Discussion on Moon Planting

[Rocketron]

Moon planting: just a passing phase - Telegraph
Any thoughts ?

[stella]

Mmm just read the article mentioned above, has anyone on here used lunar planting and had positive results before?

[zazen999]

I've moved this out of the Lunar Growing thread - and my comments are:

Basing an article on a person rather than a system, and dissing the whole system because of the person completely misses the point - and you can't call something a passing phase when it has been going and used for centuries.

Yes, I have systematically tested sowing on Moon Days vs non-moon and have had [as discussed on here several times] significantly positive results.

[Nicos]

The French have also been using it for years...all the 'oldies' you mention it to can't understand why you'd even consider not following it.

I've not really got into doing it all that way yet -mainly because I'm conditioned into doing whatever gardening fits in with any spare time I have and the weather.

[zazen999]

What makes me laugh is why we have to go through this every year. *yawn

If you don't like it then don't do it. But let those who do want to follow it for whatever reason do so. It really is that simple.

[VirginVegGrower]

Quite and it was an oldie that mentioned it to me. To dismiss the ancient Egyptians and Greeks upon whose knowledge our stargazers built their's, seems well, hypocritical to me. But hey ho, if you don't understand something then just be scared of it and call it lunacy!

[VirginVegGrower]

What makes me laugh is why we have to go through this every year. *yawn

If you don't like it then don't do it. But let those who do want to follow it for whatever reason do so. It really is that simple.

They can't!

[Helgalush]

I saw Zazen's results when I was going through one of the threads and they speak for themselves really.

I didnt understand why that article was really only basing its main argument on one piece of research done by Which? Gardening in 2003 and one person's findings....not exactly a thorough literature review or methodological analysis.

I've been inspired by the lunar planting threads and so read about it on a few websites. Even the wikipedia page about biodynamic planting says this:

As of 2011 biodynamic techniques were used on 142,482 hectares in 47 countries; Germany accounts for 45.1% of the global total.[9] Biodynamic methods of cultivating wine grapes have been taken up broadly, including by notable vineyards.[10] Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include the use of fermented herbal and mineral preparations as compost additives and field sprays, integration of farm animals and plant production, an emphasis on local production and distribution systems using local breeds and varieties, and the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar[11].[12]

A 2009/2011 review found that biodynamically cultivated fields achieve lower absolute yields but better energy efficiency of production; impact the environment positively, including increased biodiversity; had greater earthworm populations and biomass than conventional farms; maintained or slightly improved organic carbon levels, while both organic and conventional farming techniques resulted in a loss of organic carbon; had higher microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity than those of either organically or conventionally farmed fields.

Ok I realise that Wikipedia may not be the most reliable of sources but just a quick delve in to it was a good enough start point for me, and even if its just out of curiosity at this stage for me to have a go at it, I dont really see what harm it can do.

[stella]

Sorry all I must have missed all the previous discussions. I am having a go at it it just seems to make good sense to me. Nice to know that one of us has had relly good results.

[mothhawk]

I can't comment on growing and sowing by the moon as I really haven't paid much attention to it, but what I have noticed is that the first few days following a new moon tend to be clear and dry, and those after a full moon tend to be milder and wet.

The only reason I noticed this was because every time I took a few days holiday from work it always seemed to rain and I was getting p***ed off about that. Then I happened to find a chart of moon phases, and, duh! all my days off tended to be just after a full moon! Now I arrange where possible to have a break just after a new moon, and have much more pleasureable (and dry) days off.

Edit: my grandfather, a true countryman born 1897, always used to say the weather changed with the moon. (Just remembered that)

[VirginVegGrower]

Doesn't surprise me Nicos that the French rely upon a time tested methodology. They are far more connected to the earth, mother nature and working with it to ensure increased yield, organic growth, etc. you only have to visit a vineyard to hear the passion with which they talk about the elements of their surroundings, coming through the soil to provide the differing taste elements to their wine.
I hope to emulate your move one day. Seems a more peaceable lifestyle.

[VirginVegGrower]

I can't comment on growing and sowing by the moon as I really haven't paid much attention to it, but what I have noticed is that the first few days following a new moon tend to be clear and dry, and those after a full moon tend to be milder and wet.

The only reason I noticed this was because every time I took a few days holiday from work it always seemed to rain and I was getting p***ed off about that. Then I happened to find a chart of moon phases, and, duh! all my days off tended to be just after a full moon! Now I arrange where possible to have a break just after a new moon, and have much more pleasureable (and dry) days off.

Edit: my grandfather, a true countryman born 1897, always used to say the weather changed with the moon. (Just remembered that)

Interesting! Where's that calendar for August

[mothhawk]

Interesting! Where's that calendar for August

I now have the chart of moon phases pasted on the wall by my poota - August's new moon is 17th, (at 15:54 if you want precision)

[VirginVegGrower]

Cheers Mothawk. I'll get searching for the perfect hideaway...

[mothhawk]

Cheers Mothawk. I'll get searching for the perfect hideaway...