Since man tamed the land, the stars, moon and gods all played a part in agriculture and gardening. The first farmers were probably the first practical astrologers. Their crops seemed to respond to the signs in the heavens. Modern agriculture echoes many of these ancient principles and each season presented different alignments in the constellations and these patterns would evolve into horticultural astrology or Moon Gardening as it is often practiced today.

Simply gardening by the moon alone is not enough, care must be given to the season, weather and local conditions prevailing at the time. There would be no point planting tomato seeds outside in November here even though the moons position may show its favourable!

Moon gardening is the effect the moons orbit on the earth in relation to planting, watering and crops. The simplest explanation i have found is as follows:

The earths water is drawn towards the moon. Although the moon is only visible by the naked eye at night, the moon is always in rotation and the sea, rivers and streams all rise towards the moon – or fall into the ground [shallow] if the moon is on the opposite side of the earth. There is much debate and research on this subject and the results all seem to prove the link that planting, watering, pruning and harvesting all benefit if the principles of moon gardening are followed.

The sub sections will explain more of the principles[ although i do not go into depth as this could be to confusing] I will endeavour to cover the key elements and try to provide an easy way of informing gardeners of when to plant, feed and harvest in the best way. The use of chemicals and pesticides is not taken into account as the key to this method relies on organic methods and good gardening principles. The ground must be fertile and balanced with nature to grow so planting in the desert would obviously not work no matter where the moon is and equally planting in the sea would have no real effect! The reason these silly examples are given is to say that without toiling the land and providing suitable conditions is to know your falling before you start regardless of the solar cycle.

Four phases of the moon are important

1.    Waxing moon - When the moon is waxing, the earth is "exhaling" and releasing. The growing energies are drawn into the upper plant. It is time to sow plants intended for their properties above ground, such as shrubs, trees, and flowering plants during the waxing moon.

2.    Waning Moon - When the moon is waning, the earth is inhaling and absorbing. The growing energy is pulled down towards the roots. This is the time to water, or use natural fertilizers which will be well absorbed by soil and into the plant, as well as hoeing and weeding. Sow root crops like carrots, beets, radishes, potatoes etc during a waning moon.

3.    Ascending Moon - the moons path climbs a little higher (ascends) above the horizon, the moons path draws the sap of the plants upwards, which makes it a good time for grafting, and for harvesting of produce above the ground. The moon is passing in front of the constellations of Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and entering Gemini.

4.    Descending Moon – the moons path draws the sap down so it’s a good time to plant or transplant seedlings. The roots connect a lot better with the soil helping the plant to establish itself faster. The moon is passing in front of the constellations of Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and entering Sagittarius.

This is the key of moon gardening and is believed to be used by some of the very best gardeners around the world. The idea of gardening by night is not moon gardening but the moon has a major influence on the earth. Please go to the relevant sub sections to discover more.