Gardening by the moon

How to Use the Moon Phases to Grow Your Vegetable Garden

Have you ever wondered if the moon has an impact on your plants? Gardening by the moon is an ancient practice that claims to improve the quality and quantity of your crops. It is based on the idea that the moon’s gravity affects the water in the soil and the plants, just like it does with the ocean tides.

Gardening by the moon is similar to permaculture, a holistic and organic way of gardening that respects nature and its cycles. By following the moon phases, you can align your planting and harvesting activities with the natural rhythm of the earth.

According to this method, there are four main phases of the moon: new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. Each phase has a different effect on the plants and the soil, and therefore, a different type of crop should be planted or harvested.

New moon: This is when the moon is invisible in the sky and the gravitational pull is at its lowest. The soil is moist and fertile, and the seeds germinate easily. This is a good time to plant leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and kale.
First quarter: This is when the moon is half visible and waxing (growing bigger). The gravitational pull is increasing, and the sap rises in the plants. This is a good time to plant fruit-bearing vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, and peas.
Full moon: This is when the moon is fully visible and the gravitational pull is at its highest. The soil is dry and hard, and the sap is concentrated in the roots. This is a good time to plant root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic.
Last quarter: This is when the moon is half visible and waning (shrinking). The gravitational pull is decreasing, and the sap falls in the plants. This is a good time to harvest, prune, weed, and fertilize your plants.

There is no scientific evidence to support the theory of gardening by the moon, and many experts doubt its validity. However, many gardeners have observed positive results from following this practice for generations. It is a fun and interesting way to experiment with your vegetable garden, if you are curious and open-minded.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Homes & Gardens}