Long ago our ancestors planted, nurtured, cultivated, and harvested gardens in accordance with certain natural “signs”. One of these signs was the moon and its different phases. Many call these practices ‘Old Wives Tales’ but some swear by them and refuse to plant any other way. After all, generations of people from many different cultures have been using the moon to tell them what to plant and when for years. There must be something to it!
As a general rule, activities associated with growing, planting and propagation are best done as the moon is waxing or growing larger. Once the moon begins to wane or get smaller in the sky, activities should encompass anything besides growth. These activities can include pest control, pruning, weeding and tilling.
The University of Illinois did some experimenting with plant growth and moon phases in 1993. Although they haven’t proven scientifically that planting by phase actually works they did find that gravitational forces of the moon do have some effect on seed germination and plant growth.
The following guidelines will give you a good idea of the right time to plant what. Of course, weather factors must be figured into the formula as well as good old common sense.
- From New Moon to Full Moon (when the moon is getting bigger), annuals that produce crops above the ground should be planted. Examples of this would be tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, broccoli, and corn.
- From Full Moon to New Moon (when the moon is getting smaller), biennial perennials, bulb and root plants should be planted. Examples of this would be onions, carrots, beets, and potatoes.
- During the first quarter of the moon, plant annuals producing their crops above the ground, which are leafy and produce seed outside the fruit. Plants included would be asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, lettuce, onions, and spinach. Also, grains seem to do best when planted at this time.
- During the second quarter of the moon, plant annuals that produce crops above ground that vine and produce seed inside the fruit. Beans, eggplant, peas, peppers, squash, tomatoes and watermelon would be good examples.
- During the third quarter of the moon, plant biennials, perennials, bulb and root plants. This would include crops planted in one season to winter over and produce next season. These would include berries, beets, carrots, garlic, onion sets, potatoes, radish, rhubarb, rutabaga, turnip, winter wheat and grapes.
- During the fourth quarter of the moon nothing should be planted. Instead dedicate this phase to cultivation, pulling weeds, insect control, etc.
Most calendars have the phases of the moon printed on them. Watch the phases and try planting astrologically this coming season. You might have a crop as big as the moon!
Deborah Harding - Deborah Harding has developed recipes, worked with herbs and written home school curriculum for over 20 years.
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