The water signs ~ Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces ~ are the most fertile planting days of the lunar garden calendar. They’re all 3-Moon days. 2-Moon days are Taurus and Capricorn. 1-Moon days are Virgo and Libra.

The barren signs ~ Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini and Virgo ~ get no moons because they’re not good for planting. They’re better used for other gardening activities.

The Moon is waxing in Scorpio through 5:05pm (EDT) May 24th. This is a fantastic time to do some late spring planting of annuals. I’ve got several packets of flower seeds that I haven’t gotten around to planting yet. Today’s the day! We were blessed with a nice rain during the night, so the ground is able and more than willing to embrace the seeds.

There is a Full Moon Eclipse in Sagittarius on Saturday. I’d advise even those who can only garden on weekends to avoid planting this Saturday or Sunday for two reasons. 1) Sagittarius is a barren sign, and 2) I don’t like to plant on either the New or Full Moon.

Late Sunday evening is okay, after 5:30pm. At that time, the Moon moves into Capricorn for a couple of days. Capricorn gets 2 Moons. Since the Moon will be in its waning phase, turn your attention to perennials and biennials.

The next 3-Moon days for perennials and biennials are May 30th from 8:31pm until June 2nd, 2:33pm when the Moon wanes in Pisces.

I’ve just now been outside using the last 25 foot hose I bought when suddenly it blew off the connector! I’m soaked and the hose is useless. You can’t fix these things like you can a regular garden hose.

They look real cute all wrapped up in that tight little wad, don’t they? Mine will be in a tight little wad in my garbage can.

I was curious to see if this happened to anyone else so I went to my trusted Amazon reviews. Lo and behold! 76 one star reviews. I’m making it 77. Lots of reviewers mention this happening to them. The hose usually leaks right out of the package, too.

I’ve only used the thing, oh, maybe 20 times. That makes it a very expensive hose.

According to some Amazon reviewers, the manufacturer isn’t eager to refund or help out in any way.

If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not. Save your money.

YES!

The first and most important idea behind lunar gardening is to use the waxing and waning phases as your guide. There are only a few “rules” to follow. You won’t even need an almanac or calendar. Your guide is in the sky.

Rule #1

Plant annuals and all “crops” that produce their bounty above the ground in the waxing phase, the two weeks between the New Moon and the Full Moon.

Your crop may be one tomato plant, a container of summer annuals, or a field of squash and peas.

“Above ground” means that we can easily see what the plant produces. We start from scratch with these plants, either through planting seeds or buying new plants each season to transplant into the ground or containers. Petunias in the summer, pansies for the winter,  seasonal veggies, and most herbs are examples of above ground crops.

If your climate is warm enough, some annuals may survive several seasons. I transplanted some snapdragons three or four years ago that have bloomed through every season. They’ve long outlived their expected life cycle.

Rule #2

Plant crops that produce their bounty below ground during the waning phase, the 2-week period from the Full Moon to the New Moon.

“Below ground” s a bit confusing. We do see flowers and foliage above ground with these plants. What classifies them as below ground crops is that they grow from the same root year after year, unlike annuals that have a one-season life cycle. (Usually, that is, unless your climate is very warm.) Day-lilies, asparagus, carnations, amaryllis, berries, shrubs and trees are a few examples.

These are the biennials and perennials in your yard and garden, on your deck or driveway.

Biennials have a 2-year life cycle. They start from seed, producing their flowers and seeds in their second year. Foxglove, parsley, and black-eyed susans are biennials. Biennial seeds should be planted every year to have a constant succession of blooms each season.

Perennials have longer life spans. Trees are the best example, but daffodils, dusty miller, and raspberries are perennials, too.

Your climate can change annuals to perennials or vice versa. Get to know your hardiness zone well.

Here are three moon phase charts to help weekend gardeners who want to garden with the phases. They’ll allow you to plan your activities by the waxing and waning phases. Each monthly calendar will open to a larger version when you click on it.

If all you can manage is to garden with the phases, you are doing exactly what millions of people have done successfully for many hundreds of years.

Baby swiss chard (seedlings). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I made my first real trek back into the garden yesterday. By real, I mean that I put something in the ground. I bought some basil, parsley, swiss chard, and arugula, and set them out while the Moon was in very fertile 1st Quarter Cancer.

Swiss chard is delicious and also makes a beautiful ornamental. They come mixed with some winter arrangements and can easily transplant to your veggie garden.

I couldn’t find a planetary ruler for swiss chard in any of my reference books. It’s a member of the beet family, though. Culpepper assigns red beets to Saturn and white beets to Jupiter, though more should be learned about the health benefits of chard before applying the same to red or white chard. This article may help. Lots of info there points to swiss chard and Mars connections. The article says that it can “prevent iron deficiency” and limit “neuronal damage in the brain.” Those are both Mars/Aries territory. Mars is a real contender here. What do you think?

The Moon enters Leo at 11:15am (EDT) today. How’s your garden looking? Honestly, mine is still ragged from the winter. There is lots to do, almost too much. (You’ve been there, right?)

Leo is not good for planting, but it is good for putting some polish on your garden palace. It’s a great time to get creative with your garden ~ exterior decoration, so to speak.

Almanacs

Do you buy more than one almanac each year or stick to a favorite?

I have several, but I’d love to hear your recommendations and why you like them. Do tell.

Related articles and recipes for swiss chard:

• Swiss Chard (yourlighterside.com)
• Penne with Swiss Chard (celebratewholefoods.wordpress.com)
• Rainbow Swiss Chard with Sunflower kernels and Raisins (omgirlsguide.wordpress.com)
• Spicy Swiss Chard Cornbread (Vegan Version Included) (honestfoodie.wordpress.com)

Aquarius is considered the rebel or eccentric of the zodiac and would be hard-pressed to fit into someone else’s mode or style. Since freedom and experimentation are two Aquarian traits, this is the time of year when you when you can throw caution to the wind and do what feels good and makes you happy.

If you’d like to stick with traditional Aquarius themes, here are a few tips to get you started. Some are more traditional while others are way out there.

• Add electric blue and amethyst to your environment. If that color combo is hard to imagine, just think carnival glass. The electric blue is invigorating while amethyst is relaxing. The Aquarius birthstone is the amethyst, btw. Pick up some inexpensive votive holders in these colors to set an easy, contemplative mood.
  

  Carnival glass from David Doty’s website

• Orchids and unusual flowers like Bird of Paradise or the Giant Pelican Plant are Aquarian flowers. They’re gorgeous in a single display, but they also make a bold, dynamic statement in arrangements.

• Anything tie-dyed is Aquarian. Wrap throw pillows in tie-dye t-shirts for a quick hippie retro-look.

• Eucalyptus branches or essential oil in a diffuser bring a refreshing, invigorating Aquarian scent to the environment. Eucalyptus oil is antiseptic and makes a good addition to any green cleaning recipes.

• Large birds of flight such as geese, eagles, and flamingos are all Aquarian. Go ahead and put those flamingos on display in your front yard.

• Anything displayed in groups of seven ~ a strange, but true tip about Aquarius.

These next two suggestions are off the beaten track for Aquarius, but Aquarius is a free spirit and won’t be held back.

• Valentine’s Day is always during Aquarius. Hearts, cherubs, and all things romantic are not themes normally associated with Aquarius, but they are certainly appropriate during the month Aquarius. Add a heart-shaped wreath to your front door or a heart-shaped lavender wreath in the kitchen.

• Another holiday that occurs during Aquarius is Chinese New Year. Indulge in some dragons and chinese lanterns.

Check out The Wild and Wacky Aquarius Garden for more about Aquarian flowers.

It originally appeared on the Home Made Simple site in the Nine Uses for Newspaper article.

Instructions can be found here.

Green is a color belonging to all the earth signs, but especially to Taurus. Shades from grass and pine to medium and dark forest green have a nurturing, healing and pacifying effect. (Don’t forget that the emerald is the birthstone of Taurus and the month of May.)

Every gardener knows about the healing effects of green. Spending just a few minutes a day in our gardens ~ even on a dreary winter day ~ can give us a refreshed spirit and clear insight.

Pantone has also included two other greens in their 2013 palette ~ Tender Shoots and Grayed Jade. What gardener could resist a name like Tender Shoots?

Did you know that greens don’t clash? It’s just one of the many reasons that we find nature so restful.

We can benefit from restful, soothing green indoors, too. We can add green to our color scheme by making it a part of everything from wall color to knick knacks, but there’s really no  better way to add it than with air-purifying plants.

Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques (Photo credit: adaduitokla)

• Peace lily
• Golden pothos
• English ivy
• Mother-in-law’s tongue
• Bamboo palm
• Red-edge dracaena
• Spider plant

• Change out throw pillows, sofa throws, and candles to ones in Capricorn’s conservative colors ~ dark brown, forest green, and navy blue. You can also use the deep delicious garnet red, the color of Capricorn’s birthstone.

• If you like prints, paisley is perfect. Throw a paisley scarf or shawl over a table or piano.

• Patchouli in your oil diffusers or candles is relaxing and calming.

• Capricorn is the sign associated with time. Display an antique clock or collection of pocket watches.

• Add strands of ivy to your flower arrangements or use a small potted ivy as a focal point on your coffee table or mantle.

• Put a few small quince branches in a vase. Don’t be surprised if the quince is “forced” and starts to bloom.

• If you have planters near your front door, fill them with pansies. If they’re grown organically, you can add these edible flowers to salads.

• Use table runners featuring ivy or pansy embroidery or designs.

• Brown coffee beans or river stones make a great base for dried flowers in a clear vase.

• If you have a set of bone china, why not enjoy it everyday instead of keeping it stashed away.

In the garden this week:

• Best planting times for biennials are during Pisces and Taurus. Save annuals for after the New Moon.
• Best Days for pest control and general maintenance are during Aries.
• All days are good for pruning.

  Moon in PISCES on Monday and most of Tuesday is the best time this week to fertilize your garden. Don’t forget your house and patio plants! It’s a good habit to change up your fertilizers once in a while. Keep a bottle of fish emulsion on hand for fertilizing during Pisces. Just makes sense, right? And easy to remember.

If you’re already in the habit of photographing your garden monthly, Pisces is an excellent time to get your shots. This is also an excellent time to tend to your water features ~ fountains, pools, koi ponds, wells, and birdbaths.

Gardeners often think of their entire garden as their sanctuary. Do you have a special part of your garden that feels more “sacred” than others? Spend some time in that part of your garden daily to connect with spirit. If you don’t have a designated garden sanctuary already, just pick your favorite spot. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top or even noticeable to your garden visitors. It could be a swing or a statue of St. Francis, Mary, or Quan Yin tucked into a bed or corner. In the long run, your garden sanctuary doesn’t require any kind of garden ornament at all. It’s what the space evokes in you that makes it sacred.

 Moon in ARIES is dry and barren, perfect for monthly maintenance of your garden tools. These are also excellent days for drying or dehydrating flowers, fruits, and herbs. Catnip is abundant and blooming in my garden now. Not only does it tickle the kitties, it makes a mildly sedative tea. Try steeping 1 tablespoon fresh catnip leaves in a cup of hot water. Toss in some fresh lemon balm, chamomile, and stevia if you have them on hand.

If you aren’t growing fresh stevia in your garden, you’re missing out on a real treat. It’s a plant that could be easily overlooked, but it’s loaded with sweetness. Pick a leaf and stick it between your teeth for a quick treat. Here in zone 8 it’s a perennial herb.

Late Friday the Moon enters fertile, earthy TAURUS and stays there until Sunday evening. Taurus is always identified as being the sign of trees. Have you considered adding a tree ring garden to your landscape? If a tree is young, you want all nutrients to go directly to its root, not annuals that are sitting right above them. However, if trees are well established, adding a tree ring garden shouldn’t harm the tree. There are prefab kits available or you can create your own. You want to make sure that you don’t pile the soil and mulch too near the base of the tree. Keep soil level at the base and build up as you build out.

A fun idea is to add a face to one of your trees with a forest face kit. These are so whimsical. If you have Spanish Moss available, you can add mustaches and beards to your tree’s face. The Spanish Moss will catch the breeze, adding movement and expression to your tree’s face. I couldn’t resist getting one of these for an oak in our yard. At first my husband objected (he said it was cheesy), but then he saw how much fun it actually was. Because squirrels scamper around that tree nonstop, they were constantly turning the eyes, nose or mouth. Our tree had a new expression every morning. I took it down for a little repair, but it’s time to get it back up.

On Sunday evening, the Moon moves into GEMINI and we are immediately greeted by a New Moon and Solar Eclipse. New Moons aren’t considered the best days for planting, but I wouldn’t plant anything during an eclipse. It brings up images of pod people from Invasion of the Body Snatchers and that’s just too creepy for me.

 Here are this week’s phases and sign changes.

Times noted are EDT.

I’m making a slight adjustment to the weekly calendar, starting it on Monday now. That gives weekend gardeners all the lunar info you need in one post. I’m playing a little catch-up with this post by including the weekend of May 5-6th.

We awake to the Moon in Scorpio on Saturday where it stays until very late Sunday. Here’s a little something to keep in mind ~ the Moon in Scorpio is waxing on Saturday before it’s full, but waning on Sunday. If you’re setting out annuals, do that on Saturday. Sunday the Moon changes to the waxing phase, so turn your attention to perennials. Scorpio is a very fruitful sign (second only to Cancer) so the weekend is perfectly suited to all kinds of gardening tasks. It’s helpful to have both waxing and waning hours to make the most of the weekend. Some folks won’t plant on the Full Moon at all. Use your sound judgment on this one. If the weekend is the only time you have, take advantage of it.

By 9:40pm on Sunday the Moon leaves Scorpio to enter the dry, barren sign of Sagittarius. With the lushness of the season, there are plenty of things to turn your attention to for the next couple of days. Check for aphids, spider mites, and scale. You can use a commercial insecticidal soap (which gets expensive) or you can make your own and save enough money to buy another plant. All you need is a pure liquid soap and some vegetable oil. Adding garlic and pepper helps, too. Here’s a recipe from Organic Gardening Web. Camellias and gardenias are extremely prone to scale. If that icky, sticky scale is the problem, you probably need a full attack. Here’s a good resource on how to get it back in control.

Here are some great days to pay attention to your root plants ~ perennials such as lilies, irises, dahlias, and veggies such as potatoes, beets, and carrots. The waning Moon in Capricorn is good for digging up any ragged pansies and replacing them with geraniums or other perennials. Try the scented varieties of geranium like rose, coconut, chocolate, and citrus (also known as the mosquito plant). These don’t produce the flowers that regular geraniums do, but you can cook with them. Try layering a few rose geranium leaves on the bottom of the pan before making a pound cake. Gorgeous, delicious, and aromatic!

Friday and Saturday are good days for aerating the soil with the Moon in Aquarius. Being one of the airs signs, it’s also one of the “flower days,” which puts an emphasis on blooms. These are good days for harvesting fruits, produce, and flowers.

On Sunday, the Moon settles into fertile Pisces. I love Pisces days for long, slow drinks of water for plants and for fertilizing with fish emulsion. It’s really, really hot in the south now, with temps reaching the mid-90’s already. Use a soaker hose on large areas or place the hose nozzle at the base of large plants and trees. Turn the hose to little more than a dribble and let it rest at the plant’s base for several hours. Obviously, this is more doable/affordable if you have a well than if you’re connected to city water.

 I bought one of those combo soaker/sprinkler hoses and the stupid thing burst on the first use. A good idea poorly executed. I don’t know the brand because I had already thrown the packaging away, but it looks like this one, dark with a reddish stripe down the middle. It burst right at the connection to the faucet, spewing water everywhere but on the plants. A piece of junk! If you’ve found a good one, I’d love a recommendation.

Here are this week’s phases and time changes. Times noted are EDT.