How to use the calendar moongardening

Use the phases of the moon to your advantage by following Milton Black’s planting guide

Best days Second-best days

On these days, thin out seed boxes, sow all types of seeds and plant seedlings that produce their crop above the ground. These include all varieties of peas, beans, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprout, eggplant, lettuce, celery, silverbeet, spinach, endive, Chinese cabbage, tomato, cucumber, asparagus crowns, artichoke, marrow, pumpkin, capsicum, melon, zucchini, chicory, sprouts, rhubarb, all herbs (except garlic) and all agricultural crops, such as sunflower, grains, cereals, canola and cotton. During these days, you can also plant flowering shrubs, annuals, flowers (not bulbs), cactus, flax, tree ferns, passionfruit vines and kiwifruit. Plant all fruit trees and trees that produce edible nuts, such as almond, pecan, macadamia and walnut. Grapes and banana can also be planted during these times. Take cuttings from established trees and shrubs, and propagate. This is also a good time for planting trees and climbers and sowing new lawns.

Best days Second-best days

On these days, sow all seeds and plant seedlings of root vegetables that grow their crop below the ground, such as carrot, parsnip, radish, beetroot, onion, leek, swede, turnip, sweet potato, seed potato, yam, cassava, peanut, garlic and ginger. This is a good time to plant flowering bulbs, or bulbs for propagation and development rather than flowers. Also, plant bare‑rooted trees, to develop root growth, and refurbish established lawns.

A favourable time for transplanting all types of established trees, shrubs, ferns and bulbs.

Weed and lightly feed. Water with seaweed‑type products only.

Destroy or spray weeds, pests and noxious growth. Burn off, cut lawns, do heavy pruning and clear rubbish – don’t plant or transplant anything. Prepare soil and fertilise garden beds for future planting; spread and make compost; feed all established plants, shrubs and lawns, then water in. This is the best time for dethatching or coring lawns.

Do not plant or transplant anything, as the moon is adversely aspected with the sun.

Any questions? Email milton@miltonblack.com.au.