We know the power of the lunar attraction of which the phenomenon of the tides is the most concrete example. This satellite of the earth would also have an important influence on plants and on the choice of the best times to garden. Let us try to decipher the importance of its movements in order to make the best use of it in our gardens
Rising moon and descending moon
The position of the moon in the sky varies from day to another. The full moon, we see that the moon rises in the sky. This trend is reversed about thirteen to fourteen days later.
It is easy to notice this movement by looking at the moon for the first day in order to locate its position in relation to a fixed point in the landscape. The next day, one hour after the reading time of the previous night, check its position; If it is located higher: the moon is rising or ascending. If it is located lower: it is descending.
The rising moon is favorable to leafy vegetables, the sap of the plants is attracted to the upper parts. These days are profitable for everything that happens above the ground: seedlings, grafts, treatment. Cutting flowers will last longer in a vase.
The waning moon favors bulbs and root vegetables. The sap goes down to the lower parts. The period is suitable for work carried out underground (transplanting, planting, rooting cuttings.
Crescent moon and waning moon
When we speak of a waxing or waning moon we are referring to the appearance of the lunar disk and not to its position in the sky. The moon is said to be “crescent” from the new moon to full moon, “P”; It is a favorable period for harvests. The fruits will keep better and longer. The moon is said to be “waning” from full moon to new moon, when by imagining a vertical line joining the two points of the crescent one can observe a “D”; it is an ideal period for fertilizations.
Days with and days without …
A few days a month, the gardener is at forced rest: these are the days when the earth and the moon are the furthest away (apogee) or the closest (perigee). Worse still, those where the orbit described by the earth around the sun intersects that of the moon: these are the lunar nodes. The plants are then disturbed and interventions in the garden are to be avoided.
Days fruits, roots, leaves, and flowers
The moon during its journey around the earth crosses twelve groups of stars: the zodiacal constellations. Each constellation would have an influence on a part of the plant. Thus, the constellations of Libra, Gemini, or Aquarius would be favorable to flowers.
The constellations of Scorpio, Pisces, or Cancer would be beneficial to the leaves and stems: Take care of the salads, mow the grass, plant the beans …
The constellations of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are said to be favorable to the roots. Sow beets, harvest potatoes, plant garlic ..
The constellations of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, would be beneficial to fruits and seeds. Harvest all the fruits, sow the tomatoes …
