Out of love for Luna
Our beautiful Luna rests in our sky at a distance of 238,900 miles from Earth. Yet its gravity has the power to affect our tides, our minds, our plants and our bodies. It may sound mystical, but the moon’s gravitational pull is very real. It generates the tidal force that affects the earth and its water bodies. The gravitational pull causes water and earth to bulge on the side closest to the moon and on the side farthest away. These bulges cause ebbs and flows in our oceans.
Every month we experience a lunar cycle that goes from new to full. The moon’s gravity is strongest when it is full and when it is ‘new’ (when you can’t see it in the sky). I’m sure you’ve heard at least once in your life that people can act a little ‘crazy’ during a full moon. But why is that? I believe this is because our bodies are 60% water. So just like the seas, we are also ‘bodies of water’. If the moon can create waves in the ocean, it can certainly create waves in us. I have discovered that I experience the most shifts in my life when the moon is full or new. If you’ve never tracked moon cycles, I recommend you try it! It can be enchanting and intriguing to observe the patterns of life and how they unfold with the ‘waves’ of the moon. It’s amazing how connected we are to what’s above our heads, all the way down to what’s beneath our feet.
Gardening with Luna
Because the moon has such an impact on the Earth, it also affects the plants and roots that grow from it. But why would they go out of their way to plant according to the moon phases when the plants seem to be doing just fine on their own? Just like us, plants don’t do that need to be in sync with the moon to thrive, but it can certainly increase their health, beauty and nutritional value.
People have discovered that the moon can also influence the water in the soil, and thus the moisture content in plants. Just as tides are highest during the new and full moon phases, seeds will also absorb the most water during these times. This causes seeds to swell, resulting in greater germination and better enriched and established plants. The moon’s gravity can also drive roots deeper into the ground, producing larger and healthier root vegetables at harvest.
Learning her phases
Moon gardening has been around since we started growing our own food, but it can be a complex practice at first. The first step is to get to know the moon and the characteristics of its phases and how they can affect different types of plants. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
Phases of Full and New Moon: When gravity is strongest. The best time to plant seeds.
Fourth quarter moons: Produces less gravity and moonlight and is considered the best time for cultivation, harvesting and pruning. It is generally considered a time of rest.
Waxing moon (new moon to full moon): Plant all above-ground vegetables during this period. This is called the “Light of the Moon” because the moon becomes fuller or brighter.
Waning moon (full moon to new moon): Plant all underground vegetables at this time. This is called the “Dark of the Moon” as the moon darkens.
So when the season comes again to start planning your garden, don’t forget to look up. Let the light of the moon (or lack thereof) lead the way!
Rebecca Younger strives to spark interest in herbs within her community through education and by integrating herbs into everyday life in exciting and innovative ways. She studied herbal medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver. She is a Customer Journey Representative at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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