Kaulana Mahina: Gardening by the Lunar Cycle and Other Astrological Signs
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the practice of gardening by the moon’s phases, as well as the astrological signs, can be a benefit in many ways. Just as the cycles of the moon adjust the ocean’s tide, so can the gravitational pull affect the soil's moisture and your plants' growth. This practice can result in larger and tastier harvests, encouraging us to also be eating and living by the seasons. All this to say, the more we align ourselves and our gardening practices with nature, the more we can benefit from its rhythmic cycles.
Gardening by these systems of nature dates to ancient civilizations, including the Romans, Egyptians, Mayans, and Celtics. In Hawaiian culture, this practice is called Kaulana Mahina. You can find ancient Hawaiian chants and terminology for gardening by the moon here: Kaulana Mahina – The Hawaiian Lunar Calendar – Kaʻahele Hawaiʻi (kaahelehawaii.com)
First, know, that there are two main phases when gardening by the moon:
1. The time between the New and Full moon, known as the waxing period.
2. The time between the Full and New moon, known as the waning period.
Just as the moon controls the tides of the ocean, it also tugs on the water content of your soil. Seeds have been shown to absorb more water during the full and the new moons when the water is being pulled to the surface. This aids in germination and allows the seeds to swell, resulting in more well-established plants.
Planting by the lunar cycle can greatly impact the plants through its gravitational pull, known as geotropism. As we know, roots desire to grow downward whereas the stems want to grow upward. You can see this growth pattern easily in potted plants. For example, say you lay down a potted plant on its side. The roots will gradually begin to move back down towards the ground while the stems of the plant will turn their direction to point upward again, resulting in a curved plant. Even a bulb plant, like a tulip or amaryllis, if planted incorrectly, will adjust itself and grow toward the proper vertical directions, even in complete darkness!
Each phase of the moon can provide different benefits for planting various plants:
New Moon: ideal for sowing seeds and planting above-ground crops.
Waxing Moon: best for foliar growth such as leafy greens and vegetables.
Full Moon: recommended planting time for root crops and bulbs.
Waning Moon: generally, a good pause for planting and instead a time for pruning, weeding, and harvesting.
The different phases can also be followed for optimal harvesting times:
Waxing Moon: for harvesting leafy greens and herbs for immediate use
Full Moon: for harvesting root vegetables and fruits.
Waning Moon: for harvesting crops to be stored for later.
New Moon: generally, a rest from harvesting though you can harvest if necessary.
Some gardeners will further this practice by planting, harvesting, pruning, etc., under certain astrological signs as well.
For Planting, Transplanting, and Grafting:
· Cancer: June 21 – July 21
· Scorpio: October 23 – November 21
· Pisces: February 19 – March 20
· Taurus: April 20 – May 20
For Harvesting, Pest Control, Plowing, and Weeding:
· Aries: March 21 – April 19
· Leo: July 23 – August 22
· Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21
· Gemini: May 21 - June 20
· Aquarius: January 20 – February 18
For Building/Fixing Fences or Garden Beds:
· Capricorn: December 22 – January 19
For Pruning:
· Aries: March 21 – April 19
· Leo: July 23 – August 22
· Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21
You can find an up-to-date calendar here: Kealaokamahina Hawaiian Moon Calendar (kamehamehapublishing.org) By following these permaculture principles and working alongside the rhythms and routines of nature, you aid your plants to grow in synchronicity with the natural environment. We recommend that in combination with lunar gardening, you follow organic and biodynamic practices as well. Biodynamic practices are a holistic, regenerative approach to help improve the health of your soil, plants, animals, and yourselves! And the more we align ourselves and the food we grow with the systems of our environment, the more we can gain abundance and prosperity. Happy Moon Planting!
Other sources to learn more about Kaulana Mahina:
Moon Calendar Planting | Homesteading (kuleanahawaii.org)
Kaulana Mahina – The Hawaiian Lunar Calendar – Kaʻahele Hawaiʻi (kaahelehawaii.com)
Kealaokamahina Hawaiian Moon Calendar (kamehamehapublishing.org)