Gardening With The Moon
The basic idea behind gardening with the moon is understanding moon cycles affect plant growth. The Moon’s gravitational pull affects moisture in the soil. Seeds will absorb more water during the full Moon and the new Moon when more moisture is pulled to the soil surface. This causes the seeds to swell, resulting in greater germination and healthier plants.
Lunar Cycle Gardening
Gardening with the moon is divided into two periods of the lunar cycle: the time between the new moon and full moon and the time between the full moon and the new moon. The Moon also impacts plant growth through geotropism—how plants grow in response to gravity. Roots grow downward in the direction of gravitational pull, and stems grow in the opposite direction.
| From the day the Moon is new to the day it is full. | Plant your annual flowers and fruit and vegetables that bear crops above ground (such as corn, tomatoes, watermelon, and zucchini). |
| From the day after it is full to the day before it is new again. | Plant flowering bulbs, biennial and perennial flowers, and vegetables that bear crops below ground (such as onions, carrots, and potatoes). |
During the waxing of the Moon, the moonlight increases night by night, plants are encouraged to grow leaves and stems. During the waning of the Moon, the moonlight decreases night by night, plants are encouraged to grow roots, tubers, and bulbs.
“Best Days” Gardening Method
Some go about a different approach called the “Best Days”. This approach is based more of astrology. Instead of depending on the Moon’s phase, Best Days consider the Moon’s position in the astrological zodiac. For example, when the moon is in Leo it is best to prune your garden, not plant. Everyday gardening activities are decided by what zodiac sign the moon is in.
| Activity | Associated Signs |
| Plant, Transplant, or Graft | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, or Taurus |
| Harvest | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, or Aquarius |
| Build/Fix Fences or Garden Beds | Capricorn |
| Control Insect Pests, Plow, or Weed | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, or Aquarius |
| Prune | Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius |