Best Planting Days: the Influence of the Astrological Moon Signs
Different Signs are Associated with Different Elements
Which are the best planting days? In astrology, there are four general types of signs: earth, air, fire and water. Each type of plant corresponds to a particular element (see below). Some are more favorable for planting than others.
In between signs the Moon is void of course, not under the influence of any sign. This is a good time to take a break and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labors!
When to Plant by the Moon Signs: the Four Elements and Planting Tips
Water Signs
The best planting days for planting all plants is when the Moon is in the water/leaf signs of Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio.
Water signs are fertile times for planting above ground bearing, leafy annuals, such as lettuce, spinach, chard, and brassicas, in the first or second quarter. Water lawns, shrubs and trees deeply.
Earth Signs
The earth/root signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, are also very fertile and good for planting.
Earth signs are associated with roots, so it is especially good for underground crops and for transplanting to encourage root development. Use the third quarter phase.
Air Signs
Air/flower signs are generally barren and dry. Libra is an exception to that rule, and is semi-fertile and good for blooming flowers and herbs, vines, tubers and roots.
Melons like Gemini, and onions respond well in Aquarius. Air signs are a good time to harvest and cultivate the soil.
Fire Signs
The fire/fruit-seed signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are considered barren and dry. Use these signs for fruit and crops grown for their seed.
Prune fruit trees during a fire sign. Weed in Leo so seeds won’t sprout. Harvest in a fourth quarter fire sign to preserve fruit and vegetables for storage.
The Moon Moves through the Astrological Signs Every Few Days
Aries– A fire/fruit sign. Barren and dry. Plant vines, stalks, and fruit trees. Harvest root and fruit for storage. Cultivate, prune fruit trees, destroy weeds and pests.
Taurus– An earth/root sign. Productive and moist. Second best for planting and transplanting. Good for root crops and potatoes, especially when hardiness is important. Also a good sign for transplanting leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage.
Gemini– An air/flower sign. Barren and dry. Harvest root and fruit for storage. Cultivate, destroy weeds and pests. Melon seeds respond well in this sign.
Cancer– A water/leaf sign. Very fruitful and moist. The best sign for all planting and transplanting of above ground bearing crops. Also good for grafting, and irrigation. Prune, water and fertilize in the fourth quarter.
Leo– A fire/fruit sign. Very barren and dry. Cultivate, prune fruit trees and harvest for storage. An excellent time to destroy weeds and pests in the fourth quarter.
Virgo– An earth/root sign. Barren and moist. Flowers and vines are favored by it, especially medicinal plants. Divide and transplant perennial flowers in the third quarter. Cultivate and destroy weeds and pests in the fourth quarter.
Libra– An air/flower sign. Semi-fruitful and moist. Best sign for planting beautiful and fragrant flowers, vines and herbs. Good for transplanting, and root crops with pulpy stems like kohlrabi in the third quarter
Scorpio– A water/leaf sign. Very fruitful and moist. Best for sturdy plants and vines, good for transplanting. Tomatoes, corn and squash like Scorpio. Graft or prune in the third and fourth quarter to retard growth and promote better fruit. Prune, water and fertilize in the fourth quarter.
Sagittarius– A fire/fruit-seed sign. Barren and dry. Plant potatoes, onion sets and fruit trees. Harvest roots and onions for storage. A good sign in which to cultivate the soil.
Capricorn– An earth/root sign. Productive and dry. Good for planting potatoes and other root crops, and for encouraging strong hardy growth. Good for grafting, pruning to promote healing, and applying organic fertilizer.
Aquarius– An air/flower sign. Barren and dry. Good for planting onion sets. Harvest root and fruit for storage. Cultivate, destroy weeds and pests.
Pisces– A water/leaf sign. Very productive and moist. Second best sign for planting and transplanting. Especially good for root growth and transplanting in the third quarter. Prune, water and fertilize in the fourth quarter.
Article © Caren Catterall, creator of Gardening by the Moon
