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.

With Summer upon us, the dawn rose this morning at 5.06 am with our first sunset of the month closing the day at 9.17 pm.

At the end of the month, dawn will rise at 5.04 am with the last sunset of the month closing the day at 9.30 pm bringing in those warm balmy evenings in the lead up to the Summer Solstice on 21 June.

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

Moon phases

Sunday 4 June - FULL STRAWBERRY MOON in Sagittarius

Saturday 18 June - NEW BUCK MOON in Gemini

Solstice

Wednesday 21 April - Summer Solstice

In the garden

Sowing - Plant out seedlings and young plants that grow above ground.

Flower Planting  - Direct sow seeds now to bloom in late summer such as Calendula, Candytuft and Nigella. Plant Nasturtiums which germinate easily and grow quickly with edible flowers. Last call to plant Sunflowers from seeds.

Vegetable Planting - French and runner beans, peas, squash, sweetcorn, tomatoes and outdoor cucumbers can be planted directly into prepared beds outside.

Potato Earthing - Now is the time to earth-up potatoes by drawing up soil around the stems as they grow to ensure the developing potatoes aren't exposed to light, which turns them green and inedible.

Plant Protection - Keep an eye out for pests and larvae, cover susceptible vegetables and fruits with environmentally friendly netting or root collars.

Weeding - Keep on top of unwanted weeds by gently hoeing regularly in dry conditions to loosen the roots leaving any unwanted weeds to dry out in the heat of the sun.

In the hedgerows

Wild Greens - Cleavers, Hair Bittercress, Hedge Garlic, Pineapple Weed, Sweet Cicely, Watercress, Water Mint

Edible Wild Flowers - Brooom, Borage, Elderflowers, Chamomile, Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, Lime, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Pansies, Red Clover, Wild Roses

Wild Herbs - Lemon Balm, Margoram, Spearmint, Thyme, Fennel

In the markets

Vegetables - Globe Artichokes, Asparagus, Calabrese, Carrots, Courgettes, Cucumbers, Broad Beans, Cauliflowers, Chard, Endive, Lettuce, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, New Potatoes, Radishes, Wild Rocket, Spinach, Beetroot, Garlic, Peas, Turnips

Herbs - Chives, Basil, Mint, Dill, Marjoram, Thyme, Oregano

Fruits - Gooseberries, Rhubarb and Strawberries

Memory making

There is a beauty and freshnes to June like no other month of the year. With Nature's treasures coming into their own as they ripen into fruits, flowers, vegetables and showers of green leaves around us. It's warm enough to bare arms, legs and faces to the sunshine as we stock up on Vitimin D and Serotonin making us all feel so much better as we head out to spend as much time outdoors as we can. 

June is the time to make memories that will last forever and keep us going through the Winter months. Arrange to spend quality time alone or with family and friends by taking long leisurely walks in Nature, picnicing by the river or by the sea and eating alfresco at home with delicious meals created from freshly grown vegetables, salads and fruity beverages.

Moon dates

Don't forget to make a date with the Full Strawberry Moon on Sunday 4 June and New Buck Moon on Saturday 18 June 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 posts and I look forward to seeing you for another Almanac overview on 1 July 2023.