By Gene DeFazzio
Moon Phases and Planting
Planting by the phases of the moon is a method of cultivation
as old as agriculture and civilization. Based both in tradition
and superstition, the character and growth traits of plants were
seen to vary with the phases of the moon. Through the corridors
of time this rhythm of growth was recorded and passed down to
following generations.
Today we have access to this half forgotten knowledge and what
has endured is a schedule of plant growth that we can use just
as those gardeners of yore. It is an example of mankinds
struggle to understand and harness the forces of nature and in
so doing master this world.
Moon, Tides, Seeds and Water
The Earth is in a gravity well that is constantly altered by
both the sun, moon and planets. The ocean tides are at their
highest during the time of the full moon, when the sun and moon
are lined up with the earth. The ancients believed that as the
moon draws the tides in the seas, it also draws upon all water,
causing moisture to swell up in the earth, which promotes
growth. This is the best time for planting seeds.
The Full Moon: A window of opportunity for planting seeds
When the moon is full the lunar gravity draws water up and
causes seeds to germinate. It was also believed, in ancient
times, that the increasing moonlight created balanced root and
leaf growth. This, they thought, was the best time for planting
above ground annual crops that produce their seeds outside the
fruit. Examples of such crops are lettuce, spinach, celery,
broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and grain crops. Through time
and trials cucumbers were thought to like this phase also, even
though they are an exception to the rule.
The Second Quarter Moon: A window of opportunity for planting
above ground crops
In the second quarter moon (i.e. waxing half moon) the pull of
gravity is less, but the moonlight is substantial and on the
increase, which was believed to encourage strong leaf growth.
It was generally considered a good time for most types of
planting and the prime time for this was usually two days
before the full moon. The types of crops that prefer the second
quarter moon are annuals that produce their fruits above the
ground, but the seeds form inside the fruit, such as beans,
melons, peas, peppers, squash, and tomatoes.
The Third Quarter Moon: A window of opportunity for planting
root crops
When the moon enters the third quarter its light is diminishing
(i.e. waning half moon), the light energy is dwindling. But
during this time the gravitational pull is still quite high,
creating increased moisture in the soil. Also, at this time the
moonlight is decreasing, which our forefathers believed was
putting energy into the roots. This was thought to be an
excellent time for planting root crops which include beets,
carrots, onions, potatoes, and peanuts. It is also considered a
good time for planting perennials, biennials, bulbs and
transplanting because of the active root growth. Pruning is
also best done in the third quarter moon.
The New Moon: An opportunity for maintaining the garden
At the time of the new moon both the gravitational pull and the
moonlight are decreasing and was thus considered a resting
period. Growth during this period was believed to be stable and
steady providing strength to the plants and a good time for
maintenance. This was predicted to be the best time to
cultivate, harvest, transplant and prune.
Brother Sun and Sister Moon
The role of the sun and the moon in agriculture is undeniable.
The sun powers the forces of growth and the moon enhances or
discourages the various stages of plant formation. This was
believed by many generations of gardeners to be the ultimate
guide to robust crops. We can either accept or omit this system
of understanding the nature of plant maturation but in the end
we are but stewards in this cycle of life.
About the Author: Gene DeFazzio is the webmaster of
XtraAstrology.com. (http://www.XtraAstrology.com/)
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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