| | Here
is how to calculate when
to plant your seeds by the moon.
First, find the best moon phase for
your crops. If they are annual plants that produce above ground
you will want to plant in the first or second quarter, preferably close to the
time of the new or full moon. Root crops are best planted just after the full
moon.
Secondly, find the astrological
sign of the zodiac that best represents your crop.
Roots are favored by earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn; leafy crops
are best planted in Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces; flowers are best in Libra, but
also Gemini or Aquarius; and seed crops such as fruits and nuts may be planted
in Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius. Some consider the fire signs to be barren and dry,
and not the best for planting, so you can experiment and see what works for you.
This information can be found on other calendars sometimes, or in an ephemeris,
which will tell you the moon ingress (goes into a sign) or last aspect (leaves
a sign) in Greenwich Mean Time. Of
course, you must be in the right season to get good results. Each type of seed
has preferences of air and soil temperature for planting, which overrides the
benefit of lunar cycles. See this chart to find
out preferred temperatures.
If you want to get the most out of your season, especially if it
is a short one, you will want to start seeds in flats in a controlled environment,
and have them ready to go in the ground when the weather warms up. To calculate
when to start seeds you need to know when your average last frost dates are.
You can find that out from USDA frost maps,
which provides general guidelines. For a more accurate date, contact your local
agricultural extension, university or master gardeners program. Remember that
these dates represent an average, and you may experience frosts after these dates
as well. Once
you know your frost date, you will want to know how many weeks it takes to grow
to transplant size (see chart). Starting
at your last frost date, count backwards the number of weeks you need. Next, look
for the nearest favorable moon phase, and then to the perfect moon sign.
Some adjustment may be necessary, pushing that date up or back to accommodate
a particularly frost sensitive plant, or a warmer year than normal. A plant can
always be potted up and held until the outdoor temperature is right. To
calculate when to start a fall garden, work from the first expected frost
date, counting back the number of weeks needed to reach harvest. In mild winter
areas, hardy crops can be planted a month or two later. They need to get some
good growth before the cold weather sets in, then they will reward you with an
late fall or early spring harvest. Next
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If all those instructions seem too complicated, then let
us figure it out for you!
This calendar gathers all the moon planting information--
and much more valuable gardening advice-- into one easy to read format.
The calendar is available in three different versions for your specific climate,
and each month shows the garden activities and planting list appropriate for your
growing season. Gardening
by the Moon will keep you on track all year long, and you will have more abundant
harvests than you ever imagined! 
"I
was looking for moon phases so I can get specific when planting this year, and
am delighted to see that you have made it so easy! Thanks much!! I am almost going
to feel guilty at not having to figure it all out myself...but not quite."
Kathy F. |
