Why fireflies glow, summer recipes!, using straw in garden

Seasonal advice, wit, and wisdom from your editors

View in Browser | Almanac.com | Get a Copy Who was born on this day? What happened today in history? Click to find out. Summer begins in 3 days Question of the Day Peck and bushel used to be common measurements when I was growing up in rural America. Are they still used? – Answer Puzzle of the Day What word is that to which if you add a syllable, it will make it shorter? – Answer The moon, rising, is a white eye to the hills;  After it has risen, it is the bright heart of the sea.  Because I love it—so—round as a fan,  I hum songs until the dawn. –Li Po (701–762) ADVERTISEMENT Fireflies: Why Do Fireflies Glow? Fireflies—also known a lightning bugs—have been captivating humans for centuries with their beautiful lights on summer nights. What makes fireflies glow the way they do?   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT How To: Get Rid Of Deep Fat From Your Belly Millions of Americans suffer from deep fat. Researchers have now found out the reason why. It turns out there is a master switch that controls when the cells turn into energy and when they turn into fat. Learn how to flip the master switch right now   LEARN MORE   Summer Solstice 2021: The First Day of Summer In 2021, the June solstice occurs on Sunday, June 20, marking the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Here’s everything you should know about the summer solstice—what it means, why it’s the longest day of the year, and how to celebrate.   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT Enjoy Mother Nature's splendor with the 2022 Weather Calendar - Pre-order now! For those who like to keep an eye on the sky! When clouds break before the wind, leaving a clear sky, fine weather will follow. You’ll find clear skies every day with the 2022 Weather Calendar!   LEARN MORE   Using Straw for Mulch No, I’m not Rumpelstiltskin, the cranky gnome in a Grimm fairy tale; I can’t spin straw into gold.  But, using straw as mulch saves me money, crops, and my sanity, which is golden to my thinking. See the benefits of using straw as mulch—plus, see how to start a weed-free straw-bale garden!   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT Get cooking in a Gardenia Apron! Warm up the oven and throw on your apron! Enjoy your time in the kitchen this spring. This stunning kitchen apron evokes the fragrance of gardenias. Brighten up your kitchen with the Gardenia Apron!   LEARN MORE   How to Dry Flowers from the Garden From lavender to roses, many flowers can be dried to bring us some color and cheer on those gray days! See tips on which flowers dry best and how to dry flowers properly so that they look beautiful—not old!   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT Learn full Moon meanings with the 2022 Moon Calendar! Enchanting lunar photos and folklore! This fascinating calendar features striking scenes of the Moon in the landscape, accompanied by fun facts and lore about Earth’s natural satellite, including monthly full Moon names and meanings. Pre-order now!   LEARN MORE   Summer Recipes: Make the Most of the Food in Season Enjoy these classic summer recipes before summer's over! Think ​​juicy tomatoes, ripe melons, tender zucchini, and so much more! See some of our favorites such as plum crostata, watermelon-cucumber salad, peach and tomato salsa, pickled peppers, tomato sauce, grilled Mexican sweet corn, caprese...   READ MORE   ADVERTISEMENT Vintage wall décor for an elegant space! This beautiful wall décor piece features a variety of vegetables and a cream palette on canvas, stretched between two pieces of wood. Add some vintage charm to your home with this sign!   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