How to Plant by the Signs of the Moon
Planting by the phases of the moon has been around for centuries. The theory is that moisture in the soil is affected by the same gravitational pulls as the tides in the ocean. As the moon waxes (gets bigger) it increases its gravitational pull on the earth. As the moon wanes, (gets smaller) the gravitational pull lessens. Seeds germinate and plants grow faster while the moon is waxing. Crops planted during a waxing moon are thought to produce bigger harvests that stay viable longer. The second to last waning phase of the moon is saved for harvesting and cultivating, while the last phase is used as a resting period. You must also consider the 12 zodiac signs. Each phase of the moon passes through the entire zodiac. Plant during earth and water zodiac signs and till, weed and cultivate during fire and air zodiac signs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant annual flower seeds and leafy vegetables like lettuces, cabbages and spinach when the moon is in the first quarter (waxing) and in the zodiac water signs of Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio. Plant brassicas (broccoli and cauliflower), grain crops and cucumbers when the first quarter moon is in the zodiac earth signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
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Plant annual crops that form seeds in a fruiting body--like beans, melons, tomatoes and peppers--during the second quarter (waxing) moon. Plant two days before the end of the second quarter moon. This is also the time to mow your lawn if you want to encourage growth. Plant when the moon is in the zodiac water or earth signs and mow when the moon is in the zodiac fire signs of Aries, Leo or Sagittarius.
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Plant root crops, perennial flowers and plants, and bulbs during the third quarter moon (waning). Always plant after the full moon and in the zodiac earth and water signs. Now is the time to transplant or move plants. Prune shrubs, trees and perennials during the water sign of Scorpio.
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The last quarter (waning) is a time of rest. Now is the time to prune, weed, cultivate, harvest and till soil. Do these when the moon is in the zodiac air and fire signs. Mow lawns in the fourth quarter moon if you want to slow grass growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Planting by the phases of the moon is a great way to get children interested in gardening.
Never plant or work in the garden during days when the moon is changing phases, going from first quarter to second quarter. Never plant on Sunday as it is named after the sun, which is associated with the barren fire zodiac signs.
