Gardening by the moon phases is not a new technique. Cultures for centuries have been planting and harvesting according to the moon phase.
Different cultures, through time, have used this technique, from the Ancient Egyptians to the Mayans. Moon phase gardening allows the gardener to tune in with the cycles and rhythms of the natural world by using observation and conscious work. This technique helps us understand nature’s repeated observation and its environment’s cycles.
What is Moon Phase Gardening?
You may be wondering what the moon has to do with gardening. The moon affects our emotions, and this also includes the plant/animal kingdom. By gardening with the moon, the gardener is promoting nature to produce successful and abundant harvests.
Moon phase gardening considers the lunar cycles to promote healthy plant growth. Gardeners usually follow two main methods.
- Plant vegetables and above-ground crops during the waxing moon phases (the day after the new moon until the full moon)
- Plant perennials, flowers, and root vegetables during the waning moon (the day after the full moon until the new moon)
How does the moon affect gardening?
The moon’s source of light comes from the sun reflecting off the moon’s surface. The amount of moonlight depends on how much light is reflected on the Earth during its moon phase. The rise and fall of ocean tides is also a big factor or lunar gardening, which fluctuates based on the moon phase.
- During the waxing moon, moonlight increases and stimulates plant growth by adding new leaves and flowers.
- During the waning moon, the above-ground growth will begin to slow down to allow more energy to be directed toward root development (best time to plant bulbs/root vegetables).
- During the waxing moon, water from the tides is pulled closer to the shore, which allows more moisture to be absorbed by plants. More moisture creates more water for plants to germinate faster and produce better plant growth.
How to Stay in the Loop
In a fast pace world, it’s easy to lose track of the moon cycles. Here are some things you can purchase to stay on track with the lunar cycles for 2023.
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