Lunar planting: a 3-month guide
In her last regular column, Gaye Boshoff offers advice on when and what to plant in the vegetable garden in June, July and August.
Understanding the basics
Moon phases First quarter to full moon (waxing)
– fertile
As the moon’s gravitational pull causes tides to rise and fall, it also affects moisture in the soil. Therefore it is said that seeds will absorb more water during the full moon and the new moon, when more moisture is pulled to the surface. This causes seeds to swell, resulting in improved germination and better-established plants. The moon also impacts plant growth through geotropism, which is how plants grow in response to gravity. Roots grow downward in the direction of the gravitational pull and stems grow in the opposite direction.
• New moon to first quarter (waxing) – semi-fertile
This is the ideal time to plant crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit. It is most suited to sowing or transplanting leafy annuals of which we eat the leaves, as well as the flowers and the stalks in certain instances. •
The success rate of seed germination increases a few days before a full moon. This phase is most suited to fruiting annuals of which we value or eat the fruit or seed-bearing part of the plant. • Full moon to last quarter (waning) – semi-fertile As the moon wanes, it is beneficial to those root, tuber and bulb vegetables and herbs that rely on a strong root system, things that grow underground, plants that are decorative and fruiting perennials. • Last quarter to new moon (waning) – semi-barren As the moonlight decreases night by night, plants are encouraged to grow roots, tubers and bulbs. This is not the best time to sow.
Marrow S; Peppers (hot chillies & sweet peppers) ST; Pumpkin S; Squash S; Tomatillo ST; Tomato ST; French beans S; Lima beans S; Runner beans S; Maize S; Beetroot T; Carrots S; Ginger P; Horseradish P; Radish S; Turmeric P; Spring onion ST
SUMMER TROPICAL KwaZulu-Natal Lowveld & Coast June
Asian greens S; Endive S;
Escarole S; Lettuce T; Radicchio S; Rocket S; Spinach ST; Swiss chard ST; Watercress ST; Cabbage ST;
Celery ST; Kohlrabi ST; Brinjal ST; Cucumber S; Marrow S; Peppers (hot chillies & sweet peppers) T; Pumpkin S; Squash S; Tomato ST;
French beans S; Lima beans S; Runner beans S; Peas S; Beetroot ST; Carrots S; Ginger P; Horseradish P; Radish S; Turmeric P; Turnip ST;
Potato P; Spring onion ST
July
Asian greens S; Dill S; Fennel S; Lettuce T; Rocket S; Spinach T; Swiss chard ST; Watercress ST; Cabbage T;
Celery ST; Kohlrabi ST; Brinjal ST; Cucumber S; Marrow S; Peppers (hot chillies & sweet peppers) ST; Pumpkin S; Squash S; Tomatillo ST; Tomato ST;
French beans S; Lima beans S; Runner beans S; Maize S; Beetroot ST; Carrots S; Ginger P; Horseradish P; Radish S; Turmeric P; Turnip T;
Spring onion T
August
Amaranth ST; Asian greens S; Basil ST; Coriander ST; Dill S;
Fennel S; Lettuce ST; Marjoram T;
Mint T; Oregano T; Parsley T;
Rocket S; Rosemary T; Sage ST; Swiss chard ST; Thyme ST; Watercress T; Echinacea S; Sunflower S; Asparagus ST; Celery ST;
Kohlrabi T; Brinjal ST; Cucumber S; Okra S; Peppers (hot chillies & sweet peppers) ST; Pumpkin S; Squash S; Tomatillo ST; Tomato ST; French beans S; Lima beans S; Runner beans S; Maize S; Jerusalem artichoke P; Beetroot T; Carrots S; Ginger P; Horseradish P; Radish S; Turmeric P;
Spring onion ST
DRY CONTINENTAL Western Free State, Northern Cape & North West June
Endive S; Escarole S; Lettuce T; Radicchio S; Celery T; Kohlrabi T
July
Lettuce T; Swiss chard ST;
Peas S; Jerusalem artichoke P
August
Asian greens S; Coriander ST;
Dill S; Fennel S; Lettuce ST; Rocket S; Rosemary T; Sage ST; Spinach ST;
Swiss chard ST; Watercress ST;
Echinacea S; Celery ST; Rhubarb T; Brinjal S; Cucumber S; Marrow S; Okra S; Peppers (hot chillies & sweet peppers) ST; Pumpkin S; Squash S; Tomatillo ST; Tomato ST;
French beans S; Runner beans S; Maize S; Peas S; Jerusalem artichoke P; Beetroot S; Carrots S; Ginger P; Horseradish P; Radish S; Turmeric P; Turnip ST