Planting By The Moon
Planting by Moon Phase
The gravitational forces of the moon are believed to have an effect on seed germination and plant growth. Therefore, many people have found throught he ages that it is beneficial to plant during certain phases of the moon.
Increasing Light:
The period from the new moon to the full moon, which is the period in which the light is increasing, is best for planting annuals which provide their yield above the ground.
Decreasing Light:
The period from the full moon to the new moon, when the light is decreasing, is best for planting biennials (those plants on a two-year cycle), perennials, and root and bulb crops. Plant potatoes during the dark of the moon" is an old adage.
First Quarter
During the first quarter, or the time from the new moon to about half- full, plant annuals with above-ground yields, particularly leafy plants which produce their seed outside the fruit. Some examples of first quarter plants are asparagus, cabbage, celery, endive, and spinach.
Second Quarter
During the second quarter, or the time from the half-full to the full moon, plant annuals that have above-ground yields which are vining and produce seed inside the fruit. Second quarter plants include beans, peas, peppers, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Some plants, such as garlic, melons, hay, and grains and cereals, do well if planted in either the first or second quarter.
Third Quarter
During the third quarter, from the full moon to half-full, plant biennials, perennials, bulb and root crops, any crops which are planted in one season to winter over and produce yields the following year, trees, and shrubs. Some third quarter plants include onions, potatoes, rhubarb, grapes, winter wheat, and berries.
Fourth Quarter
During the fourth quarter, from half-full to new moon, cultivate, pull weeds, destroy pests, and turn sod.
Aries-Fire-Masculine-Cardinal-Day
When the Moon in Aries it is a dry & barren time; plant onions, hot peppers & garlic, cultivate what has already been planted and kill weeds & insects.
Taurus-Earth-Feminine-Fixed-Night
When the Moon is in Taurus it is a moist and productive time. A very good time for planting things, especially, root crops such as turnips, potatoes, carrots, peanuts and for cultivating bulbs.
Gemini-Air-Masculine-Mutable-Day
When the Moon is in Gemini it is aagain dry and barren and a good time to stir up and aerate the soil, subdue weeds, pinch buds to stop unwanted growth.
Cancer-Water-Feminine-Cardinal-Night
When the Moon in Cancer is the most moist & fertile time in the Zodiac. This is the best time of all for any planting that needs to be done. Time to plant above ground crops, flowers, etc. and to irrigate, do grafting, and to transplant new seedlings. You will notice that seeds germimate very quickly during this time.
Leo-Fire-Masculine-Fixed-Day
When the Moon is in Leo it is the driest, most barren of times. You should not plant during this time nor should you do any trimming of vines or trees; you can kill weeds & insects, and burn out old growth in the fields.
Virgo-Earth-Feminine-Mutable-Night-
When the Moon is in Virgo it is a moist, but barren time. During this phase cut weeds, tie up pole-plants, clean the dirt & rust off your garden tools, tuck new mulch around plants and generally "tidy" and clean up the garden.
Libra-Air-Masculine-Cardinal-Day
When the Moon is in Libra it is a moist and fairly productive time, good for vigorous pulp growth, and hearty grain yields. This is the best time to plant any ornamental flowers or sow flower seeds.
Scorpio-Water-Feminine-Fixed-Night
When the Moon is in Scorpio is a very moist and productive time. This is the best time for fertilizing your crops and is good for planting too. The item that grows best when planted at this time is any vining plant. This is a fine time to i irrrigate.
Sagittarius-Fire-Masculine-Mutable-Day
The Moon in Sagittarius it is a dry and barren time. You will want to refrain from planting now or try to trim plants to "stunt" growth.
Capricorn-Earth-Feminine-Night-Cardinal-Night
When the Moon is in Capricornus it can be a fairly productive time and is especially good for planting root crops such as carrots and potatoes. This is also the time to wean livestock or pets that you raise.
Aquarius-Air-Masculine-Fixed-Day
When the Moon is in Aquarius it is a dry & barren time. During this time you will not want to plant but you may find it an agreeable time for stirring the soil & killing weeds. If you wish to harves during this phase the last quarter of the New Moon is best.
Pisces-Water-Feminine-Night-Mutable
When the Moon is in Pisces it is a moist and very productive time. You will find it an excellent sign for the growth of fruits and berries, and to fertilize the garden. You will note short, quick growth during this period and it is wonderful for deep roots and bulbs.
Planting by the Signs
Another useful bit of information is about moon planting as the Moon travels through each one of the Zodiac signs. This occurs about once per month and it stays in each sign of the zodiac approx. 2 1/2 days before it moves onto the next sign.. As you can see from the information below, there are different tasks assigned to each sign. This is done according to planetary influences and is a very ancient system. The chart below will add an extra measure of success to your gardening techniques.
