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.