Planting by the Moon is based on a lunar calendar!
How a Planting by the Moon Calendar Works
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Planting by the Moon is an age-old practice that gardeners and farmers have used for hundreds of years. The Old Farmer’s Almanac includes the Moon phases in its planting calendars, and many old-time farmers swear it results in healthier, more productive gardens. Here’s how it works.
What Is Planting by the Moon?
From what we’re seeing, many trend watchers are confused about Planting by the Moon. No, it’s not about gardening at night—or planting in your PJs!
It’s a simple practice based on the idea that the cycles of the Moon affect plant growth. Just as the Moon’s gravitational pull causes tides to rise and fall, it also influences moisture levels in the soil.
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Seeds absorb more water between the new Moon and the full Moon because moisture is increasingly drawn to the soil’s surface during this period. This extra moisture causes seeds to swell, promoting stronger germination and better-established plants.
Throughout history, people have planted according to the Moon’s phases—from the Ancient Egyptians to the Romans. Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, wrote about the Moon’s influence on agriculture. Even in completely different regions like China and Africa, the Moon’s cycles were considered in planting practices.
Many Native American tribes followed the lunar calendar for planting, as did the Founding Fathers of the United States. Benjamin Franklin, the father of the modern Almanac, published the lunar calendar to help Colonial farmers, a tradition that continues with The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Today, some modern farmers, especially those interested in sustainable gardening, still consider the Moon cycle when planting. One example is agriculturalist John Jeavons, the father of the biointensive gardening movement.
Planting by the Moon Calendar
To discover WHEN to plant by the Moon, see The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s Gardening Calendar.
This calendar, updated every year, calculates the correct Moon phase for all your common vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
Note that Moon phase gardening is reasonably straightforward. It considers two periods of the lunar cycle:
- The time between the new Moon and the full Moon (the waxing of the Moon) and
- The time between the full Moon and the new Moon (the waning of the Moon).
It’s best to plant certain types of plants during the waning of the Moon and other types during the waxing.
How to Plant by the Moon’s Phases
To plant by the Moon, follow these guidelines:
- Plant your annual flowers and fruit and vegetables that bear their harvest above ground (such as corn, tomatoes, watermelon, and zucchini) during the waxing of the Moon. This means from the day the Moon is new to the day it is full. As the moonlight increases night by night, plants are encouraged to grow leaves and stems.
- Plant flowering bulbs, biennial and perennial flowers, and vegetables that bear crops below ground (such as carrots, onions, and potatoes) during the waning of the Moon. This means from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again. As the moonlight decreases night by night, plants are encouraged to grow roots, tubers, and bulbs.
The Moon, Plants, and Gravity
The Moon also impacts plant growth through geotropism—how plants grow in response to gravity. Roots grow downward in the direction of gravitational pull, and stems grow in the opposite direction (i.e., upwards). This behavior can be easily demonstrated with potted plants. Lay one on its side, and the stem will grow upwards. Or, consider a tulip bulb: if you plant the bulb incorrectly with the pointed end down, it will turn around and send its shoots upward, even though it’s in total darkness.
Past Almanac editor Janice Stillman describes how Planting by the Moon works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same thing as Best Days by the Moon?
No, if you came to this page looking for our Best Days calendar, go to the complete Best Days Timetable. Planting by the Moon is astronomical, depending on the Moon’s phase. Astronomers base their studies on research and observation. What folks call the “Best Days by the Moon” is astrological, based on the Moon’s positioning and a belief that its position in the zodiac affects events on Earth.
Do you have scientific evidence that Planting by the Moon works? While there is some evidence that the Moon phases might have a small impact on plant growth, other studies say it’s folklore. (We say, doesn’t folklore always contain a kernel of truth?) Many experienced farmers swear by this practice and have had great success. Be realistic and remember that many factors considerably influence plant growth: soil quality, sunlight, water, air circulation, weather conditions, plant varieties, and pest management.
What if the Moon cycles don’t align with the time I want to plant?
We hear you! If your goal is to get your seeds in the ground as soon as possible and not wait for the Moon phase to align, it’s a judgment call. If you can only garden on the weekends, get your seeds in the ground whenever your busy schedule allows. Here at the Almanac, we’re a practical bunch. It is a fun and traditional practice, and we plant by the lunar cycle when it makes sense for the rest of our lives.
Seeds will certainly grow perfectly well any time of the month they are planted if they’re given the nourishment and care that they need. Planting by the Moon is a way to capitalize on the magnetic and gravitational impact of the Moon.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the Planting by the Moon calendar, a tool that customizes your planting dates by the last spring frost and lunar cycles based on your exact zip or postal code.
Ready to grow? We have all the information to plant, grow, and harvest your favorite veggies, herbs, fruit, flowers, and shrubs in the Almanac’s free library of Growing Guides.
Do you plant by the Moon? Do you think the technique helps you grow better crops? Let us know in the comments!
Catherine Boeckmann
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It is a vapor trail, not exhaust. Nice contrast, which is what you strive for in photos.
I remember asking my father when I was a youngster if he thought planting by the signs really worked He replied that whether he did or not why go against it ?
Cindy...wanted you to know that I cleaned my bird baths like you suggested last month with a scrub brush, white vinegar and a garden hose. They came out nice and clean and the birds are enjoying. Thank you.
I am 65 yrs young and watched my Grandfather raise veggies and flowers by the Almanac
every season
Wouldn't do it anyother way, great times and great results with him
And I carried on the tradition , with the same
I’ve never been able to grow flowers until I planted by the moon. Now my neighbor is worried mine are gonna outdo hers!
I remember my mother’s first garden as horrific, lol. Lots of hard work and little yields. The next year (and every year thereafter) she bought a Farmers Almanac and planted by the Moon. We also used our grass clippings between and around the plants (not close to the plant base as they will burn the plant) heavily for weed control. Never had need of a Hoe again!! Replacing the grass clippings every mowing was so much easier and faster than weeding! What few weeds that did come up pulled easily. Everyone was always in awe of my Mom’s garden. We canned enough to get through the following years harvest and gave the rest away to anyone who wanted it. The plants just kept on producing!! We took 30gal trash bags full of green beans to Retirement Homes, set out stands in front of the house with free vegetables etc., so nothing went to waste. I am a firm believer in Planting by the Moon!!
I never planted by the moon and have had excellent crops (until last year which was not good at all).). Have I just been lucky for 40 years?
As far as I can remember my ancesters have gardener by the moon and Astrological signs. My ancesters called these "signs". This works for me also. I always check for these "signs" before I garden.
