Gardening Tips Using Astrology
by Elizabeth Jones
(Updated 6/6/08)
Using Astrology to help us determine what to do and when in our gardens
has been done for centuries. Farmer's Almanacs give this information
as do other publications. Doing so brings us into a closer and more
balanced relationship with nature, as well as produce a wonderful
garden! There are several things to consider when planting and caring
for a garden using Astrology. Since the Moon rules growth, it is the
main thing to consider when planting. There are two things we need
to look at:
- The Lunation cycle or the phase the moon is in
- The sign the moon is in.
For April and early May, 2006, these are listed for you below. I will be updating them regularly, so be sure to check back. They can also be found by looking at a calendar that shows where the moon is each day and the Lunar cycle.
The Waxing Moon phase is the first half of the lunation cycle. It is when the moon is going from new to full, also called "increasing in light", and is the best time for planting, grafting, or transplanting. Planting during a fertile moon (see table below) will further encourage growth. Pruning with the idea of stimulating growth is also best done now.
The Waning Moon phase is the second half of the lunation cycle. It is when the moon is going from full to new, also called "decreasing in light". During the first week of this phase, or the third week after the full moon, is the best time for pruning to discourage growth and for planting biennials, perennials, and bulb and root crops. The 2nd week of this phase (the fourth quarter) or the week before the new moon is best for tilling, destroying weeds, pest control, cultivation, and harvesting. Mowing your lawn during this phase will discourage growth. Doing it in a barren sign (see below) will further retard growth.
During a 28-day cycle, the moon spends 2 1/2 days in each sign. The most fertile signs and hence the best time for planting, are the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. The Earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are next. Taurus and Capricorn are best for root crops and will produce a strong, hardy plant. Capricorn is excellent for all cactus and drought resistant plants. Libra rules beauty and is therefore excellent for planting ornamentals and flowers.
The first day the moon is in a sign is better for planting than the second, and the second is better than the third (remember-the moon is in each sign 2 1/2 days). The very best times for planting are the new moons in Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, and Taurus (in that order). Below is a list of what is best done during each moon sign.
- ARIES~Plant onions. Cultivate, kill weeds and insects.
- TAURUS~Good for planting root crops and seedlings.
- GEMINI~Don't plant! Good for reading up on gardening!
- CANCER~This is the most fertile sign of the Zodiac. Best time for planting, cultivating, grafting and transplanting (especially above-ground crops).
- LEO~This is the driest, most barren sign. It is good for killing weeds and pests.
- VIRGO~Good for getting your garden in order.
- LIBRA~Very good for planting all ornamentals and flowers.
- SCORPIO~Very good for all planting, irrigating and pruning to stimulate growth.
- SAGITTARIUS~Best for just enjoying being out doors and sun-bathing in your garden!
- CAPRICORN~Good for all root crops. (See notes above).
- AQUARIUS~Have a few friends over to enjoy your garden!
- PISCES~Things planted now will grow beyond belief!
Best Gardening Days for June and July, 2008
