Gardening by the Moon

Last night’s lunar eclipse probably got you thinking about the moon and the amazing impact it has on our planet and our traditions.

Last night’s lunar eclipse probably got you thinking about the moon and the amazing impact it has on our planet and our traditions. Gardeners have used the moon and stars as a guide for planting for centuries, and now you too can learn the secrets of gardening by the moon and zodiac signs.

You may know that the moon’s gravitational pull controls the ocean tides, but have you ever thought that it’s position could have something to do with moisture content in your garden soil? It’s a theory that many traditionalist gardeners abide by.

Here are the basics of gardening by the moon:

t
• Plant above-ground crops from the day after the new moon until the day of the full moon (also known as the “light of the moon.”)

t

• Plant root vegetables from the day after the full moon until the day of the new moon (also known as the “dark of the moon.”)

t

• Plant below-ground crops when the moon phases through the earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn; plant above-ground crops when the moon phases through water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

t

• Weed your garden when the moon is in the infertile air and fire signs, Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius.

Planting by the moon is easy when you use a gardening almanac for easy reference on the moon’s position relative to the constellations. Gardening in the evening, by the light of the moon, is not required, but it’s your decision to make!