Page 31 - Intra Muros April 2024
P. 31
GARDENING
THE MOON AND GARDENING
By Elize Malan
y trial-and-error early farmers learnt
that besides variables such as the
Bweather and skill, planting at certain
times resulted in better crops. For them,
the light of the sun influences climate and
temperatures and their pagan traditions
acknowledged the importance of the
moon.
Modern astronomy and physics have
confirmed that the sun and moon change
the magnetic fields on the Earth according
to their position in the sky. The influence of
the moon on the tidal flows of the ocean is In South Africa, planting guides for our • Full moon to last quarter. As the moon
well-known. southern hemisphere are available in each wanes, it is beneficial to those plants
issue of The Gardener magazine and on that rely on strong root systems. Plant
There is a similar effect on more subtle web sites. below-ground produce and all bulbous
bodies of water, such as moisture levels in plants.
the soil and all living matter. If you find all of this confusing, stick • Last quarter to dark phase. The most
to common sense and good gardening barren period as the gravitational pull on
We have scientific evidence that the lunar practices and try working with the four the earth’s water is at its weakest. Best
cycle as well as the position of the moon basic lunar phases only. for weeding not planting.
to the stars influence the way nature
performs. The moon has a 29.5-day (synodic) cycle Modern horticulture can extent growing
around the Earth. This is measured from seasons and manipulate plant growth
The demand for more natural produce and one new moon to the next new moon. and sceptics may regard the calendars
gardening in harmony with nature has seen anecdotal rather than scientific.
a growing interest by organic gardeners This cycle is divided into four parts: The practical theory of working with lunar-
• New moon to first quarter. Seen as a
and farmers in moon planting.
semi-fertile period. New moon (dark star constellations was proven through
As the average person is not an astrologer, phase) is the best time to plant succulent systematic research by pioneers such as
a guide or calendar is required. offsets or take succulent cuttings. Maria Thun and John Harris. Their work
• First quarter to full moon. This is the resulted in a useful moon planting guide as
In Europe (northern hemisphere) gardening most fertile period and the success rate we know it today.
by lunar and star constellation is very for seed germination increases a few
popular and numerous different calendars days before full moon. It is a good time Sources:
are available each year. to plant seedlings. A Complete Guide for South African Gardens by
Irmela Reichardt
https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/blog/moon-
food-planting-calendar/
The ultimate Moon Gardening Guide by The Gardener
https://whiskerflowers.wordpress.com/2018/02/14/
lunar-gardening-revisited-biodynamics/
Tel: 012 804 1807
Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
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