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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Planting by the Lunar Phases

(Special thanks to Sooz Ellis for this posting.)

Some think this is purely superstition and folklore but it is as old as agriculture. There are definite scientific reasons for planting with the Moon.
There are four quarters in the Lunar Phase, each lasting 7 days. The first two quarters are during the WAXING Moon, or in laymen's terms, it is when the Moon is increasing in light and gravitational pull. This occurs between the NEW Moon and the FULL moon. The last two quarters are during the WANING Moon, or when the Moon's light is decreasing. This occurs during the two weeks AFTER the Full Moon.   
Not only is the moonlight increasing and decreasing during the cycle, but it is also increasing and decreasing the gravitational pull on the Earth. You will see that the tides are higher during the Waxing Moon than during the Waning Moon. With that said the gravitational pull of the Moon also makes the water table in the ground rise as well as increases the amount of light we have in the Earthsooz2's atmosphere. And we all know that any plant loves water and light.RIGHT NOW, THIS WEEKEND, is the perfect time for spring transplanting and some seed planting. Even when we know that here in Fallon that we may still have some cold snowy days, and the spring winds are here, it is still the optimum time for transplanting your shrubs and yes, roses. 
We have the perfect storm of conditions....... why:
1. TODAY is the Spring Equinox and the Earth's tilt is changing up for more direct sunlight.
2. We are starting our Lunar Waxing Cycle which means we will have 2 weeks of increased Moonlight and gravitational pull on the water in the ground and the plants themselves.
3. During the last two quarters of the Lunar Cycle, the Waning Moon, the gravitational pull and light are less, but this is the optimum time for planting any root veggies, or plants that have seeds that grow inside such as: melons, peas, tomatoes, squash, beans and peppers.

By the time THIS Lunar cycle is complete, we will see much warmer temperatures and the cycle will begin again. This doesn't mean you should put off any planting, but with a little planning, you can give your plants the best possible start. 

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