In this article, we delve into the world of planting flowers by the moon, exploring the historical roots, underlying principles, and potential benefits of this age-old technique.
The concept of planting by the moon dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions around the world. Ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians and the Mayans, observed lunar cycles and incorporated them into their planting calendars. The belief was that the moon’s gravitational pull and its position in the sky could influence plant growth and development.
Principles of Lunar Gardening:
Lunar gardening typically revolves around the phases of the moon: waxing, full, waning, and new. Each phase is believed to have a specific influence on plant growth, encouraging enthusiasts to tailor their gardening activities accordingly.
1. **Waxing Moon:** This phase is associated with increased water absorption and fertility, making it an ideal time for planting annuals and crops that produce seeds outside the fruit.
2. **Full Moon:** Believed to be a period of heightened energy, the full moon is often associated with planting and harvesting. Flowers planted during this phase are thought to be more robust and vibrant.
3. **Waning Moon:** As the moon transitions from full to new, energy is believed to be concentrated in the roots. This makes it an opportune time for tasks such as pruning, transplanting, and root development.
4. **New Moon:** The new moon is considered a resting phase for plants. It’s a time when enthusiasts focus on soil preparation, reflecting the idea that the moon’s gravitational pull is weaker during this period.
Benefits of Planting Flowers by the Moon:
While scientific evidence supporting lunar gardening is limited, enthusiasts claim a range of benefits associated with this practice.
1. **Increased Germination Rates:** Some lunar gardeners assert that seeds planted during specific lunar phases exhibit higher germination rates.
2. **Optimized Growth:** Aligning planting activities with lunar phases is believed to enhance plant growth, resulting in healthier and more vigorous flowers.
3. **Natural Rhythms:** Advocates of lunar gardening argue that syncing planting activities with natural lunar rhythms promotes a harmonious relationship with the environment.
This age old tradition really works. I always plant seedlings out, sow flower seeds and transplant during the full moon phase. Even if not planting you can visibly see the accelerated growth during this time.
NZ Gardener Magazine includes a moon planting calendar with their January Issue every year. Mine is up on the wall in my garden shed so I can always see and plan my gardening weeks and months tasks. Give it a try because Im sure you will notice the difference!!