Some Farm Lore Followed By The Old-Timers...!

With the Spring weather not that far away, I thought it might be a good time to look at some of the folk lore used by the old timers on the farm.

These have been around for a long time, and whether or not any of them are valid...that's a matter of opinion.

More and more today, we are starting to realize that some of what were once considered "old wives tales" do, in fact, have a great deal of truth in them.

See if you have ever used any of these...and if you think there is a grain of modern day "reality" in one or two, OK?

"Folklore is rich among farmers, given their close ties to Earth and her natural rhythms.

Rail fences cut during the dry, waning Moon will stay straighter.

Wooden shingles and shakes will lie flatter if cut during the dark of the Moon.

Fence posts should be set in the dark of the Moon to resist rotting. Ozark lore says that fence posts should always be set as the tree grew. To set the root end upward makes a short-lived fence.

Don't begin weaning when the Moon is waning.

Castrate and dehorn animals when the Moon is waning for less bleeding.

Slaughter when the Moon is waxing for juicier meat.

Crabbing, shrimping, and clamming are best when the Moon is full.

Best days for fishing are between the new and full Moon. See our best fishing dates for the year.

Dig your horseradish in the full Moon for the best flavor.

Set eggs to hatch on the Moon's increase, but not if a south wind blows."


Now, I have to admit to having heard some of these before! Others, however, are new to me and I can't say one way or the other if they are based in reality. I do know that most of them are history based, as I found them in the Old Farmers Almanac (where else?)!

Now, if I may suggest a fresh cup of coffee on the patio...it is supposed to be nice today. Let's take a chance, OK?