How to Plant a Garden by the New Moon
The gravitational force of the moon has considerable effects upon oceans and other bodies of water on earth. The moon's gravitational force creates tides, and according to "Fine Gardening" magazine's Steve Silk, it also controls the flow of liquids and nutrients through the earth's soil and within plant structures. New moon to full moon is thought by many gardeners to be a time of productivity in the garden, while full moon to new moon provides a rest period from gravitational control. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Check the calendar to find the current phases of the moon. These phases are indicated by quarters. The first phase starts with the new moon, when there is little to no light shining, to half moon. The moon may show as a sliver in the night sky. Second quarter, the moon waxes or increases to full and round. Third quarter is indicated when the moon gets smaller and wanes to another half moon. Fourth quarter is when the moon progresses with diminished gravitational pull back to the new moon. All this happens in 29 to 30 days.
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Plant seeds that produce fruit above ground with seeds outside the fruit during the first quarter starting at new moon to half moon, according to author Marion Owen of PlantTea.com. Examples would be broccoli, cabbage, corn, lettuce, and any leafy vegetable. Plant annual flowers at this time, as the gravitational pull of the waxing moon draws liquid and nutrients upward into plants as they grow.
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Plant vegetables produced on vines and plants that produce seeds inside the fruit from half moon to full moon, or second quarter, per an article at Dr. Jerry Parsons' PlantAnswers.com. This includes tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, beans and peppers.
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Transplant during the first and second quarters, because moisture flowing through the plant is said to be at a premium.
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Fertilize from new moon to full moon. It is thought that plants will take up nutrients more efficiently because of the gravitational pull.
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Plant vegetation that produces fruit underground during the third quarter the moon, according to the Ohio State University Extension. This includes potatoes, carrots, beets, and radishes. The gravitational pull wanes along with the size of the moon.
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Plant trees and shrubs during the third quarter, as nutrients and liquids are thought to concentrate more around the roots.
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Pull weeds and cultivate soil during the fourth quarter when forces of gravity are at their lowest point. This is when the moon wanes back from half to new moon. Nothing at all should be planted at this time.
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Tips & Warnings
Planting by the moon does not mean to actually plant at night while the moon shines. Just plant during that period.
Many gardeners swear by gardening by moon phases, but keep other factors in mind, such as temperature, weather conditions and expected moisture.
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