Planting by the Moon Phases

Overview

Planting by the moon involves planting seeds or plants according to certain phases of the moon. The theory is that moisture levels in the soil are influenced by the moon in the same way that the tides in the ocean are with moisture levels rising in the top layer of soil during the period between the new moon and the full moon. Also, below ground crops such as potatoes should be planted during the period where the moon is waning or moving from a full moon to the new moon period. The moon phase planting calendar is published every year in the Farmer's Almanac.

Step 1

Prepare your garden planting area for vegetable crops by removing all weeds and garden debris and adding fertilizer and amendments as needed according to the results from a recent soil test. You can obtain soil testing information from your local county agricultural extension office.

Step 2

Locate a moon phase planting calendar by looking at a recent copy of the Farmer's Almanac. The phase calendar tells you specifically what to plant and when. The best time to plant the seeds is in the evening under the moonlight, according to folklore.

Step 3

Plant seeds at the correct depth and spacing as required on the seed package. Water the area after planting to settle the soil around the newly planted seeds.