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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Soil Temps -Late Planting is Best for Home Gardeners

 

Home gardeners often plan to transplant seedlings after May 12th, the last estimated frost date for our area. More important than a date on the calendar is soil temperature. This year gardeners need to wait to allow the soil to warm up and the low air temperatures in the foreseeable forecast are consistently in the fifties or warmer.

"Soil temperature is a factor which few of us consider important enough to check before planting yet it probably is the most important factor affecting … seedling growth,” writes Dr. Jerry Parsons, Texas Extension Horticulturist. Warm soil allows plant roots to grow out into the bed quickly. planting yet it probably the most important factor affecting … seedling growth,” writes Dr. Jerry Parsons, Texas Extension Horticulturist. Warm soil allows plant roots to grow out into the bed quickly.

For the best start to the garden season, plant vegetables in the garden when the soil temperatures are best to do so. Plants are sensitive to temperature both above and below ground. If the soil temperature is not right transplants just sit there, biding their time until it warms up. This affects root development and can stunt growth throughout the growing season. Cool temperatures can also invite rot.

Tomatoes, one of our favorited homegrown summer crops,  are heat loving—not only should they not be planted in the garden until after danger of frost, it is best to wait until the soil temperature is warm. Memorial Day is the perfect time to plant tomatoes in much of Pennsylvania. If you plant too early, tomatoes will languish in the cold and may die during an unexpected frosty night.

During the week of May 11, 2020, in Fayetteville, Pa., the soil temperature in a sunny, raised bed was only 50° F. Soil temperatures will vary among different areas in a garden and between different yards. Soil in sunny areas and raised beds will warm the quickest.

Cornell University in Ithica, NY, publishes an up-to-date soil temperature map for the East Coast.

Use a soil thermometer and take the temperature at 2-3” deep around 10 to 11 a.m. Temperatures vary during the day with the lowest soil readings just after dawn and the highest in mid-afternoon. It is best to get a consistent reading over a period of four to five days.

The best temperature for transplanting local warm season crops is 60° to 65° F. These include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, cantaloupes, watermelons, pumpkins, and squash. Beans can go in at 55° to 60° F. but okra needs 70° F. or more. Penn State Extension Planting and Transplanting Guide.

~ Carol Kagan, Master Gardener

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