MOON GARDENING

The gravitational forces of the moon may have an effect upon plants. They certainly influence the tides. Judging by the personal experience of some gardeners, it seems to be so.

Moon gardening dates from Greek and Roman times. It can involve planting when the position for the moon is right for that particular kind of plant. During the 16th century, a farmer wrote a verse about sowing peas and beans when the moon is waning because the yield will be better.

In 1885, a book called Moon Lore was published. In the book, the author cited numerous observations and recommendations of farmers. According to the author, onions are healthier and larger during the moon's decline. He said a number of crops increase when the moon is growing larger, and include common vegetables like turnips, cucumbers, and radishes.

From the last quarter of the moon to the new one, moon gardeners refrain from planting anything. It is said to be a good time for weeding.

Traditionally some people plant potatoes on Good Friday. Unlike some holidays that occur the same date year after year, Easter is determined by the moon. It is the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring.

Some gardeners seem to have good luck when they plant potatoes and underground root crops on a night when there's no moon. This may really have an effect on the crops.

Others will only harvest the crops when the phase of the moon is favorable. This means potatoes may keep better if they're dug when the moon phase is decreasing.

Advocates of moon gardening may differ somewhat in their views. All of them recommend planting crops that produce their edible part above the ground between a new and full moon. That would be during a waxing moon.

On the other hand, root crops are best planted in the waning moon. This would be after the full moon has past but before the next new moon.

Generally moon gardeners also take the twelve signs of the zodiac into account. For this purpose, it is best to look for the astrological planting charts created for that purpose. Such charts show the signs that rule each day of the month. That is the good thing about the Baer's Agricultural Almanac and Gardener's Guide. Published by John Baer's Sons, it is edited by Gerald S. Lestz. (The 2003 edition is now available. It is also available as a five-year subscription.) It makes all this information available in a handy table. Some signs of the zodiac are considered more fruitful than others. For example, Cancer and Pisces are two of the more fruitful signs. The best time for planting is when the moon and the zodiac sign are favorable.

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