May Overview

Phases and signs for May

Here is May’s Overview if you are planting your garden by the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, and I certainly hope you are, whether your “garden” is an acre or a few pots on the patio

Since it is impossible for me to write specifically about every planting zone in the northern hemisphere, what you have before you is information based on planting in Central Kentucky, which is Zone 6 or 7 depending on who’s map you reference.

Just do an internet search or look in a gardening book for “planting zones” or “plant hardiness zones” and match up the colors with where you are then adjust this information accordingly. You can’t, for instance, be planting hot-weather-loving crops yet in Minnesota while we can in Kentucky!

The same goes for time zones. Times given here are Eastern Daylight; simply adjust for where you are.

Caution: Don’t plow if your ground is wet unless you want cloddy soil for the rest of the summer. And, of course, don’t plant in wet ground – that’s like setting plants or seeds in wet concrete!

Ember Days: May is one of those months that has three Ember Days, May 18, 20 and 21. Ember Days are super killing days when no planting should occur no matter what the phase of the moon or sign of the zodiac. Consider them like Aries and Leo days – no planting!

If you have questions, comments or need clarification, don’t hesitate to be in touch.

The moon

May begins and ends with the moon in the dark phase. The full – or dark - moon rules until 3:29 p.m. EDT on May 6 when the new moon – or no moon visible in the sky at first – comes to rule.

The light moon is then in force until the full moon returns at 5:14 p.m. May 21. The dark moon then rules until the new moon returns at 11 p.m. June 4.

“General Tips” for dark- and light-moon activities are below and for veggies, it’s above-ground producers in the light moon and below-ground producers when the dark phase is in. See below, too, about another bunch of great days for making changes.

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.

May begins with a very fertile sign in force, so that’s where we will start, too.

Fertile signs: The most fertile signs in the zodiac rule these days, in order of appearance this month: Pisces (the feet), May 1-2, 28-29; Taurus (the neck), May 5-6; Cancer (the breast), May 9-10; and Scorpio (the secrets), May 19. Nine days this month are ruled by the most fertile signs — Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Cancer.

Extra info: Since these are the absolute best signs to plant in, here’s how the moon phases match up for you to decide what to plant. Dark moon: May 1, 2, 5, 28-29, all days but May 5 are ruled by Pisces and it is ruled by Taurus. Light moon: May 9-10 (Cancer); 19-20 (Scorpio). May 20, however and unfortunately, is an Ember Day (see above for explanation) when no planting should occur.

The moon moves from dark to light in the mid-afternoon on May 6 with the fertile sign Taurus in force. You could conceivably plant below-ground producers until lunch and then above-ground producers after supper.

There are enough days ruled by fertile signs in May in both phases of the moon to plant your entire garden, if the weather permits and the ground is dry.

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 3-4, 30-31; and Leo (the heart), May 11-13. There are, unfortunately, SEVEN killing days this month ruled by either Leo or Aries, and that is unfortunate for a month so crucial for planting.

When coupled with the three Ember Days, that brings the total of no-plant days to a whopping 10 – and that’s a third of the month.

So-so days: These aren’t particularly fertile nor destructive, just so-so. And in a switch from the last couple of months, all occur at the end of May in this order: Sagittarius (the thighs), May 21-23; Capricorn (the knees), May 24-25; and Aquarius (the legs), May 26-27. There are seven days in May ruled by the three so-so signs.

All of these days - except May 21 when the moon moves from the light to the dark phase late in the afternoon - are under the dark moon, which makes them perfect for making changes, and when you include the four Pisces (feet) days on May 1-2, 28-29, there are 10 perfect days this month. See more about that below.

Flowering days: These are “bloom days” and well suited for planting flowers. It’s time now to hit the garden centers in your area and plan to make your yard the envy of the ‘hood this summer! If you plant on these bloom days and take care of the flowers, you will have a real show.

Virgo (the bowels), rules May 14-15; and Libra (the reins) is in force May 16-18. There are five flowering days this month. May 18, alas, is another of the three Ember Days when no planting should occur so that reduces the number to four.

Gemini days: Gemini (the arms) rules May 7-8. Gemini is the “bean sign” and well suited for peas, too, but it’s too late for peas now since they prefer cool weather (unless you are in a cool-weather location). But beans, now they love it hot. Both of these days are with the light moon in force so if you want to get out your first planting of beans and the danger of frost is in the past where you are, then these are your days.

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 beginning May 7 through all but the evening hours of May 21. 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 10 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 May 1-2 and then 22-29.

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 a lot of opportunities this month.

>If you are starting your own plants, remember: If the grown plant produces above the ground, plant the seed and transplant to peat pots when the moon is in the light phase and a fertile sign rules. The converse, of course, is true for below-ground producers: dark phase/fertile sign.

Then when you plant in the garden follow the same formula. At that point you’ve done all you can do to ensure success – coupled with good gardening practices.

Weekend phases, signs

Dark moon in force now

For those of you planting your gardens by the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, here’s the weekend information.

If you do plant, be sure your ground isn’t too wet. The easiest way to check is with the “mud clod test.” If you scoop up a handful of dirt, squeeze it and it crumbles, then it’s fine to plant. If, however, it sticks together in a “mud clod” then best wait until another day because it is too wet.

You can pay a high price for planting in wet ground, and pay that price all summer when the dirt hardens like concrete around little plants or prevents sprouts from ever breaking through the ground.

But if you can plant, this entire weekend is under the influence of the dark moon that’s best for below-ground producers.

The sign Friday and Saturday is in Aquarius (the legs) both days. It’s one of the so-so signs that aren’t outstandingly productive but they aren’t destructive either, just so-so.

The best planting this weekend will be Sunday and Monday, May 1-2, when the sign moves to Pisces (the feet) one of the four most fertile signs. And remember the moon is in the dark phase for below-ground producers.

If you have changes to make like starting a diet or exercise program, weaning small animals or children or stopping smoking – anything that constitutes a change - Friday through Monday are great days to get started with the moon in the dark phase and the signs going out of the body beyond anything that functions - Aquarius/legs and Pisces/feet.

Looking on into the early part of next week, all planting should cease Tuesday and Wednesday, May 3-4, when Aries (the head) comes to rule. This is a killing sign when no planting should take place. And, if you are making a change like any of those mentioned here, be underway by Tuesday.

I will post the May Overview by Saturday so you know what’s up for arguably the best planting month of the summer.

Phases, signs thru May 10

Great week coming May 5-10

If you’re doing any planting – and you certainly can be by now - and you are following the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, here’s this week’s information and a little bit beyond.

Be sure to read below about a great stretch we have coming, according to the phases and signs, May 5-10.

While it looks as if we might have some wet weather, the long-range forecast doesn’t seem to call for any dramatic drops in the temperature thus making it safe to plant warm-weather-loving veggies now. There is always, of course, a chance we could have a late frost or even freeze, but statistically speaking it becomes less and less likely with each passing day. And by Mother’s Day on May 8, we should be able to sound the unqualified all clear.

Moon and signs

The moon is in the dark phase now and will remain there until the next new moon at 3:29 p.m. May 6. Until then plant only those veggies that produce beneath the ground.

A look at the signs reveals we are in the midst of a series of so-so signs that continues through the end of April, or Saturday. What is left of today (Tuesday) thru Thursday are ruled by Capricorn (the knees) followed by the last so-so signs, Aquarius (the legs) in force Friday and Saturday. These signs aren’t the most fertile but they aren’t destructive, just so-so.

Add the two Pisces (feet) days on May 1-2 and you still have several days for making changes like weaning small animals or children, stopping bad habits like smoking, starting a weight loss or exercise program, scheduling elective surgery – anything that requires a change. The moon is in the dark phase the whole time and the signs are going out of the body beyond anything that functions, specifically knees through feet. Just be underway by May 3-4 when the sign moves to Aries (the head), one of the killing signs.

Being one of the four fertile signs, Pisces is also perfect for planting below-ground producers on May 1-2 since the dark moon is ruling. All planting, however, should cease May 3-4 when the sign moves to Aries, the killing sign.

A great six days

A look ahead reveals that after the Aries days (May 3-4) pass, May 5-10 is going to be one tremendous stretch for planting conceivably a good portion of your summer garden if your ground is ready. May 5 and up until noon May 6 will be great for below-ground producers with the sign in Taurus and the moon in the dark phase. The moon changes phases at 3:29 on May 6 making that evening perfect for above-ground producers and heralding two weeks of light moon for above-ground producers.

Two Gemini (arms) days are up for May 7-8. Gemini is the bean sign and beans planted when the sign is in Gemini, old timers say, grow “as long as your arm” and keep producing. I likely qualify as an “old timer” now, but while I can’t attest to the “long as your arm” I do know beans planted in Gemini when the light moon is in force do incredibly well.

Decades ago in a garden far, far away, my wife and I planted two long rows of beans in Gemini. Those plants produced so many beans for eating, canning and freezing that they finally wore us out and we pulled them up with beans still on the plants!

Two Cancer (breast) days, May 9 and 10, follow the Gemini days. Cancer is another of the four most fertile signs. These would be great days for setting out your tomato plants since the danger of frost will have statistically passed. Also, you can plant more beans, peppers, squash, cucumbers – anything that produces above the ground and not worry if it is frost or freeze resistant.

Signs, phases thru May 2

Great time to make changes coming

First, my apologies for this being so late this week. It is my intention to get this info posted by Monday, but you know how it is – sometimes things just don’t work out. That said, if you’re planting and you are endeavoring to follow the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac, here’s the information through the end of April just in case I get to running late again.

And I’m working on the May overview now and will post it sometime next week.

The moon is in the light phase now but that’s going to be changing April 22 (Friday) at 1:24 a.m. EDT when the dark or full moon comes to rule for two weeks. Through Thursday plant those veggies that produce above the ground. Then beginning Friday afternoon and continuing until the next new moon – or no moon visible in the sky – at 3:29 p.m. May 6, only those that produce beneath the ground.

A look at the signs reveals a three-day series of very fertile days is up for Thursday through Saturday (April 21-23) with Scorpio (the secrets) in force. Thursday will be in the light phase of the moon for above-ground producers with Friday and Saturday under the influence of the dark moon for below-ground producers.

A series of so-so signs then begins Sunday, April 24, and continues through the end of the April. The order is Sagittarius/thighs through Aquarius/legs for a total of seven days. Not fertile but not destructive, these signs are just so-so and all will be with the dark moon in force.

Add the two Pisces (feet) days on May 1-2 and you have a nine-day stretch for making changes like weaning small animals or children, stopping bad habits like smoking, starting a weight loss or exercise program, scheduling elective surgery – anything that requires a change. The moon is in the dark phase the whole time and the signs are going out of the body beyond anything that functions, specifically legs through feet.

If you have questions or comments, please write.

 

Flowers this weekend!

Blooming signs in force now

If you have flowers to plant and live where it’s safe to plant them or you can protect them in case of a late cold snap, then this is your weekend so head out to the garden center, pick your plants and have at it.

The moon is in the light phase now and will remain there until the full moon comes to rule on April 22 at 1:24 a.m. While I’ve never been too concerned about whether the moon is in the light or dark phase when it comes to flowers since you’re not eating the blooms, it’s nonetheless in the light phase this weekend.

What is important is that the blooming signs Virgo (bowels) and Libra (the reins or forearms) rule through April 20. It just doesn’t get better than this so have at it.

I caution about planting veggies, however, when flowering signs are in force because veggies tend to spend more time blooming and less time setting fruit during flowering signs.

I’m reminded of that man who wrote me several years ago to say this is a caution worth heeding. It seems he planted cucumbers in a flowering sign before he was paying attention to such things. Here’s what happened:

“The plants came up,” he said, “and grew vigorously. They bloomed and bloomed – the most beautiful blooms you could imagine. The problem was they never ‘set’ any cucumbers so all I had were vines and blooms – and that’s not what I wanted!”

In short, narry a cuke!

So, flowers now and wait until April 21-23 when the fertile sign Scorpio (the secrets) comes into force for those cucumbers and other above-ground producers on the 21^st. Then plant those that develop below ground on the 22^nd and 23^rd after the moon has moved to the dark phase.

Signs, phases thru April 20

Here’s this week’s information about planting by the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac

 And as I like to remind you, since I can’t write specifically for every area of the country, you need to adapt information here based on your time zone, planting zone and date of last frost if you are in “frosty areas.” Thus this is written from a central Kentucky angle since that is where I live.

Given the week we’ve had in these parts when nighttime temperatures dipped into the 20s, we are once again reminded that winter isn’t over and putting out warm-weather loving veggies too early can result in nothing but disaster. I really like to wait until after Mother’s Day for the all clear, and that is May 8 this year; not long now.

Now, phases and signs and remember this information applies to all planting whether in a garden, greenhouse or flowerpot.

The moon

The moon is in the light phase now for above ground-producers. It remains in force until 1:24 a.m. on April 22. This is also a perfect time for pouring gravel of setting stones. I’m often asked about the best time for rock pouring, and here we have it: now through April 21.

The signs

According to the signs of the zodiac, fertile days are on tap for Tuesday and Wednesday, April 12 and 13 when the sign moves to Cancer (the breast), one of the four most fertile signs with the moon in the light phase for above-ground producers that like cool weather and ground in climes north of lower Tennessee where it should be warming nicely.

All planting should cease Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15 when the sign settles in Leo (the heart), one of the killing signs. Reserve these days for any gardening work but planting. If I did nothing else according to the signs, I would not plant when the sign is in either of the killing signs, Leo or Aries (the head).

Then we have a five-day stretch ruled by the flowering signs with Virgo (the bowels) ruling April 16-18 followed by Libra (the reins) on April 19-20. The moon will be in the light phase for the entire time. It you can protect them in case of a late cold snap, this will be an outstanding time for putting out your spring flowers.

If you have questions or comments, let me hear from you.

Weekend phases and signs

Planting this weekend

If you are considering any planting this weekend, consider where you are going to plant and the condition of your ground if you are planting outside. Where I am in Central Kentucky we are in the midst of an early-spring cold snap that has the potential to zap all those things that have bloomed – and that is unfortunate.

Nonetheless, if you are planting in a greenhouse or if it’s tolerable wherever you are, here’s the information for the weekend. I will follow up Sunday or Monday morning with the information for next week.

The moon is in the light phase (waxing, growing) until April 22 at 1:24 a.m. During this period be planting only those veggies that will produce above the ground and are tolerant of whatever sort of weather area you are in.

The signs find the very fertile sign Taurus (the neck) is ruling April 9 followed by Gemini (the arms) on April 10-11. In warm areas of the country, this is an ideal stretch for planting beans, but not so in colder areas since beans are a hot-weather-loving veggie and simply cannot stand frosts or freezes. Plus, they don’t like cold ground so that means don’t plant unless you are in a warm area.

April 12-13 find the very fertile sign Cancer (the breast) ruling for above-ground producers.

And there you have the weekend – and a little beyond.

Phases and Signs

Moon phases, zodiac signs for planting

Here’s this week’s information about planting by the phases of the moon and signs of the zodiac. Since I can’t write specifically for every area of the country, you need to adapt information here based on your time zone, planting zone and date of last frost if you are in “frosty areas.” Thus this is written from a central Kentucky angle since that is where I live.

Here we were reminded over the weekend that winter isn’t quite done yet with the frost and below-freezing temperatures. I hope you didn’t – or won’t – lose any sensitive plants and it doesn’t get cold enough to damage the fruit crops.

Weatherwise, April is a very capricious month and we just can’t get in a hurry to plant those things that can’t withstand cold snaps, frosts and freezes. And, any progress the ground had made toward warming is quickly negated with these cold nights. Please just be patient.

I heard on a television weather report last week that the average statistical last date for frost in central Kentucky is April 25. I’d be more comfortable adding a week – more likely two – to that date. There is absolutely no need to get in a hurry since if conditions aren’t to a plant or seed’s liking they just sit there and pout until conditions improve, opening them to rot, voracious varmints and mean seed-eating bugs. I really like to wait until after Mother’s Day for the all clear, and that is May 8 this year.

Now, phases and signs and remember this information applies to all planting whether in a garden, greenhouse or flowerpot.

The moon

The moon is in the dark phase now but that changes at 7:24 a.m. on Thursday, April 7 when the new moon, or no moon visible in the sky, comes to rule until the next full moon at 1:24 a.m. April 22. Through Wednesday, April 6, plant only those veggies that produce beneath the ground. Then, beginning Thursday afternoon through April 21, only those that produce above the ground.

The period during which the new moon is in force is also perfect for pouring gravel or setting stones. I’m often asked about the best time for rock pouring, and here we have it: most of April 7 through April 21.

The signs

According to the signs of the zodiac, what is left of today, April 4, and all of Tuesday are perfect days for planting below-ground producers if your ground is ready and dry enough to plant. As we have established, the moon is in the dark phase and the sign is in Pisces (the feet), one of the four most fruitful signs. Just get any planting done before Wednesday when the sign moves to Aries (the head), one of the killing signs. Reserve Wednesday and Thursday for preparing your garden, killing, deadening – anything but planting.

Outstanding planting returns Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9 when the sign moves to Taurus (the neck) one of the four most fertile signs with the moon in the light phase for above-ground producers. And, as exciting as that may sound, remember we are still – at the minimum – more than three weeks and more likely a month from the statistical danger of frost passing. No matter how tempting, at the risk of being repetitive, don’t get in a hurry!

April 10 and 11 the sign moves to Gemini (the arms), the bean sign. If the weather is pretty it might be tempting to plant some beans but just remember the ground is still cold and beans are a hot-weather loving veggie. My advice would be to wait unless you are willing to take the chance of losing your beans to frost or freeze.

A look on beyond reveals fertile days return April 12 and 13 when the sign moves to Cancer (the breast), another of the four most fertile signs. The moon is still in the light phase then.

If you have questions or comments, be in touch.