If you grew up with a dog-eared Almanac on the kitchen counter, you know the vibe: sunrise and moon charts, planting dates, weather hunches, and bits of hard-earned country sense. For more than two centuries, the Farmers’ Almanac (the orange-covered one published from Maine) stitched weather, astronomy, and folklore into a handy annual that helped families plan their seasons.
A very brief history (and the famous “secret formula”)
The Farmers’ Almanac first appeared in 1818 and has been edited in recent decades by Peter Geiger and Sandi Duncan. Its long-range forecasts are credited to a pseudonymous forecaster, “Caleb Weatherbee,” a mantle passed down through generations. The Almanac says these outlooks come from a proprietary, centuries-old formula and astronomical inputs; the identity of “Caleb” remains intentionally hidden.
Note: The Farmers’ Almanac is not the same as The Old Farmer’s Almanac (the yellow-covered Yankee Publishing title founded in 1792). Different publishers, similar spirit.
What’s actually inside?
Long-range weather outlooks organized by region, offered months in advance. Think “colder and stormy” vs. “mild and damp,” not hour-by-hour predictions.
“Best Days” calendar—traditional timing windows (based on Moon phase/position) for jobs like planting, harvesting, fishing, weaning, even home chores. Farmers’ Almanac
Planting by the Moon—a planning guide that pairs crop tasks with lunar cycles. Many longtime gardeners swear by it. Farmers’ Almanac
Moon-phase calendar—new, first quarter, full, last quarter, with local rise/set times. Farmers’ Almanac+1
The end of an era (but not the end of its usefulness)
In early November 2025, the editors announced that the 2026 edition will be the final print issue of Farmers’ Almanac after more than 200 years in print, citing financial pressures in modern publishing. The website is expected to stay online through 2026. The Washington Post+1
How to use the Farmers’ Almanac today (the practical way)
Skim the regional outlook to set expectations for the coming season. Treat it like a theme, not a forecast you’d use to time a picnic. The Washington Post
Mark the “Best Days” that match your chores (seed-starting, pruning, fishing). Use them as planning nudges. Farmers’ Almanac
Check the Moon calendar for night garden tasks, skywatching, and those “full-moon harvest” events readers love. Farmers’ Almanac
Pair it with modern data. Use the Almanac for cadence and tradition; use your local forecasts and station data for go/no-go decisions.
Sidebar: Farmers’ vs. Old Farmer’s—which is which?
Farmers’ Almanac (orange cover): Founded 1818, long-range forecasts by “Caleb Weatherbee,” published by Geiger (Lewiston, Maine). Ending with the 2026 edition. The Washington Post
The Old Farmer’s Almanac (yellow cover with a hole): Founded 1792, still publishing, with robust online tools for frost dates, planting calendars, etc. (handy complements if you need zip-code-level timing). Almanac+1
Accuracy, expectations, and a friendly reality check
Long-range seasonal outlooks are inherently fuzzy. The Almanac has always framed its predictions as traditional, formula-based guidance—useful for pacing a season rather than nailing a specific week’s weather. Enjoy the rhythm; verify the details with local meteorology.
Quick-start for your readers (herb-garden edition)
This month’s Moon phase: peek at the calendar; plan a moonlit harvest or night-scent garden walk. Farmers’ Almanac
Pick two “Best Days” to start or transplant culinary herbs you love (sage, thyme, mint). Set a reminder and make it a ritual. Farmers’ Almanac
Log results. Did timing help? Capture what worked (and didn’t) so your garden improves every cycle.
Why this little book still matters
Even as the print era winds down, the Farmers’ Almanac remains a bridge between people and seasons—part calendar, part culture, part conversation starter. It reminds us to look up, take notes, and sync our work with the world outside the window.
Here’s to living an herbal lifestyle—moon by moon, season by season.