The Moon and Your Garden

Originally published in Cannabis Culture Magazine, Issue 67 Written by Capuchin

There is a new movement entering the lives of farmers that will change the marijuana growing scene forever. Seeds will sprout faster, cuttings mature faster, and plants will be healthier and stronger. Best of all, buds will be ready sooner, they will be heftier, danker, sweeter, and the smoking will be stellar. This is not some fancy new light set up, some secret soil mix, or some expensive fertilizer. This information is free, 100% organic, and available to all.

Using the cycles of the moon and the placement of the planets as a guide to daily garden activities is something that was done by farmers from the advent of agriculture right up until it was replaced by machines during the industrialization revolution. But thanks to a few soldiers and scientists the methods are not forgotten, and today farmers wishing to connect with their roots are employing these ancient techniques and acts of wisdom.

To get an idea of how this all works, we will begin with what we already know. We know that the moon greatly affects the tides of the ocean. Scientists have studied animals such as mussels and fish that respond directly to the phases of the moon as well. We also know that more babies are born on or right before the full moon than at any other time.

Now notice the cycle of the moon in comparison to the life cycle of a plant, the moon is new, a seed is sown. The moon is waxing, the roots and leaves of the plant grow. The moon is full, the plant flowers. The moon wanes, the plant dies and goes to seed. What is the tie that binds activities on earth with the phases of the moon? Gravity, light, and magnetism. The following examples illuminate these three properties. When the moon is new, the gravitational pull is high. Many people plant seeds during the new moon because the water inside the seed feels the tidal pull and the sprout bursts forth more readily. When more light is available, when the moon is waxing, leaf growth increases (this would be a good time to veg. your crop). Magnetism is high during a full moon which speeds up the enzyme system in plants causing ripening (this would be a good time to put your ladies into flower).

The moon is not the only celestial element to effect your marijuana garden. All of the planets, have electromagnetic forces that, when combined with the powerful moon, affect fertility, growth, harvest time, etc. The planets, represented by the signs of the zodiac will be elaborated on more later. It should be noted that astrology is the forefather of astronomy. To get started, it is a good idea to be aware of the basic elements of the lunaic cycle. The moon completes one cycle approximately every twenty eight days. Within that cycle are four quarters. The first quarter consists of the new moon, which grows in light and pull (waxes). After seven days, the second quarter begins, which consists of more waxing and pull, culminating seven more days later as a full moon. The third quarter begins with the moons’ light and gravitational pull decreasing (waning) each night. The fourth and final quarter of the moon, the days twenty one through twenty eight in the cycle consist of more waning and reduction of the moons’ light. When applying the 12 zodiac positions to the lunaic cycle, the moon passes through one planet every few days. By forming activities around appropriate times in the moon cycle, and elements of the zodiac position the moon is traveling through, you should experience pleasing results.

Activities for each quarter of the moon

First Quarter: A few days before the new moon, but not on it, plant seeds. Leaf and root growth is well balanced at this time. Water in the soil is feeling the pull and feeding the roots, you won’t have to water as heavily.

Second Quarter: The increase in light brings about more leaf growth and less root growth. Overall, this is a fertile time and everything should be growing nicely. A few days before the moon is full, it is time to take cuttings, transplant, go into flower, or harvest (on the full moon).

Third Quarter: While the light is still bright, but beginning to wane, root growth is steady, leaf growth decreases. That is why transplanting is done prior to the third quarter to ensure the roots take hold.

Fourth Quarter: The last leg of the moons’ journey occurs now. As the light wanes, it is time for you and your ganja to rest. Activities during this time include; thinning out leaves that are yellowing or blocking the flow of light, and employing pest management (organically of course).

What to do (or not do) when the moon is in each sign

A good rule of thumb is that if the sign is masculine, it is generally not a fertile time. If the sign is feminine, it is a time to plant, transplant, etc. Signs with the elements air and fire are masculine. Signs with the elements water and earth are feminine.

• Aries: a fire sign, dry and masculine. This is not a fertile sign. Now is a good time to remove pests such as mites and powdery mildew.
• Taurus: an earth sign, moist and feminine. Use for planting crops when hardiness is a factor.
• Gemini: an air sing, dry and masculine. Now is a good time to remove unwanted leaf growth. May also be an ok time to harvest.
• Cancer: a water sign, moist and feminine. This is a very fertile time, the best time for for planting seeds.
• Leo: a fire sign, dry and masculine. This is the most barren of all signs, but a great time to harvest.
• Virgo: an earth sign, moist and feminine. It is fine to cultivate and plant when the moon passes through.
• Libra: an air sign, semi dry and masculine. This time is of relative balance. Although it is a masculine sign, it is ok to plant flowering plants like cannabis.
• Scorpio: a water sign, moist and feminine. Like Cancer, this is a very productive sign. Scorpio brings sturdiness to plants.
• Sagittarius: a fire sign, dry and masculine. This sign is barren, and it is good for harvesting and cultivating.
• Capricorn: an earth sign, moist and feminine. Not as moist as Taurus, but ok for planting.
• Aquarius: an air sign, dry and masculine. Like Aries, this is a good time to remove pests organically.
• Pisces: a water sign, moist and feminine. During this watery time, it is good to plant seeds, take cuttings, and to transplant.

If you are further interested in gardening by the moon, research books on biodynamics and astrology, peruse the Internet, and purchase a calendar that shows the various stages of the moon. Keep track of your activities in the garden and note the results. With time and patience, don’t forget to have fun too, your marijuana plants will be shining like stars!

Sources:

• Growing By the Stars http://plantsandplanets.com
• Giampi, Pam. Gardening by the Light of the Moon. Press-Tige, New York, 1998.
• Jeavons, John. How To Grow More Vegetables. “A Primer on the Life-Giving Biodynamic/French Intensive Method of Organic Horticulture.” Ten Speed Press, Berkley CA, 1982.
• Riotte, Louise. Planetary Planting. “A Guide to Organic Gardening by the Signs of the Zodiac.” Simon and Schuster, New York, 1975.
• Schilthuis, Willy. Biodynamic Agriculture. “Rudolph Steiner’s Ideas In Practice.” Anthroposophic Press, NY, 1994.

Posted Thursday, March 13th, 2008 | In Growing, Guerilla Speeks.
You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.