For centuries, gardeners, farmers, and horticulturists have discovered that planting by the lunar cycle can influence the growth, yield, and overall health of plants. Although some people have dismissed this practice as folklore; recent scientific studies suggest that lunar cycles may indeed have an effect on plant development. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie looking to flex your green thumb, understanding how the moon’s phases impact your garden can offer you another tool for gardening success.
Understanding the Lunar Cycle
The moon goes through four primary phases during its approximate 29.5-day lunar cycle:
- New Moon: The moon is between the Earth and the Sun, with the dark side facing Earth.
- First Quarter: The right half of the moon is illuminated.
- Full Moon: The moon’s fully illuminated face is visible from Earth.
- Last Quarter: The left half of the moon is illuminated.
Between these phases, the moon transitions from waxing (increasing in illumination) to waning (decreasing in illumination).
The Waxing and Waning Moon
- Waxing Moon: From the New Moon to the Full Moon, the moon is in its waxing phase. This is generally considered a good time for planting above-ground crops and flowering plants.
- Waning Moon: From the Full Moon back to the New Moon, the moon is waning. This phase is traditionally used for planting root crops, pruning, and harvesting.
Practical Guide to Moon Planting
Waxing Moon Planting
- Leafy Plants and Grains: Plants that grow primarily above ground and have a high water content do well when planted during the waxing moon. This includes lettuce, spinach, and grains like wheat and barley.
- Flowering Plants: Plants that are grown for their flowers or fruits should be planted during the waxing gibbous phase, which is right before the full moon. Examples include tomatoes, peppers, and roses.
- Transplanting: The increasing gravitational pull of the waxing moon helps to balance moisture levels, making it a good time to transplant seedlings.
Waning Moon Planting
- Root Crops: Plants like potatoes, carrots, and onions, which grow beneath the soil, benefit from being planted during the waning moon when the gravitational pull is decreasing.
- Pruning and Harvesting: It’s an excellent time for pruning trees and shrubs, as the reduced sap flow will make the cuts heal faster. Harvesting herbs and fruits during this period can also yield better flavors.
- Weeding and Pest Control: The waning phase is ideal for weeding your garden and applying organic pesticides.
Advantages of Moon Planting
- Better Moisture Retention: The gravitational pull of the moon affects the water table, aiding in better moisture retention for plants.
- Improved Germination: Some studies have shown that seeds absorb more water during the full moon and new moon, enhancing germination rates.
- Enhanced Growth: Though it’s not entirely understood, anecdotal evidence suggests that plants grow more vigorously when planted in accordance with moon phases.
Skepticism and Scientific Studies
While the tradition of moon planting dates back centuries, scientific studies on its effectiveness are limited. Most of the evidence is anecdotal, and not all scientists are convinced that the moon significantly impacts plant growth. However, the anecdotal evidence and a few preliminary studies do suggest that the practice could have merit.
Moon planting offers an intriguing, holistic approach to gardening that many find beneficial. By aligning your gardening activities with the moon phases, you may discover a more harmonious connection with your garden. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, why not give it a try and let nature be your guide!
Get your FREE calendar to garden with the moon’s phases here.
Happy gardening by the moonlight!
Further Reading
- “Lunar Influence On Plants” by Wolfgang Schad (1999). This article in the journal Earth, Moon, and Planets reviews the scientific literature on the possible effects of lunar cycles on plants. The author concludes that there is some evidence to suggest that the moon may affect plant growth, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
- “Moon and Cosmos: Plant Growth and Plant Bioelectricity” by Peter W. Barlow (2012). The study explores how lunisolar tidal forces may influence plant growth movements and bioelectrical phenomena. Action potentials in plants, serving as informational signals, could be regulated by these tidal forces. The paper also discusses other cosmic factors and natural events affecting bioelectric patterns in plants.
- “The Moon and Plant Growth” by David W. Purvis (2005). This article in the journal Horticultural Science reviews the scientific literature on the possible effects of lunar cycles on plant growth. The author concludes that there is no strong evidence to support the claim that the moon has a significant effect on plant growth.
- “The Lunar Cycle: Effects on Human and Animal Behavior and Physiology” by Michal Zimecki (2006). Human and animal physiology are influenced by lunar cycles, affecting behaviors such as fertility, hospital admittance, and even crime rates. Some studies show hormonal changes correlating with moon phases. However, evidence is mixed, and mechanisms behind these effects remain largely unexplored.
- “The Influence of the Moon on Plants” by Richard G. Thomas (1998). This book discusses the history and folklore of lunar gardening, as well as the scientific evidence for and against the claim that the moon affects plant growth.
- “The Moon and the Gardener” by Barbara Damrosch (2006). This book provides a practical guide to lunar gardening, based on the author’s own experience and research.
