Gardening by the Moon: What to Plant Today?

21 Jun 2024

Remember that time you bought a cactus because it “matched your vibe?” And remember how it promptly shriveled up despite (or maybe because of) your best intentions? Yeah, plant care can be a fickle beast. Sometimes, even when we shower our leafy friends with love (and maybe a spritz of overpriced plant food), they still decide to go the way of the dodo (or at least the way of that one droopy fern we swore we were going to revive).

But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon, an ancient rhythm we can tap into, to help our green companions thrive? No, it’s not chanting mantras at your monstera (though if that works for you, by all means…). I’m talking about lunar gardening!

You see, for centuries, farmers and gardeners have been looking up—not to avoid eye contact with their neighbor Bob who insists on wearing Crocs in public—but to observe the moon’s phases. They noticed a connection between the moon's cycle and the way plants grow, and honestly, it makes total sense. The moon controls the tides, right? And we’re like, what, 60% water? Seems legit.

So, how exactly does this whole moon-plant connection work? Well, it’s all about the gravitational pull. As the moon waxes and wanes, its gravitational pull affects the moisture in the soil. During a new moon, for example, this gravitational pull is strongest, drawing water up towards the surface. This means it’s the perfect time to plant seeds, as they'll have access to plenty of moisture to germinate.

Intrigued? Ready to swap your horoscope app for a moon calendar? I thought so.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lunar Gardening

Let’s be real, even the most devoted lunar gardener will admit that relying solely on the moon's phases might leave you with a few wilted lettuces and a whole lot of unanswered questions. That’s why it’s essential to take a balanced approach, combining lunar wisdom with good old-fashioned gardening know-how. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons to help you decide if moon gardening is right for you:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Can potentially improve plant growth and yields	Limited scientific evidence to support all claims
Connects you with nature's rhythms	Requires careful planning and observation of the moon’s phases
Encourages a more mindful approach to gardening	Can be difficult to implement consistently due to weather and other factors

Best Practices for Lunar Gardening

Ready to give lunar gardening a try? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Get a moon calendar: Don't worry, it doesn't have to be a wall-sized tapestry adorned with mystical symbols (unless that's your thing!). You can easily find a lunar calendar online or through a gardening app.

2. Know your moon phases: The general rule of thumb is to plant above-ground crops (like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens) during the waxing moon, as the gravitational pull encourages upward growth.

3. Root crops are a waning moon thing: Think potatoes, carrots, and garlic—basically anything that grows beneath the soil. The waning moon is believed to enhance root development.

4. The new moon is for resting (kind of): While the new moon is a great time to plant seeds, it’s also a time for your garden to take a breather.

5. Don't forget the basics: Lunar gardening is a complement to, not a replacement for, sound gardening practices.

So, there you have it—a crash course in lunar gardening. Will it turn you into a plant whisperer who can coax orchids to bloom on command? Well, maybe not. But it’s definitely a fun and insightful way to connect with nature’s rhythms and maybe, just maybe, get those tomatoes to grow a little bit juicier. Happy gardening!