Severe Weather Watch: The Town and Country Almanac sees excessive heat (2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10) along with severe thunderstorms and heavy rain (14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24).

Full Moon: July’s Full Moon will occur on Thursday, July 10th. Many Native American tribes referred to it as Buck Moon because of rapid growth of antlers on young bucks during the month. It has also been called Thunder Moon because of the numerous severe thunderstorms during the month (just look at this month’s forecast above!) Many other tribes called it either Ripe Corn Moon, because of the appearance of young corn on the stalks that were planted in the Spring, or Hay Moon since hay tended to ripen as well.

Special Notes: Watch out! Those Dog Days of Summer will be upon us starting Thursday, July 3rd. Get ready for some the hot and humid weather to hit and last until mid-August.

Holidays: The Fourth of July is celebrated on Friday in 2025. On this day, in 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution saying, "These United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent states". And always remember, if planning any extended outdoor activities, use the appropriate level of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Apply it frequently, especially if swimming or perspiring. The Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday, July 18th. If a barbeque is planned, double-check the grill. Nobody wants any surprises, so it is wise to make sure that it is functioning properly and that you remember to fill up the propane tank (or to pick up plenty of charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid!).

The Garden: This is the last month to plant these veggies for a fall crop if you are in zone 5: snap beans, peas, cukes, carrots, kohlrabi, summer squash, early sweet corn, and green onions, can go in right now! Allow roses to rest in July and August. Do not fertilize, but continue spraying, and give them a light pruning in July to encourage new fall growth. During the dry summer months, remember to mow the lawn when it is high and mow less often. Taller grass withstands drought better because its blades shade the soil.

The Farm: Best for planting root crops (18, 19); weeding and stirring the soil (25, 26); planting above-ground crops (4, 5, 6); harvesting all crops (7, 8); the best days for setting hens and incubators (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (1, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31); transplanting (1, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15); harvesting and storing grains (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23).

J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living

"Do not regard liberty and freedom so lightly that you forget its value and take it for granted."