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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 May 2026
ActivityBest Days
BakeMay 19, May 20
Begin Diet to Gain Weight
Begin LoggingMay 6, May 7
Begin a Diet to Lose WeightMay 3, May 13
Breed AnimalsMay 1, May 2, May 28, May 29
Brew Beer or CiderMay 1, May 2, May 28, May 29
Can or Pickle Vegetables and FruitMay 11, May 12
Castrate AnimalsMay 8, May 9, May 10
Color HairMay 15, May 1
Cut Hair to Discourage GrowthMay 11, May 12
Cut Hair to Encourage GrowthMay 25, May 26, May 27
Cut HayMay 13, May 14
Destroy Pests and WeedsMay 13, May 14
Dry Fruit, Vegetables, or MeatMay 3, May 4, May 5
End Projects
Get MarriedMay 25, May 26, May 27
Go CampingMay 3, May 4, May 5, May 30, May 31
Graft or PollinateMay 19, May 20
Harvest Aboveground CropsMay 23, May 24
Harvest Belowground CropsMay 6, May 7
Have Dental CareMay 23, May 24
Make Jams or JelliesMay 11, May 12
Make SauerkrautMay 11, May 12
Move to a New HomeMay 17, May 18
Pick FruitMay 23, May 24
Plant Aboveground CropsMay 28, May 29
Plant Belowground CropsMay 11, May 12
Potty-Train ChildrenMay 3
Prune to Discourage GrowthMay 3, May 4, May 5
Prune to Encourage GrowthMay 21, May 22
Quit SmokingMay 3, May 13, May 3, May 13
Set Posts or Pour ConcreteMay 6, May 7
Slaughter LivestockMay 1, May 2, May 28, May 29
Start ProjectsMay 17
Straighten HairMay 3, May 4, May 30, May 31
TravelMay 21, May 22
Wean CalvesMay 3
Wean ChildrenMay 3, May 13
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