(Courtesy: Tony Edgecombe at flickr.com)
We all know that the Moon’s gravity affects the high and low tide of the oceans. However, did you know that it also affects aspects of your gardening?
There are actually several lunar gardening principles that include synodic, biodynamic, and sidereal.
The biodynamic method uses the constellations to determine when to perform certain gardening activities. The sidereal method refers to the moon’s orbit around the Earth to determine the best time to sow and harvest. The synodic method is the simplest of the three and is based on the four phases or quarters of the moon.
Synodic Method Of Gardening By The Moon
To understand how to use this particular method of gardening by the moon you need to understand its four quarters or phases and how they influence Earth. It would also help to understand certain terms used when gardening using the synodic method. These terms are waxing and waning.
When the Moon is in the waxing phase, its illumination is increasing; when it is going through the waning phase, the Moon’s illumination is decreasing.
The four phases of the moon are:
· The New Moon
· The Second Quarter
· The Full Moon
· The Fourth Quarter
During the New Moon, the Sun and Moon are in approximate alignment. During this period the gravitational pull of the Moon is increased. Therefore, according to those gardeners who use the Synodic Method of Gardening By The Moon, the flow of moisture in the soil is more efficient and helps in the growth of plants. So it is believed that the New Moon is the best time to start growing above the ground crops including lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower.
In the second quarter of the lunar cycle, the brightest of the Moon increases as the Moon and Sun move further apart. Those who favor the synodic method of gardening by the Moon believe that moonlight helps seeds germinate and encourages leaf growth. So, this is a good time to grow above ground crops that produce seeds inside fruit as well as leafy plants. It is believed that the energy from the Moon is absorbed into the leaves assisting in photosynthesis.
The gravitational pull of the Moon starts to increase again and the intensity of the moonlight starts to diminish. It is believed by supporters of the synodic method of gardening by the Moon that this is a good time to focus on planting root crops including carrots and potatoes. It is also said that this is a good time to transplant because the efficiency of moisture flow is getting strong again.
The intensity of Moonlight and the Moon’s gravity starts to decrease during the fourth quarter, believe gardeners who follow the synodic method of gardening by the Moon. It is believed that this time is best to harvest the crops. It is also said that the fourth quarter is a good time to mow the lawn.
Gardeners who use this method don’t rely on it solely. They understand that location also has an effect. For example, if one gardener is located in the northern region of the United States and another is in the southern region, they won’t necessarily be able to grow the same type of crops. That’s because other factors influence the growing process. These influences include soil type and weather conditions. So when using the synodic method of lunar gardening, consider it as one of many other strategies you need to consider.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
