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The Old Farmer's Almanac Best Days by Activity for 2026

Here are the 2026 BEST DAYS from The Old Farmer's Almanaclisted by activity. (Or, see Best Days by Date.) 

Find out when to start a diet to lose weight, cut hair to increase growth, plant vegetables, quit smoking, lose weight, potty train, mow grass to slow growth, and more activities, based on the Moon’s sign. The 2026 Best Days Calendar dates are based on several factors, including the position of the Moon in the 12 signs of the Zodiac, as well as the lunar phase. Planetary relationships may also be considered. When positions and/or phases are suitable, tradition says that activities are more likely to yield favorable results.

→ For all 12 months of Best Days, pick up a copy of The Old Farmer’s Almanac!

Best Days by Activity for August 2026
ActivityBest Days
BakeAug 9, Aug 10
Begin Diet to Gain WeightAug 15, Aug 20
Begin LoggingAug 23, Aug 24
Begin a Diet to Lose WeightAug 3, Aug 7
Breed AnimalsAug 18, Aug 19
Brew Beer or CiderAug 18, Aug 19
Can or Pickle Vegetables and FruitAug 1, Aug 2, Aug 29
Castrate AnimalsAug 25, Aug 26, Aug 27
Color HairAug 5, Aug 6
Cut Hair to Discourage GrowthAug 5, Aug 6
Cut Hair to Encourage GrowthAug 15, Aug 16, Aug 17
Cut HayAug 3, Aug 4, Aug 30, Aug 31
Destroy Pests and WeedsAug 3, Aug 4, Aug 30, Aug 31
Dry Fruit, Vegetables, or MeatAug 3, Aug 4, Aug 30, Aug 31
End ProjectsAug 11
Get MarriedAug 15, Aug 16, Aug 17
Go CampingAug 20, Aug 21, Aug 22
Graft or PollinateAug 9, Aug 10
Harvest Aboveground CropsAug 13, Aug 14
Harvest Belowground CropsAug 5, Aug 6
Have Dental CareAug 13, Aug 14
Make Jams or JelliesAug 1, Aug 2, Aug 28, Aug 29
Make SauerkrautAug 1, Aug 2, Aug 29
Move to a New HomeAug 7, Aug 8
Pick FruitAug 13, Aug 14
Plant Aboveground CropsAug 18, Aug 19
Plant Belowground CropsAug 9, Aug 10
Potty-Train ChildrenAug 3, Aug 7
Prune to Discourage GrowthAug 3, Aug 4, Aug 30, Aug 31
Prune to Encourage GrowthAug 20, Aug 21, Aug 22
Quit SmokingAug 3, Aug 7
Set Posts or Pour ConcreteAug 23, Aug 24
Slaughter LivestockAug 18, Aug 19
Start ProjectsAug 13
Straighten HairAug 20, Aug 21, Aug 22
TravelAug 11, Aug 12
Wean CalvesAug 3, Aug 7
Wean ChildrenAug 3, Aug 7
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