The lunar calendar is used by many gardeners as a benchmark for sowing, planting and harvesting. It would indeed seem that the movements of the moon have an influence on the way in which plants develop. By respecting the different phases of the moon, you get better results. We tell you why!
The benefits of the moon on the garden
The direct influence of the moon’s cycles on plants is not scientifically proven, but it seems obvious that it has an effect, as it does on the tides and the seasons. Plants are more resistant if you respect the different phases of the moon. They germinate and grow faster and your harvest will be of greater quantity and taste quality.
The different lunar phases and your actions in the garden
In rising moon:
The internal liquids of the plants of the plants tend to rise. Now is the time to:
- Graft and / or sow your plants or your lawn.
- Picking and harvesting your aromatic herbs, vegetables and fruits which in this way will stay fresher for longer.
Plants during this period are more resistant to disease.
In the waning moon:
The activity of the vegetation descends towards the roots, in the earth. It is then necessary to pay attention to certain points:
- Pick the plants to eat immediately: their flavors, smells and tastes will be preserved and more important.
- This is also the right time to carry out: pruning your shrubs and trees, lawn fertilization operations, pruning your hedges and planting and rooting cuttings.
During the waxing moon:
- Work your soils and plant your crops.
- Harvest your potatoes, onions and carrots.
During the waning moon:
- Prune your plants that you find a little too vigorous and which take a lot of size
- Sow certain vegetables such as leafy vegetables, including salad, sorrel, spinach and cabbage …
The cycles of the moon: waxing and waning moon
We call cycles of the moon, the synodic lunar revolution which takes place over approximately 29 days. It is the luminous face which is directed towards the earth and which depends on its place in relation to the sun. When the moon is waxing, the luminous surface increases each night to reach the phase of the full moon.
During the first quarter of the moon, plant vitality is at its peak and plants are more resistant to disease. This is why picking and pruning are privileged at this time. It seems that the flowers picked during this period keep better in a vase and that the fruits can ripen in a cellar.
During the period of decay, that is to say when its luminous surface decreases every day, it is necessary to favor the period of the last quarter. Plants develop less well and are less resistant, however their flavor is at its peak. You then consume them quickly, because they keep quite poorly. This is the best time to add compost, fertilizer and organic treatments.
The days roots, fruits, flowers, leaves
The actions to be taken in the garden when you follow the lunar calendar are classified according to the nature of the plants. The position of the moon is indeed more or less favorable to different plants depending on their typology.
The leafy days : take care of your plantations with stems or leaves, your vegetable garden and fruit trees or shrubs. You can mow, prune, sow and plant leafy plants.
Fruit days : devote yourself to your fruit trees: plant, pick and harvest, now is the right time.
Flower days : only take care of your flowers.
The root days : devote all your energy to bulbs and root vegetables.
Read also : Gardening with the moon: all our tips for understanding
