Grow crops by the phases of the moon; GARDENING.
Gardening by the moon is an ancient tradition that is increasing in popularity again. It means only carrying out certain gardening tasks on alloted days for the best results.There are some wine growers who swear by the method and some fruit and vegetable growers claim there are benefits.
For those interested in the idea, Findhorn Press has produced a book called In Tune with the Moon, which offers advice to gardeners interested in trying the method.
The book explains that many people think that the ascending moon is the same as a waxing moon, and descending moon is the same as waning moon. In fact they are totally different.
The moon can be ascending and waning or waxing and descending.
The path of the ascending and descending moon is similar to the progress of the sun during the year. However, while the sun ascends and descends over the period of a year the moon ascends and descends over a period of 27 days, seven hours and 43 minutes - this is known as the periodic lunar cycle.
The moon is ascending when, every night, its orbit is higher than the night before. Look at the moon, ignoring the stars for two consecutive nights to work out whether it is ascending or descending.
On the first night, establish its position in the sky as accurately as possible. On the second night look a little later if the moon is higher in the sky than it was the night before it is ascending, if it is lower it is descending.
WATERING
To avoid plants developing shallow roots, instead of watering little and often, water generously but less frequently. The ideal time to water is when the moon is descending, in April this would be from the 11th to the 22nd.
SEED SOWING
Continue sowing your vegetable seeds and seed potatoes in April, remember, if you want bumper crops this year then sowing the seed at the optimum time in the lunar cycle can be a real help.
When growing using the moon's cycle vegetables are divided into four groups, roots, fruits, leaves and flowers. These are all sown at different times of the month in order to maximise the moon's influence.
SOWING SEEDS
Root vegetables (beetroot, carrot, Jerusalem artichoke, parsnip, potato, salsify, turnip and white onion) can be sown in the open ground on April 1, 9, 10 18-20 and 28.
Fruiting vegetables (broad beans and peas) can be sown in the open ground and courgettes, cucumbers, bell pepper, pumpkin, runner beans, sweet corn and tomatoes can be sown under protection on April 7, 8 (morning only), 11, 16, 17, 25-27.
Leaf vegetables (basil, celery and, during the first half of the month, lettuce and spinach) can be sown under protection on April 4-6, 13-14, and 23-24. Brussels sprout, cabbage, cardoon, chervil, cress, kohlrabi, leek, parsley, spinach seed and Swiss chard can be sown in the open ground on the same days.
Flowering vegetables can be sown on April 3, 11-12, 21-22 and 30. Artichoke in the open ground, broccoli/cauliflower under protection.
CULTIVATING THE SOIL
The work of planting, pricking out and spreading compost or manure is best carried out when the moon is descending, April 11 - 22.
CAPTION(S):
Some gardners swear by the ancient method of growing crops by the phases of the moon
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| Title Annotation: | Features |
|---|---|
| Publication: | The Birmingham Post (England) |
| Date: | Feb 23, 2008 |
| Words: | 555 |
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