Monday, March 2, 2026

March 3 Full Worn moon

Some times, OK, REALLY OFTEN THE FARMERS ALMANAC DOES A MUCH BETTER JOB WRITING ABOUT THE FULL MOON THAN I DO.  AND THIS IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THEM.  


 

 

 

~~~~~ full moon of arch at Glastonbury Tor
 

 

 

almanac.com

The Worm “Blood” Moon: March’s Full Moon in 2026

Catherine Boeckmann

The Full Worm Moon reaches its peak on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:38 A.M. ET. This year’s March Moon is especially notable because it coincides with a total lunar eclipse. The eclipse reaches its greatest point at 6:33 A.M. ET—just minutes earlier—and during totality, the Moon can take on a coppery red or orange glow.

You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy this celestial pairing. Simply step outside and watch as the Full Moon changes color over several hours. For a detailed explanation of what’s happening in the sky, see our guide to what happens during a total lunar eclipse.

A Rare Bonus: A Total Lunar Eclipse During March’s Full Moon

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth’s shadow gradually moves across the Full Moon, causing it to darken and take on a warm, coppery glow—often called a Blood Moon. This color change happens slowly and can be safely watched with the naked eye.

Read Next

Viewing Notes for March’s Full Moon Eclipse

This lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North America, though what viewers see will vary by location. The Moon enters the penumbra at 3:44 A.M. EST (12:44 A.M. PST) and the umbra at 4:50 A.M. EST (1:50 A.M. PST).

Totality—when the Moon is fully within Earth’s shadow—lasts from 6:04 A.M. to 7:02 A.M. EST, with the greatest eclipse occurring at 6:33 A.M. EST. See our time zone converter.

The Moon leaves the umbra at 8:17 A.M. EST (5:17 A.M. PST) and the penumbra at 9:22 A.M. EST (6:22 A.M. PST). In eastern regions, totality occurs close to sunrise, while observers farther west will see the eclipse higher in the pre-dawn sky.

full lunar eclipse graphic
During March’s Full Worm Moon, Earth’s shadow will gradually darken the Moon, creating a red ‘Blood Moon’ effect.

When to See the Full Worm Moon in March 2026

The Full Worm Moon reaches its peak on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:38 A.M. ET. This year’s March Full Moon is especially notable because it coincides with a total lunar eclipse. The eclipse reaches its greatest point at 6:33 A.M. ET, just minutes before the Full Moon peak, and during totality, the Moon can take on a coppery red or orange glow.

If clouds interfere, try early Tuesday morning again before sunrise, keeping in mind that totality occurs near sunrise in eastern locations.

If conditions are just right and there’s a bit of mist or rain in the air, you may even spot a rare phenomenon called a moonbow—a rainbow created by moonlight instead of sunlight. Moonbows are most likely when the Full Moon is low in the sky. Learn more about moonbows.

This March Moon may also appear especially large near the horizon due to the Moon illusion, which makes the Moon seem bigger when it’s close to buildings, trees, or hills.

Why Is It Called the Worm Moon?

The Full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from a mix of Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. Traditionally, each name applied to the entire lunar month in which the Full Moon occurred—not just the night it was full.

March’s Full Moon has long marked a turning point in the seasonal calendar, when winter begins to loosen its grip and signs of spring slowly return.

The Surprising Truth Behind the Worm Moon Name

March’s Full Moon is known as the Worm Moon. For many years, it was believed this name referred to earthworms appearing as the soil warms in early spring—drawing birds such as robins and signaling the changing season.

However, historical research suggests another explanation. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver recorded that the name referred to beetle larvae—another type of “worm”—which emerge from thawing tree bark and winter hiding places at this time of year.

Either way, the name reflects the same idea: the land is beginning to wake up.

A Seasonal Signal for Gardeners

For generations, this Full Moon served as a seasonal marker for people who worked the land. The Worm Moon reflects a time when winter begins to loosen its hold—when daylight is increasing, snow and ice start to retreat, and the natural world shows its first subtle signs of change.

Rather than signaling planting time, this Moon traditionally marked a period of observation and preparation. It was a cue to watch the landscape, take stock after winter, and begin planning for the growing season ahead—even though the ground itself was often still frozen. 

As spring approaches, many gardeners use this time to think ahead to the growing season. Begin with our Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Guide, check your local dates in the Almanac Planting Calendar, or explore how the Moon’s phases are used in traditional practices in our lunar gardening guide.

The Sugar Moon and Early Spring Traditions

Another traditional name for March’s Full Moon is the Sugar Moon (Ojibwe). In many regions, this is the time when sugar maples are tapped, and sap buckets begin to fill—an early sign that spring is on its way, even if snow still covers the ground. Learn how maple sap is turned into syrup.

Alternative Names for the March Full Moon

Many traditional names for the March Moon reflect the transition from winter to spring. Some are tied to animal behavior, while others describe seasonal changes:

  • Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo): referring to blustery late-winter winds
  • Sore Eyes Moon (Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine): describing sunlight reflecting off melting snow
  • Goose Moon (Algonquin, Cree)
  • Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwa

Full Moon rises over snowy mountains

Alternative March Moon Names

There are quite a few names for the March Moon that speak to the transition from winter to spring. Some refer to the appearance (or reappearance) of certain animals, such as the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon (Algonquin, Cree), or Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwe), while others refer to signs of the season:

  • The Sugar Moon (Ojibwe) marks the time of year when the sap of sugar maples starts to flow.
  • The Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo) refers to the strong, windy days that come at this time of year.
  • The Sore Eyes Moon (Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine) highlights the blinding rays of sunlight that reflect off the melting snow of late winter. 
Sap tapping Full Sap Moon
An alternative name for March’s Full Moon is the Sugar Moon. Sugar maples are tapped in late winter; sap buckets gather the sap, which is later turned into maple syrup!

Moon Phases for March 2026

See the Full Moon Calendar for local times.

March Moon Phase Dates and Times
Full Moon: March 3, 6:38 A.M. ET
Last Quarter: March 11, 5:38 A.M. ET
New Moon: March 18, 9:23 P.M. ET
First Quarter: March 25, 3:18 P.M. ET

Best Days in March 2026

Based on the Moon’s phase and position, here are the best days for selected activities:

  • For Planting:
    Aboveground crops: 25–26
    Belowground crops: 7–8
  • For Setting Eggs: 4–5
  • For Fishing: 1–3, 18–31

See Best Days for more activities

Explore more Full Moon names, learn what’s happening in the sky each month, and share your thoughts Yabout March’s Moon below.

Saturday, February 28, 2026

15 Herbs that grow in water, guest blogger

The sky is so blue and there is a gentle breeze, it's warm enough to comfortably work outside, but  there is 5 inches of snow on the ground and more is coming ...... looking at seed catalogs, and filling tiny flower pots with potting soil is just not enough to express my Spring Fever. But this could help.

 

 

 

15 Kitchen Herbs & Vegetables You Can Regrow in a Mason Jar of Water
Uncategorized

15 Kitchen Herbs & Vegetables You Can Regrow in a Mason Jar of Water

🌱 Herbs That Root in Water — But Prefer Soil Later

These can start in water, but eventually benefit from being potted.

Cilantro

  • Roots slowly
  • Tends to bolt (flower quickly)
  • Move to soil once roots develop

Parsley

  • Slow to root
  • Stronger and fuller when transplanted to soil

Rosemary

  • Can take 4–6 weeks to root
  • Prone to rot in standing water
  • Change water frequently

Thyme

  • More difficult in water
  • Roots better in damp soil than submerged

🥬 Vegetables That Regrow from Scraps in Water

These are some of the most satisfying kitchen regrowth experiments.

Green Onion (Scallion)

  • The easiest of all
  • Stand root end in water
  • New growth appears within days
  • Harvest repeatedly

Watercress

  • Semi-aquatic plant
  • Can thrive in water indefinitely
  • Loves bright light

Leek

  • Regrows from base
  • Produces small harvests
  • Eventually benefits from soil

Celery

  • Regrows leaves from base
  • Will not form full stalks without soil

Romaine Lettuce

  • Regrows a few leaves from the core
  • Growth becomes thin and bitter over time
  • Best transferred to soil early

🌾 Starts in Water, Needs Soil for Real Harvest

Ginger

  • Fresh rhizome can sprout in water
  • Must be potted to develop a usable harvest
  • Prefers warm conditions

💧 Essential Care Tips

  • Change water every 2–3 days to prevent rot.
  • Use clean jars to reduce bacteria buildup.
  • Place in bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Remove any yellowing or decaying leaves immediately.
  • Avoid submerging leaves — only stems or root bases should sit in water.

What to Expect (Realistic Results)

Growing in water is excellent for:

  • Small, frequent harvests
  • Reducing food waste
  • Learning propagation basics
  • Keeping fresh herbs within reach

However:

  • Water-grown plants lack nutrients found in soil.
  • Growth may slow over time.
  • Large harvests require potting in soil.

Why It Works

Many herbs naturally root at nodes (small bumps along stems). When placed in water, those nodes activate root growth.

Vegetable bases like onions and leeks already contain stored energy in their root systems — allowing them to regenerate new green shoots quickly.

It’s simple plant biology — not magic.


Final Thoughts

Regrowing herbs and vegetables in water is:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Low effort
  • Satisfying
  • Great for small spaces

With just a mason jar and a bright kitchen window, you can turn scraps into something living and useful.

It won’t replace a full garden.

But it will give you fresh flavor, a touch of greenery, and the quiet joy of watching something grow. 🫙

 

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

George Harrison

 



1970. George Harrison stands at the gates of Friar Park, staring at what everyone else calls a catastrophe.
The Victorian mansion is rotting. Grass pushes through floorboards inside. The estate's gardens, once the pride of England, have gone feral. Collapsed greenhouses. Buried grottoes. Pathways strangled by decades of neglect.
He's 27 years old. The Beatles just ended. He could go anywhere, do anything. The world is waiting for his next move.
He buys the wreck and decides to dig in the dirt.
Not as a weekend hobby. As a life. He hires ten gardeners and works alongside them, dawn to midnight, covered in soil. His sister-in-law takes one look at the estate and asks what he's thinking. George doesn't try to explain. He just keeps digging.
His son Dhani grows up watching his father work by moonlight, squinting in the shadows because darkness hides the imperfections that would bother him during the day. The music industry keeps calling. They want albums. Tours. More of George Harrison the Beatle.
He wants to plant trees.
Friar Park isn't just a garden. It's an eccentric's fever dream from the 1890s. Caves. Underground tunnels. A four-acre Alpine rock garden with a scale Matterhorn on top. Garden gnomes everywhere. He photographs himself among them for All Things Must Pass, then goes back to pruning.
When a nurseryman mentions slow sales, George buys one of everything in the shop. When someone offers 800 varieties of maples, he takes them all. His wife Olivia remembers him saying, "It's not my garden, Liv." He sees himself as a custodian. The garden doesn't belong to him. He belongs to it.
By 1980, he publishes his autobiography and dedicates it "to gardeners everywhere." He writes that he's simple. Doesn't want the business full-time. He's a gardener. He plants flowers and watches them grow.
Journalists visit and call it un-rock-star-ish. George doesn't flinch. He'd lived through Beatlemania, screamed into stadiums, changed culture. He found it hollow compared to restoring topiary.
After John Lennon's murder, the gates lock forever. George and Olivia keep working. Not for visitors. For the work itself.
He dies in 2001. The gardens are now considered masterpieces of Victorian landscaping. Olivia still tends them at Friar Park. The estate stays private.
George Harrison chose dirt under his fingernails over applause. And in that choice, he found something the stadiums never gave him. Freedom.

 

winter, randomly random images


 















Saturday, February 21, 2026

MAPLE SYRUP, sugarhouse, a snowstorm...

THIS HAS BEEN A COLD AND SNOWY WINTER, MUCH LIKE THOSE I REMEMBER FROM CHILDHOOD.  ANOTHER CHILDHOOD  MEMORY WAS THE SUNDAY DRIVE TO BUY MAPLE SYRUP AT A  "SUGARHOUSE", THEY WEREN'T HARD TO FIND, BUT THE DRIVE ON UNTENDED BACKWOODS DIRT ROADS, COULD BE A REAL ADVENTURE.  MAPLE SYRUP, REAL MAPLE SYRUP, NOT THE STUFF FROM 'THE MARKET 

 IS FLAVORLESS, WAS WORTH IT.

A PLATE OF FRESHLY HOMEMADE ENGLISH MUFFINS, KNOWING THAT A MAJOR SNOWFALL WAS IS FORECAST FOR  TO NIGHT, WELL THAT WAS ENOUGH, OFF WE WENT TO FIND A "SUGARHOUSE".  IF THERE WERE ANY STILL IN THIS AREA. 

SUNSET COMES AT  ALMOST 6pm NOW, A GOOD THING BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN WE SPOTTED THE BILLOWING CLOUDS OF STEAM CAME FROM A BUILDING THAT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS  AN OLD TYME MOTORCYCLE GARAGE, WHICH WAS ONCE. THE SUGERER EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS FOR A VERY LONG TIME AGO, BUILT IN THE 1920'S! 

FIXING IT UP AND MAKING SYRUP  P WAS HIS DREAM FOR THE SMALL FARM IT WAS BUILT ON.   WE BOUGHT SOME  MAPLES SUGAR, AND SOME  REALLY STICKY MAPLE CANDY, AND A FINE  MASON JAR FILLED TO THE TOP WITH DARK MAPLE  SYRUP.  BY THE TIME  THE SUN HAD SET AND NIGHT WAS TAKING OVER WE WERE WELL ON OUR WAY HOME, WHEN THE FIRST FLAKES BEGAN TO DRIFT DOWN. 

A SNOW FLAKE HERE AND A  SNOWFLAKE HERE SPARKLED IN THEN HEADLIGHTS. IT WAS GOOD TO GET HOME, GOOD TO FEEL THE WARMTH OF THE OLD COAL STOVE AND GOOD TO ENJOY A FRESH English MUFFIN, WITH FRESH MAPLE SYRUP AND SOME NEW MEMORIES.

SWEET DREAMS!


  


barredwoodsmaple.com

The Old Sugarhouse


Best Maple Syrup.

The old sugarhouse still sits peacefully in the woods, its joints creaking with the wind, its wood slowly decaying as young maple trees grow up around it. The first picture was taken in the 1960's and the second picture was taken last week.

The sugarhouse was built by Harvey’s father, Wilfrid. He bought the land it sits on in 1941. The property was a very old farm with various outbuildings that were in disrepair. The sugarhouse was built shortly after Wilfrid purchased the land with lumber that was salvaged from the old buildings.

Old Vermont Sugarhouse

Wilfrid started out with buckets, a wood fired arch, and no electricity.  He gathered the sap with two sturdy work horses that followed voice commands.  Several local workers helped Wilfrid with sugaring, but two men, Richard “Keiser” Elkins & Cat Lumbra were his main help.  Keiser & Cat were known as tough, hard-working men. Anyone trying to keep up with them for the day had their work cut out for them.  Keiser was the person who would issue the commands to the work horses during gathering times.

making vermont maple syrup

Boiling was an art and a science during this time (as it still is today). The time to draw-off the perfect syrup was gauged by holding up a scoop of hot syrup and having it drip off the scoop. When the syrup was ready it would fall off the scoop in sheets just the right way.  It took a lot of experience to judge this exact moment.  

Wilfrid married Bea in 1945. Bea joined in helping with the maple business. Bea would cook meals for the men and help with cleaning the sap filters. The sap filters were washed in the cold brook next to the sugar house to remove any niter and then they were finished washing with an old wringer washer to complete the job. Niter is a suspension of minerals and other solids that precipitate out of the sap during the boiling process.

The family time in the sugar house was the best time. Boiling eggs and hot dogs in the sap, serving hearty hot meals after a long day gathering sap, family visiting from New York & Canada, and cousins playing hide & seek in the woods. Springtime in northern Vermont was a celebration of the end of the very long, cold winter and the promise of warm sunny days to come.

Vermont maple syrup for sale

Wilfred was an early adopter of sugaring technology. In the mid 1960’s the Chaffee’s began using plastic bags for collecting sap instead of buckets. These bags were hung on the spout that was attached to the tree and were pear shaped. They had a narrow neck and bulb shaped bottom. There was a problem with these bags. When the sap would freeze in the bags you couldn’t get the sap out through the narrow neck.  Latter that decade the Chaffees added tubing, electricity, a vacuum system, and an oil burning arch.  In 1965 Wilfrid was honored by being named Sugar Maker of the Year.  The sugarhouse was last used in the early 1970's. Today Harvey and Lisa have their house on this hallowed property.

A lot has changed in sugaring in the last 80 years since this sugarhouse was built, but a lot has stayed the same. The thrill of that first run of sap, the sweet smell of steam filling the sugarhouse, the taste of syrup fresh off the evaporator, the first daffodil sprouts poking their heads through the spring snow, and finally the sound of spring peepers in the pond, signaling the end of sugaring is getting near.  Sugaring still connects us with the rhythm of the seasons.  We think Wilfrid and Bea would be proud knowing we at Barred Woods are carrying on the sugaring tradition.  

 

Monday, February 16, 2026

A few words about Grandma's Kitchen and a recipe from shop class

  One day I asked AI to make an image of my grandparents house, as i have none.  My  readers night have noted these are the images that are part of my last years Thanksgiving post. While not exactly like the house or the kitchen, they are strikingly close.  So my idea was made to use them in posts for recipes.  And some recipes will be new-er like this one which a friend's son brought home from shop class, shop class???

 

 


 
Shop class Star crunch cookies! 
 
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate  chips
 1/2c caramel ships
4c mini marshmallows
4Tbsp butter
#c. Rice Crispies {any brand}
 
-line a  baking sheet with a silicone mat of parchment paper
 
-in a microwave safe bowl, microwave in 30 second intervals until they can be stirred into a smooth consistency
 
-add marshmallows to bowl of melted chips and butter stir well and microwave for about 45 sec, you may need to  microwave them for longer, stir  until smooth
 
-stir in rice crispiest, mix until well combined, then allow to cool for a few minutes
 
-use a small scoop  sprayed with no-stick spray, also spray your hands, scoop  up some of the mixture and roll it into a ball, flatten into a patty shape and place on mat or parchment paper to cool and harden.
 
-respray your hand{s} and/or scoop when needed 
 
enjoy!!!!
 
  
 

 

 

Friday, February 13, 2026

haiku~~wonder or wander~


 

 


silver dollar snowflakes

my first night in a new town

wonder or wander  

March 3 Full Worn moon

Some times, OK, REALLY OFTEN THE FARMERS ALMANAC DOES A MUCH BETTER JOB WRITING ABOUT THE FULL MOON THAN I DO.  AND THIS IS DEFINITELY ONE O...