EarthWatch Ohio

Initially, know the optimal moon phase for the cultures you're going to plant. If those are annual cultures that give harvest above the surface, it's generally optimal choice to plant them during 1^st or 2^nd quarter. It's good to be close to points of full or new moon. It is advised to plant root crops right after occurrence of full moon phase.

Next, define the corresponding moon sign that reflects your plant culture best. Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus are favorable for root crops; Pisces, Scorpio and Cancer are patronizing leafy plants; Aquarius, Gemini or Libra are best for flowers; and fruit trees are favored by Sagittarius, Leo and Aries. Some agronomists believe the fire zodiac signs to be overly dry and infertile, so any planting in those signs are more to experiment with unknown outcome. The information regarding this matter can be contained in diverse calendars, particularly in an ephemeris. Ephemeris is able to clarify times when moon goes in and leaves different zodiac signs.

Needless to discuss, the success of planting highly depends on season. Seeds of different crops have recommended conditions regarding temperature and soil composition.

Moon Phases

There are four phases of the moon. They also name them quarters. Each of them lasts seven days. Between new moon and full moon there are first and second phases that happen during gradually increasing portion of the moon. The other two phases happen when the portion of the moon is decreasing after the full moon.

Even if the gravitational pull is lower during the second quarter the moonlight still stay strong, that causes a good atmosphere for growth of leaves. Actually it is very good to plant during this time, in particular if you do it in the first two days of this period. Crops that grow good when you plant them during second quarter are those that produce their seeds inside the fruit, but grow above ground, like melons, peppers, tomatoes, peas, beans and squash. Growth also increases for mow lawns.