Who invented Mother's Day?, Mulching 101, read your weeds!

Seasonal advice, wit, and wisdom from your editors

View in Browser | Almanac.com | Get a Copy Sunday, May 9, 2021 Who was born on this day? What happened today in history? Click to find out. Summer begins in 42 days Question of the Day How often should the mortar of a brick house be repointed? – Answer Puzzle of the Day My number, definite and known, is ten times ten, told ten times o'er; Though half of me is one alone, and half exceeds all count and score. – Answer God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers. –Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) ADVERTISEMENT The History of Mother's Day in the United States The real history of Mother’s Day in the United States might surprise you. Three women—who championed efforts toward better health, welfare, peace, and love—contributed to the day we all celebrate on the second Sunday in May each year. Read more…   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT How can I keep my floors sparkly clean? Great for dusting tile, laminates, marble and hard wood floors! This convenient household-size, multi-colored wool dust mop is the perfect tool for keeping your floors shiny this spring!   LEARN MORE   How to Mulch Your Garden | Types of Mulch Mulch has been called the gardener’s friend—and for good reason. In winter, mulch protects bare soil, prevents erosion, and protects plants. In spring, mulch locks in moisture, suppresses weeds, and feeds the soil. Learn how to mulch, when to mulch, and about the many different types of mulch to...   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT Beautiful wine bottle lights for sparkling evenings! Create lovely ambient lighting with a wine bottle! This brushed metal wine stopper with a trail of warm LED lights will illuminate most wine bottles. Choose a bottle from a special celebration and light up your home!   LEARN MORE   What Weeds Tell You About Your Soil Read your weeds! They are an indicator of your soil’s health. If you have large patches of one kind of weed, your garden is trying to tell you something. Here are common weeds and what they say about your soil—plus photos. Let us know what you learn!   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   Champagne Mimosa Champagne Mimosas are a sophisticated treat with brunch. Dress them up by serving in tulip glasses on ice or simply multiply the recipe and fill up a pitcher.   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT Tell the temperature with this retro thermometer! This thermometer is designed to resemble a vintage advertising thermometer! Handmade in the USA from steel, this thermometer will be a welcome tool to check the temperature outside so you can get outside!   LEARN MORE   A Well-Meaning Mother and More Humor Sometimes, it’s mothers who say the darnedest things. Try not to roll your eyes too hard at this edition of Humor Me!   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT How can I make a beautiful bouquet in a mason jar? Display your fresh cut flowers in this classic mason jar with a handy frog lid!   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