---
section: moon gardening
---

- 0-3.7: the moon is dark. this is a time for **rest and planning**. prepare beds, amend soil, but do not plant. the old farmers said nothing wants to start in the dark.
- 3.7-7.4: the moon is waxing. **plant leafy things**: lettuce, spinach, cabbage, herbs that grow above ground. the light is growing and pulls the energy upward.
- 7.4-11.1: the moon is in its first quarter. **plant things that fruit**: tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash. the increasing light favors strong stems and heavy fruit.
- 11.1-14.8: the moon is nearly full. **transplant, fertilize, graft**. the light is strongest and the sap is rising. a good time to move plants and feed the soil.
- 14.8-18.5: the moon is full. **plant root crops**: carrots, potatoes, beets, onions, garlic. the energy is pulling downward now. bulbs and perennials go in well under a full moon.
- 18.5-22.1: the moon is waning. **harvest what is ready**, cut herbs for drying, prune what needs shaping. the energy is drawing inward. what you cut now heals faster.
- 22.1-25.8: the moon is in its last quarter. **pull weeds, turn compost**, cultivate the soil. this is a killing time, good for destroying what you do not want. the weeds will not come back as fast.
- 25.8-29.6: the moon is a thin crescent, almost gone. **do not plant**. rest, clean tools, plan the next cycle. the old almanacs left these days blank on purpose.
