Gardening in Tune with the Moon

An Invitation to Join Us on a Moon Gardening Adventure

Whether you have a large homestead, a balcony herb garden, or a few houseplants on your apartment windowsill, I invite you to give moon gardening a try with us this summer!

Gardening in tune with the moon means planting, caring for, and harvesting our gardens based on the cycles of the moon. This is not some new age woo - farmers have followed the moon cycles since pre-civilization. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is based on moon cycles, and to this day, each year a new almanac is published that continues this practice. 

Gardening in sync with the cycles of the moon brings an extra layer of magic and harmony to our garden. Everything becomes....juicier. Plants, humans, elementals - all garden life  - becomes healthier, more full and abundant, more connected and in touch with cosmic one-ness.

And goodness, doesn’t this world need more people feeling connected to cosmic one-ness.

Plants love it when we harmonize their care with the moon (and stars and other celestial activities, too). They are already in tune with the whole flow of cosmic energy. And when we tend to our plant friends with an awareness of this, the plants thrive, as do we.

While we follow moon cycles in our gardens already, I want to add even more intentionality and awareness to our practice, perhaps some accountability, too, by sharing this season with you. Join us in practicing moon gardening this summer. No matter how big or small your plant space is, I hope you’ll follow along and share your experiences with us by commenting here or on our social media, or just sending us a message - let's connect and align together.

The Moon's Influence on Gardening 

The idea of moon gardening is rooted in the belief that the moon's gravitational pull affects the moisture levels in the soil, similar to how it influences the tides. This can impact seed germination, root development, and plant growth. By understanding and working with these lunar phases, we gardeners can optimize our efforts and enjoy healthier, more robust plants.

Moisture Magic

The moon’s gravitational pull influences soil moisture. During the full moon, this pull strengthens, drawing more moisture to the soil's surface. As the moon waxes, the rising water table helps seeds absorb water and germinate swiftly. In the waning moon, water seeps deeper, making it the perfect time to plant root crops.

Lunar Light

The radiant glow of the full moon encourages plants to produce more sugars in their above-ground parts, resulting in sweeter, more potent harvests.

Growth and Vitality

Gardening by the moon’s phases can lead to faster, healthier plant growth and higher yields. Plants may also be more robust and resilient against pests.

Enhanced Seed Germination

Planting seeds during the waxing phase of the moon, particularly the Waxing Crescent, encourages stronger and faster germination. The increasing light and gravitational pull are thought to promote upward growth.

Improved Root Development

The waning moon phase, especially the Waning Crescent, is ideal for focusing on root development. Planting root crops and transplanting during this time can lead to stronger root systems.

Natural Rhythm and Harmony

Gardening in tune with the moon's cycles helps us connect with the natural rhythms of the earth, fostering a deeper sense of harmony and mindfulness in your gardening practices. It’s a very rooting, grounding practice.

Practical Tips for Moon Gardening

1. Observe the Lunar Phases: Keep track of the moon's phases using a lunar calendar. Pay attention to the Waxing Crescent (ideal for planting above-ground crops) and the Waning Crescent (perfect for root crops and maintenance tasks).
2. Plan Your Gardening Activities: Schedule your gardening activities according to the lunar phases. For example, use the New Moon and Waxing Crescent for planting seeds, the Full Moon for fertilizing, and the Waning Moon for weeding and pruning. Make sure you include activities of observation, celebration, and appreciation - your plants love to be cheered!
3. Watering and Fertilizing: Water and fertilize your plants during the Waxing Moon to enhance nutrient uptake and growth. The increasing gravitational pull helps draw water and nutrients upward, benefiting plant health.
4. Transplanting and Pruning: Transplant seedlings and prune plants during the Waning Moon. This phase is ideal for focusing on root development and overall plant structure.
5. Give yourself, and your garden, grace: this is the secret to successfully gardening in tune with the moon. Sometimes, we have garden tasks to do and it may not be the "right day." That's fine! If you need to plant, plant. If you need to water, water. No garden or circumstance is perfect and we all have crazy busy lives to live - if you miss a day or a task, it's OK!! 

Gardening in tune with the moon is a beautiful way to enhance your gardening experience and deeply connect with the natural world. By following the lunar phases, you can optimize your efforts and enjoy a thriving, harmonious garden. Stay tuned for more tips and insights on moon gardening as we practice together!

With love always,

Leslie