Learn How to Garden and Plant by the Moon's Phases
Gardening by the Moon is a great way to plan your garden. Many of our readers follow the age-old practice of planting by the Moon鈥檚 phases for healthier, more productive gardens.
Gardening by the Moon isn鈥檛 anything new. Gardeners and farmers have been using Moon-phase gardening for ages! Best of all, it鈥檚 a fairly simple process.
What Is Gardening by the Moon?
From what we are reading, many trend watchers are confused about Gardening by the Moon. No, it鈥檚 not about gardening at night or planting in your PJs!
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Gardening by the Moon
The basic idea behind Gardening by the Moon is that the cycles of the Moon affect plant growth. Just as the Moon鈥檚 gravitational pull causes tides to rise and fall, it also affects moisture in the soil.
Therefore, it鈥檚 said that seeds will absorb more water during the full Moon and the new Moon when more moisture is pulled to the soil surface. This causes seeds to swell, resulting in greater germination and better-established plants.
Moon phase gardening considers two periods of the lunar cycle: the time between the new Moon and the full Moon (the waxing of the Moon) and the time between the full Moon and the new Moon (the waning of the Moon). It鈥檚 considered best to plant certain types of plants during the waning of the Moon and other types during the waxing.
The Moon also impacts plant growth through geotropism鈥攈ow plants grow in response to gravity. Roots grow downward in the direction of gravitational pull, and stems grow in the opposite direction (i.e., upwards). This behavior can be easily demonstrated with potted plants. Lay one on its side, and the stem will grow upwards. Or, consider a tulip bulb: if you plant the bulb incorrectly with the pointed end down, it will turn around and send its shoots upward, even though it鈥檚 in total darkness.
How to Plant by the Moon鈥檚 Phases
To plant by the Moon, follow these guidelines:
- Plant your annual flowers and fruit and vegetables that bear crops above ground (such as corn, tomatoes, watermelon, and zucchini) during the waxing of the Moon鈥攆rom the day the Moon is new to the day it is full. As the moonlight increases night by night, plants are encouraged to grow leaves and stems.
- Plant flowering bulbs, biennial and perennial flowers, and vegetables that bear crops below ground (such as onions, carrots, and potatoes) during the waning of the Moon鈥攆rom the day after it is full to the day before it is new again. As the moonlight decreases night by night, plants are encouraged to grow roots, tubers, and bulbs.
Dates for Planting by the Moon
See the 蜜桃恋人 Planting Calendar for planting dates based on 1) average last frost dates and 2) the Moon phase. Both are customized to your local postal code (U.S. and Canada)!
The 蜜桃恋人 provides favorable dates for sowing seeds or transplanting in the ground for all popular vegetables and edibles.
You could also calculate planting dates yourself by looking at our Moon Phase Calendar and the guidelines above, though this method won鈥檛 take your climate into account.
Astrological 鈥淏est Days鈥 - Zodiac Signs for Planting
Some of our readers follow a different approach called the 鈥淏est Days.鈥 This is astrological, not astronomical. Let鈥檚 explain: Like Gardening by the Moon, astrological Best Days are based on the Moon. However, instead of depending on the Moon鈥檚 phase, Best Days consider the Moon鈥檚 position in the astrological zodiac. For example, when the Moon is in Taurus, it is regarded as a good time to plant, transplant, or graft. Everyday gardening activities are associated with certain signs, shown here:
| Activity | Associated Signs |
|---|---|
| Plant, Transplant, or Graft | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, or Taurus |
| Harvest | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, or Aquarius |
| Build/Fix Fences or Garden Beds | Capricorn |
| Control Insect Pests, Plow, or Weed | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, or Aquarius |
| Prune | Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius |
To see the dates of upcoming Best Days, check out our Best Days Timetable.
However you plant, check out our library of Growing Guides to learn how to grow all your favorite fruits, vegetables, and flowers!
You can also find a planting table in the annual , which contains the best planting days based on the Moon鈥檚 phases.
Do you garden by the Moon? Do you think the technique helps you grow better crops? Let us know in the comments!
Catherine Boeckmann
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Planting occurs during the period of the moon cycle - not a specific time of day. So - if you are planting below ground crops like potatoes, garlic, onions, etc - you plant in the waning phase of the moon.
There is no specific time during the day or night that’s better to plant at than others. As far as Planting by the Moon goes, all that matters is that you plant during the appropriate phase.
I learned this as a child, and then did more research as to "why". Science has not yet caught up with reality, but I know that it works. Having used it for many years, experimenting with planting at the "wrong" (not optimum) phase and sign of the Moon, and comparing. It is easy, fun, and productive. Don't need much more.
I am in my second year of doing so the jury鈥檚 still out BUT many people whose opinions I respect suggest this so I am giving it a try. I love being able to appreciate the confluence of all these astronomical events in a rather easy-to-understand way. I study the details, yes, but it is a process which anyone can do.
Thanks for your enthusiasm for this age-old tradition, Christine! Let us know how your garden grows this year!
My first garden, my mom told me a good time to plant according to the moon. Didn't ck the signs, planted anyhow. Had wonderfully full plants & was expecting a really good crop. Turned out all vines. Learned a lesson. Follow the signs ever since. Thanks mom.
Thanks, Carol! Happy to hear that this works for you!
Yes, I always try to garden by the moon phases and I am convinced that it makes a difference
With the grand solar minimum in full blast, how can i rely on frost dates? For instance potToes- plant 3 wks prior to last frost date-however in east texas the frost dates are off. Any ideas? TY
Frost dates are never 100% accurate, given that they are the average of several years of dates and will always be an approximation. However, with climate change in the mix, it’s increasingly difficult to nail down a particular date and call it the average last frost.
So, how do we deal with that? Well, the best method is to simply view the frost dates as an approximation and a rough guideline, while also paying close attention to weather forecasts and, honestly, going with your gut! If you feel it will be warmer sooner than what the frost date would suggest, then plant sooner鈥攂ut also be prepared to protect your crops in case a surprise frost does hit.
