Friday, January 14, 2022

Garden Plans and Moon Planting

 


Moon planters believe that the same gravitational force that affects the tides cause above ground crops to leap right out of the earth. And when on the wane with only a light pull and earth’s gravity the stronger, root crops dig deep in the ground.

As you look over your seed catalogs and begin planning your gardening season, check out moon planting and consider putting in a few plants to test if the lunar cycle affects their growth.


February’s full Snow Moon will appear on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. The February full moon is called the Snow Moon as February usually has the heaviest snowfall. Although Feb 16, according to the AstroSeek  lunar planting calendar, is a rest day, the following five days are for planting below ground root plants; however, maybe not in our Zone 6.


Look for the five days after the March 18 Worm Moon to plant beets, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens. This is called the Worm Moon as it is near the beginning of spring and softer ground brings earthworms up and robins out.

Root Vegetables
(Photo: Alex Lomas, CC BY 2.0)


What About Moon Gardening and Planting?

Pick anytime through history and somebody is trying to figure out how the moon affects our planet. While some scoff at the idea and call it folklore, others swear by it and others say “why not?” I am nevertheless wary of anyone who cites their “grandpap” as an authority.



Cheri Melton, a Cochise County,  Arizona, Master Gardener, uses this method but provides no scientific back-up for the claims; however, she notes that it does add a rhythm to planting cycles and helps her pace her gardening.

Even further into astrological affects, some believe that the zodiac signs present when crops are planted can increase growth and production. There are air, water, fire, and earth signs, each with plus and minus properties.

Whether you believe the moon affects plant growth or not, it's still an interesting idea and helps promote annual almanac sales. Almanacs which, by the way, predict a “winter whopper” near the end of February this year.

(Because of the need for truth in media, please note that several extensive research reviews show no basis for the moon to impact plant growth.)

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