Seeds and Transplants |
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Seeds and Transplants - Main Topics |
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Planting by the moon and stars
Planting time for your crops is a critical moment in the growth cycle. The timing of your planting must occure at the peak of the seasonal growth cycle.Moon phases and the position of the stars are the most accurate ways to achieve this timing. Seeds properly planted in this manner will outperform those which are casually placed into the ground.
This formula for planting by the moon and zodiac signs has been passed down to us from our distant past. It is a tried and true method of agriculture older than written history. The persistence of the belief in this way of planting, even to the present day, speaks to its validity.
Organic Gardening and Zodiac Gardening Go Hand in Hand
The use of organic gardening techniques is recommended when planting by the moon and zodiac signs as it is the most natural method of horticulture of which we know. When we are following the natural cycles in the heavens we should also be following the natural process of plant growth. Organic gardening fills the bill.The Correct Moon Phase for Planting
Find the best moon phase for your crops. If they are annual plants that produce above ground you will want to plant in the first quarter or second quarter moon, two days after the new moon or two days before the full moon. The first is for above ground leafy plants and the second is for plants that bear their seeds within the fruit.See: Above Ground Crops - Plants that produce their bounty above the soil
Root crops are best planted just after the full moon. The closer to the point at which the moon is beginning to wane or diminish the better. This gives maximum support to root growth.
See: Below Ground Crops - Crops that grow beneath the ground
Selecting the best Zodiac Sign
Determine the zodiac sign that favors your crop. General rules are;- Roots are favored by the earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
- Leafy crops are best planted in the water signs Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.
- Flowers are best in the air signs of Libra, Gemini or Aquarius.
- Seed crops such as fruits and nuts may be planted in the fire signs of Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius.
Note: The Fire signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are thought to be barren and dry, not the best time for planting. However, some plants will respond during this period. Experiment and see what works best for you.
Finding the dates and times of the zodiac signs
You can find the dates and times for the appearance of the zodiac signs by using an astrology calendar, which can be purchased in most bookstores. Also, they can be found in an ephemeris, which will tell you the moon ingress (when it goes into a zodiac sign) or last aspect (when it leaves a zodiac sign) in International Time.See: International Time Zone Chart - Time zones around the world
Seasonal imperative
Of course it goes without saying that you must be in the right season to get the best results. Each variety of seed has certain preferences of air and soil temperature for planting. The proper temperature ranges are just as important as the lunar cycles.See: US Hardiness Zone Map - Hardiness zones in the United States
Starting Seeds Indoors by the Moon and Zodiac Signs
To get the most from your planting season, especially where the growth window is short, you will need to start your seeds indoors. This way you will have them ready to go into the ground when the weather warms.See: Starting seeds indoors - How to start your garden plants indoors
Frost free dates
To calculate when to start your seeds you need to know when your average last frost date occurs in your area. You can find that out from USDA frost maps, which provide the average temperatures for your location. These dates represent an average range of periods, and it is possible that you could experience frosts after these dates. Other more accurate sources of information include your local agricultural extension, university or area garden clubs.See: Moon Phase Planting Zones - Planting dates and moon phase data for your area
Timing the germination of your plants
Once you know your frost free date, you will need to know the number of weeks it takes for your plants to grow to transplant size. Start at your last frost free date and count backwards the number of weeks necessary for them to maturate. This is your planting date. Now, determine the nearest favorable moon phase and the perfect zodiac sign that corresponds to that date. This is when to plant your seeds.Note: It may be necessary to adjust your planting date. Move it up to accommodate frost sensitive plants or back if the year is a warm one. You can always pot your plants to hold them over if the weather is bad.
Starting a Fall Zodiac Garden
Starting a fall garden requires you to calculate from the first expected frost date then count back the number of weeks needed for your plants to mature or establish themselves. Once you have determined this date find the best moon and zodiac sign combination and correlate them with this planting time. This is the astrological window, for planting, that will produce the best results.Note: Hardy crops can often be planted a month or two later but they need enough time to become viable before the cold weather sets in.
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| | Moon Phase Gardening | | | Zodiac Sign Gardening | | | Vegetable Planting Guide | | | Organic Gardening Guide | | | |
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