Gardening by the Moon: Sowing with Lunar Cycles

# Gardening by the Moon: Ancient Wisdom

For millennia, farmers around the world have sown, planted, and harvested according to the phases of the Moon. Far from being superstition, this practice is supported by studies showing that lunar gravity affects the rising of sap in plants.

## Basic Principles

### Waxing Moon (New → Full)

Energy RISES. Sap rises in plants.

- ✅ **Sow** plants that fruit above ground (tomatoes, beans, flowers)

- ✅ **Plant** and transplant

- ✅ **Graft**

- ✅ Harvest leaves and fruits

### Waning Moon (Full → New)

Energy DESCENDS. Sap moves toward the roots.

- ✅ **Sow** root plants (carrots, potatoes, onions)

- ✅ **Prune** and trim

- ✅ **Compost** and fertilize

- ✅ Harvest roots and tubers

- ✅ **Preserve** and dry herbs

## Special Days

- **New Moon**: sow nothing — a day of rest and planning

- **Full Moon**: peak harvest day and time to charge watering water

- **Lunar nodes**: do nothing in the garden (unstable energy)

## The Magical Garden

A traditional **witch's garden** contains:

- Protection herbs (rosemary, sage, basil)

- Love herbs (rose, lavender, jasmine)

- Healing herbs (chamomile, mint, lemon balm)

- Divination herbs (mugwort, vervain, St. John's wort)

Plant them in a circle or spiral to create a living mandala.