The New Nation - Internet Edition

In ancient times astrology played a key role in gardening. To this day it remains a powerful influence among its many followers, who insist that the moon’s phases and position in the sky can make a real and measurable difference in the way plants grow. People who plant according to the moon’s phases and the signs of the Zodiac use an almanac or a calendar that shows the exact time and date of the moon’s phases and its passage from one sign to the next. Phases of the moon refers to the moon’s shape, which is always changing from our point of view. The dark of the moon, the new moon, is the beginning phase. It’s followed by the first quarter, then the full moon. These are known as the increasing or waxing phases. The decreasing or waning phases begin with the full moon, followed by the last quarter, then back again to the new moon.

The first farmers were probably the founders of astrology. Their crops responded to the signs in the heavens and this became an easy method of ensuring good harvests.

Certain seasons brought changing conditions, which would either help or hinder the crops. Each season presented different patterns in the constellations and these patterns would evolve into astrology, as we know it today.

Fine-tune your Garden

Gardening by the signs of the Zodiac is a method of fine-tuning your gardening efforts. Planting, growing and maintaining your garden by the constellations or signs of the Zodiac and the Phases of the Moon enhances the effects of nature on your crops.

Combined effects of the Moon and the Signs of the Zodiac in your Garden

The full effects of gardening by the phases of the moon are heightened when the moon is in the right Zodiac Sign. Certain signs of the zodiac have unique benefits on particular plants.

Leafy plants do best in the water signs. The water signs are Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio, and are the correct signs for planting above ground, leafy annuals. The Earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, are also very fertile and good for planting all other above ground crops.

Root bearing crops do best in the earth signs. As the waxing moon passes through one of the earth signs plant root crops such as carrots and potatoes. This is also a good time for transplanting, as this period promotes subsurface root development.

Note: Plants which produce their fruits above ground should be planted during the waxing moon. Plants that yield their produce below ground (root crops) should be planted in the waning moon.

Fertile and Barren Zodiac Signs

The Fertile Signs

Planting and re-planting is best done during a waxing moon, in an earth or water sign. These signs are signs of fertility. The fertile zodiac signs are Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Libra, Taurus and Capricorn

The Barren Signs

Garden maintenance, soil improvements and pruning are best done when the moon is waning and in an air or fire sign. These zodiac signs are the barren signs of the zodiac. They are Aries, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius and Aquarius.

As the moon makes its monthly journey in the sky, it passes through one of the 12 constellations that make up the signs of the Zodiac and that vary in their fruitfulness. Here’s a rundown:

Cancer tops the list of fruitful signs: plant, transplant, graft and bud.

Scorpio is almost as good: plant vine crops such as pole beans or cucumbers.

Pisces favors plants requiring strong root development, which is practically every plant.

Taurus is semi fruitful: good for root and leaf crops.

Capricorn is less fruitful: good for root crops and tubers.

Libra is good for lettuce, cabbage and corn.

The barren signs don’t favor planting, but they are good for other routine gardening tasks. Leo and Virgo are the most barren signs. Don’t plant; instead, focus on such tasks as weeding.