How to follow the lunar calendar to garden with the moon in 2023?

Gardening with the moon is a practice that can be used by everyone. You don’t need to understand astrology to do this, but using this lunar calendar will deepen your knowledge in this area. It’s a wonderful tool if you’re looking to improve your gardening skills. These calendars contain information on the best time to plant, weed, fertilize, compost and control pests. In the article, discover the principles of the practice to start gardening with the moon in 2023!

Gardening with the moon 2023: lunar phases

The gravitational pull of the Moon affects the movement of water on Earth. We see this clearly with the tides which are at their maximum during the full moon and at their minimum during the new moon. The moon also affects the surface tension of moisture in the soil, a phenomenon that is difficult to observe, but one that we can take advantage of when deciding the best time to plant. It also has an effect on the flow of water in plants. The sap circulates most vigorously during the growth phase, and slows down as the moon wanes towards the new moon. The phases of the moon can therefore help us determine the best time to do certain things in our gardens.

1st quarter phase

When the new moon gets brighter and brighter, this is called a waxing moon. At this time the water begins to be sucked in and we will see the tides begin to rise in height. The ground also becomes wetter.

The first quarter phase begins 12 hours after the exact new moon. This is the best time to plant leafy annuals like basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, and arugula; for applying liquid fertilizers and for pruning and grafting, as the increased sap flow produces new growth more quickly.

2nd trimester phase

During the second quarter phase, the moon continues to grow and more than half of its surface can be seen. The closer we get to the full moon, the more the attraction on the earth increases and the higher the tides reach. Soil moisture increases, as does plant sap.

The second quarter moon begins 12 hours after the first quarter moon and lasts until 12 hours before the exact full moon. This is the best time to plant fruit-bearing annuals such as tomatoes, beans, peppers, red clover, chamomile and calendula. During this period you can also prune, graft and apply liquid fertilizers, as the increased sap flow produces new growth more quickly.

3rd trimester phase

12 hours after the exact full moon is the start of the third quarter, where the light on its surface begins to dim – this is called a waning moon. The tides have turned and will begin to decrease in height. The earth is still wet and the sap is still high, although the flow is decreasing. This concentrates the energy towards the roots, which is more suitable for rooted plants and perennial plant, which live more than two years. The period extends to 12 hours before the third quarter moon.

This is a good time to plant root vegetables and perennials like beets, carrots, onions, licorice, turmeric, ginger, rosemary, sage, thyme and oregano. Take cuttings and divide the plants. Apply solid fertilizer and harvest for storage.

4th trimester phase

At this point, more than half of the moon’s visible surface is now in darkness. The tides will soon be at their lowest and the sap of the plants is slowed down. This phase is considered not very vital and it is not recommended to plant until it passes.

Its onset is marked 12 hours after the third quarter moon and lasts until 12 hours before the exact new moon. This is a time for mowing, weeding, composting, mulching and insect control. You can apply solid fertilizers and prune to limit growth.

Gardening with the moon 2023: the astrological signs

In addition to the lunar phases, the star signs the moon is in help us determine the best time to plant, as some signs are more fertile than others. The most fertile signs are the 3 Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces and represent the best time to plant. Next, the semi-fertile signs – Taurus, Capricorn (Earth signs) and Libra (Air sign) are the second best. It is best not to plant in the garden when the moon is in a barren astrological sign, ie the fire signs – Aries, Leo and Sagittarius and the earth sign – Virgo.

Discover the lunar garden calendar for the month of February 2023 here.