moonGROW Moon Phase Gardening and Organic Growing Guide

Gardening by Moon Phases
Timing your garden activities with the moon increases crop yields

Full Moon	New Moon
Second Quarter Moon	Third Quarter Moon

How to garden by moon phases

The moon rotates through a complete phase sequence every 29 days, this constitutes a lunar month. For moon gardening purposes, the cycle is divided into four quarters or phases. The term moon phase refers to the moon's shape as it is viewed from earth during the lunar month.

You can use these charts (moon phase planting zones) to determine the best time for planting in your geographic area.

The Lunar Month

The 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. These are the increasing or waxing phases.

The complete sequence of moon phases in a lunar month

As 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.

Conversely, 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.

Waxing Phases of the Moon

Increasing Light -- New moon - Second Quarter Moon - Full Moon

Examples of garden chores to do by the light of the moon:

(NOTE: These are general guidelines. For more specific information see - Zodiac Sign Gardening

Repot and groom houseplants
Sow seeds of plants that grow above ground
Fertilize
Graft fruit trees
Plant evergreen and deciduous trees

Waning Phases of the Moon

Decreasing Light -- Full moon - Third Quarter Moon - New Moon

Examples of garden chores to do by the dark of the moon:

(NOTE: These are general guidelines. For more specific information see - Zodiac Sign Gardening

Plant bulbs
Plant crops that grow below the ground, such as potatoes, carrots
Cultivate weeds
Plant biennials and perennials because they need strong roots
Eliminate slugs
Prune shrubs

Prevalence of Moon Gardening

Down the ever dimming corridors of time these principles of gardening echo to us from an ancient past. Many peoples throughout our history have employed these simple rules of farming. To this day advocates of the art of moon phases gardening apply these principles to their crops and home gardens with great success.

Mankind has struggled through ages of trials and errors. The lessons we have learned along the way are no less true today as they were when we first began to grow things. There is truth in gardening by the moon and planets just as there is truth in much of the folklore that has been passed down to us.

Technical Resources
US Navy Astronomical Applications Department	A handy guide and moon phase calendar
The Old Farmers Almanac	The definitive guide to gardening and the weather
The United States Department of Agriculture	Comprehensive coverage of the latest trends in agriculture and horticulture

Moon and Zodiac Gardening Topics
Growing crops by following the lunar calendar	Biodynamic farming (BD) is also a form of organic farming as it not only avoids the use of pesticides and chemical-based fertilizers but also offers advise on the time of crop sowing according to the lunar crop cycle.
Planting (and Harvesting) Under the Light of the Silvery Moon:	Some gardeners believe that the best times for garden activities are dictated by the phases of the moon. Not that your garden will be a flop otherwise, but rather, as one moon gardener says, you should "take advantage of the impetus provided by nature."
Gardening and Astrology	Thinking about getting back into the garden? Even if you're growing some window boxes to have a piece of Earth around, don't make a single move without consulting the Stars!
Gardening and Horoscopes	Flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruit-bearing trees, decorative shrubs - what a decision! Before you head off to the garden center, take a peek below to see which type of gardening suits your disposition best.
Gardening with Yin and Yang	Feng shui (pronounced fung shway) is the art and science of creating harmonious environments by understanding the energies of earth, human and heaven.
The Ultimate Magic Garden	Spring is the season to start planting seeds for the future. The ultimate Magic Garden would be planted using the Feng Shui bagua as a guideline.
Moon Garden Fertilizers and How to Use Them	Moon garden soils should contain a lot of organic material. This provides a healthy environment for the fungus and bacteria which transform nitrogen and other elements into usable compounds the plants can absorb.