Gardening Moon Phases - Discover The Best Days To Plant

Gardening with the help of the Moon means gardening with nature, not against it. This means you’ll be using less chemical products and opting for more natural techniques. Our grandparents always had the most beautiful gardens without all the chemicals, and this was thanks to the Moon!

You, too, can have a beautiful, organic, environmentally-friendly and effective garden when you follow the Moon's cycles

- Discover how the Full Moon affects each zodiac sign -

When should I plant my garden according to the Moon? - 3 Things to consider

With our help, your garden will make all your neighbors jealous. In order to get the outdoors you dream of, you must follow nature's cycle with the help of our Moon calendar. Determining the best planting days with respect to the Moon involves considering lunar phases and astrological beliefs. Many gardeners and farmers follow the principles of lunar gardening, which suggest that specific lunar phases can influence plant growth and yield. 

In general, the waxing Moon (from New Moon to Full Moon) is considered ideal for planting and cultivating crops above the ground, as it is believed to support strong leafy growth. On the other hand, the waning Moon (from Full Moon to New Moon) is considered suitable for planting root crops and performing pruning or grafting, as energy is believed to be drawn downward, promoting root development. Additionally, some lunar gardening guides suggest favorable zodiac signs for specific plants. For instance, when the Moon is in a water sign like Cancer, it is believed to be an ideal time for planting or watering crops. 

1. Moon's position: Is it rising or waning?

Choose an observation point and fix your attention on a landmark in order to observe the Moon each evening. You’ll notice quickly how to spot if it's ascending or descending in the sky.

• Rising Moon: The plants’ sap increases, and this is the ideal period for priming your plants because they’re more resistant. The Rising Moon is the best time to sow seeds, harvest vegetables, or graft any more plants.
• Waning Moon: Sap decreases during the Waning Moon, and this time is beneficial for everything that lives underneath the ground. The Waning Moon is the right time to fertilize your plants and to plant or prune any trees.

2. Garden with the Moon’s position

There are 4 types of days that work with the Moon’s position. 

Root Days

These days correspond to the moment when the Moon passes through Taurus’, Virgo’s and Capricorn’s constellations (these are all Earth signs). The Moon acts upon the roots of the plants, so this is the perfect time to sow, plant, and harvest any root vegetables, like carrots.

Flower Days

The days correspond to the time when the moon is passing through Gemini’s, Libra’s, and Aquarius’ constellations (the Air signs). This Moon phase influences the vegetables and plants that have flowers, like artichokes, cauliflowers and other floral shrubs. This is the perfect time to plant, sow seeds, and repot.

Fruit and Seed Days

These days are linked to the time when the Moon passes through Aries’, Leo’s, and Sagittarius’ constellations (the Fire signs). This phase encourages the growth of fruit and seeds right now, so this is the right time to plant, sow, graft, and pick!

Leaf Days

Last, but not least, these days are when the Moon is passing through Cancer’s, Scorpio’s, and Pisces’ constellations (Water signs). This phase affects the roots and leaves of the vegetables, so this is the right time to prune, mow, or transplant anything.

3. “Harmful” days for gardening

There are certain days in which the garden should be left untouched however, these days are:

• New Moons: The Moon’s and the Earth’s orbit are intersecting
• Lunar Apogee: The Moon is at its farthest point away from the Earth.
• Lunar Perigee: The Moon is at its closest point to Earth.

What phase of the Moon is best for planting?

The rising Moon occurs between the New Moon and Full Moon phases, and it lasts for about 14.5 days. Generally speaking, the rising or waning moon is a sign of vitality, meaning it makes plants more vigorous, more resistant to pests and diseases. This phase is favorable to pruning, harvesting, planting, and picking of fruits and vegetables intended for conservation. Flowers and plants are also more productive during this cycle because the sap is more intense.

>>> Learn even more about this powerful body and read up on the 5 biggest superstitions associated with the Full Moon and the why the Full Moon causes insomnia.

🌙 Why garden with the Moon? The Science and tradition behind it

Moon gardening isn’t just folklore—it’s a practice rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern biodynamic principles. The Moon’s gravitational pull affects water in the soil, just as it influences ocean tides. This means that plant sap, seed germination, and root development can all be impacted by lunar phases. By aligning your gardening tasks with the Moon, you’re working in harmony with nature’s rhythms, leading to healthier plants and better yields.

Moon gardening benefits: Why it works

• Improved germination rates: Seeds planted during the waxing Moon tend to sprout faster.
• Stronger root systems: Root crops thrive when planted during the waning Moon.
• Natural pest resistance: Plants are more resilient when grown in sync with lunar energy.
• Reduced need for chemicals: Healthier plants mean fewer pesticides and fertilizers.

Best plants to grow by Moon Phase

• New Moon: Focus on soil preparation and composting.
• Waxing Moon: Ideal for leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and herbs.
• Full Moon: Great for flowering plants and fruit-bearing crops like tomatoes and peppers.
• Waning Moon: Best for root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions.

Gardening by zodiac sign: What to plant when

Each zodiac sign corresponds to a different plant part. For example, when the Moon is in a Water sign like Cancer, it’s a great time to plant leafy crops. When it’s in a Fire sign like Leo, focus on fruiting plants. This method, used in biodynamic farming, helps you maximize your harvest naturally.