Sunday brings us the waxing Moon in Taurus, one of the most fertile signs for planting, starting seeds, and transplanting. The waxing phase is perfect for annuals of all kinds ~ flowers or seasonal veggies. There’s a lushness that is always burgeoning in the south while the Sun is in Taurus. The greens are deep and rich. Leaves and vines are thick and heavy.

If you like a sparse garden that’s very manicured, Taurus may be your nemesis. You may be endlessly whacking away at what feels like unmanageable growth.

The month of Taurus is one of my favorites. It’s not too hot here in Zone 8 yet and everything looks so healthy and rich. The air is clean and clear and the grass has greened up. Gorgeous!

Sunday is also Earth Day. Do something special this year. Add a compost pile to your yard or invest in a small composter. I was lucky to receive a composter from a friend who had one too many. Hard to believe, I know.

You don’t have to pay a lot for a composter. In fact, you can make one from a plastic garbage can. I have a dear friend who swears by this type of composter. It’s cheap to make and is also a good gardening project. Forget fancy-schmancy. Check out this video on how to make one from P. Allen Smith.

Midday Tuesday the Moon moves into the airy, barren sign of Gemini. Even though we’re in the waxing phase, Gemini days are not good planting days. Louise Riotte, moon gardener extraordinaire, said that plants set out during Gemini tend to be leggy. Good for celery, but bad for mounding plants. Take advantage of Gemini days by driving through neighborhoods you like and getting some tips for your own yard. Trading plants with neighbors is good for your garden and theirs.

When the Moon moves into waxing Cancer on Thursday, you find yourself smack-dab in the middle of the most fertile period of all. These are my “do anything your want” days. I’ll plant anything during Cancer Moon days. But a Taurus Sun and a Cancer Moon? You just can’t do better than that! This is a once in a year shot at making the most of your garden or treating your houseplants with far-reaching care. If you’re deep watering now, your plants will go bonkers. Fertilizing is a top choice for Moon in Cancer days.

Thursday is Arbor Day, btw, when we’re encouraged to plant trees. Moon gardening suggests that trees be planted during the waning phase, so the timing is a bit off to actually plant a tree on Arbor Day. (Someone at the Arbor Foundation needs a Moon gardener!) Please consider adding at least one tree to your landscape this year in honor of Arbor Day. Think flowering or fruit trees native to your area. The birds and little critters will thank you for it.

Saturday afternoon finds the Moon in waxing Leo. The month started with Moon in Leo and the suggestion to decorate your garden during these days. They’re lousy for planting ~ the worst ~ so make it work by dressing up your garden with beautiful ornaments.

I found a couple of new ornaments this year ~ a Moon and star gazing ball and a Moon-themed chime. I’m an absolute sucker for anything with the Moon and stars. Adding these two new items to my garden puts me in moon gardening heaven! The chime is now hanging from a camellia “tree,” a suffering shrub that has been pruned into a gorgeous shape. What legs the camellia had hidden under her skirt. 🙂

Anything that takes center stage in your garden is your Leo item. Whether it’s a planting area, a fountain or water feature, a hammock, or your barbecue grill ~ if it’s the star of the yard, it’s Leo’s. Treat it respectfully and give it the attention it deserves. 

Here are this week’s moon sign and phase changes. Times and tips are for Zone 8, EDT.