | june 2014
A trip to the pumpkin patch makes a great fall family outing. Whether you go out to a field of pumpkins or get them from a roadside stand, make sure you get the best pumpkin for carving, decorating and eating. Below are a few tips to help you pick the best pumpkin ever.
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