Gardening by the Moon

In the age-old practice of gardening, there’s a mystical and fascinating method of gardening by the moon. This ancient method, deeply rooted in folklore and agricultural traditions, suggests that the phases of the moon can significantly influence plant growth. The moon affects the tides so some gardeners believe that it can also affect the water on the ground and follow the phases of the moon to enhance the crop.

The Central part to gardening by the moon is the lunar calendar, which divides the lunar month into four main phases: new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. Each phase is believed to exert a unique influence on soil moisture, plant sap flow, and overall plant growth.

New Moon Phase:

This is the time for planting above-ground crops like leafy greens and annual flowers. The absence of moonlight during this phase is thought to promote stronger root development.

First Quarter Phase:

As the moon waxes, energy is believed to rise, benefiting the growth of above-ground plants. This is the Optimal time for planting fruit-bearing annuals and plants with seeds inside, like beans and tomatoes.

Full Moon Phase:

This phase is associated with high moisture, making it an ideal time for planting root crops and perennials. Pruning, grafting, and harvesting are also recommended during the full moon.

Last Quarter Phase:

As the moon wanes, the emphasis shifts to below-ground growth. A great time for weeding, cultivating, and planting bulbs and perennials.

To practise some of these gardening strategies you can keep a Lunar Calendar, that outlines the moon’s phases for each month you can plan your gardening activities based on the recommended tasks for each phase.

While scientific evidence may not entirely support the claims of lunar gardening, many gardeners swear by its effectiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious novice, experimenting with lunar gardening may bring a touch of magic and an enhanced sense of harmony to your gardening journey.