January Overview

Phases and Signs for January

Here’s January’s information about the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac. For those of you in the Deep South who are reading this, you may be doing some planting. For those of us pretty much north of the southern Tennessee border we can’t do any planting unless it is in a greenhouse.

If you have questions or comments, don’t hesitate to be in touch. And if I don’t respond quickly enough then please ask again or remind me!

Making changes: If you have changes to make like starting a diet or exercise program (lots of people do that each Jan. 1 you know!), stopping smoking, scheduling elective surgery, weaning small animals or children, we have 3.5 days that are perfect coming Jan. 6 until 8:30 p.m. Jan. 9. Read why below.

First, phases and signs.

The moon

January begins and ends with the moon in the dark phase. The full moon rules until 8:31 p.m. Jan. 9 when the new moon – or no moon visible in the sky – comes to rule.

The light moon is then in force until the full moon returns at 8:46 p.m. Jan. 23. The dark moon will then be in force until the new moon returns at 9:39 a.m. Feb. 8.

“General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting veggies, it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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.

January begins with one of the flowering signs in force, so that’s where we will start, too.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers — maybe like pansies outside since they are all that can tolerate freezes, snow and cold. If, of course, you have a greenhouse the weather is no problem. Libra (the reins), is in force Jan. 1-2, 28-29 with Virgo (the bowels), the other flowering sign, ruling Jan. 25-27. There are seven flowering days this month.

Fertile signs: The most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Scorpio (the secrets), Jan. 3-5, 30-31; Pisces (the feet), Jan. 12-13; Taurus (the neck), Jan. 17-18; and Cancer (the breast), Jan. 21-22.                                                                                       There are nine days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer – and they are scattered during the dark and light phases of the moon. I wish we could have this many so nicely spaced in one of the warm summer months!

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), Jan. 6-7; Capricorn (the knees), Jan. 8-9; and Aquarius (the legs), Jan. 10-11. There are six days this month – the minimum - ruled by the three so-so signs, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting: Aries (the head), Jan. 14-16; and Leo (the heart), Jan. 23-24. There are five killing days this month ruled by either Leo or Aries.

Gemini days: Gemini rules Jan. 19-20. Gemini is the “bean sign” but there’s no bean planting going on in the north but perhaps in the far south. If so, plant your beans on these days since the light moon will rule for above-ground producers.

And, as January moves along toward February you can begin planting peas according to some diehards since they love cold ground.        

General tips

Here are a few general tips for activities other than planting:

>If you have gravel to pour on a drive or roadway, do that when the light moon rules, Jan 10 through most of Jan. 23. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink.

>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.

>As mentioned above there are 3.5 perfect days this month for making changes when the moon is in the dark phase and the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions

Those days are Jan. 6 until 8:30 p.m. Jan. 9 when the moon moves to the light phase.

So, if you have changes to make like weaning babies or small animals, scheduling elective surgery – not emergency surgery since that usually can’t be “scheduled,” stopping smoking, starting a diet or exercise program then you have two perfect days in January to get started.

Can’t get it done then? You have, in my opinion, the second best choice Jan. 10-13 when the moon will have moved to the light phase but the signs are still moving out of the body past anything that functions, Aquarius/legs through Pisces/feet.

Signs, phases thru Jan. 2

Wrapping up the year right here

For those of you interested in the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac primarily as it relates to planting, here’s the information thru the end of the year.

While I am well aware NO outside planting is going on now in our cooler climes there is planting going on in the Deep South and, of course, the Southern Hemisphere – and I have heard from some of you folks too!

Remember all times given are Eastern Standard.

Winter officially begins Dec. 21 at 11:48 p.m. Thus for all but 12 minutes of Dec. 21 it’s still fall. The great thing about winter beginning – and we have to look for something – is that the days will start slowly getting longer now and within a couple of weeks we will notice a marked difference.

Now there’s something to celebrate.

The moon

The moon is in the light phase now, the new moon having come into force on Dec. 11. It will continue to rule until the full moon - a rare one indeed – comes to rule on Dec. 25/Christmas Day at 6:11 a.m. If the sky is clear where you are on Christmas Eve and into the early morning hours on Christmas Day, the light will be of great benefit to Old Santa as he makes his rounds.

And, if you are where you can plant outside or you are planting in a greenhouse, then it’s above-ground producers through Dec. 24. Then, beginning Dec. 25 and until the first new moon of 2016 on Jan. 9 at 8:31 p.m. it will be below-ground producers.

The signs

A look at the signs reveals what remains of today, Dec. 17, is ruled by Pisces (the feet), one of the four most fertile signs. If you are planting, it’s a great time for above-ground producers with the moon in the light phase.

All planting should ceased Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18-19, when the sign moves to Aries (the head), one of the killing signs. Don’t be fooling with anything you want to thrive on killing days.

Fertile days return Dec. 20-21 when the sign moves to Taurus (the neck), like Pisces it’s another of the most fertile signs with the moon still in the light phase for above-ground producers.

Dec. 22-24 find Gemini (the arms) ruling. Were it summer, these would be three absolutely perfect days for planting beans. And if it is summer where you live, then have at it, otherwise enjoy them from afar!

The fertile sign Cancer (the breast) rules on Dec. 25 and 26. With the moon moving to the dark phase on Christmas Day, these days are best suited for planting below ground producers.

Dec. 27-31

All planting or dealing with anything you are looking to thrive should end Dec. 27-28 with Leo (the heart) ruling. Like the Aries days, these are killing days.

Flowering signs are in force to end 2015 and begin 2016 beginning with the flowering sign Virgo (the bowels) ruling Dec. 29-31 and Libra (the reins) opening the New Year, Jan. 1-2. These or bloom days so your Christmas plants should be rocking.

Making changes

With the New Year just two weeks away, I know many of us are making resolutions to lose some weight, start exercising, stop smoking – anything that involves change.

As luck and the signs would have it, we have three absolutely perfect days early in January when the moon is in the dark phase and the signs are going out of the body.

These days are Jan. 6-8 and until 8:30 on Jan. 9. That’s three days, folks – and we haven’t had that many in a long, long, long time! Mark your calendars and make plans now if you have changes you want to make.

 

 

 

Dec. 7-12 information

This week’s phases, signs

Here is the upcoming week’s information about the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac.

Believe or not, we’re just two weeks away from the official beginning of winter and while that isn’t necessarily great news the good news is that – as ironic as it might seem – with the coming of winter the days start getting longer as we had toward spring and summer.Winter officially begins at 11:48 p.m. Dec. 21.

The moon is currently in the dark phase and will remain there until the new moon – or no moon visible in the sky – comes into force 5:29 a.m. Saturday. The light moon will then rule until the next full moon at 6:11 a.m. Christmas Day.

If you were planting, or are planting veggies in a greenhouse, then it’s below-ground producers.

A look at the signs finds today and Tuesday under the very fertile sign Scorpio (the secrets). If you were doing any planting, these Scorpio days would be great for below-ground producers.

Our monthly series of so-so signs begins Wednesday and continues through Dec. 15. These signs aren’t the most fertile but they aren’t destructive either.
Specifically, Sagittarius (the thighs) rules Wednesday through Friday followed by Capricorn (the knees) coming into force next Sunday and Monday with the series wrapping up Dec. 14-15 with Aquarius (the legs) in force.

Making changes

 For the past several months we’ve had no days that are perfect for making changes with the signs going out of the body past anything that functions (Sagittarius/thighs through Pisces/feet). That trend is changing now and this month we have at least two days that fit the formula perfectly.
Those days are Wednesday and Thursday when the sign is in Sagittarius (thighs) and the moon in the dark phase. If you’ve been thinking about starting a diet, stopping smoking, weaning children or animals, then these are perfect days to get going – even here at the holidays.

In the months ahead we will have more and more days that fit the formula.

As always, if you have questions shoot them to me and I will do my best to deal with them.

 

 

Deccember Signs and Phases Overview

Phases ands signs Overview

Here’s December’s information about the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac.

The moon

December begins and ends with the moon in the dark phase. The full moon rules until 5:29 a.m. Dec. 11 when the new moon – or no moon visible in the sky – comes to rule.

The light moon is then in force until the full moon returns at 6:11 a.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The dark moon will then be in force until the new moon returns at 8:31 p.m. Jan. 9, 2016.

“General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting veggies, it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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.

December begins with one of the killing signs in force, so that’s where we will start, too.

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting: Leo (the heart), Dec. 1, 27-28; and Aries (the head), Dec. 18-19. There are five killing days this month ruled by either Leo or Aries or Leo.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers — maybe like pansies outside since they are all that can tolerate freezes, snow and cold. If, of course, you have a greenhouse then weather isn’t a problem. Virgo (the bowels), rules Dec. 2-3, 29-31; and Libra (the reins), Dec. 4-6. There are eight flowering days this month – and that’s as many as we’ve seen for quite some time.

Fertile signs: The most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Scorpio (the secrets), Dec. 7-8; Pisces (the feet), Dec. 16-17; Taurus (the neck), Dec. 20-21; and Cancer (the breast), Dec. 25-26.                                                                                       There are eight days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer – and they are scattered during the dark and light of the moon.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), Dec. 9-11; Capricorn (the knees), Dec. 12-13; and Aquarius (the legs), Dec. 14-15. There are seven days again this month ruled by the three so-so signs, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.

Gemini days: Gemini rules Dec. 22-24. Gemini is the “bean sign” but there’s no bean planting going on but we’ll be talking about planting peas after the first of the year.

General tips

Here are a few general tips for activities other than planting:

>If you have gravel to pour on a drive or roadway, do that when the light moon rules. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink.

>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.

>Finally, there are at least two perfect days this month for making changes when the moon is in the dark phase and the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions

Those days are Dec. 9 and 10 when the moon is moving toward the light phase on Dec. 11 and the sign is in Sagittarius (the thighs).

So, if you have changes to make like weaning babies or small animals, scheduling elective surgery – not emergency surgery since that usually can’t be “scheduled,” stopping smoking, starting a diet or exercise program then you have two perfect days in December to get started.

Can’t get it done then? You have, in my opinion, the second best choice Dec. 11-17 when the moon will have moved to the light phase but the signs are still moving out of the body past anything that functions, Sagittarius/thighs through Pisces/feet.

How to be in touch

Here’s how to be in touch, get instant information or ask questions.

>Email pcase211@gmail.com.

>Call or text 502-682-5995.

>Visit my Facebook page, Planting by the Signs.

 

 

 

Moon changing today

Time to make changes

The moon is moving from the dark to the light phase today at 12:47 p.m. EST. When that happens any planting done in climes where planting can be done outdoors should focus on above-ground producers. The new moon remains in force until the next full moon at 5:44 p.m. Nov. 25.

As I wrote on Nov. 10, this begins the second best - in my opinion - stretch for making changes. The signs are going out of the body past anything that functions - Sagittarius/thighs through Pisces/feet - and while it would be better if the moon was in the dark phase at least half of the equation is right. So, if you have changes to make then the next several days should be good for you.

Time to make changes

Thursday thru Nov. 20

While there are no perfect days this month for making changes, those with the moon in the dark phase and the signs going out of the body past anything that functions, we have half of the equation beginning Thursday with the sign in Sagittarius (the thighs).

The stretch will continue through Nov. 20 as the signs descend through the knees, legs and concluding with the feet. If you want to start a diet, stop smoking, wean animals or children - anything that involves a change - these days are for you.

The Happy Gardner, Nov. 4

Put your garden to bed for winter

Good morning, gardening lovers!

Here in central Kentucky, home of The Happy Gardener, we're enjoying a week of lovely early September-like weather with the temperature near 80 and a clear sky yesterday. It is supposed to remain that way until later in the week when more seasonal weather returns.

Wherever you are - unless you're in the deep south or the Southern Hemisphere -  the gardening season is over. And while we long for it, there are some things you can do to help yourself next year if you have a big, traditional garden or a few plants in a pot.

For those with big gardens, get them cleaned up. There are options ranging from nothing to getting the garden plowed and planting a cover crop. Here are a few, from worst to best:

>Do nothing and leave the spent plants where they fell with the last frost of freeze, the tomato plants tied to the stakes to dangle lifelessly and waft in the wind lik abandoned scarecrows all winter. This choice is easiest on your back but it gives bad buggies and diseases a place to hang out over the winter and be poised to jump your first plants out of the ground in the spring.

>Plow them under where they fell. Better than the first but bugs and diseases still get a place  to hang out over the winter.

>The best is to remove the plants from the garden, pot, raised bed - wherever - grind them up and put them in a working compost heap. The heat should will most "baddies" and you will have rich compost to add to your garden next year.

Whatever you do, enjoy your day ... more soon.

November 2015 Signs Overview

 

Here’s November’s information about the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac. My apologies for it being a little late, I had some technical difficulties.

The moon

November began and ends with the moon in the dark phase. The full moon rules until 12:47 p.m. Nov. 11 when the new moon – or no moon visible in the sky – comes to rule.

The light moon is then in force until the full moon returns at 5:44 p.m. Nov. 25. The dark moon will then be in force until the new moon returns at 5:29 a.m. Dec. 11.

Since we “fell back” in the wee hours of Nov. 1, all times given are now Eastern Standard Time.

 “General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting veggies anywhere that can be protected or is indoors, it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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:  Scorpio (the secrets), Nov. 9-11;                                                                                      Pisces (the feet), Nov. 19-20; Taurus (the neck), Nov. 23-24; Cancer (the breast), Nov. 27-28. There are 10 days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer – and they are scattered during the dark and light of the moon.

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting: Leo (the heart), Nov. 3, 29-30; and Aries (the head), Nov. 21-22. There are six killing days this month ruled by either Aries or Leo, up from four in October.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers — maybe like pansies outside since they are all that can tolerate freezes, snow and cold. If, of course, you have a greenhouse or are in a warm area, then weather isn’t a problem. Virgo (the bowels), rules Nov. 4-6 and Libra (the reins), Nov. 7-8. There are five flowering days this month, five if you count what is left of Nov. 3.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), Nov. 12-13; Capricorn (the knees), Nov. 14-16; and Aquarius (the legs), Nov. 17-18. There are seven days again this month ruled by the three so-so signs, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.

Gemini days: Gemini rules Nov. 25-26. Gemini is the “bean sign.”

General tips

Here are a few general tips for activities other than planting:

>If you have gravel to pour on a drive or roadway, do that when the light moon rules. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink.

>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.

>There are no perfect days this month for making changes when the moon is in the dark phase and the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions — but we’re getting closer to days that fit the formula perfectly and should have some in December.

So, if you have changes to make like weaning babies or small animals, scheduling elective surgery – not emergency surgery since that usually can’t be “scheduled,” stopping smoking, starting a diet or exercise program then I would suggest picking one half of the formula or the other – dark phase of the moon or when the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions – Sagittarius through Pisces/legs through feet.

My preference would be Nov. 12-20, Sagittarius through Pisces, thighs through feet. All are past anything that functions even though the moon is in the light phase.

 

October 2015 Overview

Planting by the signs and moon phases

Here’s October’s information about the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac.

The moon

October begins and ends with the moon in the dark phase. The full moon rules until 8:06 p.m. Oct. 1 2when the new moon – or no moon visible in the sky – comes to rule.

The light moon is then in force until the full moon returns at 8:05 a.m. Oct. 27. It will continue to rule until the new moon returns at 12:47 p.m. Nov. 11.

 “General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting veggies anywhere that can be protected or is indoors, it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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.

Gemini days: Gemini kicks off the month and shows up again at the end. It rules the arms and is in force Oct. 1-2 and Oct. 29-30. During the growing season Gemini is best suited for planting peas early in the cool season and beans when all danger of frost has passed. There are four Gemini days in October.

Fertile signs: The most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Cancer (the breast), Oct. 3-5 and 31; Scorpio (the secrets), Oct. 13-15; Pisces (the feet), Oct. 22-23; and Taurus (the neck), Oct. 27-28. There are 10 days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer – and they are scattered during the dark and light of the moon. Too bad it’s not May or June!

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting: Leo (the heart), Oct. 6-7; and Aries (the head), Oct. 25-26. There are just four killing days this month ruled by either Aries or Leo – the absolute minimum.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), Oct. 16-17; Capricorn (the knees), Oct. 18-19; and Aquarius (the legs), Oct. 20-22. There are seven days this month by the three so-so signs, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers. Virgo (the bowels), Oct. 8-10 and Libra (the reins), Oct. 11-12. There are five flowering days this month.

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 when the light moon rules. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink.

>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.

>There are no perfect days this month for making changes when the moon is in the dark phase and the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions.

So, if you have changes to make like weaning babies or small animals, scheduling elective surgery – not emergency surgery since that usually can’t be “scheduled,” stopping smoking, starting a diet or exercise program then I would suggest picking one half of the formula or the other – dark phase of the moon or when the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions – Sagittarius through Pisces/legs through feet.

In a couple of months the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac will get back in sync with regard to making changes and we’ll have more days that perfectly fit the formula.

 

September Overview

Phases, signs overview for September

For those of you gardening or doing other things according to the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, here’s the information for the month of September. All times given are Eastern Daylight Time.

The moon

Like August, September begins and ends with the moon in the dark phase.

The full moon rules until 2:41 a.m. Sept. 13 when the new moon comes into force and returns again at 10:50 p.m. Sept. 27, continuing until the new moon at 8:06 p.m. Oct. 12.

“General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting anywhere, it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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: Taurus (the neck), Sept. 2-3 and 29-30; Cancer (the breast), Sept. 6-7; Scorpio (the secrets), Sept. 16-17; and Pisces (the feet), Sept. 25-26.

There are 10 days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), Sept. 18-20; Capricorn (the knees), Sept. 21-22; Aquarius (the legs), Sept. 23-24. Again this month we have seven days ruled by the three so-so signs: Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting. The month begins with Aries (the head) ruling Sept. 1, returning for another visit on Sept. 27-28. The other killing Leo (the heart) rules Sept. 8-10. We have six days this month ruled by the killing signs Aries or Leo.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers. Virgo (the bowels), Sept. 11-12 and Libra (the reins), Sept. 13-15. There are five flowering days again this month.

Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force Sept. 4-5. In our part of the country it’s too late to plant beans because they are a hot-weather crop and both the ground and the air are cooling. Just enjoy the days and don’t think about planting beans until next spring.

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 when the light moon rules. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink.

>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, there are no days this month that perfectly suit the formula: dark moon in force, signs going out of the body past anything that functions. Your second choices are either to make changes when the dark moon is in force (through Sept. 12 then Sept. 28-Oct. 11) OR when the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions, Sept. 18-26.

Alas, we can’t have both this month.

August Planting by the Signs Overview

 Phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac

For those of you gardening according to the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, here’s the information for the month of August. And, as always, don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have questions. All times are Eastern Daylight; adjust for your time zone.

The moon

August begins and ends with the moon in the dark phase.

The full moon rules until 10:53 a.m. Aug. 14 and returns to force again at 2:35 p.m. Aug. 29, continuing until the new moon at 2:41 a.m. Sept. 13.

Between those dates, specifically, the last half of Aug. 14 through the first half of Aug. 29, the light moon is in force.

 “General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting in flats, seedbeds, the garden — anywhere — it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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.

In a change from the past two months, August begins with the fertile sign Pisces (the feet) in force. So, we’ll have a look at dates for the four fertile signs first.

Fertile signs: The most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Pisces (the feet), Aug. 1-2, 29-30; Taurus (the neck), Aug. 5-7; Cancer (the breast), Aug. 10-11; and Scorpio (the secrets), Aug. 20-21. There are 11 days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), Aug. 22-24; Capricorn (the knees), Aug. 25-26; Aquarius (the legs), Aug 27-28. This month we have seven days ruled by the three so-so signs: Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting: Aries (the head), Aug. 3-4 and 31; and Leo (the heart), Aug. 12-14. We have six days this month ruled by the killing signs Aries or Leo, up from four in July.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers. Virgo (the bowels), Aug. 15-16 and Libra (the reins), Aug. 17-19. There are five flowering days this month.

Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force Aug. 8-9. Unfortunately, like June and July, the dark moon rules all of these days. At least half of the ideal equation is in force with the sign in Gemini, the bean sign, although the moon is in the dark phase and beans produce above the ground.

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 when the light moon rules. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink.

>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, we have three full days this month, Aug. 1-2 and 30 and a few hours Aug. 29, the day the moon moves to the dark phase at 2:35 p.m.

During this time the moon will be in the dark phase and the signs going out of the body past anything that functions. All the days are ruled by Pisces (the feet).

These days are good for weaning babies or small animals, scheduling elective surgery – not emergency surgery since that usually can’t be “scheduled,” stopping smoking or using other tobacco products, starting a diet or exercise program. Consider what it is you want to do and if it involves making a change — like starting or stopping something — then this is the best stretch for it according to the phases and signs.

July phases and signs overview

July: 'Once in a blue moon'

For those of you gardening according to the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, here’s the information for the month of July. And, as always, don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have questions.

The moon

July in one of those rare months with two full moons — on the first and last day of the month. This phenomenon occurs only once every three years, giving rise to the saying, “Once in a blue moon,” which is typically taken to mean the event — whatever the event may be — occurs very rarely.

The first full moon of the month is at 10:20 p.m. July 1 and the second, the “blue moon,” is at 6:43 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on July 31.

Thus the dark moon rules beginning late July 1 until the new — or light — moon at 9:24 p.m. July 15. The light moon is then in force until the second full moon of the month at 6:43 a.m. July 31.

“General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting in flats, seedbeds, the garden — anywhere — it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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.

Like June, July begins – and ends — with the so-so signs in force, so here we go.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Capricorn (the knees), July 1-2 and 28-29; Aquarius (the legs), July 3-4 and 30-31; and Sagittarius (the thighs), July 26-27. Again this month we have 10 days ruled by the three so-so signs: Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.

Fertile signs: The most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Pisces (the feet), July 5-6; Taurus (the neck), July 9-10; Cancer (the breast), July 14-15; and Scorpio (the secrets), July 23-25. There are nine days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer.

Pisces, Taurus and Cancer days are while the dark moon is in force. On the second Cancer day the moon moves to the light phase, but it’s at 9:24 in the evening and that could be a little late for planting. The three Scorpio days are with the light moon in force.

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting: Aries (the head), July 7-8 and Leo (the heart), July 16-17. Again this month there are just four killing days ruled by either Aries or Leo – the absolute minimum.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers. Virgo (the bowels), July 18-20 and Libra (the reins), July 21-22. There are five flowering days this month.

Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force July 11-13. Unfortunately, like June, the dark moon rules all of these days. At least half of the ideal equation is in force with the sign in Gemini, the bean sign, although the moon is in the light phase.

Fall gardens

Even though summer just began (June 21), it’s time now for gardeners to start thinking about and preparing for the fall garden when the days are growing shorter, the soil and air temperature slowly cooling.

Many of the same veggies that like the spring garden on the front end of the gardening season enjoy maturing in the fall. We’ll have more on fall gardens in the August Overview.

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 when the light moon rules. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink.

>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, we have 5 full days this month and an hour and a half of another. The moon moves to the dark phase at 10:20 p.m. July 1 with the sign in Capricorn. Then Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces rule, in that order, through July 6.

During this time the moon will be in the dark phase and the signs going out of the body past anything that functions – Capricorn through Pisces/knees through feet.

The next days when the so-so signs rule — those ruling parts of the body that don’t function like the internal organs — are all when the light moon is in force, July 26-30. This is at least half of the ideal equation (dark moon/signs going out of the body past anything that functions) and the half I personally like best if we can’t have the whole thing.

Each month now for the next several there will be fewer days that fit the formula perfectly so the ideal window will be smaller. For instance, in June it was 7.5 days — this month it’s 5.

These days are good for weaning babies or small animals, scheduling elective surgery – not emergency surgery since that usually can’t be “scheduled,” stopping smoking or using other tobacco producers, starting a diet or exercise program. Consider what it is you want to do and if it involves making a change — like starting or stopping something — then this is the best stretch for it according to the phases and signs.

June Phases and Signs Overview

June is the time for planting!

June is about to be “… bustin’ out all over …” and it’s time for full-speed-ahead gardening. The only caution now is don’t plant when the ground is wet or you will continue to pay a high price across the summer as the soil clamps down around the little plants as it dries.

For those of you gardening according to the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac — and if you are reading this I must assume you are or you’re at least curious — here’s the information for the month of June. And, as always, don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have questions.

The moon

June begins (just barely) and ends with the moon in the light phase with the light moon ruling until 12:19 p.m. EDT June 2 and then returning to force with the new moon at 10:05 a.m. June 16. Between those dates, June 3-15, the dark moon is in force.

 “General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting in flats, seedbeds, the garden — anywhere — it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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.

June begins – and ends — with the so-so signs in force, so here we go.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), June 1-2, 28-30; Capricorn (the knees), June 3-5; and Aquarius (the legs), June 6-7. We are “blessed” with 10 days this month by the three so-so signs, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius.

Fertile signs: The most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days: Pisces (the feet), June 8-9; Taurus (the neck), June 12-13; Cancer (the breast), June 16-18; and Scorpio (the secrets), June 26-27. There are nine days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer.

We have a nice mix this month of very fertile signs in both the dark and light phases of the moon. June 8-9, 12-13 occur when the dark moon is in force for planting below-ground producers while the afternoon of June 16, all of the and all of June 17-18, 26-27 are in force when the light moon rules for planting above-ground producers.

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting: Aries (the head), June 10-11 and Leo (the heart), June 19-20. Thankfully there are just four killing days this month ruled by either Aries or Leo – the absolute minimum.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers. Virgo (the bowels), June 21-23 and Libra (the reins), June 24-25. There are five flowering days this month.

Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force June 14-15. Unfortunately, the dark moon rules both of these days but at least half of the ideal equation is in force with the sign in Gemini, the bean sign.

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 when the light moon rules. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink.

I field a lot of questions about the proper time to pour gravel. And I hear lot of “testimonies” from those who followed the moon phases on that one. I will try to share more of those on my blog in the upcoming weeks.

>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, we have 7.5 days this month – half of June 2 then all of June 3-9. During this time the moon will be in the dark phase and the signs going out of the body past anything that functions – Sagittarius through Pisces/legs through feet.

Each month now for the next several there will be fewer days that fit the formula perfectly so the “perfect window” will be smaller.

These days are good for weaning babies or small animals, scheduling elective surgery – not emergency surgery since that usually can’t be “scheduled,” stopping smoking, starting a diet or exercise program. Consider what it is you want to do and if it involves making a change then this is the best stretch for it.

As an example: In April a man contacted me who wanted to stop using smokeless tobacco. It so happened that the day he asked was a perfect day to “make changes.” He laid down the can of dip he was working on and, as he reported just a few days ago, hasn’t touched it since!

Folks, when you ask why and how this works, I can’t answer that in any sort of scientific manner. All I know is it does certainly helps and definitely can’t hurt when you have decided to make the change.

June Overview and Ember Days

 Three Ember Days this week

Greetings Gardeners!

A couple of things:

1) I will be posting the June Overview later today or Thursday at the latest. Several of you have asked when it's coming since June's a HUGE planting month.

2) I want to remind you of the EMBER DAYS that are up for this week. There are three of them occurring in the same sequence they always appear of Wednesday (today), Friday and Saturday.

Ember Days have long been known as super killing days and I suggest NOT PLANTING when Ember Days are in force.

The flowering sign Libra (the reins) rules today and Friday and, unfortunately, the very fertile sign Scorpio (the secrets) is in force Saturday, the final one of the Ember Days.

Sunday, May 31, however will be an outstanding day for planting all above-ground producers so, if you can be patient and your ground, pot — whatever — is ready, hold off planting until Sunday when the moon is in the light phase and the sign in Scorpio.

Questions and answers

What you asked ... how I  answered

Practically every day I get several questions for those who are following Planting by the Signs on the Internet or in print. Since others may benefit from the answers, I will try to do that here in my blog. I encourage anyone with questions to send them to me. If I don't have the answer, I will do some research and find it.

QUESTION: A reader asked if it's okay to plant melons and cucumbers when flowering signs are  in force.
ANSWER: No, unless you're planting them for the blooms, which I doubt. The blooming signs Virgo and Libra are about, well, blooming. I'll share a story with you:
Several years ago I man wrote to tell me about his experience planting cucumbers in a flowering sign. He said: "I had wonderful vines and the most beautiful blooms you've ever seen, just huge. But I never got a cucumber, not even one. Since then I've never cared about how pretty the vines or blooms were, since I wasn't planning to eat either!"
And there's your answer illustrated.

Q.: A reader said he accidentally planted some cabbage when killing signs were in force and wondered why they just didn't shrivel up and die.
A. I told him they weren't going to die, they just weren't going to produce as abundantly as they would have in better signs.
One year when it had been particularly wet, and against my better judgement, I planted four knockout rose bushes on a day when it was dry enough to plant but ruled by a killing sign because I needed to get them planted. Three of the four just set there and died later that year. The lone survivor passed away this spring.
Avoid planting when the killing signs Aries or Leo rule.

Q. A regular newspaper reader wrote to say I failed to mention when was the best time to wean small children or animals in the May Overview.
A. I told her that was "implicit" in the "making changes" section of that piece since it certainly involved making changes — especially for the baby or small animal. I promised, however, to be more specific in the future.
The best time for making changes like weaning is when the moon is in the dark phase and the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions, specifically Sagittarius/legs through Pisces/feet. This month that stretch is through May 13. If you have changes to make like stopping smoking, starting a diet ... weaning small animals or children.

Q. What does "bolt" mean with regard to vegetable plants?
A. I used that term in the May Overview and didn't take the time to explain. It's when a veggie stops producing and usually yellows, getting "leggy." It happens to our cool-weather crops like broccoli when the weather gets hot. Also, like every other living thing, a plant has a life span. And when that's coming to an end the plant just kind of "packs it in" and quits. And that's called "bolting."

Q. A reader asked if it was okay to transplant a tree now that's outgrowing its location.
A. The best time for tree planting and transplanting is in the the fall when growth has slowed yet there's time to establish new roots in its new location. I suggested waiting a few more months and not transplant here at the beginning of the rapid growth season.

Daily postings

Daily postings through May 12

I just prepared the daily postings through May 12. Coupled with the May overview they should be very helpful in planning your garden.

May 2015Overview

Here’s the May overview and my apologies for it being a few days late.

The moon: May began and ends with the moon in the light phase. However, the dark moon is in force now and will continue to be until the light moon — or no moon visible in the sky — returns at 12:13 a.m. May 18.

Dark moon: through May 17

Light moon: May 19 until 12:19 p.m. June 2

“General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting in flats, seedbeds, the garden — anywhere, it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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: Scorpio (the secrets), May4, 30-31; Pisces (the feet), May 11-13; Taurus (the neck), May 16-17; and Cancer (the breast), May 20-21. There are 12 days this month ruled by the fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer — and that’s a lot of fertile days!

Killing signs: No planting, transplanting, or dealing with things you want to thrive should occur on these days. Reserve them for cultivating, cleaning out fencerows — anything but planting: Aries (the head), May 14-15 and Leo (the heart), May 22-24. There are four killing days this month ruled by either Aries or Leo.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), May 5-6; Capricorn (the knees), May 7-8; and Aquarius (the legs), May 9-10. There are six days ruled by the three so-so signs.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers. Virgo (the bowels) will rule May 25-26; and Libra (the reins) rules May 27-29; and. There are five flowering days remaining this month.

Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force May 18-19. Both of these days are in the light of the moon and statistically past the danger of frost. So, if you love bush or pole beans then these are your days!

Ember Days

May includes a stretch of Ember Days at the end of the month. These are super killing days and all planting should be avoided if possible — and I would make it possible by not planting. They are May 27, 29 and 30 — two flowering days and a Scorpio day which, of course, is very fertile.

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. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink. That would be May 18 through June 1.

>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. Those days are May 4-17.

>If you have changes to make, then we have a good long stretch again this month, May 5-13. The moon is in the dark phase and the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions, Sagittarius-Pisces/thighs through feet. There are nine days that fit the formula perfectly this month. Included among “changes” is weaning small children or animals since that’s definitely a “change” for them!

Other things that benefit include: starting a diet or exercise program, stopping smoking and scheduling elective surgery. Just ask yourself: “Does this activity involve some sort of change?” If the answer is “yes,” the dark of the moon when the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions — thighs through feet — is the best time according to the phases and signs.

April 2015 Phase and overview

April 2015 at a glance

For those of you gardening according to the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, here’s the information for the month of April. All times given are Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

April overview

The moon: April begins and ends with the moon in the light phase with the light moon ruling until 8:06 a.m. April 4 and then returning to force at 2:57 p.m. April 18. Between those dates — most of April 4 until just past noon April 18 — the dark moon is in force.

 “General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and if you are planting in flats, seedbeds, the garden — anywhere, it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in.

The signs

Remember: Again, 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: Scorpio (the secrets), April 5-7; Pisces (the feet), April 14-15; Taurus (the neck), April 18-19; and Cancer (the breast), April 23-24. There are nine days again this month ruled by the fertile signs —Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus 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 fencerows — anything but planting: Aries (the head), April 16-17 and Leo (the heart), April 25-26. There are four killing days this month ruled by either Leo or Aries.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so: Sagittarius (the thighs), April 8-9; Capricorn (the knees), April 10-11; and Aquarius (the legs), April 12-13. There are six days ruled by the three so-so signs.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers. And if it’s blooms you like, then we have plenty of blooming days this month in two stretches. Virgo (the bowels) will rule March 31, April 1-2, 27-29; and Libra (the reins) is up for April 3-4 and 30. There are eight flowering days this month.

Gemini days: Gemini rules the arms and is in force April 20-22. Still a great time for planting peas with the moon in the light phase and for those of you willing to take a chance if the soil warms up some, you could try some early bush or pole beans knowing there’s a chance frost and/or a freeze could get them.

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. The same applies for stones on a garden path: Place them when the moon is in the light phase so they don’t sink. That would be April 1-3 then April 19 through all but the last 18 minutes of May 3.

>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. In April that’s most of the fourth through the 17th.

>If you have changes to make, then we have a good long stretch again this month, April 8-15. The moon is in the dark phase and the signs are going out of the body past anything that functions, Sagittarius-Pisces.

How to be
in touch

Here’s how to be in touch, get instant information or ask questions.

>Email pcase211@gmail.com, call or text 502-682-5995.

>My Twitter account is @plantingbysigns.

>Visit my Facebook page, Planting by the Signs.