Because this publication was started by Ben Franklin, that's why! It's the Farmer's Almanac. And this 2008 Seasonal Gardening Guide is filled with some really interesting information.

Beyond the monthly calendars of sunrises and sunsets, astronomy charts and notable days, there are suggestions for each month as to what chores should be accomplished in the garden. For example, in January we were told to clear the garden of debris, to remove any unwanted trees and shrubs and to start pruning deciduous trees.

For February, we're told to prune grapevines, fruit trees, raspberries and shrubs that bloom in the summer and from flowers on this year's wood (last year's green shoots) - hydrangeas and butterfly bushes are good examples. We're told to wait until the end of the month to prune roses.

The section on gardening by the moon phases is fascinating. While I understand the parts about planting and fertilizing, there's a suggested time for digging post holes that has me a bit baffled. (What difference does it make when I dig a hole for a post?) Anyway, here's what the almanac says about specific tasks:

Composting: between full moon and new moon

Pest control: between first quarter moon and full moon

Cutting down trees: between last quarter moon and new moon

Fertilizing: between first quarter moon and full moon

Plant flowers: between new moon and first quarter moon

Weeding: between last quarter and new moon

I'm guessing that the reason I'm not crazy about weeding is because I've been doing it in the wrong moon phase. Or maybe it's just because I'm not crazy about weeding.

Calling all bird watchers

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes. It's free, fun and easy - and it helps the birds. This year's count will be held Feb. 15-18.

You can join bird lovers across the Americas by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Go to www.birdcount.org for tools to help in identification and to sign up.

Tips for February

From Women's Day Gardening and Deck Design, Vol. XVIII, No. 1, 2008:

"Check with your local nursery to see when they expect to get their early shipments of plants. The best time to get free gardening advice at garden centers is when the shelves are well-stocked and the crowds are sparse.

"Divide perennials as soon as they emerge or are big enough to handle. Dig up plants and separate into smaller clumps using your hands or a spade. Replant the divisions and water thoroughly.

"Prepare stakes or wire cages to support plants such as peonies, sedums, veronica, sea kale and gladiol[us]. Stake plants before they get too tall. The flush of growing leaves will hide the supports."

A personal note - I always forget to put my rings around the peonies until I get one of those "oops!" moments, and then I tenderly gather the heavy flower heads (usually just before they bloom) and put the rings around them; this year, I pledge to do this task earlier.

And here's the part the teenagers aren't allowed to read (because they will start complaining now about that deck that needs some attention):

"Mend your fences if they are wobbly. Is it time for a coat of paint or stain? Do it before plants leaf out and block access to the fence."

Kids, you didn't read that part yet, did you?

Healing naturally

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and places to pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike." - John Muir

Sara Busse is a Charleston resident and master gardener. She may be contacted at sjbu...@gmail.com.