Traditionally most cultures gardened and farmed according to yearly seasons (Sun) and monthly cycles (Moon), without synthetic fertilisers and herbicides. Our ancestors also managed their forests, bred animals, fished and built-in tune with seasons and cycles. Herbalists, too, harvested, preserved and even prepared herbs aligned to the Moon.

It is heartening to see more people becoming aware of how our lifestyle harms our natural environment and ourselves. Seasonal gardening by the Moon is as helpful today as it was and allows you to grow healthy and nutritious food without using chemicals.

Seasonal Moon Gardening

It makes sense to plan, prepare the soil and plant according to the year’s seasons. You can further fine-tune your planting, tending and harvesting to the Moon phases and grow nutrient-rich vegetables, fruit and herbs.

Humans, animals and plants comprise roughly 65% of water subject to the Moon’s gravitational pull. Water is a universal solvent capable of dissolving more substances than any other liquid. As plant sap, it distributes nutrients and minerals throughout the plant and facilitates its growth and decay cycle.

Knowing the Moon’s phases and positions keys you to the best times to prepare the soil, plant, fertilise and harvest. You boost healthy plant growth and improve its nutritional and medicinal value. If you align your harvest to the Moon, you will be able to preserve these nutrients and medicinal properties in your vegetables, fruit and herbs, increasing their nutritional value.

Did you know:

• During the waxing Moon (from New to Full Moon), the Earth releases nutrients and plants absorb them.
• During the waning Moon (from Full to New Moon), plants release nutrients by dropping leaves, fruit and branches, which then break down into mulch.
• If you want to encourage strong and healthy re-growth, it is better to mow your lawn in the waxing Moon phase while it is in a water sign, a very ‘fertile’ sign.
• If you want to retard the growth because you don’t want to mow that often, it is best to mow in the waning phase while the Moon is in Aquarius, a ‘barren’ sign.
• You can apply the same principles to your health and well-being, home and work environment: