Here are a few tips for those who are interested in gardening by the moon.
Today the moon is in Taurus, and for the next two weeks it will be in the waxing stage, getting bigger and bigger as it heads toward the full moon. This two-week period would be the correct time, especially in this part of the world, to finish planting all the rest of your above-ground crops. Of course, if you have something you want to stagger the harvest for, you can still do another planting in May so it doesn't all ripen at the same time. There is a higher likelihood (if you live in central Arkansas) that your May plantings will not be as successful on account of high heat or drought which is common around here during part of the summer (not always the same part, so it's impossible to predict with any accuracy). In this first quarter, focus on planting annuals of the leafy kind, generally which produce their seeds outside the fruit. Some examples are asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cress, endive, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsley, spinach, and sweet corn. Cucumbers, even though they bear their seeds inside their fruit, also do best if planted in the first quarter. Also plant grains at this time. If you won't be able to do any planting next week, then go ahead and finish all your planting either before Monday noon, or during the moon's passage through Cancer later in the week. Trimming or mowing now will stimulate growth. Planting in Taurus increases hardiness in annuals.
The moon enters Gemini at 1:05 in the afternoon on Monday, April 23. Gemini is considered barren, dry, and airy, and is generally used for destroying noxious weeds and pests, and for cultivation. Since the moon is in the first quarter, however, the effectiveness of these activities will be compromised. Do it anyway if the situation demands it. If you have any planting left to do, hold off if possible until the moon is in Cancer.
In the early morning hours of Thursday, April 26, the moon slips into the sign of Cancer, which is fruitful and moist. This is considered the most fertile of all the signs in the Zodiac. With the moon still in the first quarter, keep your focus on planting annuals of the same kind as we mentioned above. We will plant the kinds that produce their seed inside their fruit next week when the moon is in the second quarter. Now is also a good time to fertilize, to irrigate, or to graft plants. Trim or mow to stimulate growth.
Shortly after noon on Saturday, April 28, the moon passes into the constellation Leo, and remains there through the rest of the weekend. Leo is barren, dry, and fiery, similar to Gemini above. Because the moon is waxing, don't get too carried away with mulching, weeding, cultivating, or spraying, unless something is an emergency. The results could be disappointing. Be careful about pruning with the moon in Leo, unless you want something to die. This would be an excellent time to catch up on activities that do not directly affect planting or pest control. If you need more raised beds, make them now. You can even mix your soil and get the beds ready for planting. If you need trellising or protective covers, now's the time to make them. If you need to remove rocks from your garden, you could do that now too. Otherwise, just leave your garden alone. Go focus on hobbies or interests unrelated to agriculture. Studies show that seeds planted in Leo tend to do very poorly. Next week will bring you more favorable days for that.
Blessings to all!
Today the moon is in Taurus, and for the next two weeks it will be in the waxing stage, getting bigger and bigger as it heads toward the full moon. This two-week period would be the correct time, especially in this part of the world, to finish planting all the rest of your above-ground crops. Of course, if you have something you want to stagger the harvest for, you can still do another planting in May so it doesn't all ripen at the same time. There is a higher likelihood (if you live in central Arkansas) that your May plantings will not be as successful on account of high heat or drought which is common around here during part of the summer (not always the same part, so it's impossible to predict with any accuracy). In this first quarter, focus on planting annuals of the leafy kind, generally which produce their seeds outside the fruit. Some examples are asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cress, endive, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsley, spinach, and sweet corn. Cucumbers, even though they bear their seeds inside their fruit, also do best if planted in the first quarter. Also plant grains at this time. If you won't be able to do any planting next week, then go ahead and finish all your planting either before Monday noon, or during the moon's passage through Cancer later in the week. Trimming or mowing now will stimulate growth. Planting in Taurus increases hardiness in annuals.
The moon enters Gemini at 1:05 in the afternoon on Monday, April 23. Gemini is considered barren, dry, and airy, and is generally used for destroying noxious weeds and pests, and for cultivation. Since the moon is in the first quarter, however, the effectiveness of these activities will be compromised. Do it anyway if the situation demands it. If you have any planting left to do, hold off if possible until the moon is in Cancer.
In the early morning hours of Thursday, April 26, the moon slips into the sign of Cancer, which is fruitful and moist. This is considered the most fertile of all the signs in the Zodiac. With the moon still in the first quarter, keep your focus on planting annuals of the same kind as we mentioned above. We will plant the kinds that produce their seed inside their fruit next week when the moon is in the second quarter. Now is also a good time to fertilize, to irrigate, or to graft plants. Trim or mow to stimulate growth.
Shortly after noon on Saturday, April 28, the moon passes into the constellation Leo, and remains there through the rest of the weekend. Leo is barren, dry, and fiery, similar to Gemini above. Because the moon is waxing, don't get too carried away with mulching, weeding, cultivating, or spraying, unless something is an emergency. The results could be disappointing. Be careful about pruning with the moon in Leo, unless you want something to die. This would be an excellent time to catch up on activities that do not directly affect planting or pest control. If you need more raised beds, make them now. You can even mix your soil and get the beds ready for planting. If you need trellising or protective covers, now's the time to make them. If you need to remove rocks from your garden, you could do that now too. Otherwise, just leave your garden alone. Go focus on hobbies or interests unrelated to agriculture. Studies show that seeds planted in Leo tend to do very poorly. Next week will bring you more favorable days for that.
Blessings to all!
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