Gardening by the moon refers to a planting guide which may help you to get best results in a garden. It basically helps you to find the best days for planting in accordance with changing phases and the sign of the moon. This activity is a very valuable resource that helps you to list out days suitable for seasonal gardening activities as to when to plant. Moon exerts effects on weather patterns, ocean tides and even plants.
Broadly the phases of moon are demarcated into four broad categories- first, second, third and fourth quarter. The first two quarters are waxing increasing phases and latter quarters are the waning diminishing phases. The full moon separated these two phases from each other. These phases go a long way in affecting your plant growth if planted with reference to the waxing and waning period in mind. As per the theory, in the waxing phase water table rises and nutrient can reach up to the plant more rapidly. Thus it is the ideal time for planting above ground leafy vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, celery and the like. Towards the end of this phase seeds like beans, peas, tomatoes and the like respond quite well. Whereas in the waning phase, water table is lower so it is more suitable for pruning and weeding. This phase is best for planting root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets and onions.
The Moon is moving all the time now it is in one Zodiac sign, few days after it is in another sign. Each sign is entitled with a particular natural element: earth, fire, water and air. When the Moon is in any water sign ( Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) it is the most suitable period for planting. Different types of plants have their favorable signs, for instance water signs favor leafy plants. Water signs are the most useful option to plant leafy cultures.