2 O C T O B E R 2 016
Martha’s Month Gentle reminders, helpful tips, and important dates.
S U N D AY
M O N D AY
T U E S D AY
W E D N E S D AY
T H U R S D AY
F R I D AY
S AT U R D AY
1 Have chimneys cleaned
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS AT SUNDOWN
Dig and divide hostas
Move tropical plants to the greenhouse for winter
Have horses reshoed
Harvest tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers
Clean and store summer clothes in canvas bags
Get seasonal flu shot
Weight training
Yoga
Cardio and core
Weight training
10
11
12
13
14
15
COLUMBUS DAY
YOM KIPPUR BEGINS AT SUNDOWN
Cut back perennials
Sharpen knives; clean stainless steel appliances with white vinegar
Pick apples and make a Dutch baby (for a twist on the classic recipe, see page 128)
Prepare chicken coops for winter; install heat lamps
Cardio and core
Weight training
Go for a long walk
Bathe dogs and cats
Go for a hike
Clean and refill bird feeders
MARTHA’S BIRDSEED BLEND
Weight training
Yoga
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
SUKKOTH BEGINS AT SUNDOWN
Plant amaryllis bulbs to give as gifts
Pick quinces and make jelly
Friend Laurence Booth-Clibborn’s birthday
Harvest winter squash
Decorate house for Halloween
Rake and collect fallen leaves for compost
Cardio and core
Weight training
Plant garlic Horseback ride
23
Weight training
Yoga
24
25
26
27
28
29
Have firewood stacked
Turn compost piles
Clean gutters
Harvest pumpkins; carve jacko’-lanterns with Jude and Truman
Swap out summer bedding for winter bedding
Cardio and core
Weight training
HALLOWEEN
30
31
To attract a number of different birds, she uses a few mixes that include flock-pleasing black-oil sunflower seeds, which have a higher fat content than the striped variety; cracked corn (note that it spoils easily and needs to be stored in a breathable container); and white proso millet, to attract ground-feeders, such as sparrows and juncos. For finches, buntings, and redpolls, Martha fills special tube feeders that have smaller holes with tiny, oil-rich niger seeds.
B RYAN GAR D N ER
9
“On my farm, many different species of birds— goldfinches, cardinals, even woodpeckers— stop to eat every day, especially during the fall migration. I make sure to keep all my feeders clean and well-stocked.” —Martha
