Let’s delve into the fascinating world of planting by the moon. Toby Wolf, co-owner of the Gardening By the Moon calendar, aptly captures the essence. “Plants and animals, like us, are mostly water, so the moon influences that.” But how does this celestial body impact our gardens? Let’s explore gardening ideas on planting by the moon.
The Moon’s Influence on Gardening
The Ancient Practice of Planting by Moon
Gardening by the moon, also known as moon phase gardening, has been around for centuries. It’s a practice that aligns planting and gardening tasks with the moon phases. Here’s how it works:
- Waxing Moon (Increasing Illumination):
- During this phase, the moon’s illumination grows from a new moon to a full moon.
- It’s an ideal time for planting above-ground crops like tomatoes, peppers, corn, and beans.
- Seeds absorb more water during the waxing moon, just as ocean tides are highest during the new and the full-moon phases.
- Waning Moon (Decreasing Illumination):
- As the moon wanes from full moon to new moon, it’s a favorable time for planting below-ground crops.
- Root vegetables such as potatoes, radishes, carrots, and beets thrive when planted during this phase.
The Science Behind Planting by Moon
While it might sound mystical, there’s a scientific basis for moon-phase cultivation:
- Gravitational Pull:
- Just as the moon’s gravitational pull affects ocean tides, it also influences the water in the ground and within plants.
- During the waxing moon, water tables rise, making it easier for seeds to absorb moisture and germinate.
- Conversely, during the waning moon, water recedes, making it an apt time for root crops.
Moon Phase Planting Calendar
To help you plan your garden, here’s a snippet from the Farmers’ Almanac Gardening by the Moon Calendar for April and May 2024:
Gardening Ideas Planting by Moon in April 2024:
- 20th – 22nd:
- Sow grains, hay, and fodder crops.
- Plant flowers, corn, melons, squash, and tomatoes.
- 23rd – 24th:
- Start seedbeds.
- Transplant and plant root crops (beets, carrots, radishes, turnips).
- 25th – 27th:
- Barren days (neither plant nor sow).
- 28th – 29th:
- Favorable for planting root crops (beets, carrots, turnips, onions).
- 30th:
- Excellent for weed control.
May 2024:
- 1st:
- Kill plant pests.
- Good harvest day.
- 2nd – 3rd:
- Fine for vine crops and transplanting.
- Plant late root crops.
- 4th – 5th:
- Poor planting but suitable for cultivation or spraying.
- Good harvest days.
- 6th – 7th:
- First day: Transplanting and planted root crops yield well.
- Second day: Plant above-ground crops (beans, corn, cotton, tomatoes, peppers).
- 8th – 9th:
- Avoid planting seeds (they may rot).
- 10th – 12th:
- Plant seedbeds and flower gardens.
Remember to consider your local climate and frost dates when following these suggestions. Happy moon-inspired planting! 🌱🌕🌿
1farmersalmanac.com2homefortheharvest.com3thespruce.com4gardeningbythemoon.com5almanac.com