The moon and its cycles have always had an effect on the planet, from tides to moisture levels, to the pull of gravity. In ancient times, the practice of planting with the moon phases was born. Used by the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Native American tribes and from China to South Africa, this planting method has taken root, and still today continues to be favoured among sustainable farmers and gardeners.
But what are the moon’s cycles and how were they used? Well, the moon goes through 4 different cycles, 5, if you include the dark moon, but for the purpose of this article we will focus on the new moon, not the dark moon. The phases are New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, and Waning Moon. A full circle of all the moon phases takes on average 29.5 days. In that time, the moon will go from barely visible in the sky, all the way to the big whole circle of the full moon, back to the faintest hint of a circle. When talking about planting with the moon, we break the phases into 2 groups, Waxing and Waning. The time between the new moon to the full moon is called the waxing phase, and from the full moon to new is the waning phase.
During the waxing phase, a number of changes happen in the earth. During this phase, water is drawn to the surface of the soil. Planting seeds during this time means there is an abundance of water in the soil, increasing the germination rate. It also means the seeds require less human intervention with tap watering. The same thing applies to planting transplants, an increase in water helps support healthy growth and increases the chances of the transplanted seedlings being stronger. During this time, there is also an increase in the amount of moonlight, since the moon moves towards being full. With the increase in light, it encourages leaf and stem growth. Conversely, during the waning phase, water levels recede, and the light lessens, but this encourages deep roots, tubers and bulb growth.
When planning on planting your garden, certain plants seem to do better during certain times of the moon’s phases. During the waxing phase, plant annual flowers & the fruits and vegetables that you would harvest above ground, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. During the waning phase, it’s best to plant flowering bulbs, biennials, perennials, and vegetables that are harvested below ground, such as carrots, potatoes, and beets.
A few more important things to remember when planting with the moon phases is that the period of the new moon (usually encompassing three days, the day leading up to, the day of, and the day after) is a special resting period. This is your opportunity to nurture what you have planted, not plant more. It’s also the ideal time to fertilize, prune, mulch and compost.
When you harvest during the moon phases is just as important as when you plant. Harvesting during the waning phase of the moon means that the photosynthesis process is slowing down. This is beneficial because as photosynthesis slows down, there is less fluid moving through the vegetables and this results in a longer shelf life of harvested crops.
We’ve covered a lot about vegetables and fruit, flowers and crops, but what about herbs? Herbs have their own time tables. It is still beneficial to follow the general rule of planting the leafy herbs and veggies during the waxing phase to maximize stem and leaf production, however harvesting has a very different time line. To maximize the energy and potency of the herbs, harvest during the full moon. For best storage practices, harvest during the waning moon, as once again there is less fluid due to the slowing down of the photosynthesis process. Leafy herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill, mint and spinach are best harvested during the waxing phase. They have been gathering energy, and are best used right at harvest. Lastly, harvest your root herbs during the new moon for deep medicinal work. Although previously noted as a rest period, harvesting your root herbs like dandelion, echinacea, burdock, and marshmallow during the new moon means that all their medicinal properties and potency is drawn deep into the root system as the light lessens, increasing efficacy.
There is lots of scientific data surrounding planting with the moon phases, but intuitively, it all makes sense too. Will you be planting with the moon phases this year?
– Authored by Marissa L.C.
Alberta Witches Association 