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Moon Phase Gardening
Gardening by the phases of the moon for improved plant growth.
Planting by the moon and starsPlanting by the phases of the moon is a method of cultivation as old as agriculture. The most ancient records of growing plants show a reliance on selecting the proper signs in the heavens for planting and performing garden chores in conjunction with the phases of the moon. Today we have access to this half forgotten knowledge and what has endured is a schedule of plant growth that we can use just as those ancient gardeners.The moon, stars and the rhythm of plant growthBased both in tradition and superstition, the character and growth traits of plants were seen to vary with the phases of the moon and the constellations that appeared in the sky. Through the corridors of time this rhythm of growth was recorded and passed down to following generations. We can use this biodynamic method of plant husbandry today in our own gardens.
The basic rules of biodynamic gardening: Above ground and below ground plantsPlant above ground crops while the moon is waxing (i.e. growing brighter) and plant below ground crops as the moon wanes (i.e. grows dimmer). That's Moon Phase gardening in a nutshell!Plant growth acts according to a biodynamic calendar that reflects the phases of the moon and stars. Biodynamics was identified in the 1920s by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian, and was a forerunner of the organic movement. It has been described as a holistic understanding of plants.
Diagram of Moon Phases from an astronomical perspective
As the moon revolves about the earth the sun's light creates a changing shape or phase of the moon when viewed from our vantage point here on planet earth.
Moon, tides, seeds and waterThe Earth is in a gravity well that is constantly altered by both the sun, moon and planets. The ocean tides are at their highest during the time of the full moon, when the sun and moon are lined up with the earth. The ancients believed that as the moon draws the tides in the seas, it also draws upon all water, causing moisture to swell up in the earth, which promotes growth. This is the best time for planting seeds. |
