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You don’t need to start digging up your borders in the middle of the night, but you can achieve a flourishing garden by planting according to the Moon’s cycle.
Now before you roll your eyes, we promise this isn’t a new-age wave of gardening. The idea of planting with the phases of the Moon is one that’s been around for forever and a day, and given our innate desire to work in harmony with Mother Nature, all of us at WYLDE MOON HQ were keen to find out more about it!
So, what actually is ‘lunar gardening’?
The first thing to say is that you don’t have to be an accomplished gardener to try this! And you don’t need to don your wellies in the dark, as the influence of the moon is constant.
Lunar gardening theories consider the influence of the moon on various natural phenomena, including oceanic tides and moisture levels in the soil. The basic idea is that just as the Moon’s gravitation pull is responsible for the rise and fall of ocean tides, it can also influence the movement of water in the soil. On that basis, it’s thought that during the Waxing Moon, when the Moon is growing in size, the upward pull of groundwater is stronger, potentially making it a good time for sowing and planting. Conversely, during the Waning Moon, when the Moon is decreasing in size, the downward pull of groundwater might be more pronounced, which could be beneficial for root development and transplanting.
Here are some of the key principles of ‘gardening by the moon’…
Planting & Sowing
The two main phases associated with planting are the Waxing Moon (the phase between the New Moon and the Full Moon, when it’s increasing in size) – and the Waning Moon (the phase between the Full Moon and the New Moon when it’s decreasing in size.)
What to plant during the Waxing Moon phase:
Use the ever-increasing moonlight of the Waxing Moon phase to plant ABOVE-GROUND crops such as; annual flowers; fruits that yield above ground like strawberries and tomatoes, and vegetables that product harvest above ground like broccoli and bell peppers.
What to plant during the Waning Moon phase:
Use the ever-decreasing moonlight to plant BELOW-GROUND crops such as; root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and beetroot; flowering bulbs, and biennial and perennial flowers.
Pruning & Harvesting
The Waning Moon (when the Moon is decreasing in size) is considered the best time for pruning, weeding, and harvesting. Some gardeners believe that cutting plants during this phase can lead to slower regrowth and reduced likelihood of disease.
Lunar Calendar
Many gardeners who follow lunar gardening consult a lunar calendar (or a gardening almanac) to determine the best times for specific gardening activities. These calendars provide information on the moon’s phases and positions, allowing gardeners to plan their tasks accordingly.
While these ideas are intriguing, it’s important to emphasize that the scientific consensus is that any effects the moon has on soil moisture levels are likely to be very subtle and subject to local variations. If you decide to experiment with lunar gardening techniques, it can be a fun and interesting, however, it’s advisable to combine lunar gardening with traditional gardening practices that rely on more scientifically proven methods for consistent and successful results.
Certain plants and seeds do better when planted at particular times of the year.
Lunar Gardening and Astrology
Whilst we’re on the subject of looking to the skies to help our gardens flourish with abundance, there could be a benefit to harnessing a little astrological power too.
If you’re looking to plant above ground crops during the Waxing Moon, the best signs to do this in are; Pisces, Scorpio, Cancer as they are said to be very fruitful and fertile signs.
An optimal time for weeding, and garden control is when the Moon is in Leo, Aquarius and Virgo and Gemini.
Prune during Leo, Aries or Sagittarius during the Waxing Moon to encourage growth, or during the Waning Moon to discourage growth.
Harvest during the Waning Moon, particularly when it’s in the fire and air signs of Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, or Aquarius.
Right I’m off to put my gardening gloves on… happy planting!
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