Our modern world has far too many changes and complexities to speak about. We race to get the newest technology, believing that automation or electronics will solve our problems. In some cases that scenario comes true, but not always and not for everyone. Rather than look to the future, one growing trend is to look to the past and revive time-tested practices. Gardening by the moon is one of those proven methods. It’s free, simple to follow, and requires no special skills. It can be implemented by anyone, even those who are inexperienced when it comes to growing.
Traditional gardening by the moon is a decision-making system, based on the phases of the moon. This technique is not tied to astrology. There are techniques that focus on the position of the moon in the various zodiac signs in addition to the moon phase. These are commonly described as “best days” for doing everything from gardening to fishing, to getting dental work. They are based less in fact, and more on feeling, whereas traditional gardening by the moon has a scientific basis.
Why Should I Be Gardening By the Moon?
The answer is actually quite simple and when followed, will provide good results. The cycles of the moon affect plant growth, by the way they affect water movements. Everyone knows that the gravitational pull from the moon is what causes the rising and falling tides, but not everyone makes the connection that it also affects the moisture level in the ground. More moisture will be pulled to the surface of the soil during the full moon and the new moon, which provides optimal natural conditions. Seeds, when in a naturally moist environment will absorb the abundant water. These swollen seeds will germinate at a higher percentage rate and produce healthier plant starts.
Even if you’ve never planted anything, its easy to comprehend the process. Moist, but not saturated, soil is an absolute necessity for healthy germination, understanding that sunlight and heat are also key components.
Lunar Planting Guide
Gardening by the moon focuses on four distinct phases, with the first two occurring during the waxing phase (when the moon is increasing in size) and the latter two in the waning phase (when the moon is diminishing in size). During the waxing phase, the pull of the moon is growing stronger and the water table is rising. This is the time to plant. When the moon is waning, the pull is getting weaker. Use this window to weed, prune, or thin your gardens. Historically, those who following the lunar planting guide see higher yields and a reduction in the number of plant that go to seed rapidly. This means more yield, less bolting, better plant health, and a longer harvest window.
Some key specifics to know. As the moon enters the waxing phase, following the new moon, plant vegetables that grow above ground and annuals. This list includes corn, summer squashes, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower and other leafy items. Herbs such as basil, feverfew, borage, parsley, echinacea, dock, and other leafy herbs should also be planted during this window. About halfway through the waxing phase, sow plants that form internal seeds. Some of the common ones are green beans, wax beans, peas, all types of tomatoes, peppers, edamame, hard squashes, and pumpkins.
Once the moon becomes full, everything changes. Plant growth begins to slow as the water table starts dropping. This is the best phase for planting root vegetables such as turnips, parsnips, potatoes, rutabagas, carrots, beets and onions. Overly moist soil can lead to rot in root vegetables. It’s also a good time to plant perennial and biennial flowers, bulbs, and herbs planted specifically for their roots. Some examples of these are valerian or burdock. As the moonlight decreases night by night, plants are encouraged to grow roots, tubers, and bulbs. Try to accomplish all planting in the earlier half of this phase. In the few days preceding the new moon, don’t do any planting, allow your growing area to rest.
After You’ve Sowed Your Seeds
The waning phase of the moon is better for pruning and weeding. With the lower water table, sap and plant juices run slower. Your plants will lose less moisture if you cut them during this phase. Also clearing weeds during this period is critical. Remove them to minimize spreading when the moisture level returns during the waxing phase.
As the season passes, and your plants begin production, you’ll need to harvest accordingly. Harvesting vegetables is recommended from the midpoint of the waxing phase until the full moon. With the moisture being at it’s peak, you’ll get a juicy and luscious harvest, and the plants will not be stressed.
The best times to harvest herbs is either on, or in the few days after the full moon, when the sap is high, but the energy is turning downward. This is especially true if you intend to store your herbs for use throughout the winter. With moisture flowing down into the roots rather than the leafy part of the plane, your herbs will dry quicker, which will minimize any decay while on the drying rack.
Geotropism – A Broader Understanding of Gardening by the Moon
One interesting final topic to cover is called Geotropism. It is the response of a plant to the stimulus of gravity; in layman’s terms, it means that plants use the force of gravity to orient themselves. The roots will grow into the soil (in the direction of the gravitational pull) while the stalks grow in the opposite direction against gravity and towards the light.
This process happens continuously but most people don’t pay attention to it. They make the assumption that plants always grow in the direction of sunlight, which is true, but only partially true. It’s actually a combination of the two. The theory can be proved by planting a garden bulb pointed side down (opposite of how it is supposed to be planted). Even though it is underground and in complete darkness, it will turn around and grow upward, thus demonstrating geotropism.
It’s just one more way to see how understanding nature can lead to a wonderful garden. The natural design is meant to work flawlessly, without any special technology or modern innovation.
Updated from the original publishing date of March, 23rd, 2020, by the original author
Additional Reading Resources
The Farmer’s Almanac has a great Growing Guide to review.
Medicinal Herbs and Their Common Uses
- Imbolc – The Beginning of Spring - January 25, 2025
- 2025 Pagan Calendar – Sabbats, Moon Celebrations & Astrological Events - December 31, 2024
- The Yule Log - December 14, 2024
2 Comments