921: The Old Farmers Almanac is NOT going anywhere

Chat with Carol Connare, Editor The Old Farmers Almanac

In this episode, Greg talks with Carol Connare, Editor-in-Chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the oldest continually published periodical in North America. Carol shares her path from archival work at UMass Amherst back to her “dream job,” stewarding the 234-year-old institution.

She clarifies the recent confusion between The Farmer’s Almanac (which closed) and The Old Farmer’s Almanac (which is thriving), explains the Almanac’s origins, traditions, and editorial approach, and offers insight into how it continues to adapt to modern growers’ needs. The conversation touches on climate shifts, regional variability, moon-based planting, and the Almanac’s evolution from a simple calendar of the heavens to a robust gardening and seasonal guide.

Key Topics & Entities

• The Old Farmer’s Almanac (founded 1792)
• Carol Connare, 14th editor & lifelong gardener
• Robert B. Thomas, original founder
• Almanac history & competition
• Difference between The Farmer’s Almanac vs The Old Farmer’s Almanac
• Long-range weather forecasting
• Climate shifts & updated frost/planting tables
• Regionalized weather zones (18 U.S. regions)
• Moon-phase planting
• Archival content & historical continuity
• Diversification: calendars, guides, kids’ edition
• Almanac.com as a major content platform
• Hardiness zone recalibration
• Growing practices & resilience

Key Questions Answered

What is the difference between The Farmer’s Almanac and The Old Farmer’s Almanac?

The Farmer’s Almanac (founded 1818) was a separate publication that recently shut down. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, founded in 1792, is alive, healthy, and independent. Historically, multiple almanacs existed, often overlapping in name and content. Confusion persists because both shared similar naming and themes, but only The Old Farmer’s Almanac continues publication.

How did Carol become Editor-in-Chief of such a historic publication?

Carol “boomeranged” back to the organization after 20 years at UMass Amherst. Her archival and publications work there prepared her well, since the Almanac is essentially an evolving 234-year archive. As a lifelong gardener, she considers the role her dream job.

What does an almanac actually do today?

At its core, the Almanac remains a “calendar of the heavens”—tracking moon phases, sunrise/sunset, tides, and seasonal shifts. It layers this with planting guidance, long-range weather forecasts, reference tables, quirky curiosities, and everyday inspiration delivered “with a pleasing degree of humor,” following the founder’s charge.

How does the Almanac support readers in different climates like Arizona vs. North Carolina?

Weather forecasts and planting tables are region-specific across 18 U.S. zones. Frost dates, planting windows, and climate references are calibrated for local conditions, and updated continually—especially after recent hardiness zone shifts and warming trends.

Is the Almanac adapting to climate change?

Yes. Carol explains that warming patterns have required updated planting and frost guidance nationwide. The Almanac recalibrated its data after the 2022 hardiness zone update and continues to adjust based on reader feedback and on-the-ground observations.

How does long-range weather forecasting work, and why is it famous?

Though not fully explained in this segment, Carol highlights that long-range forecasting is a tradition dating back to the Almanac’s founding and remains one of its most used features. Its methodology incorporates astronomical cycles, historical patterns, and proprietary modeling, achieving roughly 80% accuracy.

Episode Highlights

• The Old Farmer’s Almanac is not shutting down; the confusion came from a different publication folding.
• Only 14 editors have stewarded the Almanac over 234 years—an average tenure of ~17 years.
• The publication began as a “calendar of the heavens,” helping agrarian families plan by moon phases and sun cycles.
• Early America once had over 500 almanacs; competition, content borrowing, and printer-led editions were common.
• The Almanac diversified early—calendars, guides, kids’ editions, regional weather coverage, and a robust website.
• Climate shifts have pushed many planting dates earlier; many growers now update their calendars by weeks.
• Almanac.com now drives record engagement, especially during moments of news confusion.
• The Almanac remains committed to human responses—no AI answers for reader questions.

Calls to Action & Resources

• The Old Farmer’s Almanac — almanac.com
• Planting Calendar (Low Desert) — plantingcalendar.org
• Old Farmer’s Almanac Books & Calendars — Available via almanac.com

Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/OldFarmersAmanac for the show notes and links on this episode!

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