Green Daily

Gardening by the moon is not based on any magical or mystical power of the moon, nor does it have anything to do with astrology. Gardening by the moon is an ancient practice where farmers planted and worked crops predicated on the astronomical position of constellations and current phase of the moon. Today, many gardeners consult a lunar guide to decide the most fortuitous time for various gardening tasks.

Still -- is gardening by the moon anything more than gardening principles based on ancient belief or quaint folklore? Research does seem to indicate the same gravitational force of the moon influencing the ebb and flow of our oceans affects how water is drawn up from the soil into plants.

In addition to moon phase, choosing when to plant and aligning gardening tasks depending on the moon's position in each of the twelve astrological signs is part of gardening by the moon.

For a basic overview:

• Waxing moon: Time between the new moon and the full moon
• Waning moon: Time between the full moon and the new moon
  

To determine if the moon is waxing or waning, remember the letters DOC. When you look at the moon, D= waxing moon O= full moon and C=waning moon.

• During the waxing moon, plant above ground yielding crops.
• During the waning moon, plant root crops.

For gardening tasks:

Compost: Between full moon and new moon
Fertilize: Between new moon moon and full moon
Pest control: Between new moon moon and full moon
Harvesting: Between full moon and new moon
Weeding: Between full moon and new moon

Astronomically, the moon passes through barren and fertile astrological signs.

Barren signs: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius and Aquarius
Fruitful signs: Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces

Virtual Reality Moon Phase is an online resource allowing you to view the phase of the Moon for any date and time from 1800-2199. At Heavens Above, you can enter where you live (under Configuration) and receive information about current moon phase and what constellation the moon is passing through (under Sun and Moon data). Astronomical information is different from what we are know about astrological information. Even though the astrological sign for May is Taurus, during the month of May the moon will pass through more than one astrological sign. Available in print, the annual Old Farmer's Almanac lists detailed moon phases and astronomical information by month.