Lunar planting is influenced by two factors. The lunar phase controls the amount of moisture in the soil. This moisture is at its peak at the time of the new and the full moon. Just as the moon pulls the tides in the oceans, it also pulls upon the subtle bodies of water, causing moisture to rise in the earth, which encourages growth. These natural forces alternate between drawing energy up into the leaf, then down into the root, followed by a resting period that is best for pruning and cultivating tasks. To synchronize with this flow, plant leafy vegetables and above ground bearing plants in the waxing moon, and plant root crops in the third quarter, or the waning moon. Forth quarter is a good time to weed, prune and cultivate the soil.
The second influence is the astrological sign of the zodiac that the moon is in. Some days are fertile, and some days are barren. Each sign corresponds with the elements of water, earth, fire, or air. Each plant has a preference for what elemental sign it is planted in. Generally, the best signs are the fertile water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, and earthy Taurus for roots and transplantng. The moon changes signs every 2-3 days. |
