Planting by the Signs

Since becoming interested in a more self-sustained lifestyle I am learning more than I ever thought possible about growing our own food here on the 10 Acre Wood. So many things I've planted over the years that were unsuccessful, I now realize that alot of my failures were due to planting at the wrong time. I never knew there was a right and wrong time to plant the summer garden. I believed that as long as the threat of frost has passed, anything goes. Not so! Did you know that lettuce, broccoli & onions like a good frost or two? It actually enhances the flavor. Did you also know that fall is the time to plant garlic? Depending on your frost zone (we are zone 6) there can be huge differences in crop yield depending on when you plant, so they say....which brings me to the subject of this post.

The Farmer's Almanac has been the hand book for many a farmer since the 1800's. Not only is there a right time to plant but according to the Almanac, there is a right day to plant. I have often wondered if there is anything to that or if it's simply folklore. Well, thanks to my friend Tipper who blogs over at "Blind Pig & the Acorn", I'm going to find out. We are doing a "very scientific" experiment and the findings will be posted here. "Hometown Seeds" has been kind enough to sponsor Tipper's garden this year and she has invited me to join her in an experiment. We will be planting some crops according to the signs & some crops not according to the signs. First up is Crookneck Summer Squash, I have 10 seeds, 5 will be planted on recommended planting day of May 17th or 18th and 5 will be planted on the 19th or 20th. One of the seeds looks like it's broken so I may plant 4 & 4 officially for the experiment. I picked up an Almanac & I've been browsing it when I can. Information ranges from gestation & mating tables for livestock to when & what kind of manure should be spread on your garden. You can even hatch peeps by the signs. I think this would be too difficult for me since we hatch by a broody hen rather than an incubator. I am very excited to see if there is any difference in my crop yields and if so, this could be the beginning of a whole new way of gardening...wish me luck.