Lunar Gardening - An Introduction
Sunday, June 3rd, 2007What is Lunar Gardening
The idea that the Moon exerts a determinable influence on plant and crop growth may be as old as agriculture. The idea is found embedded in the folklore of many ancient societies, ranging from the Celts in early Britain to the Maoris in New Zealand. As far as recorded comments on the subject are concerned, Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), the Roman historian, in his Natural History gives many instructions on how to regulate agricultural activities according to the cycles of the Moon.
The light of the sun, moon, planets and stars reaches plants in regular rhythms. Each contributes to the life, growth and form of the plant. By understanding the gesture and effect of each rhythm, we can time our ground preparation, sowing, cultivating and harvesting to the advantage of the crops we are raising. Just like a sailor sets sail according to the right tide, so too gardeners can garden according to lunar rhythms. (more…)