Planning and planting a moon garden!!

The moon has an effect on weather patterns, ocean tides and even human behavior. So, why not plants?? Even though there is no scientific data, some gardeners do believe that lunar planting gives a good affect to a garden. I just thought this would be interesting for some of us to know about the logic of gardening by the phases of the moon.

The moon's phases are described in four parts - first quarter, second, third and fourth. The first two quarters are waxing (increasing) phases and the two latter quarters are waning (diminishing) phases. The cycle lasts 29 days. The full moon marked on the calendar is the demarcation between the two types of phases. Lets see how this is related to gardening:

Quarter 1:

The start of the waxing phase is the best time to sow and plant above ground leafy vegetables. Plants that respond well during this quarter inlcude broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, celery and cauliflower. The water table is rising and the plants will take up nutrients and germinate quickly.



Quarter 2 :

The gravitational pull of the moon is less but the additional light theoretically aids leafy growth. Beans, peas, tomatoes and vine crops sown and planted in this phase respond well. The second quarter is also where vegetables should be harvested. This is when moisture is at its peak.




Quarter 3:

Just past the full moon, the water table is dropping and growth is slowing. This is the best phase for sowing and planting root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, beets and onions. It's also a great time to do any pruning in the garden that is needed. The cut ends will lose less moisture or sap during this period.





Quarter 4:

A dormant period and no sowing, planting, harvesting or pruning should be carried out. This time is used for weeding, turning the compost and other garden chores.








I think this is really interesting to actually follow the phases of moon to garden!