Gardening & Moon Phases By Dawn Walls-Thumma

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Planting and performing certain garden chores based on the moon phase dates back thousands of years. The effect of the moon on water levels forms the basis of gardening by the moon. The moon exerts enormous influence on the Earth's waters, governing the tides based on its position in the sky. Although research has not confirmed the benefits of gardening by the moon, adherents to moon-based gardening practices assert that similar forces govern the water levels in the soil and even inside plants, making some phases preferable to others for gardening tasks.

First Quarter

The new moon occurs when the moon lies between the Earth and the sun. Because the illuminated side faces away from the Earth, the moon appears invisible to you. During this new moon through the first quarter, the moon rises during the day and sets in the evening. During this phase, the moon draws water up into the soil, making it a good time to plant seeds for plants that produce above-ground crops, especially those that produce seeds outside of fruit, such as lettuce and broccoli. This phase is also a good time for planting trees, transplanting, fertilizing the garden and grafting fruit trees.

Second Quarter

During the second quarter, the moon fattens into a full moon, rising before sunset and setting before sunrise. The pull of the moon lessens during this phase. Leafy growth burgeons, and plants that produce seeds inside of fruit, such as melons and tomatoes, grow best if planted during this phase. Mow your lawn during this phase to increase growth. During droughts, plant just before the full moon, when the soil becomes especially wet.

Third Quarter

During the full moon, the Earth lies between the sun and the moon. The moon begins darkening after the full moon, rises after sunset and sets after sunrise. Root growth increases during this phase, making it the ideal time for planting root crops, biennials, perennials and bulbs, which benefit from strong root growth.

Fourth Quarter

During the fourth quarter, the moon wanes from a half moon, darkening toward the new moon. The moon rises at around midnight and sets at about noon. During this dry, inactive phase, called the moon's resting period, carry out garden chores that don't require plant growth, such as pruning, weeding and harvesting. If you don't want your lawn to grow, mow it during the fourth quarter.

http://www.ehow.com/list_7575314_gardening-moon-phases.html