Welcome to 2012!
To paraphrase Hank Jr. on Monday Night Football, “Are you ready for some gardening?”
If your answer is, “Yes” then I hope you’re planning to utilize the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac. Coupled with good gardening practices, moon phases and zodiac signs can only make your good garden even better.
While north of the Kentucky-Tennessee border where I am it’s still too early to plant in the unprotected garden, by the time we meet at the first of March that will be changing as we talk about spring gardens featuring those veggies that love cool weather and soil temperatures.
And for many of you in the south, you’ll be planting sooner – and I envy you! Some of you in the Deep South are already planting. Of you I’m downright jealous!
As we begin a new gardening year, please remember phases and signs can help a “garden” of any size from a window box or a couple of pots on the patio to huge gardens raising produce to sell at Farmers Markets and roadside stands.
Just convert any times give here to your time zone, adding or subtracting hours.
Now, without further ado, here’s the overview for the month of February.
The moon
The moon is in the light phase now and will remain there until the full moon on Feb. 7 at 4:54 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The light moon then returns to rule at 5:35 p.m. Feb. 21 and continues until the full moon in March on March 8 at 4:40 a.m.
When the light moon is in force proceed with only light-moon activities and if that includes planting veggies in protected environs (like greenhouses), plant only above-ground producers.
The dark moon rules Feb. 8 through Feb. 20. If you’re planting anywhere, it’s below-ground producers. Check the list below for other dark-moon activities.
IN SUMMARY:
Light moon days: Now through Feb. 6 then Feb. 21 until March 8.
Dark moon days: Most of Feb. 7 and through Feb. 20.
You’ll notice I’m not dealing with “fractions of days” here although most of Feb. 7 (until 4:54 p.m.) is under the influence of the light moon while the dark moon rules most of Feb. 21, until 5:35 p.m. If you want to plant on moon-change days, then that’s your call. All I can do is give you the information.
The signs
Remember: Check to see if the moon is in the light or dark phase (information above) before proceeding with planting or other activities, indoors or out.
Fertile signs: the most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Feb. 1, 27-28, Taurus (the neck); Feb. 4-5, Cancer (the breast); Feb. 13-15, Scorpio (the secrets); Feb. 23-24, Pisces (the feet). There are 10 days this month ruled by the fertile signs: Scorpio, Taurus, Pisces and Cancer.
Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fence rows – anything but planting: Feb. 6-8, Leo (the heart) and Feb. 25-26, Aries, (the head). There are four killing days, those ruled by either Aries or Leo.
So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Feb. 16-17, Sagittarius (the thighs); Feb, 18-20, Capricorn (the knees); Feb. 21-22, Aquarius (the legs). This month there are seven days ruled by the so-so signs: Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.
Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers, blooming things in the greenhouse or for the house: Feb. 9-10, Virgo (the bowels); Feb. 11-12, Libra (the reins). There are four days this month ruled by the two flowering signs, Virgo and Libra.
Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force on Feb. 2-3, 29. I would say, all things taken into consideration, Feb. 29 and March 1, both Gemini days in the light phase of the moon, would be nothing short of extraordinary days for planting peas given Gemini is the beans and peas sign. I’d venture to say, with any luck at all, you’ll have a bumper crop of peas.
And there you have the month of February.
General tips
Again, here are a few general tips for activities other than planting:
- If you have gravel to pour on a drive or roadway, do that in the light of the moon so the gravel won’t sink. Same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink. Check above for the right days.
- If you’re setting fence posts, do that in the light of the moon so the posts don’t sink.
- If you’re putting on a new shingle roof, do that when the moon’s in the dark phase so that the shingles stick down and don’t curl up on the ends.
- If you have changes to make like stopping smoking, starting a diet or exercise program, weaning small animals or children, scheduling elective surgery – anything that requires a change – here’s the formula: The moon in the dark phase and the signs going out of the body, past anything that “functions” so that means thighs, knees, legs and feet – Sagittarius through Pisces.
This month those days are Feb. 16-20, five days and a piece n Feb. 21. The signs are in Sagittarius (16-17), Capricorn (18-20) and Aquarius (until 5:35 on the 21st) with the moon is in the dark phase.
How to be in touch
- Email pcase211@gmail.com or pcase@state-journal.com.
- Call or text (502) 682-5995 or call The State Journal at (502) 227-4556.
- My Twitter account is at full speed so join me @plantingbysigns. You can also visit plantingbythesigns.net and join in more detailed discussion on my blog found there.
- And now I’m on Facebook so “drop by” and join me. My page is “Planting By the Signs” and it’s devoted to general gardening with an emphasis on utilizing the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac. You won’t find any of my baby pictures or my dinner plate from last night – just gardening according to signs and phases.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Know what planting zone you're in
Weather is such a crucial factor in gardening -- and that's so obvious it even sounds silly to say it.
For instance, while most of the lower 48 states are experiencing below-normal snowfall, Alaska is getting pounded. Last week we talked about plowing ground when it's wet in January and February but not after that. Soil temperature is vital for plant growth - and that's controlled by the amount of sun the ground gets, "warm rain" in the spring, the amount of daylight each day.
All related to weather.
Last week I ran a story in my newspaper about the various planting zones, beginning with Zone 1 in the deep south and proceeding northward. It's important to know what planting zone you're in because that dictates what can be planted when. Some of our northern most states have very short growing seasons so growing warm-weather crops like tomatoes is tricky since they, and every veggie, have an optimum soil temperature for producing.
There are those veggies that like cool weather like that in the spring and fall and the hot weather ones that won't do anything but sit there until the soil temperature gets to their liking.
In preparation for this year's planting season go to your favorite search engine and type in "growing zones." Lots of information will pop up that will help you grow what's best in your area.
Then, when you buy plants or seed packets, check and for growing zone information, especially on the back of the packets. It will tell you when to plant your veggie and how many days to harvest. Factoring those to things will make for more productive use of your ground.
Let me leave you with one example: Last summer a reader wrote to tell me she'd planted some pumpkin seeds in late July or early August here in Kentucky. I told her she'd just wasted her time and seeds since there wasn't enough of our growing season left for them to reach harvest size.
Sure, the vines grew like gangbusters because we were in the depth of summer; they bloomed and even set fruit -- then it started getting cool and the days got sorter -- and the pumpkins stopped growing before reaching maturity because it takes 90-120 days, depending on variety, for pumpkins to go from seed to harvest -- and that would have put her experiment -- at the earliest at the first of November for harvest.
Check the zone, check the days to maturity and get yourself all comfortable with that if you're not already!
For instance, while most of the lower 48 states are experiencing below-normal snowfall, Alaska is getting pounded. Last week we talked about plowing ground when it's wet in January and February but not after that. Soil temperature is vital for plant growth - and that's controlled by the amount of sun the ground gets, "warm rain" in the spring, the amount of daylight each day.
All related to weather.
Last week I ran a story in my newspaper about the various planting zones, beginning with Zone 1 in the deep south and proceeding northward. It's important to know what planting zone you're in because that dictates what can be planted when. Some of our northern most states have very short growing seasons so growing warm-weather crops like tomatoes is tricky since they, and every veggie, have an optimum soil temperature for producing.
There are those veggies that like cool weather like that in the spring and fall and the hot weather ones that won't do anything but sit there until the soil temperature gets to their liking.
In preparation for this year's planting season go to your favorite search engine and type in "growing zones." Lots of information will pop up that will help you grow what's best in your area.
Then, when you buy plants or seed packets, check and for growing zone information, especially on the back of the packets. It will tell you when to plant your veggie and how many days to harvest. Factoring those to things will make for more productive use of your ground.
Let me leave you with one example: Last summer a reader wrote to tell me she'd planted some pumpkin seeds in late July or early August here in Kentucky. I told her she'd just wasted her time and seeds since there wasn't enough of our growing season left for them to reach harvest size.
Sure, the vines grew like gangbusters because we were in the depth of summer; they bloomed and even set fruit -- then it started getting cool and the days got sorter -- and the pumpkins stopped growing before reaching maturity because it takes 90-120 days, depending on variety, for pumpkins to go from seed to harvest -- and that would have put her experiment -- at the earliest at the first of November for harvest.
Check the zone, check the days to maturity and get yourself all comfortable with that if you're not already!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Plowing wet ground in winter
I want to say a word or two about plowing wet ground in January and February.
While conventional wisdom says plowing wet ground -- which includes roto-tilling and spading too -- is a no-no, plowing wet during these two months is okay and, if you demand a scientific reason all I can say is that in the colder climes there's plenty of time for the ground to freeze and thaw and thus break up any clods.
When I was but a green lad in planting by the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, my mentor -- an old Dutchman with twinkly blue eyes -- gave me the tip about plowing and it's never failed me when I manage to get it done! Of course if you have a big garden you need a tractor with a breaking plow or the ability to convince a farmer to plow it for you. Now a small plot can be done with a tiller or breaking fork.
Here's the caution: If you can't get it plowed -- wet or dry -- by Feb. 29 then the plot MUST BE DRY after March 1 or you'll be battling mud clods all summer long!
Give it a try and let me know how it comes out for you.
While conventional wisdom says plowing wet ground -- which includes roto-tilling and spading too -- is a no-no, plowing wet during these two months is okay and, if you demand a scientific reason all I can say is that in the colder climes there's plenty of time for the ground to freeze and thaw and thus break up any clods.
When I was but a green lad in planting by the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, my mentor -- an old Dutchman with twinkly blue eyes -- gave me the tip about plowing and it's never failed me when I manage to get it done! Of course if you have a big garden you need a tractor with a breaking plow or the ability to convince a farmer to plow it for you. Now a small plot can be done with a tiller or breaking fork.
Here's the caution: If you can't get it plowed -- wet or dry -- by Feb. 29 then the plot MUST BE DRY after March 1 or you'll be battling mud clods all summer long!
Give it a try and let me know how it comes out for you.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Signs and phases for Jan. 8-14
Each week I write about what’s coming up for the week ahead according to the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac.
I won’t say this all every week but since we’re just getting “acquainted” again or for the first time, I’ll remind you I’m writing from central Kentucky and all times are Eastern Standard. Just adjust for wherever you are. Also, it’s winter here (currently not much of one, however) so we’re not planting in the unprotected outdoor garden, but if you’re in warmer a clime that’s not the case.
Use common sense and good gardening practices when planting in a pot, window box, greenhouse or garden. In other words, plant things in the season they should be planted in!
And the sign in force on a particular day applies to wherever you are. For instance, if the fertile sign Cancer is in force on Jan. 8-9 – as it is – it’s in force on Jan. 8-9 wherever you are.
Now, the week ahead.
The moon
The moon moves to the dark phase Jan. 9 with the full moon coming into force at 2:30 a.m. EST. Then until the next new moon at 2:39 a.m. on Jan. 23, proceed with only dark moon activities. And if you are planting vegetables then that’s below-ground producers.
Jan. 8 is the last day with the light moon in control. As I said above, it returns on Jan. 23.
The signs
A look at the signs of the zodiac reveals Jan. 8-9 are ruled by Cancer (the breast), one of the four fertile signs.
That, however, ends Jan. 10-11 when the sign moves to Leo (the heart), one of the killing signs. Either of these days would be great for plowing your garden plot but not any sort of planting.
A series of flowering signs begins Jan. 12 and continues through Monday, Jan. 16, all with the moon in the dark phase. Specifically, Thursday and Friday, Jan. 12-13, are ruled by Virgo (the bowels), followed Saturday, next Sunday and Monday, Jan. 14-16, under the influence of Libra (the reins).
These are bloom days so if you’re doing anything with your indoor plants then these are perfect for that.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Signs Overview for January
Each month I like to write an overview of what zodiac signs and phases of the moon are in force. For those trying to plan ahead, this is helpful.
I’m writing from central Kentucky and all times are Eastern Standard. Just adjust for wherever you are. Also, it’s winter here so we’re not planting in the unprotected outdoor garden, but if you’re in a warmer climate that’s not the case.
Use common sense and good gardening practices when planting. For instance, it doesn’t matter if we’re under a favorable moon phase and zodiac sign (light moon/fertile sign) for tomatoes, you don’t want to plant them if you live in Michigan because they are hot weather veggies.
Southern Florida, however, is another matter.
And the sign in force on a particular day applies to wherever you are. For instance, if the fertile sign Cancer is in force on Jan. 8-9 – as it is – it’s in force on Jan. 8-9 wherever you are.
Now, the overview for the remainder of January according to the moon’s phases and zodiac signs.
The moon
The moon is in the light phase until the full moon on Jan. 9 at 2:30 a.m. EST. The light moon then returns at 2:39 a.m. Jan. 23 and continues until the full moon in February on Feb. 7, 4:54 p.m.
When the light moon is in force proceed with only light-moon activities and if that includes planting veggies, plant only above-ground producers.
The dark moon rules most of Jan. 9 through Jan. 22. If you’re planting anywhere, it’s below-ground producers.
Check the list below for other dark-moon activities.
IN SUMMARY:
Light moon days: Through Jan. 8 then Jan. 23 until Feb. 7.
Dark moon days: Most of Jan. 9 and through Jan. 22.
The signs
Remember: Check to see if the moon is in the light or dark phase (information above) before proceeding with planting or other activities, indoors or out.
Fertile signs: the most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Jan. 30-31, Taurus (the neck); Jan. 8-9, Cancer (the breast); Jan. 17-18, Scorpio (the secrets); Jan 25-27, Pisces (the feet). There are nine days remaining this month ruled by the fertile signs: Scorpio, Taurus, Pisces and Cancer.
Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fence rows – anything but planting: Jan 28-29, Aries, (the head); Jan. 10-11, Leo (the heart). There arefour killing days remaining, those ruled by either Aries or Leo.
So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Jan. 19-20, Sagittarius (the thighs); Jan. 21-22, Capricorn (the knees); Jan. 23-24, Aquarius (the legs). This month there are six days ruled by the so-so signs: Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius. That’s down from 10 days in December!
Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers, blooming things in the greenhouse or for the house: Jan. 12-13, Virgo (the bowels); Jan. 14-16, Libra (the reins). There are five days this month ruled by the two flowering signs, Virgo and Libra.
Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force on Jan. 5-7. Next month we’ll be talking about planting peas when Gemini is in force since peas love cool weather and soil. For now, we’re just noting the Gemini days.
And there you have the month of January.
General tips
Again, here are a few general tips for activities other than planting:
>If you have gravel to pour on a drive or roadway, do that in the light of the moon so the gravel won’t sink. Same applies forstones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink. Check above for the right days.
>If you’re setting fence posts, do that in the light of the moon so the posts don’t sink.
>If you’re putting on a new shingle roof, do that when the moon’s in the dark phase so that the shingles stick down and don’t curl up on the ends.
>If you have changes to make like stopping smoking, starting a diet or exercise program, weaning small animals or children, scheduling elective surgery – anything that requires a change – here’s the formula: The moon in the dark phase and the signs going out of the body, past anything that “functions” so that means thighs, knees, legs and feet – Sagittarius through Pisces.
Finally, we’re beginning to get more days that precisely fit the formula. This month they are four days, Jan. 19-22. The signs are in Sagittarius (19-20) and Capricorn (21-22) and the moon is in the dark phase until early on the 23rd.
And the last two are on the weekend!
I’m writing from central Kentucky and all times are Eastern Standard. Just adjust for wherever you are. Also, it’s winter here so we’re not planting in the unprotected outdoor garden, but if you’re in a warmer climate that’s not the case.
Use common sense and good gardening practices when planting. For instance, it doesn’t matter if we’re under a favorable moon phase and zodiac sign (light moon/fertile sign) for tomatoes, you don’t want to plant them if you live in Michigan because they are hot weather veggies.
Southern Florida, however, is another matter.
And the sign in force on a particular day applies to wherever you are. For instance, if the fertile sign Cancer is in force on Jan. 8-9 – as it is – it’s in force on Jan. 8-9 wherever you are.
Now, the overview for the remainder of January according to the moon’s phases and zodiac signs.
The moon
The moon is in the light phase until the full moon on Jan. 9 at 2:30 a.m. EST. The light moon then returns at 2:39 a.m. Jan. 23 and continues until the full moon in February on Feb. 7, 4:54 p.m.
When the light moon is in force proceed with only light-moon activities and if that includes planting veggies, plant only above-ground producers.
The dark moon rules most of Jan. 9 through Jan. 22. If you’re planting anywhere, it’s below-ground producers.
Check the list below for other dark-moon activities.
IN SUMMARY:
Light moon days: Through Jan. 8 then Jan. 23 until Feb. 7.
Dark moon days: Most of Jan. 9 and through Jan. 22.
The signs
Remember: Check to see if the moon is in the light or dark phase (information above) before proceeding with planting or other activities, indoors or out.
Fertile signs: the most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Jan. 30-31, Taurus (the neck); Jan. 8-9, Cancer (the breast); Jan. 17-18, Scorpio (the secrets); Jan 25-27, Pisces (the feet). There are nine days remaining this month ruled by the fertile signs: Scorpio, Taurus, Pisces and Cancer.
Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fence rows – anything but planting: Jan 28-29, Aries, (the head); Jan. 10-11, Leo (the heart). There arefour killing days remaining, those ruled by either Aries or Leo.
So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Jan. 19-20, Sagittarius (the thighs); Jan. 21-22, Capricorn (the knees); Jan. 23-24, Aquarius (the legs). This month there are six days ruled by the so-so signs: Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius. That’s down from 10 days in December!
Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers, blooming things in the greenhouse or for the house: Jan. 12-13, Virgo (the bowels); Jan. 14-16, Libra (the reins). There are five days this month ruled by the two flowering signs, Virgo and Libra.
Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force on Jan. 5-7. Next month we’ll be talking about planting peas when Gemini is in force since peas love cool weather and soil. For now, we’re just noting the Gemini days.
And there you have the month of January.
General tips
Again, here are a few general tips for activities other than planting:
>If you have gravel to pour on a drive or roadway, do that in the light of the moon so the gravel won’t sink. Same applies forstones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink. Check above for the right days.
>If you’re setting fence posts, do that in the light of the moon so the posts don’t sink.
>If you’re putting on a new shingle roof, do that when the moon’s in the dark phase so that the shingles stick down and don’t curl up on the ends.
>If you have changes to make like stopping smoking, starting a diet or exercise program, weaning small animals or children, scheduling elective surgery – anything that requires a change – here’s the formula: The moon in the dark phase and the signs going out of the body, past anything that “functions” so that means thighs, knees, legs and feet – Sagittarius through Pisces.
Finally, we’re beginning to get more days that precisely fit the formula. This month they are four days, Jan. 19-22. The signs are in Sagittarius (19-20) and Capricorn (21-22) and the moon is in the dark phase until early on the 23rd.
And the last two are on the weekend!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
My apologies for the delay
Today was just one of those days where work got in the way of fun.
I had planned on posting my January overview today but my real job kept me busy from morning until quitting time. Rest assured, I haven't "fallen off the wagon" as they say. This is only a minor setback.
I'll post the overview tomorrow so all you gardeners out there can see how the moon phases and zodiac signs shake out for this month. This time, no excuses – you'll have it tomorrow!
I had planned on posting my January overview today but my real job kept me busy from morning until quitting time. Rest assured, I haven't "fallen off the wagon" as they say. This is only a minor setback.
I'll post the overview tomorrow so all you gardeners out there can see how the moon phases and zodiac signs shake out for this month. This time, no excuses – you'll have it tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Back to full speed for 2012!
Hello fellow gardeners! I've been gone for far too long but now I'm back and dedicated to remaining faithful throughout the gardening season all year 'round. This blog focuses on planting by the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, a simple, natural way to help your good garden grow better and produce abundantly. All that's needed is to plant in the proper phase of the moon and sign of the zodiac -- and that's what I'll provide.
I'm an avid gardener in central Kentucky and a Certified Extension Master Gardener, too. And while I will provide some how-to gardening information and try to deal with any questions you have, my focus will be on when to plant -- and when not to plant -- based on moon phases and zodiac signs.
This information applies to gardens of all sizes from large commercial gardens to a couple of pots on the patio.
I welcome your comments and questions. Later today or Thursday at the latest I'll be posting my overview for the month of January.
So, as the popular libation commercial says, "Here we go!"
I'm an avid gardener in central Kentucky and a Certified Extension Master Gardener, too. And while I will provide some how-to gardening information and try to deal with any questions you have, my focus will be on when to plant -- and when not to plant -- based on moon phases and zodiac signs.
This information applies to gardens of all sizes from large commercial gardens to a couple of pots on the patio.
I welcome your comments and questions. Later today or Thursday at the latest I'll be posting my overview for the month of January.
So, as the popular libation commercial says, "Here we go!"
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