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 continue to move towards the Spring Solstice on Tuesday 21 March, dawn broke this morning at 6.59 am and our first sunset will descend on us at 5.55 pm.

The clocks will go forward an hour on Sunday 26 March which means at the end of the month, dawn will rise around the same time as the beginning of the month at 6.54 am with the last sunset closing the last day of the month at 7.45 pm to mark the start of much lighter evenings and brighter days.

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

Moon phases

Tuesday 7 March  - FULL WORM MOON in Virgo

Tuesday 21 March - NEW PINK MOON in Aries

Vernal Equinox

Monday 20 March

When the Sun sits above the Equator making the day and night of equal length, marking the start of Spring
 

Sunrise and sunset (Devon)

Wednesday 1 March - Sunrise (6.59 am)  |  Sunset (5.55 pm)

Friday 31 March - Sunrise (6.54 am)  |  Sunset (7.45 pm)

In the garden

Preparing - building growing beds, preparing and enriching the soil naturally ready for new seedlings and plants

Feeding - enriching the soil with manure (perfect for Roses) or 100% organic balanced natural fertiliser where needed

Gardening - pruning perennials and fruit bushes to encourage greater flowering and fruiting through the year

Propogation - germinating seeds and planting indoors before transferring to pots and garden beds in early Spring

Root Spices - sprouting rooting herbs indoors such as Ginger and Turmeric

In the hedgerows

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

In season - Alexanders, Bistort, Burdock, Chickweed, Comfrey Leaves, Dandelion, Fat Hen, Good-king-henry, Hawthorn Tips, Hop Tips, Nettle Tips, Orache, Rampion, Salad Burnet, Sea Beet, Sorrel, Tansy, Watercress, Wild Garlic, Wintercress, Wood Sorrel

Edible Wild Flowers - Primulas, Cowslips, Violets

In the markets

Vegetables - Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Chicory, Kale, Onions, Radishes, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Chard, Endive, Lettuce, Spinach, Turnips, Force Rhubarb

Herbs - Bergamot, Catnip, Chervil, Chives, Dill, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.

Supporting wildlife

This is a precarious time for birds, bees and small creatures energing from hibernation before Spring has grown enough food to provide for everyone. For this reason, it's particularly helpful to continue feeding the birds and leaving out quality food for the hedgehogs who will be hungry after their long Winter sleep.

Look out for Queen Bumblebees who are about to re-emerge looking for nectar and pollen. Think about the best plants and flowers you can grow for pollinators this season. Notie that the Blue Tits and Great Tits will be busy house hunting so it's a good time to provide nest boxes ready to house new feathered families. Finding a mate and a nest site will become a top priority for many animals and species as Winter seeps away and Spring begins to take hold. 

Closer to nature

This is the month to enjoy longer and brighter days, and the emergence of new life in the form of green leaves, wildflowers, unfurling ferns, budding Bluebells and blossoming hedgerows, verges and meadows.

Longer days add more and more voices to the dawn chorus which is so worth waking up early for. At dawn, the air is at it’s most still which makes this time of day for voices to be heard and for securing territories and mates. The Dawn Chorus is a joy to listen to at the start of the day and comes highly recommended.

March is the perfect time to step out in town and country to take in and admire the abundant burst of beautiful blossoms, almost everywhere to be seen. Keep an eye out especially for the wilder varieties including Blackthorn. Hawthorn, Hazelnut, Goat Willow., Crab Apple, Wild Cherry and Elderflower Tree.

Moon dates

Don't forget to make a date with the Full Worm Moon on Tuesday 7 March and New Pink Moon on Tuesday 21 March 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 April 2023.