Ever hear the expression “tell it to the bees?” Learn what it means, as well as other interesting lore and legends about honey bees. Honey Bee Lore and Legends  The value of honey bees has been recognized for millennia. In ancient Egypt, bees were believed to have been formed from the tears of the sun

Quick Reference April Full Moon: the Pink Moon, the first full Moon of spring 2026 Pink Moon: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, peaking 3:12 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time 2027 Pink Moon: Tuesday, April 20, 2027 (next April full Moon) Rule: the first (and usually only) full Moon of April Why “Pink”: named for the early-spring bloom

If you raise chickens, water glassing eggs is a must! Here’s how to preserve your extra eggs so that you’ll have them during the winter months, when egg production is low. What is Water Glassing? “Water glassing” is a traditional method for preserving freshly laid eggs using water and lime (calcium hydroxide). There are many

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lewiston, ME: Astronomically speaking, summer officially begins on June 20, 2025 with the summer solstice, but according to the Farmers’ Almanac Summer Weather Forecast, temperatures may rise before then. Excessive Heat Warning The Farmers’ Almanac forecasts warmer-than-average summer weather for most of the nation, warning that “The Heat is On!” This is not

Quick Reference: Birth Month Herbs at a Glance Twelve herbs, one for each birth month, with the trait the herb is tied to and the zodiac pair it bridges. January (Capricorn-Aquarius): Peppermint, for clarity and a winter pick-me-up. February (Aquarius-Pisces): Fennel, for courage, protection, and rebirth. March (Pisces-Aries): Sage, for wisdom and purification. April (Aries-Taurus):

Can you freeze eggs? How about milk, cheese, butter, and bread? The short answer: yes! Stock up and take advantage of productive seasons and sales by preserving your bounty with our expert tips. Bear in mind that all foods should be frozen before their expiration dates to preserve the greatest freshness and flavor. It’s a

Last year, a rare “double brood” of cicadas emerged for the first time in 200 years. But how about this year? When are cicadas coming back? Will one or two broods emerge, and what does this mean for your gardens? How many US states will be affected, and, most importantly, how can you minimize the

Quick Reference Worm Moon 2026: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Peak illumination: 6:38 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (3:38 a.m. Pacific, 11:38 UTC) Moon sign at peak: Virgo (13 degrees) Sun sign at peak: Pisces Notable event: total lunar eclipse on the Virgo to Pisces axis Best viewing: the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, across

Editor Emeritus Peter Geiger shares how to remove deadly nightshade (belladonna) from your property. Plus, edible nightshade plants like tomatoes and potatoes that you may want to avoid eating and why.

Headlines warn of the bird flu (Avian influenza) in wild birds, domestic poultry, and other animals. Wondering what you can do to protect your backyard chickens? Should birders be worried? Here is what we currently know, including essential tips for helping our flocks of feathered friends. Bird Flu: What We Know The Avian influenza is