Gardening with the Phases of the Moon: Lunar Planting Guide

If your garden or plants aren’t doing as well as you hoped, it’s very possible you planted them at the wrong time! After sharing a video on this topic, I received hundreds of questions about what it means to plant with the phases of the moon, following the Farmer’s Almanac. Gardening with the phases of the moon might be just what your green thumb needs. My family has been following this age-old technique for generations, and it isn’t just folklore… it’s rooted in centuries of agricultural tradition. Whether you’re tending to herbs in your backyard or planting vegetables in raised beds, lunar gardening can help you work with nature, instead of against it. In this post, I’m diving into the basics of lunar gardening: what it is, how it works, and how to start syncing your planting schedule with the moon’s cycles. Think of it as a not-so-secret gardening calendar that will unlock your best produce, plants, and florals yet!

I come from a family of farmers and gardeners. As a child, I remember working in my grandparent’s garden, planting, and harvesting. I learned at a very young age there was a specific time and order to do things… a time to plant specific crops, a time to harvest, a time to build or repair fencing, dates for weaning our calves, and even days for doctor appointments or surgery. My family plans everything according to the phases of the moon. It’s a ritual I never questioned because I know it works. Here’s how…

What is Lunar Gardening?

Lunar gardening, or gardening with the phases of the moon, is a method based on the belief that the moon influences plant growth- just like it affects ocean tides. It’s an ancient practice still used today by gardeners, farmers, and homesteaders who follow the moon’s gravitational pull and phases to optimize their planting and harvesting routines. My family does this the easy way, by using the Farmer’s Almanac. According to the Almanac, different phases of the moon impact the moisture in the soil, seed germination, and plant vitality. The practice divides the lunar cycle into four main phases: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter- each ideal for a specific types of gardening, planting, or harvesting tasks.

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Why Garden with the Phases of the Moon?

I know it sounds a little witchy, but I’ll be the first to say it works and there are lots of scientifically proven benefits… it’s been studied! If your timing is accurate, here are the benefits:

Better germination rates
Healthier root systems
Higher crop yields
Natural rhythm-based scheduling
More intentional, mindful gardening

It’s also a beautiful way to connect more deeply with nature, appreciate seasonal changes, and create a more harmonious garden routine. I’ve also found my plants yield better tasting produce when my calendar is spot on! Emmett can also attest to this theory. Over the weekend, my mom started planting her garden in Kentucky- which is much larger (and more organized than my own)… pictured below. I’ll also have to find a photo of my grandma’s- it’s pristine! Theirs put my little suburban garden to shame.

Moon Phase Gardening Breakdown

Here’s how each moon phase affects your garden, and what types of activities are best suited for each phase. If you want to make this process even easier, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of the Farmer’s Almanac. It calls out EXACT dates and tasks for the entire year, making it fool-proof. I always snag a copy in January, add the dates to my digital calendar, and refer back to it as needed.

New Moon (Waxing Crescent Begins)

Best for: Leafy greens, herbs, and above-ground crops
Why: The moon begins drawing moisture from the soil, and increasing light supports leafy growth.
Task Examples: Plant salad greens, lettuce, spinach, basil, and herbs. Start seeds indoors or transplant seedlings.

First Quarter (Waxing Gibbous Begins)

Best for: Fruiting plants that produce seeds inside
Why: Moisture and moonlight are still increasing—perfect for strong leaf and stem growth.
Task Examples: Plant tomatoes, squash, peppers, beans. Fertilize and water well.

Full Moon (Waning Gibbous Begins)

Best for: Root vegetables
Why: The gravitational pull is strong, pulling moisture downward—great for root development.
Task Examples: Plant carrots, beets, onions, potatoes. Harvest above-ground crops.

Last Quarter (Waning Crescent Begins)

Best for: Pruning, composting, and rest
Why: This is the lowest energy phase—ideal for clean-up and planning.
Task Examples: Weed, prune, compost, and mulch. Take a break and plan for the next cycle.

How to Start Lunar Gardening: My Process

1. Track Key Dates

Use a moon phase app, lunar calendar, or my personal preference- Farmer’s Almanac, to see the ideal dates you should complete your gardening tasks.

2. Group Plants by Growth Type

Keep a garden journal (or a note on your phone) and organize your planting list by leafy, fruiting, flowering, or root-based crops. Make a list of everything you’d like to plant.

3. Plan Your Schedule

Create an organized gardening schedule for each season. Record your ideal days for planting, watering, pruning, and harvesting. Again, I use the Farmer’s Almanac and use their exact dates for each specific task. I’ll make a note in my digital calendar that reminds me of what I need to accomplish.

5 Tips for Success with Lunar Gardening

Start small. Try growing a few herbs or greens during the next new moon cycle. You might be surprised at your success!
Combine lunar gardening with your local planting zone and frost dates. For best results, you also need to cross check your local specs. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, for example, provides forecasts for 18 US regions, while the Standard Farmer’s Almanac covers 7 US climatic zones.
Keep a gardening journal or note. I love to track my success, so I can compare each season.
Plan ahead. organization
Observe nature and adjust as needed. Gardening by the moon is as much about intuition and rhythm as it is about timing. Trust what you see and adjust accordingly! If it’s pouring rain, wait until the next day to plant.

FAQ

Is gardening by the moon scientifically proven?

Generations of farmers and gardeners have shared positive results. My family relies on this method and can also attest to the benefit. This practice is based on gravitational pull and lunar light- similar to the tides. It’s really just syncing your schedule to nature.

Does the Farmer’s Almanac use moon phases for planting dates?

Yes! The Farmer’s Almanac and similar resources have long used lunar cycles to recommend optimal planting times. This isn’t just for your garden… we refer to this for landscaping, flowers, and all sorts of plants.

Do you follow this for personal timing, like scheduling health appointments or important events?

I do! I always call my mom or grandma to double check, asking them what the best dates are for whatever I’m planning. Having had so many surgeries, I definitely try to plan accordingly to set myself up for the best outcome or a faster recovery. I’ll also mention something to them, and they’ll snap back with, “You better reschedule, that timing doesn’t look promising.” and I typically listen. I full believe in planning with the moon because I know it works and I’ve also had instances where I went against it and struggled. I like being aligned with nature and trust it.

Can I garden by the moon without following it perfectly?

Definitely! Use the lunar phases as a guide, not a strict rule. If you grab a copy of the Almanac, you typically have a window, not a single day to accomplish your tasks. Consider this your reminder that gardening should feel enjoyable and not stressful… don’t put too much pressure on yourself!

Gardening with the Phases of the Moon: Lunar Planting Guide

What is Lunar Gardening?

Why Garden with the Phases of the Moon?