Gardening by the moon

Have you ever considered planting by the phases of the moon? Although it hasn't been scientifically proven, many gardeners anecdotally report increased success when they consider the moon's phases in their gardening plan.

We know that the moon's gravitational pull controls ocean tides and other liquids, so it's no surprise that the changes in earth's satellite affect the moisture in our soil too. The moisture content in soil influences how quickly seeds germinate and plants grow. The moon's gravitational pull also has an effect on sap and seed germination, while moonlight influences how quickly and strongly seeds and plants grow.

Guidelines for gardening by the moon

During the new moon and first quarter - the waxing moon - light increases and sap flows stronger in plants.

During the full moon and last quarter - the waning moon - light decreases and sap starts to flow downward. 

The phases can be further investigated thus:

• During a New Moon, the gravitational pull is strong and light is increasing. This is the best time to plant green leafy crops. Seeds sown during this period will also do well.
• During the First Quarter, moonlight becomes stronger and gravitational pull decreases. This is a great time to plant most seedlings, especially crops with seeds inside.
• During the Full Moon phase, light decreases and sap starts to flow downwards. It’s the best time to sow and plant root vegetables as this downward flow enhances root growth.
• During the Last Quarter, there is low light and less gravitational pull. This is a time for rest, or to prune, transplant and harvest.

If you'd like to perform your own experiment, here are the beginnings of a simple lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon for Auckland, New Zealand during the next few weeks. You can easily adapt the calendar to your area - find out the exact dates of each moon phase here.

Some gardeners incorporate other aspects of astrology in their planting plan. When the moon appears in different signs of the zodiac, it can be used as a guide for which crops to plant. 

The moon visiting air Signs such as Gemini, Libra and Aquarius relates to Flowers. The moon appearing in the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces benefits the planting of Leafy crops. The moon travelling through fire Signs Leo, Sagittarius and Aries pertains to Fruiting crops. And lastly, the moon's traverse into earth signs Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus is a good time for planting Root crops.

Remember, this way of planting is not based on a belief system, it's more about the physical effect the moon's gravitational pull has on our atmosphere and the surface of the earth. Of course, the weather plays a major part in successful gardening so if it's raining during the new moon don't panic plant through the downpour; just leave it until the weather suits. We hope this information has been interesting and helpful. Happy growing season!

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