Friday, August 14, 2009

Nature Notes: Gardening by Moonlight

Yes. I'm on about the moon again.

This time I've run across some articles about using the moon phases to plant, harvest, and preserve in the garden. I'd heard about the practice before, as I'm sure everyone has, but I never really thought about doing it. In the city, it seemed like a silly, superstitious practice. Now that I fall asleep by moonlight every night, the idea of living in harmony with moon phases feels perfectly natural.

In our garden this year, things got planted A. After the fence was up; B. When hubby had time to rent and use a tiller; C. When I found the packets of seeds I'd bought weeks ago and forgotten; and D. Sometime on the weekend, if our energy held out. Results have been mixed, to say the least.

I'm thinking that next time around, I'll follow the lunar calendar and see what happens. If nothing else, I'm sure following the moon would make me feel more connected with the earth, more attuned to the wonder of it all. I might even get better tomatoes.

So what do you think? Do any of you practice moon gardening? Here are some websites for you, if you're interested:

Planting by the Moon, by Marion Owen, offers an overview and general principles. This is a really nice one, too: Gardening by the Moon.

Gardening by the Moon, a calendar of what to do when from the Farmer's Almanac.

P.S. I'll be out of town for a few days, so I'll be a little late getting around to visit. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!


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11 comments:

Carver said...

Beautiful shot and an interesting post. I like the idea of living in harmony with the moon phases. I'll admit that I tend to blame bad behavior on the moon so would make sense to use it for a positive spin.

Sallyacious said...

I've never practiced it. I tend to practice "container gardening supported by fish emulsion." I get FANTASTIC results. But since I haven't paid any attention, who's to say I haven't inadvertently planted at the right time moon-wise?

Gorgeous photo.

Unknown said...

A neighbour of mine is doing it since years.
And when I look at her plants, there might be def something to it.
But since I am still traveling way too much, I didn't try it yet.
If we ever manage to settle down and I get my own yard, I will give it a try for sure :)

Love the shot of La Luna :)
Beautiful!

Best of Luck to your experiment :)

Rambling Woods said...

Beautiful photo and I have to say that I had never heard of moon gardening. Maybe that would help my success a little bit more. Than you for providing some references Vicki.. Michelle

MyMaracas said...

Carver, it seems only fair to take the good with the bad. ;-)

Sally, wonder what would happen with fish emulsion AND moon gardening?

Nicole, if you do try it we'll have to compare notes and see if there's anything to it.

Michelle, I'm glad you found it interesting!

Unknown said...

Yepp, we must :)
I guess I won't do anything next year though, since I will (if all works out) be in Egypt :)

Bird said...

I reckon that a person who was caring and diligent enough to plant their garden by the phases of the moon is going to be looking after those plants like they were children. Even if that is all there is to it, then I guess it works... see, I'm a cynical townie right now, but I know how much can change once you are under a clean sky :)

Bird said...

P.S:- that picture of the moon is stunning.

MyMaracas said...

Nicole, what better place to attune to the moon than Egypt! I would so love to see that country.

Bird, I think you're onto something there. It may be more to do with the attitude of the moonstruck gardener than the moon itself. But hey. Ya never know. Glad you like the photo. :-)

Daryl said...

A long time ago someone told me that seeds planted during the full moon germinated/sprouted faster ... I was a disbeliever til I tried it .. its true!

Thanks for visiting mine and leaving such nice comments! I will be back again for sure.

Sisko said...

Beautiful moon!