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.

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue85/article3488.html?ts=1382984069&signature=4e2c15327308462d69ffa9fd2fe89a5e

 

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

Trip to the MUSC Garden

The Charleston peninsula is a vulnerable place threatened by rising sea levels and a whole host of social justice issues at play such as homelessness and gentrification.  Despite these challenges, the Charleston community has responded in unique ways to instability and unsustainable practices.  Urban agriculture programs have provided a unique opportunity in response to similar issues, and are on the rise, as well as a growing appreciation for local farms and sustainable agriculture. While city life can be quite luxurious, especially in a top destination town, people are desperate to get dirty. Urban gardens have provided answers to vulnerable communities, food deserts, and have enabled collaboration to transcend socioeconomic boundaries.

Because urban garden programs are relatively new and just gaining momentum in the area, one challenge is the lack of synergies and shared knowledge on growing practices.  As the garden coordinator of the Political Science Urban Garden program, I thought it necessary to engage with other groups around town.  One such example of an expanding and thriving urban garden program is the MUSC urban farm, located in the heart of the medical university’s campus.  Adjacent to the dental school, the urban farm inhabits a half-acre plot of land, and serves as an education hub for a variety of groups related to MUSC.  A fellow intern and I decided to walk over to meet with the farm educator, Jane Madden.  She was very eager to give us a tour of their beautiful urban plot, and gave detailed explanations on the programs involved, farming practices, seasonal advice, and seed information.  It was refreshing to exchange local and ecological knowledge on gardening practices, such as methods to resolve garden dilemmas like the infamous squash vine borer!

While there are major strides being taken for farm to school initiatives, there is still much room for improvement here in the Lowcountry. Creating synergies among urban garden programs, as well as grower groups provide opportunities for like-minded individuals to exchange experience and knowledge, and to strengthen the programs.  In order to create sustainable relationships with each other and the land, collaborative efforts must be made.  The lack of interaction and connection is merely a symptom of our current systemic structures, but working towards a sustainable future requires creating new patterns of communication and interaction among society and groups.  Our trip to the MUSC urban farm provided much insight on quality urban garden program structures, and most importantly, how to engage in efficient collaboration.  Special thanks goes to Jane Madden, and to the efforts made at MUSC for providing such holistic experiences to the Charleston community, as well as all those who are involved in sustainable agriculture!

 

 

Thank you to Elizabeth Beak for conducting a organic pest control workshop at the political science urban garden. The workshop was attended by a variety of faculty, students, faculty, and community members. It was a great example of how the garden is both an educational tool and a way to bring people together.

Here are some responses from some participants of the Organic natural pest control workshop:

“We had quite the time in the garden yesterday! I would like to extend my gratitude to the passion of Elizabeth Beak and Lexa Keane who made an informative day like yesterday possible! It was an informative experience and really great to learn that there are such easy and effective natural alternatives to keep pests out of the garden. As we learn more about how to maintain and preserve the garden, I feel more and more a part of it and responsible for its’ longevity. Yesterday helped to unite different offices on campus and really made me feel like a part of something much greater than myself. Everyone at the garden yesterday was involved and truly interested in the process of making our community a place that will be around for a long time. It was so nice to hear the knowledge and experiences of other gardeners and workers present as everyone’s tricks and tips contribute to our group knowledge! What a joy to watch our campus grow together.”   – Keri Lee Hlavin

“Everything I heard yesterday was very useful to me especially the Healthy Ecology, companion planting, and the Natural Pest Control.  The latter was why I came to the workshop because some bug has already shredded all my collard greens that were growing very well.  I also already have some of those companion plants in my garden but separately on different beds.  So with this useful workshop, I hope to do better with my Fall garden.  Lastly, I have the information now for future reference.  Thanks for organizing it because it was very informative and worth my time.” – Laetitia Sobiesuo

Check out these pictures from the workshop and this hand out on Natural Pest Control recipes to use on your own garden!