Another Way to Garden-- Mary Rajapaske

Here is an old-fashioned way to garden.
The basic mantra here is—Everything has a Place in the Sun- Do No Harm- Thou Shall Not Kill—
This may seem like a lecture- but, please take the time to read it- you may find it very interesting.
I have done this, and it has worked wonders for me. I plant in the spring/ summer, using the phases of the moon, and my neighbors laugh at me !!!!
But, I have a very eco-friendly garden, and have a Certified Backyard Habitat award from the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
Astronomical Gardening— Planetary Influences---this involves the practice of timing gardening/cultivating activities, to coincide with the phases of the moon and its position in the Zodiac.
This is a very ancient method used by all the Aboriginal Peoples around the world, and the old time farmers, before John Deere ( and the Industrial Revolution) came along to rip out the Tall Grass Prairies of North America/Canada.
Moon is believed to be the Mistress of the Growth, and The Mother of the Planetary System, the Sun- the Father. During its 29 and a half days, it moves through the 12 constellations of the zodiac.
Certain plants do better, when planted at specific times, when the moon is at a specific constellation.
The four phases of the moon - New moon,, first quarter, full moon, last quarter- influenced the harvest of certain crops.
Fruitful signs --- Increasing Light Phase – is when the moon is in the First quarter à up to Full moon.--- good period for all ‘above ground’ planting, transplanting, budding, grafting, seeding plants that will bear fruits/pods and annual flowers.
The best zodiac is when the moon is in Cancer and Scorpio, Libra, Pices
Barren signs —Decreasing Light Phase – is when the moon is in the Full Moon -> Last quarter.
A good period to plant underground root crops, bulbs, any plant that will need a good root system, like perennials, and biennials.
Other garden activities like cultivating, weeding, and fertilizing, etc., can be done at this phase. Not good for planting annual vegetable/flower crops.
Zodiac--Leo and Virgo-- Avoid planting when the New Moon is in these phases. Leo is the most barren sign.
Biodynamic Gardening- A philosophy and a Planetary Influence---Rudolph Steiner in the early 1920’s founded the Biodynamic method of farming. It is both a philosophy and a method of gardening, that embraces a holistic approach.
It is widely used in Europe, and is a school of Agricultural Thought , based on spiritual teachings that view the living relationships of the soil, garden and community as a whole.
The philosophy is based on the cycle of life—producers, consumers, decomposers- completes the cycle of the soil.
The Planetary Influence- has an important role in the Biodynamic Gardening method.
Regenerative Agriculture —the 7 P’s- Pluralism,( diversity), Protection (soil stewardship), Purity ( no chemical use), Permanance (perennial plantings ), Peace (natural eco-balance ) Potential (increase soil fertility- composting), Progress (Limited mechanical intervention).
This concept is based on theory of Ecological Succession and Natural Controls

References:
· Planetary Planting and Astrological Gardening- Louise Riotte. ( via Internet- difficult to find books in stores on this subject)
· The Best of Organic Gardening- Edited by Mike McGrath- 1995- Rodale Press
· Rodale’s All New Garden Encyclopedia- 1992 – I am sure there are newer editions out now-
· Soul of the Soil- Joe Smilie and Grace Gershuny- 1999
· Ecological Gardening- Marjorie Harris- 1996
· IPM for Gardeners- Raymond A. Cloyd; Phillip Nixon; Nancy Pataky- 2004