How do you garden by the moon? Our simple guide explains the gardening lunar calendar and what it says to do at each phase of the moon.
Many gardeners swear by taking the lunar calendar into account when gardening. But what is really behind it? We explain whether gardening according to the lunar calendar can be worthwhile for you.
The moon has undeniably a major influence on life on earth. For example, it determines the tides and is, at least in the opinion of many concerned, responsible for sleepless nights when the moon is full.
The satellite is also said to have a major influence on plant growth: Many gardeners swear by gardening according to the lunar calendar.
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Garden by the moon and lunar calendar
When gardening according to the lunar calendar , different qualities and influences on plant growth are ascribed to the phases of the moon. The phases of the waxing and waning moon are subdivided again.
A lunar cycle lasts a total of 28 days . The moon phases describe the change that the moon goes through within this cycle: Starting from the new moon, the moon slowly increases again until it is full and round in the sky as a full moon. Then the moon decreases again until there is a new moon again.
Gardening at the new moon
The new moon is the beginning of the lunar cycle . When gardening according to the lunar calendar, measures are now taken to help the plants develop new strength.
This includes cutting back and removing sick or dead plants and parts of plants. According to popular belief, the energy of the plant collects completely in the roots at a new moon, so that even a radical cut does not harm.
Measures for pest control on the above-ground parts of the plant are now particularly successful and optimally prepare the plant for the growing season during the waxing moon.
Gardening with a waxing moon
In popular belief, the waxing moon mainly affects the parts of the plants that lie above the earth . The sap is supposed to be attracted to the moon and growth is stimulated .
The waxing moon is therefore a good time to devote yourself to all plants that bear fruit above ground or whose above-ground parts of the plant are to be harvested, such as leeks, tomatoes, cabbage and cucumbers.
The waxing moon is also the best moon phase to sow or plant exactly these plants . Peas should be sown shortly before the full moon when the moon is waxing.
The first half of the waxing moon is also particularly suitable for harvesting , as the fruits are now particularly full and juicy.
Gardening under the full moon
When the moon is full, the influence of the moon on the garden is considered to be greatest . Now is the right time to fertilize the plants, because nutrients are now particularly well absorbed.
However, you should refrain from pruning hedges, bushes, roses and similar woody plants when the moon is full . Other plants also do not tolerate pruning during a full moon.
Herbs are an exception: they should be harvested during the full moon , as their healing power is said to be greatest at this point.
Gardening with the waning moon
Immediately after the full moon, however, is the best time to prune roses. While the moon is waning, you can also prune back any other trees and shrubs.
Otherwise, the time of the waning moon is ideal for everything that goes on underground, because according to popular belief, the sap is now concentrated on the roots of the plant .
Now it’s time to plant and sow root vegetables like carrots, potatoes or celery. Other plants also grow particularly well when planted when the moon is waning.
If you have pests in your garden, the waning moon is a good time to take pest control measures. Even weeds can now easily remove and sustainable.
Gardening according to the lunar calendar – overall
Opinions differ on the question of whether taking the phases of the moon into account makes a difference in the garden. While some swear by the effects of the moon and attribute the magnificence of flowers and rich harvests to the lunar calendar, others are more skeptical.
It is indisputable, however, that gardening according to the lunar calendar means that the garden is regularly maintained and cared for . Since the phases of the moon are always repeated, the plants are taken care of regularly and necessary gardening work is not easily forgotten. And this is good for every garden – regardless of the influence of the moon.
