The effect of the moon’s phases on the tide has been known for centuries. More subtle are the effects that the moon’s phases are thought to have on plants.
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The new moon is the beginning of the monthly moon phase. It is also what is known as the waxing of the moon. From there, the moon seems to grow, first to the quarter moon, known as the crescent moon, and then on to the second quarter, known as the full moon, reached by the middle of the moon cycle. After reaching the full moon stage, the moon is said to wane, or gently shrink back to the dark of the moon. This phase includes the third and fourth quarters of the lunar month and is also known as the dark of the moon the last three days of the cycle. Each quarter phase lasts approximately seven days.
It is best to plant annual herbs, those that are grown from seed and produce in a solitary season, in the first two quarters of the moon phase. It is believed that these phases are gravitationally pulling the water higher in the ground and will aid in the sprouting of seeds and the growth and development of the plant leaves and stems.
It is best to plant perennials in the third and fourth quarters, also known as the waning of the moon. This phase of the moon is said to be pulling the water table down and allowing the plants to adjust themselves to the soil. Perennial herbs are hardy plants that will return to the herb garden year after year. Most perennials have only a 10 percent growth spurt every year, with a few exceptions, such as oregano and thyme. Planting them in the waning of the moon will improve their chances to survive and thrive.
Herb garden maintenance is best done in the waning phases of the moon, especially the dark of the moon, the last three or four days of the fourth quarter. This is the best time to weed, as it will take the roots of the weeds longer to recover and rejuvenate, due to decrease in the water table. Any shrubby plants can be pruned at this time. It is also the best phase to work on eliminating harmful insects and pests.
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