Common weeds, grow bags, 15 cornstarch uses!

Seasonal advice, wit, and wisdom from your editors

View in Browser | Almanac.com | Get a Copy Friday, April 9, 2021 Who was born on this day? What happened today in history? Click to find out. Summer begins in 72 days Question of the Day Where did the expression "raining cats and dogs" come from? – Answer Puzzle of the Day (Blank) what you (Blank). (What's the saying? Fill in the blanks!) – Answer This is the weather the cuckoo likes, And so do I; When showers betumble the chestnut spikes, And nestlings fly. –Thomas Hardy (1840–1928) ADVERTISEMENT 13 Common Garden Weeds No one likes to talk about weeds, but some plants compete with your garden for nutrients, water, and light, as well as harbor diseases and pests. Here are 13 of the most common weeds found in gardens and lawns—with weed identification pictures and tips on how to manage their growth.   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT This Simple Skin Fix May Surprise You If you’ve ever struggled with dry skin, rashes, age spots, or wrinkles… please pay close attention. You see: scientists have discovered the root cause of 93% of all skin problems – and it’s NOT what you think. In fact… They’ve discovered a 2-minute home remedy for more youthful skin…   LEARN MORE   Ferns, Folklore, and Fiddleheads I find ferns and fiddleheads fascinating (say that five times!). Harvesting the young tips of the ostrich fern is a spring tradition that has its roots in Native American times. As a family, ferns are truly ancient—growing BEFORE dinosaurs walked the Earth! Learn more about magical fern folklore,...   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT What's an easy way to grow lots of veggies this year? Now in its third printing, the Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook is the perfect companion for every vegetable gardener—even those who have never touched a trowel and wouldn’t know mulch from mud! Order the Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook today!     LEARN MORE   Discover Grow Bags: An Alternative Plant Container If, like me, you resort to using containers to grow some of your plants, try using a grow bag this year. They have some advantages over plastic pots or terra cotta. I was especially interested to learn about “air pruning.” Here’s why and when to use a grow bag and some different types of grow bags.   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT Get out to the market with delightful tote bags! Double-sided market totes perfect for all your shopping needs! These tote bags of durable canvas will easily transport all your fresh fruits and veggies!   LEARN MORE   Blue Ribbon Banana Bread Got ripe bananas? Make Banana Nut Bread! This recipe is a state fair blue ribbon winner and has a wonderfully rich banana favor.   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT What's the perfect gift for a guitar player? The Guitar Pewter Keyring is the perfect accessory for your favorite musician. Spice up your set of keys with this keyring handcrafted in Middlebury, Vermont!   LEARN MORE   15 Household Uses for Cornstarch You probably have a box of cornstarch sitting on a pantry shelf, waiting to thicken your next cream sauce or gravy. But did you know it can also serve as a cheap, nontoxic staple product that cuts grease, removes stains, scrubs, deodorizes, untangles, transforms into non-toxic finger paint, and...   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT Get your garden going with the world's #1 Garden Planner! The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Planner is an easy-to-use online program that helps you plan your garden! Whether you want to create a garden for vegetables, a kitchen garden for herbs, or a beautiful flower garden, our Garden Planner will help you find the best layout for your space—plus provide all your planting and harvesting dates!     LEARN MORE   If you enjoy the Almanac Companion... Share with a Friend THE OLD FARMER SELECTED THESE PRODUCTS FOR YOU View More Product from The Old Farmer's Store Did a friend forward you this briefing? You can sign up here. If you enjoy this newsletter, consider picking up a copy of The Old Farmer's Almanac. Your support makes this all possible! Are you on social? Enjoy more Almanac wit & wisdom!  Visit Almanac.com Shop Our Store You received this email because you signed for updates from The Old Farmer's Almanac. If you do not wish to receive our regular e-mail newsletter in the future, please click here to manage preferences. *Please do not reply to this e-mail* © Yankee Publishing Inc. An Employee-Owned Company 1121 Main Street | P.O. Box 520 | Dublin, NH 03444 Contact Us View web version