Astronomial calendar

An almanac is traditionally defined as a 'calender 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.

On the arrival of Summer, the dawn rose this morning at 5.07 am with the first sunset of the month closing the day at 9.18 pm.

At the end of the month, dawn will rise at 5.03 am with the last sunset closing the day at 9.32 pm elongating the gift of long bright days and warm balmy evenings to the end of the Summer season.

Here are some key events, dates and information to make a note of in July.

Moon phases

Sunday 3 July - FULL BUCK SUPERMOON in Capricorn

Monday 17 July - NEW STURGEON MOON in Cancer

In the garden

Deadheading - removing expired flower heads from bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials to ensure continuous flowering.

Pond Clearing - clearing algae, blanket weeds and debris from pools and ponds, topping up with fresh water.

Fruit & Vegetable Picking - harvest ripe fruit and vegetables regularly to improve yields. Zucchini plants, for example, will keep bearing throughout the Summer if the young fruits are harvested on a regular basis..

Composting - save all grass cuttings, leafy garden waste, vegetables. spent plants (and trimmings) and dead flower heads to put on the compost heap or in the compost bin. Compost started at this time of year will normally be fit for use by the Autumn due to the relatively warm conditions.

Seeds & Propogation - propagation by cuttings and layering can be done any time in July as well as collecting and saving seeds, ready for sowing later in the month.

Weeding - keep on top of unwanted weeds and expired wildflowers by gently hoeing in dry conditions to loosen the roots leaving any unwanted weeds to dry out in the heat of the sun.

In the hedgerows

Wild Fruits and Nuts - Wild Strawberries, Cherry Plums, Wild Gooseberries, Green Walnuts (for pickling)

Edible Wild Flowers - Borage, Chamomile, Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, Line, Marigolds, Meadosweet, Nasturtiums (flowers and seeds), Pansies, Red Clover, Wild Roses

Wild Herbs - Cleavers, Hairy Bittercress, Hedge Garlic, Lemon Balm, Wild Marjoram, Pineapple Weed, Spearmint, Sweet Cicely, Watercress, Water Mind, Wild Thyme, Wild Fennel

In the markets

Vegetables - French Beans, Runner Beans, Broad Beans, Courgettes (and flowers), Cucumbers, Globe Artichokes, Peas, Fennel, Shallots, Rhubarb, Beetroot, Calabrese, Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Chard, Endive, Garlic, Lettuces, Spring Onions, New Potatoes, Radishes, Wild Rocket, Turnips

Herbs and Edible Flowers - Mint, Basil, Dill, Chives, Marjoram, Thyme, Oregano, Calendula (flowers)

Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping to assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see in a specific location during a set period of time. It's a perfect excuse to spend more time outside sitting quietly to engage in Nature around you.

The Big Butterfly Count 2023 reopens today ready for the main event from Friday 14th July to Sunday 6th August when you choose a place to sit quietly to spot any butterflies and moths flying by. Watch with a keen eye for 15 minutes and then record which species you see on the handy Big Butterfly Count app.

Moon dates

Don't forget to make a date with the Full Buck Moon on Monday 3 July and New Sturgeon Moon on Monday 17 July when you can tune into the beautiful lunar light energy for making decisions (full moon) and replenishing our strength (new moon).

Keep an eye out for this month's new moon and full moon posts and I look forward to seeing you for the next Almanac on 1 August 2023.