Flowering signs result in lots of blooms!

Yesterday and through Sunday, Aug. 11-15, are under the influence of the "flowering signs," Virgo (the bowels) and Libra (the reins). According to believers in planting by the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, anything planted when either of these signs is in force should bloom and do so abundantly – thus Virgo and Libra are very well suited for planting flowers since it's the blooms we're after.

Believers caution, however, that planting vegetables when these signs are in force can result in more blooms and less fruit – and since it's usually the fruit we're after and not the blooms, you might want to try to avoid planting veggies when these signs are in force.

During the Spring, my wife and I made a special effort to plant our flowers when the flowering signs were in force. Now since we're both busy with our other jobs – and I know many of you are, too – sometimes it's difficult to plant at the right time because work schedules just don't permit. (And, of course, that's the challenge the majority of gardeners face since few of us have the luxury of sitting and waiting for the perfect moment.)

Anyway, I digress.

We planted our flowers at the perfect time and I have never seen such a prolific year of blooms, and blooms and more blooms. The plants, too, have grown magnificently to the point where in one container the coleus is taller than the spike! I've never seen coleus so big as the ones we have this summer.

And that's what flowering signs are about – strong plants to support loads of blooms that just continue on and on all season. Through Sunday we find the flowering signs in force and the moon in the light phase. Depending on what part of the country/world you are in, these days are great ones for planting flowers – whether for fall blooms in the north or spring and summer in the south.

It almost goes without saying, however, it doesn't matter what sign or phase you plant flowers, veggies, trees, bushes ... whatever ... in, they still need proper maintenance and support like cultivation, watering, and fertilizing. That's why planting by the signs and phases simply makes your good garden better - it doesn't replace good gardening habits and techniques.