By William Terry Kelley
University of
Georgia
While global positioning satellite systems are a relatively new
technology, humans have been using information for years from one
ancient satellite: the moon.
Farming and gardening by the moon probably goes back to when
dinosaur bones were tillage instruments. Some still believe that
it really works. But when are the signs right?
The ancient theory divides the lunar month into four phases, or
quarters. The first and second quarters the make up the light of
the moon, the 14-day period when the moon grows from the new moon
to the full moon. The third and fourth quarters are the dark of
the moon, or the 14 days when the moon goes from full to the next
new moon.
Signs
The 12 signs of the moon change about every two and a half days
as it moves through the zodiac signs in the night sky. Examples
are when the signs are in the breast, heart, reins, bowels,
knees, thighs and head. Refer to an almanac to see exactly
when these signs change.
Leo is said to be ruled by the heart and is a barren sign. Cancer
is ruled by the breast, a fruitful sign. Fruitful signs are used
for such practices as planting. Barren signs are best for things
like cultivation. Prepare the soil in the light of the moon and
cultivate in the dark of the moon.
Why prepare soil preparation during the light of the moon in a
barren sign? According to the theory, when the moon is growing,
it will cause the soil to remain loose and easier to turn. A
barren sign indicates a period when weeds are vulnerable and more
easily killed.
Fertilization depends on whether you use chemical or organic
fertilizers, but always apply it during a fruitful sign. Apply
chemical fertilizers in the light of the moon and organic
fertilizers in the dark of the moon.
When to water
Irrigation is best during one of the water signs like Scorpio
(the secrets) or Pisces (the feet) and in the light of the moon,
since watering also makes your fruits and vegetables grow larger.
This may hold as long as there isn’t a drought during the other
signs.
It’s best to plant crops that produce fruit aboveground in the
light of the moon. Plant crops that produce underground fruit in
the dark of the moon in the third quarter.
The first quarter is best for planting crops that produce seed
outside the fruit and the second quarter for crops that produce
seed inside the fruit. Avoid planting in the fourth quarter.
Always plant during a fruitful sign like Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces,
Taurus, Capricorn or Libra.
After you’ve tried following Earth’s original satellite, then you
can decide for yourself whether it will help you grow a better
garden.
(Terry Kelley is a Cooperative Extension horticulturist with
the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences.)
