Moon Beliefs
Gardening and planting

Gardening and planting by the light of the moon

Ray Geiger, editor of the Old Farmers Almanac has some thoughts on planting by the moon or zodiac. "Many believe", says Geiger seriously, "that if the zodiac sign and the phase of the moon are both favorable for doing a certain thing, there can be no better guarantee of success."

"Remember," he adds, "that, the Light of the Moon, is the period between, New Moon and Full Moon when it is waxing, 'or growing lighter. The Dark of the Moon is the period from Full Moon to the New Moon; when it, is decreasing or getting darker."

After you have figured the proper waxing and waning periods, you may want to test these suggestions relayed by the Almanac:

• Plant below-ground crops, or root crops (beets, carrots, potatoes or turnips) in the Dark of the Moon.
  
  
• Plant above-ground crops, like beans, lettuce, corn or cucumbers in the Light of the Moon.
  
  
• Plant flowers in Libra and while the moon is in the first quarter if possible.
  
  
• Cut timber in the last quarter of the moon—it will dry better arid not be worm-eaten.
  
  
• Destroy weeds, kill brush or trees in the barren signs, Gemini, Leo or Virgo, especially if the moon is in the. last quarter.
  
  
• Dig a hole in the 'Dark of the Moon', and you will find that you haven't enough dirt to fill the hole up-again. So dig your post holes in this period and the post will settle tight and firm.
  
  
• Cut wood in the 'Dark of the Moon', it will dry quicker.
  
  
• Pull out weeds in the last quarter of the moon and they will not return.
  
  
• Plant wheat, rye, and oats, (i.e.all cover crops and grasses) also cole crops, by Cancer.
  
  
• Plant onions and cucumbers in Sagittarius. They will do well.
  
  
• Destroy unwanted bushes and, weeds in Leo, which is a fire sign. Also a good time for killing trees
  
  
• Set out fruit trees and ornamental vines in Scorpio. They will take hold quickly and prosper.

The moon and the zodiac signs can combine to produce some wonderful effects

• Make preserves and jellies and put up pickles in Aries. Jams, jellies and pickles will be extra tasty.
  
  
• Prune trees and vines in Capricorn. The sap will not bleed nor the wounds become, blight infested.

• Peanuts, potatoes and all root crops are best planted In Taurus, a powerful Earth sign.
  
  
• Virgo is an especially potent barren sign. Do not transplant now; your seedlings will not do well. Plant as little as possible in this zodiac sign.
  
  
• Place A brick on top of some green grass at the waxing of the moon and the grass will grow out from under the brick. Place another brick a foot away during the waning of the moon and the grass will die under it.
  
  
• Plant flowers in Pisces. You'll have stocky, vigorous plants and abundant healthy blooms.

Moon/Zodiac Gardening

• Moon Gardening: Gardening by the Phases of the Moon
  Planting by the phases of the moon is a method of cultivation as old as agriculture and civilization.
  
  
• Zodiac Gardening: A Guide to Gardening by the Signs of the Zodiac
  This guide is a brief outline of the zodiacal roots of gardening by the stars and signs of the zodiac.
  
  
  
  
• The Ultimate Magic Garden
  The ultimate Magic Garden should be planted using the Feng Shui bagua as a guideline for the boundaries of the plot and placement of your plants.
  
  
• Plants Of The Zodiac
  Certain plants correspond to each of the signs of the zodiac. Knowing the birthdate of an individual will reveal the plant associated with them.
  
  For more on Moon Gardening go to moonGROW.com