When to plant your seeds and plants according to the moon’s cycles
Also known as Moon Phase Planting, Lunar Gardening and Moon Cycle Planting
Some of you may have read my recent newsletter where I spoke of learning about Moon Planting when I was very young. My grandfather was a huge fan of The Farmer’s Almanac and followed their Moon Planting calendar every year.
What is Moon Planting?
Moon Planting has been around since the ancient Babylonians (1000 – 539 B.C.) and the Assyrians (750 – 625 B.C.) who first started studying the effects of the moon on plant growth. The premise is that the moon’s cycles are known to influence tides, as we all know, but it also affects the water moisture in the soil.
The basic idea is that there are two periods of the moon’s cycle to be considered in moon gardening. That is the Waxing of the moon which is from the new moon to the full moon, and Waning of the moon which is from the day after the full moon to the day before the new moon.
Plants that produce above ground, such as tomatoes, beans, corn, watermelon, and squash should be planted during the waxing of the moon. During the waning of the moon, plant onions, potatoes, and carrots, among others, that produce below ground.
Moon Planting is seeing a comeback recently with gardeners that are trying to be more in touch with traditional practices. Personally, I love having a tight planting schedule. Left to my own, I tend to procrastinate, so this is perfect for me.
Is There Any Scientific Evidence that Supports Moon Planting?
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences looked into this question. Ryan Pankau, Horticulture Educator for the Extension became curious and started to look for studies that had been done. They were difficult to find, but he did come across one in the journal Agronomy. This is what he found, “Researchers reviewed over 120 scientifically supported references to assess whether or not the moon’s influence on earth extends beyond tidal movements to significantly effect the lifecycle of plants.”
Based on their review, there was little evidence that would support that there is a lunar influence on plant life.
He went on to say, “Perhaps there are some underlying relationships worth further investigation? Researchers concluded that additional research is needed, especially in light of the widespread global traditions surrounding perceived lunar-plant relationships. While additional research may uncover new and interesting aspects, it also serves to promote critical thinking and use of the scientific process over simply following tradition.”
What About Planting in Pots?
Planting in pots does not give access to the ground moisture, so does it really matter when you plant your seeds in pots? Most of the U. S. needs someone to start many of our garden plants before the last frost, or they won’t produce in time, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc. So, it would seem that the most important Moon Planting would be the seeds that get planted directly into the garden, such as beans, peas, corn. This would be the best opportunity to have all the benefits of the lunar cycles. Also, the plants that you transplant from your seeds, or buy at a nursery could benefit from strategic moon planting.
So, Here It Goes
Below you will find the schedule I am using for the mid-Atlantic region in growing zone 7b. For dates in your area, click here for The Farmer’s Almanac calendar in your area. This calendar gives your both dates to plant just based on your last frost, indicated by a snowflake picture and moon planting indicated by a quarter moon picture.
In February I planted seeds inside:
2/9 – 2/10
Bell Peppers
Jalapeno Peppers
Parsley
Thyme
2/9 – 2/24
Oregano
2/20 – 2/24
Cabbage
Tomatoes
Eggplant
Broccoli
Chives
Sage
2/24
Brussels Sprouts
Cauliflower
Basil
In March I will be planting seeds outside:
3/9 – 3/17
Beets
Turnips
Rutabaga
Parsnips
Radishes
Peas
Arugula
Kale
Spinach
Lettuce
3/9 – 3/24
Carrots
Onion Sets
Potatoes
3/17 – 3/25
Swiss Chard
Starting seeds planted inside
3/17 – 3/24
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Winter Squash
3/17 – 3/25
Melons
Pumpkins
Transplant seedlings outside:
3/24 – 3/25
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
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If you did not get your seeds started indoors in time or are planning to purchase your seedling from a nursery, try planting them in the ground on the appropriate dates.
And there is still plenty of time to plant seeds.
Take a look at my zone 7b April schedule.
Seeds to be planted outside.
4/7
Celery
4/8 – 4/21
Cilantro
Dill
4/14 – 4/21
Melons
4/14 – 4/13
Green Beans
4/17 – 4/23
Chives
4/21 – 4/23
Zucchini
Cucumber
Winter Squash
Corn
Pumpkin
Transplant Seedlings Outside
4/21 – 4/23
Eggplant
Bell Peppers
Basil
Cucumber
Jalapeno Peppers
Pumpkin
Rosemary
Tomatoes
Watermelon
4/24 – 4/25
Kale
Swiss Chard
4/24 – 5/5
Sweet Potatoes
Here are more fun facts from The Farmer’s Almanac:
- Moonrise occurring in the evening brings fair weather, says one proverb, harking back to the belief that the waning Moon (full and last quarter, which rise in the evening) is dry.
- The New Moon and first quarter, or waxing phases, are considered fertile and wet.
- The new and first-quarter phases, known as the light of the Moon, are considered good for planting above-ground crops, putting down sod, grafting trees, and transplanting.
- From full Moon through the last quarter, or the dark of the Moon, is the best time for killing weeds, thinning, pruning, mowing, cutting timber, and planting below-ground crops.
- The time just before the full Moon is considered particularly wet and is best for planting during drought conditions.
If you don’t have The Farmer’s Almanac book, I highly recommend purchasing one. There are a plethora of great stories and fun facts.
Is Moon Gardening based on 2,000 year old ancient wisdom validated by ancient scientists or just folklore? Who knows, but I am hedging my bets for a lovely, plentiful garden this year. Stay tuned!
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