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 Autumn, the dawn rose this morning at 6.25am with the first sunset of the month closing the day at 8.00pm.

At the end of the month, dawn will rise at 7.13am with the last sunset closing the day at 6.56pm as the evenings start to draw in at the beginning of the Autumn season.

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

Moon phases

Friday 15 September - NEW HARVEST MOON in VIrgo

Friday 29 September - FULL HARVEST MOON in Aries

Autumn Equinox - Saturday 23 September

In the garden

Picking Fruit - picking Autumn fruits including blackberries, bilberries, loganberries, gooseberries,

Take Cuttings - sow, plant or take cuttings of plants to propogate for planting during the full moon phase

Sowing Crops - sow crops that develop above ground early and root crops towards the end of the month

Planting Bulbs - plant bulbs for Christmas such as Daffodils, Hyacinths and Paperwhites (Narcissus Papyraceus)

Garden Maintenance - draw up soil around stems as they grow to protect shoots from frost damage

In the hedgerows

Wild Fruits & Nuts - Billberries, Blackberries, Crab Apples, Elderberries, Haws, Juniper Berries, Rosehips, Rowan Berries, Cobnuts, Hazelnuts, Wild Damson, Walnuts

Wild Fowers (edible) - Meadowsweet, Nasturtiums (flowers and seeds)

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

Wild Herbs - Basil, Mind, Dill, Oregano, Thyme, Marjoram

In the markets

Vegetables - Tomatoes, Aubergines, Chillies, sweet Peppers, Runner Beans, French Beans, Peas, Beetroot, Calabrese, Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Chard, Courgettes, Cucumbers, Endive, Fennel, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Lettuces, Onions, Spring Onions, Shallots, Swedes, Sweetcorn, Oriental Leaves, Pumpkins, Winter Squashes, Wild Rocket, Spinach, Turnips

Fruit - Apples, Pears, Loganberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Plums, Redcurrents

Forgaging in Nature

Early Autumn is the best time to walk out into the lanes, fields and woodlands to forage for wild food. This is the time when hedgerows and trees are heavy with Nature's most succulent fruits and nuts displayed in beautiful arrays of colour.

Gathering, preparing, cooking and eating wild food is one of the best ways to understand and respect the natural world in which we live. The quality of wild food is so much better for us than the nutrient stripped fruits and vegetables found on the supermarket shelves. It's also a great way to harmonise with the season rather than rely on food imported across thousands of air-miles.

Always consider Nature when foraging. Never collect more than you need and never strip an entire plant bare as this can put populations of species at risk, so please remember to forage responsibly (see below). 

Responsible Foraging

Stay on the path and take care not to trample down or damage areas you are collecting from. Uprooting plants can be harmful so pick leaves or berries with care, and take extra special care when digging for roots. PUt things back as you found them and leave no trace.

Never consum a wild plant or fungus unless you are crystal clear in terms of its identification. Make sure the plant is not rare or protected and leave plenty behind for your local wildlife as their lives depend on it. Remember that all wild plants are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and it is illegal to dig up or remove a plant (including algae, lichens and fungi) from land owned by a landowner or occupier so always ask for permission.

Moon dates

Don't forget to make a date with the New Harvest Moon on Friday 15 September and the Full Harvest Moon on Friday 29 September 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 October 2023.