The Resurgence of Planting by the Moon
Lunar planting is an ancient practice rooted in the belief that the moon’s phases influence the growth and health of plants. This agricultural wisdom has been passed down through generations and is seeing a resurgence among modern gardeners.
Key Points
- Total lunar eclipse will happen on March 13th
- Planting by the moon’s cycles is an ancient practice
- The Blood Moon is a time of reevaluating your life and planting practices
- The moon’s gravitational pull changes with the phases and impacts plant growth
On March 13th get ready to see a total lunar eclipse with its mesmerizing reddish hues. This moon is known as a Blood Moon and it’s the perfect time to explore how the moon’s cycles affect soil fertility, root growth, and shoot growth. Lunar planting is part folklore and part science. Gardening with the moon’s rhythms has stood the test of time.
The Science and Folklore of Lunar Planting
Across cultures, lunar planting has been practiced with reverence. In ancient Rome, farmers relied on lunar calendars to guide their planting and harvesting. In China, the practice is intertwined with traditional agricultural festivals and the lunar calendar. These historical practices attest to the enduring appeal and effectiveness of lunar planting.
But what’s the science behind lunar planting? Is there proof that it is better than conventional gardening?
Lunar gardening operates on the premise that the moon’s phases affect the moisture content in the soil, making it more or less conducive to different planting activities. The waxing and waning of the moon create subtle but significant changes in the earth’s gravitational field, influencing the movement of water and nutrients in the soil.
The belief that the moon’s gravitational pull influences water in the soil, much like the tides, forms the cornerstone of lunar planting. The gravitational pull of the moon on the water in the soil affects nutrient cycling, microbial communities, and water capillary action. Think of the water in the soil as very…very….tiny tides.
The Phases of the Moon and Their Impact on Soil Water
Each phase offers unique benefits for different stages of plant growth. Gardeners who swear by Lunar Planting break the moon phases into 3 phases: new moon & 1st quarter (waxing), full moon, and last quarter (waning).
During the new moon and first quarter, the moon’s gravitational pull increases, encouraging the upward movement of water in the soil. This period is ideal for planting crops that grow above ground, as the increased moisture and rising energy stimulate shoot growth. Leafy greens, cereals, and annuals thrive when planted during this phase.
The full moon brings peak gravitational pull and moonlight intensity. This phase nourishes the roots, making it the perfect time to plant root crops and perennials. The increased gravitational force draws water and nutrients deeper into the soil, promoting strong root development.
As the moon transitions to the last quarter, the gravitational pull decreases, consolidating energy below ground. This is the ideal time for pruning, composting, and preparing the soil for future planting. Activities that benefit from a downward energy flow, such as root development and soil improvement, are best performed during this phase.
During the full moon prepare for maximizing the last quarter below ground energies and the synergies created with biological soil amendments, biochar, and biochar blends. You’ll be giving yourself an advantage as you plant leafy green seeds under the waxing moon influence.
Our VITAL Blend biochar and humate blend is a valuable soil amendment for improving your soil fertility. Apply in the daylight for best results and see what your neighbors think about your moon planting.
Soil Fertility: What Does the Moon Do?
Key Points
- Soil moisture is affected by the phases of the moon
- Microbes are soil creatures, and the phases of the moon affect their activity
- Leafy greens should be planted with a waxing moon
- Root vegetables and transplanting perennials should be planted during a waning moon
- Since pre-historic times, lunar eclipses have been times of high ritual
Each phase has a different gravitational pull and light intensity. Soil water is absolutely necessary for plant health, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling. As the moon waxes and wanes, it exerts a gravitational influence on the earth, causing subtle shifts in soil moisture. These changes can enhance nutrient availability and microbial activity, creating a dynamic and fertile environment for plants.
If you look at soil under a microscope, you’ll see tiny microorganisms swimming around. Soil microbes are water creatures. The soil water is the medium microbes use to move from place to place. The water also transports nutrient ions to and from microbes.
Soil fertility can happen slowly, nature’s pace, and that’s what we see in forests or other wild spaces. Or we can incorporate carbon, nitrogen, and other nutrients and add microbes to convert those nutrients into more plant available forms.
The addition of a charged biochar, such as VITAL Blend, is a good example of a soil amendment that not only benefits the soil in the short-term but starts a cascade of soil activities that are beneficial in the long term.
The moon is subtly pushing and pulling on the soil water, causing miniscule changes. Biochar’s porous structure helps retain moisture, making it more available to plants, especially during the waxing moon when water uptake is crucial for plant shoot growth.
When the water moves around, so do the microbes and nutrients. Soil structure is enhanced, whether sandy soil or clay, with the addition of a biochar blend. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil increases so more nutrient ions are available to plants for growth.
Microbes, those water creatures, move around in that film of soil water and ferry nutrients to plant roots. This is critical during the full moon when root development is the greatest.
Do You Want Roots or Shoots? Timing is Everything
Are you growing leafy greens, tomatoes, peas, or beans? These are all technically “shoots” and need to be planted during the waxing moon. The upward gravitational pull on those tiny…tiny…tides of soil water make a miniscule high tide.
Just as a high tide leaves seaweed and even tiny shells on the beach as it retreats, the soil water tide brings nutrients and microbes to the upper levels of the soil. Plants access those nutrients for enhanced shoot growth.
But, if you want the ideal conditions for your beets, carrots, and potatoes, you want the tide to be receding – that happens with a waning moon. The gravitational pull of the moon is less and the higher energy storage in the soil water benefits root crops. It’s also the time for transplanting and pruning – both activities activate root growth.
Back to the Blood Moon and Its Significance for Your Growing
This month the earth will align directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow over the moon, and causing a full lunar eclipse. The mooon will glow with an eerie, but beautiful, reddish glow. This astronomical event is rich in folklore and often considered a period of heightened cosmic energy.
Around the world, lunar eclipses, and the Blood Moon in particular, are celebrated with rituals of cleansing, protection, and reflection. The Lakota people see the Blood Moon as time for spiritual reflection and renewal.
In Aztec mythology during the Blood Moon lunar eclipse the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui was attacked by jaguars. If the jaguars won the world would go dark. There was much bloodletting to appease the gods and restore cosmic balance.
Today, the Blood Moon is often seen as a time of heightened cosmic energy and transformation. It’s an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for spiritual growth.
In a little aside about the moon and blood, the Aztecs probably had very productive harvests on the grounds where they appeased the gods during the eclipse. Blood is a highly nutritious byproduct of the slaughtering process. It’s high in crude protein, iron, amino acids, and other minerals. It’s usually found in powdered form, as bloodmeal. Our product, VITAL Blend has bloodmeal in it.
During this Blood Moon, are you preparing the amendments you’ll be applying to your soil during the next phase of the moon? Have you ordered your VITAL Blend yet?
