Planting your flowers, vegetables and fruit during certain phases of the Moon can increase the chances of fortunate growth, using the ancient art of gardening according to astrological lore. While taking this into account it is assumed that the reader has some knowledge of gardening, or can get their hands on some decent books on the subject, to avoid using too much space on general gardening tips. The idea of Lunar Gardening is hundreds of years old; but there are more modern ideas mixed in due to contemporary knowledge on the subjects of gardening and astrology.

Stages of the Moon

Every month a New Moon grows or waxes in size (light) to a Full Moon; after which it decreases until it seemingly almost disappears and another New Moon is born. At the halfway points between New and Full there is the First Quarter and the Last Quarter; this theory is based on astrological and gardening know-how to determine the most propitious time to plant your produce.

First Quarter

When the Moon is leading up to halfway between a New Moon and a Full Moon is the best time for you to plant crops that grow their results outside of the plant, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus, and so on with similar crops. The cucumber is also good for planting at this time, even though it is different to the above.

Second Quarter

The Moon is on it way to being Full now which is the best time for planting annuals that grow their harvested parts above the ground; such as, vines, pulses, beans, peas, onions, peppers, cereals, tomatoes and grains.

Third Quarter

The phase between Full and the Fourth Quarter is ideal for planting bulb and root crops, biennials, trees, shrubs, bushes and perennials will thrive. A few berry plants do well at this time, as do grapes, potatoes, onion sets and rhubarb. Parsnips, radishes, turnips and carrots also perform very well when planted at this time.

Fourth Quarter

The energy of the Moon is now waning, dwindling in strength and it has little influence until the next New Moon. This is a good time for carrying out the more routine tasks like digging, weeding, clearing out the gutters, raking the lawns and skimming the pond etc. This is the best time for burning your garden waste, always keep the ashes to use as a base for a compost heap or to mix in with other fertilizers to encourage extra growth.

The Moon and Astrological Signs

You can further improve your success by adhering to the astrological signs as the Moon passes through each of them.

Moon in Aries

This is a fire sign so is a good time to be lighting bonfires and getting rid of garden waste and unwanted growth; especially dangerous or poisonous materials.

Moon in Taurus

This is one of the Earth signs so it should provide highly productive results. You can plant almost anything now, but particularly beans, garlic, cabbage, onion sets, potatoes, parsnips, turnips and radishes. Hardy flowers should also be planted now.

Moon in Gemini

Air signs are not linked with favourable planting; use this time to get rid of unwanted growth and pests. Till the soil and prepare it for sowing in the future, you can also use this time for harvesting crops.

Moon in Cancer

This water sign is at the part of the year that is perfect for watering, budding and grafting; sowing apple trees, Brussels sprouts, beetroot, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, sage, spinach, parsley and endive. Any type of flower will prosper wonderfully if planted at this time. It is extremely bad to cut wood when the Moon is in any of the water signs.

Moon in Leo

Leo is the least fertile of all the signs when it comes to planting; it is far better to spend your time cleaning up, making sure all your tools are in good repair and till the soil. You may mow lawns and pick fruit at this time.

Moon in Virgo

This sign is a little less barren than Leo with a small amount of moisture; many gardeners plant their springtime-flowering plants during this period; crocuses, daffodils and snowdrops for instance, flowers that grow in large clusters do well if they are planted now.

Moon in Libra

Plant beans, beetroot, carrots and barley and anything that has a root growth; plus flowers noted for their beautiful scents thrive when planted at this time, sunflowers also do very well.

Moon in Scorpio

Bulb and gourd plants prosper enormously when planted during this productive sign’s portion of the year; peppers, strawberries, vines and tomatoes all do very well, also good for grafting and pruning.

Moon in Sagittarius

This is another infertile sign for gardening; a time when many people decide to harvest, but you should not do this now. It is, however, a very good time for planting shallots, onion seeds and leeks.

Moon in Capricorn

This Earth sign is not quite as fruitful as Taurus but it will yield great results for potatoes, tomatoes and radishes. It is also a good time for cutting back, as cut off stems will heal quickly.

Moon in Aquarius

This is a very dry and infertile air sign where none of your produce should ever be planted; a better time for cleaning the drains and guttering, do nothing towards planting other than turning the soil a little.

Moon in Pisces

This water sign urges root growth and is a good all round time to plant almost anything if you are unsure; nearly all types of flower will thrive, plus rhubarb, celery and chicory.

Useful Reading:

The Lunar Garden by E. A. Crawford