Astronomial calendar

An almanac is traditionally defined as a 'calendar of the heavens' because it follows the four seasons through each solstice, equinox, moon phase, dawn and sunset, tide and Spring tides, local traditional events and folklore.

As we move out of the first month of the year, dawn broke this morning at 7.51 am and our first sunset will descend on us at 5.06 pm. Evenings will get longer and mornings lighter leading up to the last day of this month when dawn will break at 7.02 am and the last sunset will descend at 5.53 pm with the first hints of Spring in the air.

Here are some key events, dates and information to make a note of for February.

Moon phases

Sunday 5 February - FULL SNOW MOON in Leo

Monday 20 February - NEW WORM MOON in Pisces
 

Sunrise and sunset (Devon)

Wednesday 1 February - Sunrise (7.51 am) | Sunset (5.06 pm)

Tuesday 28 February - Sunrise (7.02 am) |  Sunset (5.53 pm)

In the garden

Weeding - gently sort through seedbeds to remove invasive weeds and large stones in preparation for direct sowing

Planting - bed in seedlings under the cover of cloches to keep them warm and protected from the frost

Repairing - turn coppiced hazel twigs into supports for fast growing Spring plants, fruits and vegetables

Garden Ponds - carefully clean out excess ponod weeds and top up with water to increase oxygen levels

In the hedgerows

Foraging - learn about the different wild plants, fruits and fungi you can collect for nutritional health and healing

In season - Chickweed, Hairy Bittercress, Dandelion Leaves, Sow Thistle, Wintercress

Edible Roots - Wild Garlic

In the markets

Vegetables - Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Turnips, Beetroot, Spinach, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Chard, Lettuce, Chicory, Endive, Cauliflower, Cabbages, Celeriac, Swede, Leeks, Forced Rhubarb

Herbs - Winter Savory, Parsley, Chervil, Coriander, Rosemary, Bay, Sage, Dill

Feeding the hedgehogs

Leave out water and high quality meat-based dog or cat food or crushed meat-based cat or dog biscuits. It's a good idea to soak the biscuits first to accommodate young hedgehogs. Otherwise buy specialist high quality meaty food made for hedgehogs from reputable wildlife food suppliers.

Never feed hedgehogs milk, bread or processed foods - milk can cause diarrhoea and may cause harm as none of these foods are good for hedgehogs.

Make sure there are gaps or holes in your hedges and fences to enable hedgehogs to wander and be where they need to be for warmth and safetly.

Closer to nature

This is the month to listen out for the tawny owls in the dark evenings as they call to each other. The males hoot back and forth to each other vying for territory. The first flowers of Spring will start to surface above frozen ground with swathes of early flowering bulbs such as Snowdrops, Crocuses, Cyclamen and Daffodils.

This is a particularly good time for walking in woodlands and forests where the smells of Earth permeate through the air and rich earthy colours are accentuated by the damp and recent rains. This is the best time to discover unusual and bright coloured fungi such as velvety Scarlet Elf Cups growing on decaying branches and fallen logs on the woodland floor.

Tune in to hear the birds starting to sing again with the 'tsip calls' of the Song Thrushes. As the month progresses, more voices will join in and the sound of the Blackbirds singing melodic notes that dance along a wider scale, it's one of the loveliest signs that Spring is on its way.   

Moon dates

Don't forget to make a date with the Full Snow Moon on Sunday 5 February and New Worm Moon on Monday 20 February when you can tune into the beautiful lunar light energy for creative inspiration, motivation and taking action (full moon) or for reflection, replenishment and planning (new moon).

Keep an eye out for this month's new moon and full moon articles with information and guidance and I look forward to seeing you for another Almanac overview on 1 March 2023.