Gardening by the moon, aka biodynamics, is a technique that has been practiced for centuries. It follows the rhythms and waves of the earth and moon. It navigates the different moon phases and the impact they have on the earth, and it considers the moon signs and what that might mean for plants. This is a system that was wildly disrupted when the industrial revolution crashed in like a red tide and farmers started relying solely and heavily on the practices that maximized crop yields to make more money.
Getting back to the moon is essential if we’re going to have societies that can sustainably thrive. This highly productive, maximum output for maximum profit way of life simply isn’t it, but that’s a tangent for a different time.
Gardening by the moon builds a closer relationship between you and the way life moves around you. It deepens the relationship you have to the land you’re tending and helps you move slower, more intentionally.
What does the moon have to do with it?
When the moon rotates around the earth a gravitational force is following it. This video is one of my favorite visuals showing how the moon effects the shape and flow of water. Where the moon is in their phase cycle is an indication of how the land will receive care. This is a concept called geotropism; a fascinating intersection of science and magic.
The Science
The location of the moon as relates to the earth indicates a gravitational pull and what’s going on with water below the surface of the soil. To sum it up briefly, during:
A New Moon: moisture is pulled to the soil surface. From a gardening perspective, seeds will germinate well at this time.
A Waxing Moon: moonlight is increasing, upward plant growth is encouraged.
A Full Moon: moisture is pulled to the soil surface. Seeds will germinate well. Light and moisture are at peak availability.
A Waning Moon: moonlight is decreasing, deep rooted plant growth is encouraged.
I remember this best by thinking Wax On, Wane Off. The moon waxes on (gets brighter, heading towards full moon) and wanes off (gets darker, heading towards a new moon).
- Wax On is like a pulling upward, forward motion in the moon’s cycle- this will encourage upward plant growth.
- Wane Off is a pulling downward motion in the moon’s cycle-this will encourage deeper rooted growth.
Biodynamics can’t be considered without acknowledging Maria Thun, a farmer who spent a large portion of her life dedicated to these studies. Throughout her work it was observed that different plants thrived being tended to during different moon phases. This brought us the elements of roots, flowers, leaves, and fruit, which are directly correlated to earth, air, water, and fire. When the moon is in an earth sign it is seemingly best to focus on plants that grow underground. When the moon is in an air sign it brings best results to focus on flowers, when in a water sign to focus on leafy crops, and in fire signs working with fruit bearing crops.
The Magic
Following the moon and making meaning based on what is visible has been a societal practice for actual, literal millennia. These are practices worth making our way back to- practices where we move slower, more thoughtfully, more in tune with what’s happening around us. A brief summary of what the moon phases typically offer:
A New Moon: a time for rest, reflection, preparing for a new phase. Creating new intentions and trusting in a new cycle as an opportunity for change.
A Waxing Moon: a time of momentum building, of gaining clarity. What are you moving towards? Do your actions align with those goals?
Full Moon: a time for existing loudly and boldly. Harvest those crops, share a feast with people you love, write wild and reckless love notes to your garden and all the plants blooming.
A Waning Moon: a time of release, a period of inner work. Where do you need to prune in your life to make space for new growth?
It’s All Connected
As the moonlight starts to increase, so does momentum. So does the gravitational pull. There is a current running underground in rhythm with the moon. Water. It is an energetic current that we can feel because our body responds to the micro-movements as well (have you ever noticed how everyone seems to be able to feel a full moon around the corner?)
Notice the synchronicities and parallels that run between garden tending and self tending; during a waning moon when deep root growth is encouraged, it’s a time to dive deeper into yourself. During a waxing moon when outward leafy growth is encouraged you’re asked to find clarity in your movements. We are significantly more connected to the non-human world then current systems would have us believe.
Plants have their own rhythms and cycles, and we’re incredibly lucky if we’re able to incorporate moments of pause so that we can witness them. This witnessing creates a mirror; our lives tend to move in sync with the plants around us. Gardening by the moon is an opportunity to deepen your relationship to the world around you, especially the plants you tend, to deepen your ability to move slowly and intentionally. It expands your understanding and the intuitive knowledge you carry.
It’s also an invitation to be curious and play. What works best for you? Try planting a leafy green during a new or full moon, and then try planting another outside of that. What differences might you notice?
An accessible note: It’s not essential to follow the moon in order to have a thriving garden space; consider this more as an opportunity and invitation. you know what you’re able to do and when. If you only have one day that you can put your tomato starts in the ground but it’s a fire moon day, a barren sign- do it anyways! Part of building a relational practice is knowing what’s needed and being able to advocate for it <3
From May-October my newsletter will send out a weekly Moon Guide where I offer suggested garden activities and spirit practices based on the moon sign, phases, and other astrological happenings. If you’re starting a garden this year or are seeking ways to be further in relationship with the plants that you tend, this is for you! You can sign up for that below.