Kerry Galea spoke about Ancient Moon Gardening, using the moon phases and cycles for productive and beautiful gardens. Kerry described it as gardening in harmony with Mother Nature. A system of gardening where you do things on different days using long held knowledge from ancient times. It is known that people can be affected by the phases of the moon, in particular a full moon, the same occurs to plants as the plant juices react to the phases of the moon.
Kerry explained by following the phases of the moon to plant, sow and harvest your garden as they did in ancient times, you will get the best out of your garden. In addition to the garden these guidelines assist in knowing the best time to treat pets for parasites, mow the lawn, to go fishing and to cutting hair.
WAXING MOON – Increase in size to full moon. Prune to increase growth
WANING MOON – Decreasing in size, diminishing in energy. Prune to decrease growth
To identify if the moon is waxing or waning Kerry explained if you can reach out and if you can cup/squash the moon in your right hand it is waning (decreasing). Or cupping the moon in your left hand it is waxing (Increasing).
If the moon is a bucket moon, in particular with a ring around it, there is an 80% chance of rain occurring.
NEW MOON – Do not plant during this phase as any planting will bolt to seed. Likewise do not prune as it will result in long straggly growth and weak branches. Cutting hair will also grow back very quickly.
1ST QUARTER MOON & 2ND QUARTER MOON - Plant everything (2nd quarter differs to the type of vegetables planted). Prune to increase growth, dead head, take cuttings, graft, fertilise, spray plants, pick flowers.
FULL MOON – Pick your crop during a full moon as the plant is full of juice and at its best and have a rest. Best time to pick herbs to use in remedies as their potency is at their peak. Best time to butcher stock for tasty and juicy meat. Treat animals and pets for worms, parasites, ticks and fleas 2 days before and 2 days after a full moon.
3RD & 4TH QUARTER MOON- Plant root crops such as potatoes, beetroot, prune to retard the growth on lawns, hedges. This also includes getting your own hair cut, coloured, shaved or waxed.
The fertile & barren times of the moon are determined by the different signs of the zodiac
For further information please go to Kerry’s website
