SHARON WALKER
Plants consist of a large proportion of water and, like the tides, are effected by the moon. Crazy you might think – but you’d be wrong. Nature or the natural world works in harmony and all her aspects are interrelated. That the growth of plants are related to the cycle of the moon is part of this.
Basically, it works like this:
When the moon is waxing (growing bigger) it is a good time for those plants that grow above the ground as the moon pulls energy out of the ground and when it is waning it is a good time for root crops as the energy is pulled back into the earth. At full moon the tallest plants (trees and creepers) thrive and over the next few days of new moon the garden rests and it is best not to work it at all. So, in the first quarter sow or plant out all crops that produce fruit above ground. This is also a good time to take cuttings and bud or graft plants. Do not prune or cut back plants at this time. In the second quarter approaching full moon is the best time for soil enhancement. So feed, feed, feed. The third quarter is when one should sow and plant root crops (carrots, potatoes, onions, beetroot and garlic). During the fourth quarter leading to new moon is when you should let the soil rest and simply prepare new beds. Besides working with the moon you should also try and practice companion planning, i.e. putting plants next to each other that help each other. Plant onions next to beetroot and mint under roses. Also keep some plants apart which don’t like growing next to each other. Tomatoes hate fennel and potatoes while peas and beans hate onions. Carrots do not do well next to cabbage, potatoes and cauliflower. Make sure you don’t put your Gladoli bulbs anywhere near strawberries – because they really don’t like each other!
