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As we come up on a new moon, the reverence that winter confers settles in nicely with the darkening night sky. It's a time to introspect and plan. Observing the orchard's anthropomorphic compliment to the seasonal cycles, it seems possible that subtler cycles may have a similarly profound impact. For centuries, women have found connection between the cycles of their bodies and the waning and waxing of the moon. Who hasn't experienced the sleepless, animated nights of a full moon, or the dank moodiness of a new moon?  This week, we'll explore the possibilities of the moon's power and influence from the perspective of lunar gardeners.
The Concept
As the moon and sun exert their forces on the water covering the globe, similar forces affect the saps in plants and moisture in the earth's crust. Most noticeably, this effect can be observed on the spring and neap tides that cycle through each month. Spring tides -- those with the greatest range between high and low tide-- follow new and full moons, fueling the wave that travels the ocean, breaking on shores and other obstructions. If we can step into this rhythm we may be able to find some surprising benefits in our gardens and orchards.
The New Moon:
The new moon has been renowned as a time for new beginnings and complimentary intention setting. Similarly, the new moon is a great time for new crops, as the moon's alignment with the earth and sun expands the gravitational effect on the earth's water. A tidal bulge stretches across the globe, cresting where the earth and moon are closest and furthest. Lunar gardeners believe that soil moisture experiences a similar pull, creating optimal conditions for freshly planted seeds to absorb water, germinate, and establish root systems. This effect is especially recommended for above ground crops.
The Waxing Moon:
Above ground plants are best planted during a waxing moon. Increasing moonlight at night encourages growth in plants. Although the waxing moon lacks in gravitational pull (in comparison to a new or full moon), and therefore slackens the available water to a new plant, the extra light may stimulate annual crops.
The Full Moon:
During new or full moons, a crop's energy is in its roots. Lunar planters see this phase bringing a downward force that is especially beneficial for any below-ground crops.
The Waning Moon:
Similarly to the full moon, a waning moon is good for root formation where bulbs, root crops, and perennial flowers are moved to establish their underground networks. Lunar planters also reason that the darkening nights offer a resting period that guides the crop's future planning. As winter embeds its own timing devices in fruit trees and other perennial crops, this shorter cycle similarly informs a garden system's intelligence. As in other periods of rest, the darker moments are good for pruning, harvesting, and fertilizing.
Best Days:
Branching off from the influence of moon phases, the astrological sign the moon is passing through is also considered to have an effect. Spoiler: this is also what determines a leaf day from a flower day in our biodynamic forecast!
If you're planting, transplanting, or grafting, it's best to work under a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) or Taurus. For harvesting, cultivating, or spraying your crops, stick with the fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) or Aquarius. For building your garden -- from fencing to beds -- do your work under Capricorn. Finally, pruning can have the best results under those fire signs, something our biodynamic calendar would agree with.
For a holistic, biodynamic interpretation of how to synch up your orcharding or farming calendar with the rhythms of the planet, read our weekly biodynamic forecast!
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