I have heard of planting seeds during a full or mostly full bright moon. Is this just a myth or is there any truth to this statement that gives the seeds an advantage.

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2001

Answers

Hi David,

I was hoping that someone with a bit more knowledge on this subject would have answered but here is my two cents.

Planting by the phases of the moon and the zodiac have been practiced probably as long as people have been tilling the soil. There is probably a lot of earth religion-based faith involved but I feel that there is probably some good science behind it as well.

The moon and sun definitely affect our planet and the life that resides here. One explanation I read was:

As the full moon draws close in the phase of the waxing or increasing moon, water is drawn upwards towards the surface. As the new moon draws close, in the waning or decreasing phase, fluids flow to the roots systems. In general we plant after the new moon in the first and second quarter increasing for leafy crops with shallow root systems, but during the third quarter decreasing for root crops and those with well-developed root systems such as trees. The fourth quarter decreasing phase is used for cultivation, soil preparation, weeding, extermination of pests and noxious growths, and for starting worm farms and compost heaps.

There are a lot of resources out there to investigate - The Old Farmer's Almanac as well as whole web sites dedicated to these practises.

Hope this helps.

Mike

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2001

Just wanted to let you know that a new resource has been added to our web site at:

http://www.victoryseeds.com/weather/moon.html

It is full of links to information regarding the lore and science of the moon.

Regards,

Mike

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2002

Hi David, I have read to never plant on the day the moon changes phases. And as Mike said, above ground crops in the waxing, root crops in the waning. With the exception of perrenials, which should be planted in the waning of the moon for strong root growth. You also need to make sure you plant in the right sign. There are fertile signs and barren signs. Around here all the old timers plant beans in the "breast", ie...Cancer. I have planted my garden this year strictly by the moon and signs and it is doing great. Llewellyn's has a moon sign book that is put out annually with a great gardening section. I picked mine up at a bookstore. (This Thursday and Friday are good days to plant above ground crops)!

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2002