Lunar Planting

Lunar planting is planting by the cycles of the moon. Just as ocean currents are affected by the moon, so are the plants in your vegetable garden.

The moon affects the germination rate of the seeds. Plants grow quicker and stronger, and the harvest is larger. This is due to the gravitational pull of the moon.

The lunar cycle determines the amount of wetness in the soil of your vegetable garden. This moisture is at its peak at the time of the new and the full moon.

The moon affects the pulling upon bodies of water, causing moisture to rise to the surface, which encourages germination and growth.

At the new moon, the lunar gravity pulls water up, and causes the seeds to germinate much quicker. The new moon will also cause an increasing in moonlight which will help leaf and root growth.

In the Bible, in the book of Genesis, there are references to the fact that the earth was watered by the pulling of water up from the ground. The earth did not have rain but this watering of plants took place by absorbing water from the ground.

There is also reference to a mist that was used to water plants.

During the time from the New Moon to the First Quarter Moon, the lunar gravity pulls water up, and causes the seeds to swell and burst. This factor, along with the increasing moonlight generates balanced root and leaf growth.

This is the best time for planting above ground annual crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit. Examples are lettuce, spinach, celery, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

Cucumbers can be planted at this time as well but they are an exception to the rule.

For September, this period is from the 5th to the 11th. So during this time we can plant our lettuce, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. I will also try some cucumbers I have left over to see how they do before the cold sets in.

The period from the First Quarter Moon to the Full Moon is known as the waxing moon. During this time the gravitational pull is less, but the moonlight is strong, creating strong leaf growth.

It is generally a good time for planting, especially two days before the full moon. The types of crops that can be planted are annuals that produce above ground, but their seeds form inside the fruit, such as beans, melons, peas, peppers, squash, and tomatoes.

Mowing lawns in the first or second quarter tends to increase grass growth.

For September 2009 this period is from the 13th to the 17th. Here there is nothing to plant from my list. However, I have some beans that are supposed to be a cold weather varitety so I will try these and see what happens.

The period between the Full Moon and the Last Quarter Moon is known as the Wanning Moon. During this time the energy is drawing down. The gravitation pull is high, creating more moisture in the soil, but the moonlight is decreasing, putting energy into the roots.

This is a favorable time for planting root crops, including beets, carrots, onions, turnips and radishes.

For September 2009, this period is from September 19th to the 25th. The seeds we will be planting are the beets, onion, carrots and turnips. I also have some radishes left over I will be planting.

The period from the Last Quarter to the New Moon is a sort of resting period. There is decrease in gravitational pull and moonlight.

This is the best time to cultivate, harvest, transplant and prune.

For September 2009, this period is from the 27th to October 3rd.

I hope this lunar planting guide is helpful.

Thank you for your visit.

Click here to see the Lunar Calendar.

Click here to see the Current Moon Phase.

Your Garden Story

Do you have a garden story to share with us?

Go to Home Page from Lunar Planting.