I am sure you have all heard that the water on earth is greatly controlled by the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon. In gardening, wouldn’t it then also make sense that the water in living things would be controlled in the same way. Let’s think about the water that is contained within those lovely little seeds we carefully store and plant each year. How important is water to these little living beings? Essential. So why not plant, cultivate, and harvest by the cycles of the moon.
Root Days for Gardening
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The moon cycle lasts about 29 1/2 days or to break it down even more: it takes 27 days, 7 hours and 43 minutes to complete one full cycle around our glorious earth. During this time, moon visits an earth-root constellation, Capricorn, Taurus or Virgo, every nine days and stays within that cycle for 2 to 3 days each.
Why is this called the root cycle? Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo are all associated with the element of earth so these are going to be the best days to work with anything to do with the earth. This includes planting and harvesting root vegetables that grow under the earth and anything you do to prepare the earth before and after planting.
Is there more. Yes! Check this out.
Descending and Ascending Moon
Did you know that under a descending moon the earth breathes in. This is going to be the best time to plant or transplant root crops. This is also going to be the best time to apply any sprays as the soil will take the nutrients in as the earth inhales.
On the other side of things, the earth breathes out under an ascending moon. Therefore, this would be the best time to use tea or liquid feed sprays on the tops of the plants and leaves above the earth.
Sowing root crops in the 2 – 3 days before the full moon will help to encourage stronger germination. This can be an especially helpful technique when working with more fragile or hard to germinate root crops such as parsnips, beets, or turnips.
Avoid harvesting root crops during the watery influences of the full or perigee moon as the crops could rot during winter storage due to excess water.
And last but definitely not least, the best time to prepare the ground for abundant though tricky crops like potatoes is when the moon is in opposition to Saturn. It is said that this will both enhance plant growth as well as the quality or taste of the harvest.
Okay. So now we know a bit about Root Days. Let’s move on.
Flower Days for Gardening
Flower days are the days when the moon passes by Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra. What do we know about these signs? They are associated with the element of air. The plants to work with during these times are going to include edible flowers like broccoli, artichokes or Cauliflower, as well as ornamental flowers. Shrubs also benefits from flower days. Know what else benefits on these days? Bees and any other insects who feed on the pollen of these flowering plants.
Flowers harvested during these days also have more flavor, are heavier scented, and hold their shape and color better for drying or pressing. During this time, moon visits an flower constellation, every 9 days and stays within that cycle for 2-3 days each.
The best time to pick flowers for drying is during the ascending moon, when the earth breathes out as this is when the upper parts of the plants are at their best most vital health.
The best time to plant bulbs or divide flowering herbs for replanting is during the descending moon.
The best time to plant or transplant perennial herbs is when the moon in opposition to Saturn. The strong calcium and silica resulting from this time in the moon cycle promotes stronger roots and better aromas and flavors.
Sow annuals 2 – 3 days before the full moon. This is also an optimal time to harvest flowers that are to be prepared as seeds for the next year.
Deadhead fading blooms during the perigee moon. The perigee moon is the time when the sap moves most freely before slowing allowing the sap to move freely into the earth as it no longer needs to support the fading blooms.
When the moon is in apogee (the moon is the farthest from the earth), move companion plants from their pots close to the plants they are meant to protect as this is the time when they are the most fragrant.
Leaf Days for Gardening
Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio are leaf days associated with the element of water. While water is essential for all life on earth, it is specifically important for crops that are grown for their leaves. Lettuces, Cabbages, and aromatic herbs like parsley, and shrubs that are grown as hedges all depend highly on water. During this time, moon visits an leaf constellation, every 8-9 days and stays within that cycle for 1 ½ – 2 ½ days each.
With this being said, leaf crops are best harvested under a descending moon. However, many of these plant grow and ripen very fast. If you can’t wait until a leaf day, cultivate on a root day, the next best time.
Try to harvest when the moon is ascending, ideally on a flower or fruit day when the upper part of the plant is at it’s strongest. This will help to gain you some extra time in storage.
Fruit Days for Gardening
The moon is now moving into Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo. Yes! You’ve got it. They are associated with the element of fire. The fruit and seeds need warmth in order to ripen. And as fruit, I mean the food produced by the plants including apples, plus, tomatoes, sweet corn, peas, things growing in the sun. During this time, moon visits an fruit constellation, every 8-9 days and stays within that cycle for 2 – 2 ½ days each.
Plant trees and bushes under the descending moon, preferably in the afternoon. This is also the time to sow or transplant seedlings of other fruit day crops like zucchini, squash, pumpkins, and beans. If you miss these days, you should be moving right into an earth-root constellation, the next best time to plant. Under the descending moon is also the best time to prune your fruit trees.
Harvest under the ascending moon for the healthiest fruit for storage and best flavors. This is also the time to take cuttings meant to be planted next year.
Leave fruit crops alone during damp weather, especially during perigee to avoid encouraging disease in the trees or plants.
Well, that is all I have for you today. I hope this overview of Gardening with the Moon helps you to create a beautiful and beneficial garden to enjoy. Please check back every Sunday for my weekly horoscope of the best way to use this information as we move through the seasons of your horticulture journey.
References
DK. (2015). Biodynamic gardening: Grow healthy plants and amazing produce with the help of the moon and nature S C. DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley).
About the Author
A late bloomer in the writing industry, Christle Hart has just joined the the world of writing as an Author, poet, and content writer. As a teacher for 20 years, she’s moving from teaching writing to publishing her own work and is excited to be doing so. Watch for her first novel to be published soon and check back for more work including a weekly supplement to this article. My website and blog is currently under construction. You can also find me on Facebook.
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