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.

On the arrival of October, the dawn rose this morning at 7.15am with the first sunset of the month closing the day at 6.53pm.

At the end of the month, dawn will rise at 7.13am with the last sunset closing the day at 4.52pm as the evenings start to draw in at the beginning of the Autumn season. This following the clocks going back an hour on Sunday 29 October.

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

Moon phases

Saturday 14 October - NEW HUNTER'S MOON in Libra

Saturday 28 October - FULL HUNTER'S MOON in Taurus

Annular Total Eclipse - Saturday 14 October

Partial Lunar Eclipse - Saturday 28 October

In the garden

Bird Boxes - thoroughly clean bird boxes and water containers with a soapy hot water

Composting - empty spent summer pots and hanging baskets, and compost the contents

Collecting Seeds - from hardy perennials, such as Astrantia, Achillea and Red Valerian, and sow straight away

Planting Bulbs - plant drifts of spring bulbs for the Spring including crocuses, daffodils and fritillaries

Garden Maintenance - tidy the greenhouse, clear fallen leaves from garden edges and guttering for composting

In the hedgerows

Wild Fruits & Nuts - Wild Damsons, Crab Apples, Elderberries, Haws, Juniper Berries, Rose, Rowan Berries, Sloes, Hazelnuts, Sweet Chestnuts

Wild Fungi* - Ceps, Chanterlles, Field Mushrooms, Horse Mushrooms, Common Puffballs, Parasols, Shaggy Inkcaps

Wild Roots - Alexanders, Dandelion, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichokes, Lovage, Ramion, Wild Garlic

Wild Greens - Chickweed, Hairy Bittercress, Dandelion Leaves, Sow Thistle, Wintercress, Sorrel

*Make sure all fungi is identified correctly before picking and eating.

In the markets

Vegetables - Aubergines, Chillies, Sweet Peppers, Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chicory, Endive, Fennel, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Lettuces, Onions, Oriental Leaves, Parsnips, Potatoes, Salsify, Spinach, Spring Onions, Swedes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Winter Squashes

Fruit - Quinces, Apples, Pears

Helping a Neighbour

As Winter quickly approaches, October can be the perfect time to lend a helping hand to strengthen your connection with people in your community while also getting outside.

Get creative and inspired by the connections you can make, especially with people living on their own or elders who may not be able to get out into the garden. Here are some ideas:

• Raking up leaves and protecting shrubs that might be vulnerable through the Winter.
• Helping out with weeding gardens or tidying up around the property before the cold sets in.
• Tidying up local shared spaces like benches to ensure they’re litter-free.
• Offering to take a dog for a walk or for someone on their own to join you for a stroll in the local area.
• Offering to look after a dog or other pets on bonfire night rather than being left on their own.

Walking in the Lane

I love going out to find an old coutry lane to wander it at this time of year.

The trees and hedgerows are still green and brimming with Autumn fruits, seeds and late herbal flowers. The light is softer and lower making the shadows more apparent. Trees on both sides of a lane create a canopy above with filigrees of leaves that dapple the light and bring everything to life.

I had a walk in a lane recently and felt so inspired, I made a video about it called Autumn Leaves. So many things to admire and a lovely way to spend an hour on a clear blue sky afternoon.

I hope you find some time to enjoy Nature's bounty this monoth and a suitably quiet lane to amble in.

Moon dates

Don't forget to make a date with the New Hunter's Moon on Saturday 14 October and the Full Hunter's Moon on Saturday 28 October when you can tune into the beautiful lunar light energies for making plans (New Moon) and taking action (Full Moon).

I look forward to seeing you for the next Almanac on 1 November 2023.