Moon gardeners tend to follow the lunar timetables for planting, harvesting, pest control, consumption and other horticultural undertakings -- commonly associated with Almanac gardening.
A lunar month is divided into two basic moon activities: waxing and waning. The start of each process is connected to the new and full moon. A full moon is when the moon is 180 degrees opposite the sun, in position to receive sunlight over the maximum volume of its surface. A new moon occurs when the sun and moon are so closely aligned that it is impossible for the moon to give off any reflected sunlight. Waxing occurs in the period between the new and the full moon. Waning describes lunar activity between the full and the new moon. When the moon is waxing, it is said to be in its first and second quarters. When the moon is waning, it phases through the third and fourth quarters of the cycle.
If this is too confusing, check your calendar. It will signify the quarters of the moon during the lunar month.
Traditionally, gardeners have been advised to sow seeds at the full moon, perhaps because our ancestors discovered that seeds germinated more rapidly then. Many people today sow at the new moon in order to ensure germination before the growth spurt given the plant by the full moon.
The moon moves through a complete cycle every 29 days.
For moon gardening purposes, this cycle is divided into four quarters. Each quarter denotes specific garden chores. The first two quarters are during the waxing phase of the moon and go from new moon to half full and from half full to full moon. The third and fourth quarters are during the waning moon and go from full moon to half full and from half full to new moon. An expert on moon gardening sez, the first quarter is ideal for planting crops that grow underground, such as potatoes, carrots, radishes, and onions The second quarter is for planting crops that grow above ground, such as tomatoes, squash, eggplant and okra.
The first quarter of this period (from new to half moon) is the best time to plant leafy crops with seed heads, such as lettuce and herbs, as the waxing moon also draws water up in the ground, encouraging the leafy growth. The second quarter (from half to full moon) is better for plants with enclosed seeds, such as beans, tomatoes and peas.
Certain crops, including fruits or vegetables meant to be eaten immediately or within a few days are best gathered as the moon waxes. Tomatoes have been found to ripen most satisfactorily on the vine or window sill if harvested at the full moon when water content is highest.
The waning moon phase is associated with harvesting. As the moon wanes during the third and fourth quarters, it is a good time to prune plants, as the water table is diminishing and so less sap will flow out of the cut ends. The fourth quarter is the most dormant period and is good for chores like weeding. Crops that require storage, such as cabbages, potatoes and onions store better if harvest during the waning moon.
So we are wondering if you practice those methods as we do? Or do you just plant when the urge feels right and hope for the best?
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Topic: Are You a Moon Gardener? (Read 490 times)