Gardening with Astrology

[Pathwalker]

In my own simple way, I have been gardening with Astrology for many years now. At first, I experimented to see if it worked for me - it didn't take long to convince me. I planted seeds when the Moon was in Taurus, Cancer, Leo and Virgo. Same plant, same medium, same packet of seeds. The seeds planted when the moon was in Cancer germinated before the seeds planted when the Moon was in Taurus, but when all was said and done, the germination from the Taurus Moon was a VERY CLOSE second. The seeds from when The moon was in Leo and Virgo however, sprouted later and the plants were visibly inferior.
I repeated this same process throughout the signs for a month. I came away a believer, and have gardened using Astrology ever since.

What about you? Have you ever tried it? What were your results?

I am personally interested in learning more about planting food crops using Astrology, and would love to hear what anyone else has learned about growing food this way. it worked for the ancients, it works for farmers all over the world, so I have no doubt it will work for me.

Here are a few links about the subject:


http://www.whatalulu.com/stars.html

http://www.astroamerica.com/garden.html

http://www.stariq.com/pagetemplate/article.asp?pageid=861

http://goddess.astrology.com/moon/gardening.html

http://www.solsticepoint.com/astrologersmemorial/riotte.html

http://www.hawkdancing.com/solarlunar.shtml


Here is Eloriel's thread from the Gardening forum:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=246x427#434

So, who wants to talk about this?

[LWolf]

1. Some of those links look interesting.

I'm not gardening this spring, I'm packing and selling my house. I'll spend some time on it though; there will be plenty of new things to plant at my new home, where ever I end up!

[dbt]

2. I am gardening this year, first time in decades.

The ground is broken and I am preparing to add manure and till it in, preparatory to laying off the rows and planting, which will not occur until 3/26 or later. Around here, the elders would never plant before Good Friday; in light of the fact that it worked well for them, I'm going with that old flow. (Pity that my parents and grandparents have Gone On; it sure would be nice to have somebody to ASK about these things!)

Crops that "bear above the ground" will be planted on the increase of the moon, "below the ground" on the decrease and/or the dark of the moon. As far as I can while still having to work every day, I will be consulting the almanac for the best planting days for each particular plant. I will also be paying attention to "companion plants," those that do well when grown together.

This is going to be a bunch of work and I reckon I'll be looking forward to Daylight Saving Time, which will be a first. THANK you for the links!

[Dover]

3. It's planting time and I'm wondering what the difference is between

planting on the new vs. the full moon. Anyone?

[dbt]

7. From what I can remember from the old folks:

The new moon would be when you want to plant your potatoes, (for example) peanuts, turnips or anything else that produces its yield beneath the ground. I remember my Grandmother saying that the full moon was good for planting corn. These two moon phases would represent the ends of their respective periods (decrease and increase) and would not necessarily be the best planting days--or the worst, either.

CAVEAT: much time has passed since I was told these things!

[Pathwalker]

8. Dbt, the first link I posted says to plant root crops

in the THIRD phase of the moon. Personally, I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE either way. I will go check this out further.

[dbt]

10. NB, I guess it depends on the interpretation.

One way of looking at it would be that the new moon would be the last possible minute of the decrease of the moon and the full moon would be the last possible minute of the increase. Around here, I never heard about the third phase being the best--it was just all about the increase or the decrease, with the exceptions of the new and the full moons. (Of course, this is omitting the "signs" for a particular day. Certain days during the increase or the decrease would be better than others.)

But you make a VERY good point: It's time for me to check those links thoroughly! Chances are, things have become a bit more refined over the years.

:hi:

ON EDIT: The "further refinement by the quarters" is, indeed, new to me! Now I am dangerously close to getting excited!!!!

[Pathwalker]

11. Well, that's why I started this thread;

I've never really tried to grow food crops much, and I want to do it right this year. All my experience has been using the moon through the signs, so I'm just now learning about the phases. I'm here to learn, and I appreciate your input!

[NEOBuckeye]

4. My Grandfather had a farmer's calendar showing the Moon's movement by sign

It gave a description of the best activities to perform during the Moon's transit of each sign. As I recall, the Earth and Water signs are generally the best for planting crops. I think the Fire and Air signs are overall better for weeding and harvesting. It's pretty interesting, actually. I'm sure someone has more info about it posted somewhere online.

[Eloriel]

5. I started a thread on Lunar Gardening in the Gardening Group forum

but it didn't get much activity. Even so, there are some interesting links, etc:

Gardening by the Moon -- Anyone?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=246&topic_id=427

[Eloriel]

6. dupe -- sorry n/t

[Pathwalker]

9. How I garden with Astrology.

As I said earlier, I use my very own, simple method for gardening with Astrology, using the Moon's passage through the signs. Here it is

Moon in Aries: Planning is one of Aries' strong suits, so I like to make my garden plans while the moon in Aries. I work up the plans I am passionate about, and then go out and weed while observing how my plans will work. Then, I set those plans aside.

Moon in Taurus: I love to get down on my knees and smell the soil when the Moon is in Taurus, because my sense of smell is heightened when the moon is here. Taurus is said to be the earthiest of the Earth signs, and the soil smells so heavenly when the Moon's here, just right for making mud pies ;-). Be sure to smell your scented plants when the Moon is here, the scent will be intensified. You can plant most anything when the Moon is here, and if you give the plant an extra shot of phosphorous when you plant it, it'll reward you with season of beauty!

Moon in Gemini: I take out those garden plans I made when the Moon was in Aries, and STUDY them. I will take it down to two plans, but I won't make up my mind, because I'll probably change it. In, fact, I purposely try to "be of two minds" regarding the plans, because it's a great time to see the pros and cons of each plan and weigh the possibilities. Also, I pay extra attention to my container plants, because when the Moon is in Air signs, they seem to dry out quicker.

Moon in Cancer: My FAVORITE. Weather permitting, I plant like crazy when the Moon is in Cancer, because I have found from my own experience that they do so much better then. Maybe that's because I am a Cancer, or maybe it's because of the way I talk to my plants - when the Moon is in Cancer - Mother is in the garden! If I see a plant that is having problems, I check it out, clucking like a Mother hen over it. If I can't figure out what's wrong from observation, I will ASK the plant while touching it, and YES - they tell me! I go all around my garden, praising the ones that are doing good,doctoring the ones that need help, and I tell every plant how much I love them and how glad I am that they are living here.

Moon in Leo: I don't weed or do any other gardening work, but BE PROUD of my garden! Gardening can be very difficult work, so I think it is important to acknowledge and be proud of all the work that goes into it. I am less critical of myself then, so if someone wants a garden tour, I like to give it while the moon is here. There's another reason for taking a few days off - sore muscles need time to heal!
This is a good time to nourish the GARDENER.

Moon in Virgo: Time to take out the garden plans and look at them with a critical eye. Virgo excels at details, so this is when I assimilate everything I've considered thus far, regarding my plans. I make up my mind here(I have Saturn in Virgo - a great help for this), and make up my shopping list, if it's needed. Then I go out and hunt down weeds to slay!

Moon in Libra: I go SHOPPING! I also have had very good luck planting flowering plants when the Moon is in Libra, with annuals having the best luck. I also try to take time to appreciate the BEAUTY of my garden, as well as checking out the symmetry of my garden. I try to look at it from an Artist's eye, because the love of beauty is heightened when the Moon is here.

Moon in Scorpio: I have read that it is good to plant underground root crops when the Moon is in Scorpio - makes sense to me, but this will be the first year I have tried to grow any. I remove any sick plant that must go and dispose of it when the Moon is in Scorpio, since the roots will be less likely to survive and re-sprout.

Moon in Sagittarius: This is a good time to invite friends over for a party, and walk through your gardens, or rake or weed. A fire sign, Sag is NOT a good sign for planting.

Moon in Capricorn: A good time to gather up all your tools, and clean them, sharpen them, or do whatever else is needed to keep them in good working order. Capricorn appreciates possessions, and understands how important it is to maintain them, so this is a good time to perform this important gardening task. Capricorn is also supposed to be a good time for planting crops, since it is an Earth sign. I confess to having less success in planting flowering plants during this sign, but your experience may differ.

Moon in Aquarius: Not good for planting, but keep an eye on your container plants. Find someone to talk about gardening with; the moon here can open people up to discussing their interests, so bend another gardener's ear, because you're bound to learn something, which makes Aquarius happy!

Moon in Pisces: If it isn't raining, I spend as much time as I can in my gardens while the Moon is here. I will plant weed, whatever needs doing here, because it just all works out wonderfully. I also "Mother" my plants, just like I do when the Moon is Cancer. If you can only find a few days each month to spend in your garden, do it while the Moon is in Pisces; it will refresh your spirit, the Earth will nurture you, and you will find it a loving, spiritual experience.


Anyway, this is my admittedly simple method of Gardening by the Moon; it has worked for me for several years.

I should add, in closing, that gardeing with the Moon changed the way I live, and look at life. I used to be a slave to the regular calender, but I now live in a more natural way; following the Moon's schedule has made me more at peace, more connected to the Earth, more in touch with my spirit. Which is why I love gardening so much!

Anyone care to discuss?

[Desertrose]

12. This is great...think I'll print it out

I pretty much go by my "gut" ......but I love this list, Anj. :hug:

I have sort of gone by my "weather sense" and what the earth is telling me.....it'll be interesting to see how that fits in with the moon cycles.:)

(Of course today is cold & snowy! .....Sat was almost 80! :silly: )

[Nancy Waterman]

14. Look up Biodynamic Agriculture

It is a "branch" of Anthroposophy, Rudolf Steiner's work. They put out a calendar every year with when to plant based on the planets. There is a lot about the Moon's Nodes and the Moon in the constellations rather than the signs ( I think). There is also something about what time of day to plant and when to harvest based on the etheric forces and the time of day. They also use homeopathic preparations for the soil to deal with most problems. It is an awesome system. I don't know many details but it sure makes a lot of sense.

http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/010114koepf/bdac.html

http://www.google.com/search?q=biodynamic+agriculture&sourceid=mozilla-search&start=0&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official

Needless to say, it is far more developed in Europe and elsewhere.

[Desertrose]

15. used to live near some biodynamic farms...

associated with Waldorf school back east IIRC. Its been too long in the desert I think. :)

Great links. Thanks Nancy :hug:

Hey...where is Spiralhawk? He knows about the CSA -Community Supported Agriculture. They also work with biodynamic farming .....

[Dover]

13. Farmer's Almanac Online

Farmer's Almanac
http://www.farmersalmanac.com /

Farmer's Almanac Astronomy section:
http://www.farmersalmanac.com/astronomy/astronomy.html

The OLD Farmer's Almanac
http://www.almanac.com /

The Chinese Farmer's Almanac
http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/Almanac.htm

Accuweather.com (world weather reports)
http://wwwa.accuweather.com/adcbin/public/index.asp

BEST DAYS (according to the Farmer's Almanac)

---Here are a few of the most popular best days as published in the Farmers' Almanac. Each activity is followed by the best day of the current month.
It's widely believed by many long-time Almanac followers that when the Moon occupies a particular place in the Zodiac each day at 7:00 a.m. EST, it can play an important role in achieving the best possible results for certain activities.
As a service to our Web visitors, we share some of these best days each month. You can find more activities and get 12 months worth in the 2005 Farmers' Almanac sold in many stores throughout the US. Or, you can order a copy from our online store


March 2005


• Bake 11-13, 19, 28
• Can Fruits and Vegetables 1, 2, 9, 28, 29
• Dry Fruits and Vegetables 3, 4, 30, 31
• Jams and Jellies 1, 2, 7, 8, 28, 29
• Cut Firewood 10-24
• Cut Hair 3, 4, 7-10, 26, 27, 30, 31
• Mow to Increase Growth 10-24
• Mow to Retard Growth 1-9, 25-31
• Castrate Farm Animals 3-10, 30, 31
• Harvest 3-9
• Prune Trees 5, 6
• Wean 3-10, 30, 31
• Hunt 10-16
• Fish Mornings: 19, 20, Evenings: 28
• Quit a Habit or Smoking 3, 4, 7, 8, 25, 30, 31

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/bestdays/bestdays.html


March 2005

1-2 EXCELLENT TIME FOR PLANTING ROOT CROPS THAT CAN BE PLANTED NOW, AND FOR STARTING SEED BEDS.

3-4 POOR PLANTING DAYS.

5-6 ANY ROOT CROPS THAT CAN BE PLANTED NOW WILL DO WELL.

7-8 A BARREN PERIOD. BEST SUITED FOR KILLING PLANT PESTS. DO PLOWING AND CULTIVATING.

9-10 FIRST DAY FAVORABLE FOR PLANTING CARROTS, RADISHES, SALSIFY AND OTHER ROOT CROPS. SECOND DAY GOOD FOR PLANTING ABOVEGROUND CROPS. BOTH DAYS GOOD TO SET STRAWBERRIES.

11-12-13 CULTIVATE AND SPRAY, DO GENERAL FARM WORK, BUT NO PLANTING.

14-15 FAVORABLE DAYS FOR PLANTING CROPS BEARING YIELD ABOVE THE GROUND.

16-17-18 SEEDS PLANTED NOW TEND TO ROT IN GROUND.

19-20 BEST PLANTING DAYS FOR ABOVEGROUND CROPS, ESPECIALLY PEAS, BEANS, CUCUMBERS AND SQUASH WHERE CLIMATE PERMITS. PLANT SEED BEDS AND FLOWER GARDENS.

21-22-23-24-25 A MOST BARREN PERIOD, BEST FOR KILLING PLANT PESTS OR DOING CHORES AROUND THE FARM.

26-27 FAVORABLE DAYS FOR PLANTING ROOT CROPS. FINE FOR SOWING HAY, FODDER CROPS AND GRAINS. PLANT FLOWERS.

28-29 EXCELLENT TIME FOR PLANTING ROOT CROPS THAT CAN BE PLANTED NOW, AND FOR STARTING SEED BEDS.

30-31 POOR PLANTING DAYS.

[Desertrose]

16. a spring equinox kick

I need to start thinking of getting my seeds planted...any ideas of a good place to get non GM seeds?

There's Heirloom seeds...they have some really old varieties...very cool.
I know there are others..

[Pathwalker]

17. I use Vessey's Seeds, which carries Heirloom seeds,

and I love Seeds Of Change, whose seeds are guaranteed to be %100 CERTIFIED ORGANIC, and they include many heirloom seeds as well. Both places have websites, where you can make an order, or request a catalog.
I gathered seeds from Vessey's Antique RainMaster Petunia, which doesn't melt in the rain, and is scented! The seeds that fell to the ground sprouted for 2 years, and may again this year!

Seeds of Change is specifically geared for organic seeds, and they also offer many natural fertilizers - I bought a 5 gallon container of worm castings!

[Desertrose]

18. Thats the one...Seeds of Change over in Santa Fe

I've had the best luck with thier seeds...the plants are awesome...and yes...they will reseed easily...which is very cool! ( and ...ahem...the way things are supposed to work IIRC)

[Pathwalker]

19. I chose 3 varieties of Cosmos from them, and planted

the seeds last Friday. I chose the Garden Yellow, Picotee Mix, and Seashell Sensation Mix. Over the years, I've gathered many varieties of Cosmos because I adore their ferny foliage and cheerful flowers. The Seashell cosmos has the sweetest tubular petals - like sipping straws.
Enjoy - they're one of my favorite companies.

I also purchased 3 bottles of the Earth Juice products; when they say these fertilizers are not for those with sensitive noses, they weren't kidding - yuck!( Several kinds of "guano") My plants like them, though!