Our Gardening by the Moon calendar works according to the age-old belief that phases of the Moon affect plant growth. Lunar planting is a longtime Old Farmer’s Almanac tradition.
Keep in mind that the four gardening regions below are quite broad; we also offer a modern planting calendar (not Moon-based) that gets down to zip code level. See our all-seasons gardening calendar.
WHAT IS GARDENING BY THE MOON?
Gardening by the Moon is a great way to help plan your above- and below ground crops. Here’s how it works:
- Plant annual flowers and vegetables that bear crops above ground during the light, or waxing, of the Moon: from the day the Moon is new to the day it is full.
- Plant flowering bulbs, biennial and perennial flowers, and vegetables that bear crops below ground during the dark, or waning, of the Moon: from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again.
Old-time farmers swear that this practice results in a larger, tastier harvest. The editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Janice Stillman, explains more in our Gardening by the Moon video.
WHICH REGION ARE YOU IN?
See the interactive maps here: https://www.almanac.com/content/gardening-moon-calendar
Does anyone here practice this, and do they see any improvement over gardening by calendar?
I cannot fathom how the phases of the moon might affect plant life, other than a full moon possibly depriving them of rest.
https://www.almanac.com/bestday/plant-aboveground-crops
These are the next five best days to plant aboveground crops, based on the Moon’s sign.
NOTE: If you are seeking the Best Days to plant specific vegetables and fruit, please see our Gardening by the Moon calendar for over 30 popular crops.
Best days to plant aboveground crops
Apr 20, 2018
Apr 21, 2018
Apr 22, 2018
Apr 29, 2018
May 18, 2018
Best Days by Date
Best Days by Activity
Buy the Best Days Calendar