For the Love of Luna
Our lovely Luna rests in our sky a long 238,900 miles away from Earth. Yet its gravitational pull has the strength to influence 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 influences Earth and its bodies of water. The pull causes water and Earth to bulge out on the side closest to the moon and the side furthest away. These bulges create high and low tides in our oceans.
Every month we experience a Moon cycle, moving from new to full. The Moon's gravitational pull is the strongest when it is full and when it is "new" (when you're unable to 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 it's because our bodies are made up of 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 within us. I have found that I experience the most shifts in my life when the Moon is full or new. If you've never kept track of the Moon cycles, I urge you to try! It can be enchanting and intriguing to observe life's patterns and how they unfold with the "waves" of the Moon. It's amazing how connected we are to what is above our heads, all the way down to what is below our feet.
Gardening with Luna
Because the Moon has such an impact on Earth, it also impacts the plants and roots that grow from it. But why go out of their way to plant by the Moon phases when the plants seem to be doing fine on their own? Just like us, plants don't need to be in sync with the Moon to thrive, but it can certainly heighten their health, beauty, and nutritional value.
Humans have discovered that the Moon can also affect the water in soil, and subsequently the moisture content in plants. Just as the 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 well-established plants. The Moon's gravitational pull can also drive roots deeper into the ground producing bigger and healthier root vegetables at harvest time.
Learning Her Phases
Gardening by the Moon has been around since we began growing our own food, but it can be a complex practice in the beginning. The first step is to get to know the Moon and the characteristics of her phases and how they can influence different types of plants. Here is a simple guide to get you started:
Full & New Moon phases: When the gravitational pull is the strongest. The best time to plant seeds.
Fourth quarter Moons: Produces less gravitational pull and moonlight and is considered the best time to cultivate, harvest and prune. It is generally considered a time of rest.
Waxing Moon (new Moon to full Moon): Plant all above ground bearing vegetables during this time. This is called the "Light of the Moon" as the moon is getting fuller or lighter.
Waning Moon (full Moon to New Moon): Plant all below ground bearing vegetables at this time. This is called the "Dark of the Moon" as the moon gets darker.
So, when the season comes back around 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 aspires to spark an interest in herbs within her community through education and incorporating 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 sell any product.
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