BIO-DYNAMIC GARDENING

Planting by the moon

The moon’s orbit of the earth has an easily seen effect on our oceans and when you consider the power needed to drag the enormous volume of water out of the Earth’s gravitational pull then you must also accept that the effect on the soil and all that is in it must also be happening, every day and every night.

Coastal towns and cities all over the globe use the ‘Tide Times Table’ to predict when to go fishing, what fish will easily be caught and when not to go to the beach.

The Tide Times are just as applicable inland.

As the moon moves from ‘New Moon’ or Moondark through to the Full Moon, the effect on plants increases as the phase progresses.

It only takes a few months of practice and observation to notice that if seed begins to germinate just after Moondark it is pulled and encouraged upwards by the moon, resulting in a more dramatic growth rate and increased germination levels. The pull of the moon is irresistible to young seedlings and they will reach greater heights than you normally expect.

This is a good thing if the seeds that you are germinating are plants that have their greatest value in the above-ground element. If however, you plant carrot, beet or any tuber during this time, you will have the same reaction of increased leaf and stem growth, however the roots or tubers will be weak.

So, very simply, if the seeds you are sprouting are intended to be root vegetables, it is best to plant the seeds after the full moon, so the seed is able to descend into the soil and establish a vibrant root system that will mature into a very healthy food source.

If the seed that you are germinating is either a leaf vegetable or a fruiting vegetable then it is best to sow the seed after the new moon and before the full moon.

The same principle applies to harvesting your vegetables and fruit. The water balance of the fruit or leaves is always better on the waxing moon and root vegetables are best on the waning moon. There are further considerations to take into account regarding the timing of your planting but mastering the art of moon planting is the first big step.

Monthly moon calendars are always available to download free from www.beautanicals.com.au.