Moon planting lore is as old as agriculture by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Moon planting lore is as old as agriculture

Planting by the phases of the moon is a method of cultivation as old as agriculture and civilization. Based both in tradition and superstition, the character and growth traits of plants were seen to vary with the phases of the moon. Through the corridors of time this rhythm of growth was recorded and passed down to following generations.

Today we have access to this half forgotten knowledge and what has endured is a schedule of plant growth that we can use just as those gardeners of yore. It is an example of mankinds struggle to understand and harness the forces of nature and in so doing master this world.

Moon and Zodiac Sign Conjunction

The phase of the moon is also consulted in conjunction with the dominant sign. All things which yield above ground should be planted during the waxing moon, and all things which yield below ground (root crops) in the waning moon. Planting should not be done on the first day of the new moon, or on a day when the moon changes quarters.

Plant seeds or transplants of leafy plants, and plants that carry their seeds on the outside of the fruit (i.e. strawberries and corn) when the Moon is between the new and first quarter. When the Moon is between the first quarter and full, sow or transplant plants that produce seeds inside their fruit. Plant bulbs and root crops between Full Moon and last quarter. Do not plant anything between last quarter and New Moon.

For example, it is said to be best to turn sod, kill trees, and destroy weeds in the fourth quarter of the moon in the barren signs of Gemini, Leo, or Virgo. The week before the New Moon is a good time to pull weeds.

Harvesting most crops is best done in the old of the moon; this will cause them to keep better and longer. Pick fruits picked during a waning moon will cause any bruises to dry up rather than rot. Fruit, grain, and vegetables should not be gathered in the watery signs or the new of the moon as they will decay and sprout. It is best to gather root crops in the last quarter of the moon when the signs are in the Knees or the Feet.

While none of this has been conclusively proven or disproved by modern science; many folks claim success using these methods. Should you wish to try planting by moon and astrological signs, most farmer's almanacs include planting calendars which display lunar phases as well as the signs on the days in which they appear in a given month. Good luck and good gardening.

Moon Gardening

Moon, Tides, Seeds and Water

The Earth is in a gravity well that is constantly altered by both the sun, moon and planets. The ocean tides are at their highest during the time of the full moon, when the sun and moon are lined up with the earth. The ancients believed that as the moon draws the tides in the seas, it also draws upon all water, causing moisture to swell up in the earth, which promotes growth. This is the best time for planting seeds.

By Phase

The Full Moon: A window of opportunity for planting seeds

When the moon is full the lunar gravity draws water up and causes seeds to germinate. It was also believed, in ancient times, that the increasing moonlight created balanced root and leaf growth. This, they thought, was the best time for planting above ground annual crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit. Examples of such crops are lettuce, spinach, celery, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and grain crops. Through time and trials cucumbers were thought to like this phase also, even though they are an exception to the rule.

Sow, transplant, bud and graft: From New Moon through First Quarter to Full Moon.

Plant above-ground crops with inside seeds: Between First Quarter and Full Moon.

The Second Quarter Moon: A window of opportunity for planting above ground crops

In the second quarter moon (i.e. waxing half moon) the pull of gravity is less, but the moonlight is substantial and on the increase, which was believed to encourage strong leaf growth. It was generally considered a good time for most types of planting and the prime time for this was usually two days before the full moon. The types of crops that prefer the second quarter moon are annuals that produce their fruits above the ground, but the seeds form inside the fruit, such as beans, melons, peas, peppers, squash, and tomatoes.

The Third Quarter Moon: A window of opportunity for planting root crops
When the moon enters the third quarter its light is diminishing (i.e. waning half moon), the light energy is dwindling. But during this time the gravitational pull is still quite high, creating increased moisture in the soil. At this time the moonlight is decreasing, which our forefathers believed was putting energy into the roots. This was thought to be an excellent time for planting root crops which include beets, carrots, onions, potatoes, and peanuts. It is also considered a good time for planting perennials, biennials, bulbs and transplanting because of the active root growth. Pruning is also best done in the third quarter moon.

The New Moon: An opportunity for maintaining the garden

At the time of the new moon both the gravitational pull and the moonlight are decreasing and was thus considered a resting period. Growth during this period was believed to be stable and steady providing strength to the plants and a time for maintenance. This was predicted to be the best time to cultivate, harvest, transplant and prune.

Plow, cultivate, weed and reap: From Full Moon through Last Quarter to New Moon.

Plant above-ground crops with outside seeds, flowering annuals: Between New Moon and First Quarter.

Plant root crops, bulbs, biennials, perennials: Between Full Moon and Last Quarter.

Do not plant: Between Last Quarter and New Moon.

Brother Sun and Sister Moon

The role of the sun and the moon in agriculture is undeniable. The sun powers the forces of growth and the moon enhances or discourages the various stages of plant formation. This was believed by many generations of gardeners to be the ultimate guide to robust crops. We can either accept or omit this system of understanding the nature of plant maturation but in the end we are but stewards in this cycle of life.

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Zodiac Signs and Gardening

Planting by the signs is an astrological system of agriculture and gardening. This rural lore was once widespread. Each day of the month is said to be ruled by one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Each sign appears at least once a month for a period of two or three days. To each of the twelve signs there corresponds a part of the human body.

The signs always appear in sequence, beginning with Aries (the Head) and continuing through Pisces (the Feet). Then the cycle begins again. The signs are described as fruitful or barren, moist, watery, dry, earthy, fiery, hot, or airy. Planting is always done in one of the fruitful signs.

Fruitful Signs vs Barren Signs

There are fourteen fruitful days in a month. The best signs for planting are the water or earth signs of Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, or Taurus, Planting should not be done in one of the barren signs; they are only good for trimming, killing, and destroying. No planting should be done on Sunday, as this is a barren, hot day (the Sun's day). Never transplant in the Heart or the Head; it is said that this will cause the plants to die.

By Place in the Zodiac -- Fruitful Signs (There are fourteen fruitful days in a month)

Certain garden and farming chores are best performed under specific signs as detailed below.

Cancer - Most favorable planting time for all leafy crops bearing fruit above ground. Prune to encourage growth in Cancer. The moon in Cancer is a good time to fertilize plants.

Scorpio - Second only to Cancer, a Scorpion Moon promises good germination and swift growth. In Scorpio, prune for bud development. Prune your plants during this sign to encourage healthy new growth. Also a good sign for applying fertilizer to plants. One of the most fertile times for sowing seeds and transplanting plants.

Pisces - Planting in the last of the Watery Triad is especially effective for root growth. One of the most fertile times for sowing seeds and transplanting plants. This is another sign which is conducive to the fertilizing of crops.

Taurus - The best time to plant root crops is when the Moon is in the sign of the Bull. An fine time to sow seeds and transplant plants. A good time to prune plants to control their growth. Taurus is a productive sign for the planting of root crops.

Capricorn - The Earthy Goat Moon promotes the growth of rhizomes, bulbs, roots, tubers and stalks. Prune now to strengthen branches. An okay time to sow seeds and transplant plants. Prune trees, shrubs, and herbs during this sign to promote healthy new growth.

Libra - Airy Libra may be the least beneficial of the Fruitful Signs, but is excellent for planting flowers and vines. A good time for picking flowers which will last a long time in floral arrangements. Also a good sign in which to prune plants in order to control their growth and maintain their shape. Libra is an okay sign for planting and sowing especially flowers and grain crops.

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Barren Signs

Leo - Foremost of the Barren Signs, the Lion Moon is the best time to effectively destroy weeds and pests. Cultivate and till the soil. Gardening chores that can be safely conducted while the moon is in Leo includes insect control, plowing, pruning, trimming and weeding.

Gemini - Harvest in the Airy Twins; gather herbs and roots. Reap when the Moon is in a sign of Air or Fire to assure best storage. Insect control, plowing, and weeding chores can be conducted while the moon is in this sign. Harvest crops during this sign for long-term storage.

Virgo - Plow, cultivate, and control weeds and pests when the moon is in Virgo. Prune trees, shrubs, and herbs during this sign to maintain their shape.

Sagittarius - Plow and cultivate the soil or harvest under the Archer Moon. Prune now to discourage growth. Insect control, plowing, pruning, trimming and weeding. A good sign for harvesting crops. Pruning while the moon is in Sagittarius will help to discourage the growth of nuisance plants.

Aquarius - This dry sign of Air is perfect for ground cultivation, reaping crops, gathering roots and herbs. It is a good time to destroy weeds and pests. Aquarius is a good sign to perform insect control, plowing, and weeding chores. Harvest crops during this sign for long-term storage.

Aries - Cultivate, weed and prune to lessen growth. Gather herbs and roots for storage. Insect control, plowing, pruning, trimming, weeding. A good sign for harvesting crops. Pruning done while the moon is in Aries will help to discourage the growth of nuisance plants and weeds.

Excerpted From Elizabeth Pepper, The Witches’ Almanac, Ltd.