SHOOT FOR the moon!

SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE RITUALS AND TRADITIONS THAT MAKE OUR GARDENS GROW

- 

PLANTING BY THE MOON

FULL MOON

As the water rises and swells within the soil, this is a perfect time to plant seeds. It is also a good time to harvest some above-ground plants at the peak of their goodness.

WANING MOON

As the water level sinks, it’s time to put in below-ground plants, such as potatoes, garlic, and ginger. Harvesting these plants during this cycle is also best.

DARK MOON

The time of possibility: prune, trim, fertilise and weed. Harvest below-ground plants like garlic, ginger or root medicine (comfrey or valerian). Plant or harvest night-blossoming plants.

NEW MOON

Growth slows: prune, trim, fertilise and weed. Apply any necessary natural pest control.

WAXING

Growth time again. Water begins to rise. A good time for planting your aboveground crops such as pumpkin, echinacea, sunflower and basil.

For millennia, people all over the planet have been farming and gardening by the moon cycles. It is believed that because the Earth operates under a gravity field that is influenced by the moon (and less by other planets), it affects the growth of plants. Just as we can see the moon’s influence on the ocean and other bodies of water, it is believed that the moon changes the level of water in the soil, affecting seedling and plant growth. As more and more of us choose to grow our own organic herbs, veges, and other plants, knowing how the moon may influence your patch could make the difference between a fair, good or bumper crop.