THE MOON AND THE CONSTELLATIONS

In its 28 day lunar cycle, the moon passes through 12 unequal sectors derived from the stellar constellations, (referenced by zodiac signs). The passage of the moon in front of each Constellation is based on Astronomical data and therefore differs from the traditional astrological division of equal 30 degree sections.

Each constellation is associated with one of 4 categories, representing the 4 Elements (Air, Water, Fire and Earth) and each Element enhances one particular aspect of each plant

We use different parts of plants for different purposes, so it is important to understand which part (or aspect) of a plant we need to nurture, and the moons effect on each aspect. Lunar Gardening classifies these parts as root, flower, leaf, or fruit.

For example we grow Tomato plants for their fruits and not their leaves, roots or flower).

We grow carrots for their roots, spinach for the leaves and lavender for the flowers etc.

Note: Most vegetables that grow above ground are in fact fruit (Eg: tomatoes, cucumber, courgettes, beans and peas, pumpkin, peppers) as well as fruits like strawberries, apples, pears, plums, cherries

ROOT DAYS

ROOTS are associated with Earth signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo)

For cultivating Potatoes and other root crops such as carrots, parsnip, onion, garlic, and radish choose root days

 

1.    Plant during the descending lunar orbit

2.    Sow on root days, preferably with a waning moon (because they are underground)

3.    Fertilize during a waning moon, for better absorption

4.    Harvest and store on root days when the moon is descending, (because the crop is under ground). Alternatively harvest on root days with a waning moon

 

FLOWER DAYS

FLOWER DAYS are associated with AIR signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius)

Use flower days for cultivating flowers, flowering herbs (eg Camomile), flowering hedges, flowering trees (eg Lilac).

 

Note: the difference is the flowers and not the leaf, root or fruit

1.    Plant and prune whilst the moon is descending, ideally on yellow flower-days, when the sap is drawn to the roots

2.    Sow on flower days during a waxing moon

3.    Fertilize when the moon is waning, whilst the earth is absorbing.

4.    Graft, (roses) store (bulbs) or harvest (flowering herbs), on Flower days when the moon is ascending, and the sap is rising up

LEAF DAYS

LEAF DAYS are associated with the water constellations (Pisces, Scorpio, Cancer)

Choose leaf days for salads, spinach, leaf herbs (mint, basil), leeks, cabbages and cauliflower as well as grass or non flowering hedges.

 

1.    Plant or prune (hedges) during a descending moon (sap is drawn to the roots).

2.    Sow leaf - plants when the moon is waxing, ideally on leaf days

3.    Fertilize when the moon is waning, (when the earth is inhaling) and ideally on a leaf-day.

 

Note: Harvesting is normally best when the moon is ascending. However, to store your leaf harvest, use fruit or flower days, as the watery element present on leaf-days is NOT good for storing.

FRUIT DAYS

FRUIT DAYS are associated with the Fire constellations (Aries, Sagittarius, Leo)

Use Fruit Days for all fruits (strawberries, raspberries, apples, plums) as well as all fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, courgettes, beans, peas, peppers, pumpkins etc

 

1.    Plant or replant the seedlings,

2.    Prune fruit trees during a descending moon (sap is drawn down to the roots)

3.    Sow fruiting vegetables on a waxing moon on fruit days

4.    Fertilize fruit plants and vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber..) on a waning moon, whilst the soil is inhaling and absorbing, ideally on fruit days,

5.    Graft fruit trees/shrubs and harvest fruits and fruiting vegetables for storage on an ascending moon (whilst the sap is rising, ideally on fruit days