You know about gardening and have probably even tried your hand at it, but a trend you may not have heard about is moon gardening. Moon gardening, also known as lunar gardening, has been practiced since ancient times, but it was not until recently that the method became a popular procedure amongst modern day greenthumbs. The lunar cycles control the changing of the tides, but what many people do not realize is that the moon also influences groundwater. Therefore, by gardening in accordance with the phases of the moon, you can increase the chances of your plants flourishing naturally, as you will be able to better determine the amount or lack of moisture in the soil.
How to do it
Moon gardening is a very simple method to implement once you understand how it works. The theory is as follows: just as the moon controls the oceans’ tides, so does it influence the movement of the water in the ground. You plant your vegetables and other crops as you would normally; the only difference is the time during which you place your plants into the soil. Different types of plants respond to different phases of the moon. For example, crops such as grain crops, broccoli, and cabbage thrive most during the new moon phase. The moon’s gravitational pull influences water upward, thus causing seeds to swell. During the second quarter phase, however, crops such as tomatoes, melons, and peas thrive due to their internal seeds in relation to the rate of moonlight. When the moon is full and beginning to wane, there is a high rate of moisture in the soil, but most of it is concentrated lower toward the plants’ roots. Therefore, immediately following the full moon, crops such as onions, peanuts, carrots, and potatoes should be planted. The few days following the full moon phases is also beneficial for bulbs, as the concentration of moisture at the roots promotes growth in these plants. In the fourth quarter moon phase, moon gardeners suggest you transplant and prune during this time. The moonlight is nearly nonexistent, and the gravitational pull is diminished; therefore, use the time during the fourth quarter phase to let both the soil and your crops rest. This final phase is also an optimal time for fertilizing the soil and controlling any parasite problems that may have arisen.
Why to do it
Moon gardening is a way to enhance the gardening techniques you already put into practice. Moon gardening simply determines when you sew your crops. From there, you continue to garden as normally with the exception of when to transplant and prune your plants, as these events are influenced by the lunar phases. With these exceptions aside, however, the only difference between gardening by the moon and gardening as usual is timing. It has been proven that crops respond to the lunar phases, and if planted in accordance with the moon, crops will thrive.
If you are pursuing natural health, planting your own crops is a wonderful way to begin your journey. In order to produce larger harvests of healthier crops, follow the lunar cycle and plant your produce accordingly. While moon gardening does not guarantee perfect plants nor protect against droughts or other naturally occurring obstacles, planting in accordance with the moon produces better vegetables faster. Therefore, before you put that green thumb to use again in the future, simply look at the calendar in order to see which moon phase is approaching and plant in view of that phase.
Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.
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