How to Practice Lunar Gardening

Everyone knows that the sun is critical in the gardening process, but few people know how to lunar garden. Because the moon has such a strong influence over crops, farmers for hundreds of years observed the phases of the moon when planting, tending and harvesting crops.The principles of lunar gardening may seem strange, but once you have mastered them, you will have the brightest blooms, most succulent vegetables and stronger trees. The art may be ancient, but all of your plants will benefit from lunar gardening.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gardening tools
• An almanac or moon phase chart
• Seeds or plants

How to Practice Lunar Gardening

1. Garden by the moon. First, identify the times of month when the moon is waxing and waning. The moon's influence on gardening increases as it is in cycle between new- and full- moon phase. The moon's influence begins to decrease with the waning moon.

2. Garden during the new moon. For the best results, plant seeds and flowers that bloom or produce above ground during the new moon. For farmers, this is the best time to sow fields with grains and corns. It is also the best time to plant crops such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Fruits like tomatoes should be planted during the new moon.

3. Fertilize during the new moon. The new moon is a time of growth and an excellent time to feed and fertilize and plants that need encouragement.

4. Garden during the full moon. The full moon has great influence over water as an element and, by association, fover ruits with watery marrow. Zucchini, cucumbers, watermelons and eggplants all benefit from being planted during the new moon.

5. Harvest herbs during the full moon. Herbs picked during the full moon and allowed to dry quickly have increased potency and flavor. Pick mushrooms during the full moon just after dawn, when the dew is still on the ground.

6. Plant during the waning moon. Root vegetable will thrive when planted during the waning moon. Plant onions, turnips, beets and potatoes during the waning moon and reap the rewards of a strong harvest. Strawberries also perform well when planted during a full moon. Prune and harvest during full moons for the best results.

Tips & Warnings

• When gardening at night, always use a light source.