Planting by the Light of the Moon
well, not exactly as in literally gardening at midnight.
I’ve been thinking of the moon lately – especially since it was just one of my favorite Chinese holidays the Autumn Moon Festival. The 15th day of the 8th lunar month – September 14th this year – gives us the most incredible Harvest moon – rising on the horizon big and bright.
What about planting using the moon phases as a guide? It’s thought that the moon affects plant growth depending on the phase of the moon. The theory is that there are then optimal times to sow seeds, plant particular types of vegetables, fertilize, prune, etc.
Sound far-fetched? Maybe when it comes to werewolves but not so much when you consider the well-known effect of the moon’s gravitational pull on the ocean tides or the earth’s crust or coral or perhaps your loony cousin…or is it?
While true that the moon’s gravitational pull effects the ocean tides – the distance of the moon to the earth is not always in sync with the phase of the moon. In other words, the moon can be at it’s closest point (biggest gravitation force) to the earth while being in any phase – full, new or any phase in between. However, since the sun, earth and moon are lined up during the full and new moon phases – together there is a strong pull resulting in higher tides. Ehh, details, details…
Much research has been done and I suppose one could find studies that both support and refute the practice of gardening based on the phases of the moon. I mean, the Farmer’s Almanac and Rudolph Steiner both place importance on the practice.
So, if you’re so inclined this is what you might consider doing during this waning Harvest moon when the gravitational pull is high allowing for more moisture in the soil
- plant your root veggies: carrots, beets, onions, potatoes, yams, turnips, rutabagas, radishes
- do your transplanting
- plant bulbs
Refer to the Farmer’s Almanac for more specifics. There are specific dates listed for broccoli and kale
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