From Guest Blogger and Office Intern: Lexa Keane
Planting with the Lunar Cycles
Questions are frequently asked about how lunar cycles facilitate gardening activities at many of the workdays and events for the Political Science Garden. In response to many inquisitive folks, I have created a quick FAQ about the lunar cycles and gardening with the help of Louise Riotte’s book, “Astrological Gardening: The Ancient Wisdom of Successful Planting and Harvesting by the Stars.”
What is lunar gardening, and how is it effective?
Coordinating garden maintenance and related activities by the lunar cycles not only provides a more intentional experience to gardening, but it also proves
beneficial for the soil ecology and vegetation. For example, certain gardening duties must be scheduled around the waning and waxing periods of the moon. During the waning phase, when there is increasing light, annuals that produce above ground should be planted, unlike biennials, perennials, bulb and root plants that should be sown during the waxing period, when light is decreasing. This is because the gravitational pull of the lunar phases affect the water cycles, thereby affecting the seed’s capacity to absorb water at certain times, such as right before the full moon.
Is there significance in planting with the astrological signs?
According to Rudolph Steiner, gardening activities such as harvesting, planting, watering, transplanting, fertilizing, and cultivation can be synchronized with the elements of the astrological signs- earth, air, fire and water. The signs are broken down into the elements as so:
- Earth: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
- Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
- Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
- Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Each of the elements correlate with specific parts of the plant, which are the 1. stem/leaf-water, 2. seed/fruit- fire, 3. flower- air, and 4. Root- earth. These correlations are based on the processes that occur within each of these parts of the plant. For example, the seed begins life by determining the genetics and biology of the plant, which is associated with fire; whereas the flower is associated with air because of the necessity of wind or insects for pollination. The moon cycles pass through each of the astrological signs, and signify when certain gardening practices must be implemented. For instance, Gemini is considered an air sign, which is suitable for weeding, removing pests, harvesting, and cultivating the garden. The moon in Cancer, however, is a time for planting and irrigation due to its association as a water sign.
Do other cultures plant by the lunar cycles?
Many indigenous groups across the globe have coordinated their crop planning and agricultural practices with the lunar cycles. Check out the link below on an article about indigenous people, such as the Mayans, Hawaiians, Polynesians, and Ketshua Indians (to name a few), and their synchronized practices with the lunar cycles.
Are there specific sustainable agricultural methods that use Astrological gardening?
Yes, astrological gardening can supplement a wide variety farming techniques. Biodynamic farming is one example of an alternative agricultural method, which was founded by Rudolph Steiner in the 1920’s. Biodynamic farming works to balance nutrients and diversity by cultivating health and fertility through a closed loop of nutrients from the farm ecosystem. Biodynamic initiatives encompass the triple bottom line of ecological, social, and economic sustainability to foster unique partnerships and collaborative efforts for a thriving agriculture. Biodynamic farmers may also use the lunar cycles to indicate when to create homeopathic sprays for the garden, which may enhance the fertility or nutrients within the soil or vegetation. Organic farmers may also utilize the lunar cycle as a means to organize their crop planning and cultivation to encourage natural growth.
Still curious about lunar gardening and alternative agricultural practices?
For more resources, check out these websites!
http://www.gardeningbythemoon.com/phases.html
https://www.biodynamics.com/content/12-ways-learn-more-about-biodynamics