Some of you may believe that werewolves come out when there is a full moon…..and we’ve all heard about how people do crazy things during a full moon!  Whatever that myth or truth is associated with full moons, to me the week of the full moon from Friday 11 November up to 19 November means that I will be busy putting in root vegetables in my garden.

 

Moon planting is old… I am talking, ancient! In fact, the moon planting system has been utilised by just about every early culture in the world and its popularity and relevance has not diminished over time. It is said that by planting, cultivating, harvesting, weeding and the like in the appropriate moon phase, the flavour, yield, and vigour of our edible crops can be significantly increased.  This is a top outcome – for my purse, my family’s taste buds, my family’s health and the health of the planet!   But what is it all about?

 

We know, just from sitting at the beach and watching the tide, that the moon has an impact and effect on the earth.  But what has this got to do with gardening?

 

The moon (or lunar cycle) not only controls the tide, but is also reported to have a serious influence on the surface tension of liquids and in turn, plant growth. Scientific studies have shown that subtle changes to the biological functions of plants occur in direct correlation to the planets’ tidal changes, due to alterations to the earth’s electromagnetic fields.  It is all a bit complex, but think about it this way – the moon has an impact on water movement on earth, plants take up water from the soil through their roots, while seeds require water to germinate. It makes sense then, that the phases of the moon would impact upon the way plants take up water and in turn, the way plants germinate and grow!

 

The moon moves through a complete cycle every 29 and a bit days, and, during that time, we have the four main moon “quarters” – the new moon, the first quarter, the full moon and the last quarter. The number of days between each change of phase can vary, but usually about 7 days.

 

The new moon phase – It starts from the crescent to the first quarter moon, basically when the tiniest slither of moon is visible. The moon is waxing (growing bigger) in this phase, and living things apparently feel an upsurge of energy! One thing is for sure though, sap rises during this period.  Planting, grafting and transplanting leafy annuals is recommended in this phase. It’s a great time to mow the lawn, prune many plants and provide low environmental impact liquid fertiliser to the patch.

 

The first quarter phase – It starts from the first quarter to second quarter.  The moon is still waxing (growing bigger) in this phase, and the sap is still flowing! Gardening is NOT recommended in the 12 hours before the full moon. It is still a great phase for starting things off and even better for planting, grafting and transplanting fruiting annuals (those that produce above the ground, and have their seeds inside, like tomatoes, capsicums, beans and peas).

 

The full moon phase – It starts from 12 hours after full moon to third quarter. All living things, be it plants, pets or people, are at the peak of their electromagnetic energy during the full moon phase (remember the werewolf, yes, it’s all about the energy!).  What to do in the patch?  Sap is flowing downwards during this time, so planting root crops that produce underground is perfect. Pruning and harvesting is recommended during this phase, but avoid planting most foliage and edible leaves, as their initial growth will be impressive but will wane (just like the moon during this phase).

 

The last quarter phase – It starts from the third quarter to the new moon. This phase is barren which, in gardening terms, can be translated as a bit boring and tedious.   This phase is all about doing those annoying jobs in the garden, the ones we put off all the time like: weeding; cultivating; pest control and fertilizing. It’s also the best time to mow the lawn, especially if you want to slow down the growth of the grass. Preparing patches for impending planting is a perfect project during this phase.

 

Well now that I’ve explained to you what moon planting is all about, watch out!  I do crazy things during the full moon!  I plant potatoes!