Ever wonder why the moon plays a big part with us?

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The Waxing and Waning Moon

The lunar month is divided into two basic moon activities: waxing and waning. The beginning of each process is designated by the new and full moon. A full moon occurs 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. The waning of the moon brings the phases through the third and fourth quarters of the cycle.

The waxing moon phase is a good time to encourage plant growth and proliferation. The waning moon phase is a useful time to control plant growth and keep down garden pests....

We have already seen evidence asserting growth and liquid absorption peaks at the full moon, and drastically declines during the new moon....

We know from fluctuations in the electrical field of plants, made visible through Kirlian photography, as well as through experience, that plants grow and absorb water at an irregular rate. Rapid growth rate is often followed by a period of rest. Fruit bearing is followed by a period of dormancy. Although we do not know the full effects of the waxing and waning moon on plant growth, we do know that synchronizing phases of plant growth with the phases of the moon produces healthier plants and more abundant yield.

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 waning moon phase is associated with harvesting. Over centuries, farmers found that apples, cabbages, potatoes and onions store better if harvested at the waning moon, when water content is decreased. Fruits or vegetables meant to be eaten immediately are at their best when gathered at the waxing moon. And tomatoes have been found to ripen most satisfactorily when harvested at the full moon, when water content is highest.

Although general principles hold, it is best to be specific when organizing gardening activities according to waxing and waning moon phases.

The Waxing Moon

1. Sow large areas during the waxing moon. Use this time to sow lawns, to put down sod and to plant wheat and grains.
2. Sow crops like leafy vegetables and flowers, which produce yield above ground and do not rely on extensive root development.
3. Plant flowers grown for beauty or fragrance in the first quarter of the waxing moon.
4. Plant cane, such as raspberries, blackberries and gooseberries, in the second quarter of the waxing moon.
5. Always plant roses in the first or second quarter of the waxing moon.
6. During a period of drought, sow seeds when the moon is waxing, as close to the full moon as possible.
7. Perform any grafting chores. When grafting fruit or flower trees, consider the influence of Saturn in relationship to the moon. A well-aspected Saturn will aid hardy plant growth and insure that the graft lasts successfully for many seasons. Cut grafts in late January, before the sap flows, in the first or second quarter of the waxing moon.
8. Transplant and repot houseplants during the waxing moon so the plant can capitalize on the full moon growth.
9. In the first or second quarter of the waxing moon, take cuttings from plants you wish to propagate. Once the cuttings are rooted, pot in the first or second quarter of the waxing moon.
10. Water plants during the waxing moon. If plants need a food boost, it is a good idea to water down the fertilizer and add it to the soil as close to the full moon as possible, particularly if the plants require phosphorus.
11. Pick fruits and vegetables intended for immediate consumption. Salads are best when made with ingredients picked during a waxing moon. Because the water content of the ingredients is higher, salads are crunchier, juicier and free from woody, unpleasant textures.
12. Harvest grapes to be used in winemaking as close to the full moon as possible. The grapes will retain more juice and bouquet.
13. Gather herbs that are to be used for their essential oils. Oil content is more concentrated at this time.
14. Water your compost heap.

The Waning Moon

1. Sow crops that produce their yield below ground. This includes root vegetables such as beets, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions and turnips.
2. Always plant trees and saplings in the third quarter, waning moon, as well as plants that remain in the soil for more than one growing season. Successful fruit trees are generally those planted during the waning phase of the moon. This position of the moon encourages development of root growth and tree bark instead of forcing the plant to proliferate above ground before it has a strong grounding. Saplings with firmly established roots are less in danger of damage and deterioration due to loss of branches or top growth during the winter.
3. Plant strawberries or their runners in the third quarter of the moon. Most strawberries thin out and die because ground heaving during winter breaks their roots. Planting during the waning moon ensures that root growth is strong and well-developed, even before the plant begins to fruit.
4. Divide your perennials in the third or fourth quarter of the waning moon.
5. If your crops require potassium, fertilize at the waning moon. Potassium absorption is at its peak at the new moon.
6. Start your compost heap during the waning moon. This phase aids in decomposition of plant matter.
7. Spread and turn compost and organic fertilizer.
8. Mulch in the third quarter. When mulching fruit trees or roses, leave a small space around the trunk or base of the plant.
9. Always spray fruit trees in the fourth quarter of the waning moon.
10. Kill weeds and thin out plants.
11. In the late summer, mow your lawn in the waning moon to retard growth, if you live in an area with heavy summer rainfall.
12. Prune and cut back plants.
13. Harvest crops requiring long-term storage like apples, cabbage and potatoes.
14. Harvest flowers and seeds that will be stored until the next year.
15. Use the waning moon to help cut spring grass. This phase discourages growth and keeps your lawn under control.
16. The waning moon is a good time to dig herb roots or harvest leaves and bark intended to be used in medicinal teas. Herbs will retain maximum potency at this time and dry more easily.
17. Perform all drying activities. Dry herbs, flowers and fruit....

Remember, the waxing moon is the time to encourage rapid new growth. If you want to retard or control growth, or encourage hardy rooting, perform the necessary activities during the waning moon.

Flower, Leaf, Root and Seed Days

Westerners have traditionally seen living things as composed of four elements: earth, air, fire and water. These elements ruled parts of the human body, types of human personality, plants, and the constellations of the zodiac.

In the zodiac, each of the four elements rules three signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are said to be fire signs; Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are ruled by earth; Gemini, Libra and Aquarius by air; and Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces by water. The water signs of the zodiac are said to be fertile, fruitful and fecund. The moon's passing through any of these signs is a propitious time for sowing seed. The fire signs are considered the most unfertile time, as they are dry and barren.

Maria Thun examined ancient and medieval theories of planting by the zodiac and began to work with them in experimental conditions....She concluded that each plant is composed of four essential parts: leaf, root, flower and fruit or seed. Each plant is cultivated to yield one of the four qualities. Tomatoes, for instance, are a fruit or seed crop; nasturtiums are a flower crop.

Each of the four essential plant parts is ruled by an essential element. According to Maria Thun's model, leaves are ruled by water, roots by earth, flowers by air and fruit or seed by fire. Plants are sown according to the corresponding element of the zodiac through which the moon is passing, as illustrated in the chart.

Plant	Element	Zodiac Sign
Root: potatoes, radishes, turnips, parsnips, onions, etc.	Earth	Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Seed: apple, grapes, pears, fruits, nuts, etc.	Fire	Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Flowers	Air	Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Leaf: lettuce, cress, endive, alfalfa, Chinese celery, comfrey, etc.	Water	Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

It is difficult to go wrong following Thun's simple principles. However, as in any theory, there are exceptions.... Some plants fall under different categories than the obvious ones. For example, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are all flowers but seem to give best results planted on leaf days.

Tips for Planting by the Moon

Planting with the phases and positions of the moon is a good way to enhance the gardening process. But use common sense. If the lunar calendar says to plant kohlrabi on a day when flash floods are expected, it is probably better to wait until the next elemental cycle. Plant as close to the middle of the recommended cycle as is feasible. Even with difficult intervening weather or soil conditions, you will be able to plant according to the calendar about 80% of the time.

Remember that planting by the phase and position of the moon is most effective when organic gardening procedures are used. Plants can respond best to the natural rhythms that surround them when they are sown in nonchemically treated soil. Use compost and organic fertilizers. For pesky insect problems, we include a bug spray recipe that will help to make your plants happy and insect-free. It is easy to make and easy to use, and it improves with age because it gets more potent the longer it stands.

Insect Spray
1 pint spring water
1 teaspoon Tabasco
2 large crushed garlic cloves

Combine ingredients in a container with a spray nozzle. For a serious bug problem add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Spray your plants with this mixture during the waning moon in Gemini, Leo or Virgo...

The following chart summarizes the main principles of lunar gardening.

Above Ground Crops	The best time for sowing, transplanting, planting seedlings or repotting is when the moon is in Cancer. Scorpio is good and Pisces is advantageous.
Below Ground Crops	Crops that yield below ground are sown in Capricorn for good results and Taurus for best results.
Flowering Plants	Sow seeds during the waxing moon in Libra.
Watering	Water when the moon is waxing in Cancer, Pisces or Scorpio.
Working Soil	For best results, work soil in Leo. Gemini will give good results, particularly for weeding. Virgo is effective.
Harvesting	Harvest in Aquarius. For long-term storage, harvest in Sagittarius or Aries, at the new moon. If the harvest is to be next year's seed, try for the same moon sign as the one under which the seeds were sown.
Pruning	Follow Pliny's advice and remember that water intake is decreased at the new moon. Pliny writes, "All cutting, gathering and trimming is done with less injury to the trees and plants when the moon is waning than when it is waxing."
Drought	During growing seasons plagued by drought, sow your seeds as close to the full moon as possible, in order to ensure optimum germination.
Annual Crops	Follow the four-element sowing pattern, planting as close to the center of the relevant sign as you can. If you miss your day, don't worry. The moon will pass through another sign with the same element in another nine days.
Perennial Crops	Take into consideration the position of Saturn in relationship the moon. A good Saturn placement will help your plants last many years.
Eclipses and Nodes	Never sow during these times.

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Age:	4.5 billion years old
Mass:	73'490'000'000'000'000 million kg
Shape:	Egg-shaped
Family:	Member of our solar system, satellite of earth
Active Relationships:	Orbits around the earth
Distance from earth:	384'467 km  (~364 397 km at perigee,                             ~406 731 km at apogee)
Traveling by car:    Traveling by rocket:    Traveling by light speed:	130 days 13 hours 1.52 sec
Diameter:    Driving around by car:	3476 km (1/4 of the Earth's) 4 days
Gravity acceleration:	1.62m/sec2 (1/6 of Earth's)
Revolution period:	27.3217 days
Mean Synodic period (new moon to new moon):	29.530588861 days
Mean orbital velocity:	1'023 km/sec

E. A. Crawford, The Lunar Garden: Planting by the Moon Phases

Credit of information goes to E.A. Crawford.

Source of the picture of the moon is by: Wikipedia

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Last updated 123 days ago by Lilroze