Planting by the moon phases

Throughout history man has depended on the phases of the moon for planting guidance.   It was noticed that plants did better or worse depending on the phase of the moon during planting.  This is attributed to the influences that the gravitational pull of the moon has on the water content of the soil.  Harvesting, especially for storage, was also considered best done in a certain moon phase.  Some gardeners swear by it, others think it's not anything to consider at all.   There is an abundance on information out there about planting with the Lunar phases.  Included here is just a very brief introduction to terms and basic guidelines.  If you are a "plant by the moon" type of gardener, or want to try it, this page will give you the current moon phase.

The entire lunar cycle lasts approximately 29.6 days and is divided into four phases.

WHAT TO PLANT WHEN:  (see terms below)

New Moon (as it waxes) - plant above ground annual crops that produce their seeds on the outside of the plant.   Examples are: lettuce, spinach, celery, broccoli, cabbage, grains, etc.

Second quarter - plant above ground annuals that produce their seeds inside the plant.  Examples are:  beans, melons, peas, peppers, squash, tomatoes, etc.

Full moon (as it wanes) - plant root crops such as beets, carrots, onions, potatoes, etc.   Also good for perennials, biennials, bulbs and transplanting.

Fourth quarter - this is a resting period for planting.   It's a good time for cultivating, harvesting, and pruning.

TERMS:

New Moon - this is the dark of the moon, when moonlight is not seen.

Second quarter - the half moon between the new moon and the full moon

Full Moon - yep, that's when we see the full circle of moonlight 

Fourth quarter - the half moon between the full moon and the new moon

Waxing moon - when the light of the moon is increasing - that is between the new moon and the full moon

Waning moon - the light is decreasing - from just after the full moon until the new moon

Gibbous - derived from the Latin for hump, this moon is more than half, but not yet full

Crescent - a sliver - less than half full, but not yet dark