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Gardening by Moon Phases
Timing your planting and garden activities by moon phases
Why garden by moon phases?This method of agriculture has been handed down through the ages as an effective way to plan your garden chores. The moon rotates through a complete phase sequence every 29 days, this constitutes a lunar month. For moon gardening purposes, this cycle is divided into four quarters or phases each phase affecting plant growth in a positive or negative way.Moon phases and the natural growth cycle of plantsPlanting by the phases of the moon is an ancient method of planting, working and harvesting the garden in tune with nature. Plants have evolved natural growth cycles that correspond to the position of the sun and moon. When we encourage our planting and growing of crops by following these cycles we give nature a hand in blessing our gardens. The following is an explanation of these growth cycles.
Waxing Phases of the Moon
 This is the time when moonlight is in a state of increase. The expanding face of the moon casts a greater and greater glow on the earth. It is said to be the optimum time for the planting of above ground crops. (i.e. plants that produce their fruit above the ground) The moon phases associated with this phenomena are generally divided into three stages. They are the new moon, second quarter moon and the full moon.Garden chores to do during the waxing phases of the moon:Certain garden activities are thought to be most effective during this time of lunar increase. Experimenting in your garden should bear this out.- Sow seeds of plants that grow above ground
- Repot and groom houseplants
- Fertilize
- Graft fruit trees
- Plant evergreen and deciduous trees
Waning Phases of the Moon
 During the waning phases of the moon the moon's glow is fading. The face of the moon is shrinking from full moon to new moon. This is the time for planting below ground crops. (i.e. plants that produce their fruit below the ground) The moon phases that make up this period of change are the full moon the third quarter moon and the new moon.Garden chores to do by the waning phases of the moon:These activities are suited to this time of lunar decrease.- Plant crops that grow below the ground, such as potatoes, carrots
- Plant bulbs
- Cultivate weeds
- Plant biennials and perennials because they need strong roots
- Eliminate slugs
- Prune shrubs
The complete sequence of moon phases in a lunar month
The Lunar MonthThe lunar month starts with the new moon, also called "the dark of the moon". From the new moon to the first quarter and from the first quarter to the full moon, the moon appears to grow from nothing to a crescent and then to a full circle at mid-month (i.e. waxing moon). Once the moon has peaked at full brilliance it begins to reverse it's phases from full moon to third quarter moon and returns to the new moon completing the cycle. (i.e. waning moon)Waxing phases of the moonAs the moon grows in size it produces more and more reflected energy from the sun. Like a dull mirror the moon returns to earth rays from the sun that would otherwise be lost into space. In other words, the gradual waxing of the moon would seem to encourage growth.Waning phases of the moonConversely, the time from the full moon back to the new moon is a time in which the size and shape of the moon are decreasing. These phases constitute the waning of the moon. As the days following the full moon progress the reflected energy of the sun diminishes and would seem to discourage growth. |
