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Eco Garden - February 2012
Moon Gardening by Priscilla Woolworth |
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Please check out my blog about Gardening according to the phases of the Moon, where I explain it in more detail: Gardening according to the phases of the Moon. FEBRUARY MOON PHASE SCHEDULE: February 1rst to 6th: Waxing Moon Garden Chores to be done in February: Plant camellias, flowering bulbs, bare root fruit trees, roses, cane berries, grapes, artichoke, asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries and perennial flowers Finish pruning deciduous fruit trees and fertilize them before the buds swell Dig and divide perennials Prune berries, grapes, roses, shrubs and vines Prune citrus and fertilize at the end of the month Fertilize perennials, bulbs and figs Plant in your flower garden: candytuft, columbine, coreopsis, delphinium, foxglove, hollyhock, lobelia, lupine, lavender, nicotiana, penstemon, poppy, salvia, stock, sweet peas, and yarrow Plant in your vegetable garden: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, leeks, mustard, chard, peas, lettuce, spinach, celery, carrots, beets, parsnip, radish, potatoes, tomato, pepper, and eggplant February 1rst till February 6th: the Moon is in the Waxing phase, when the lunar gravitational pull brings the water up, which makes it a good time of the month to encourage plant growth and proliferation. Plant seeds, transplant, re-pot, trim and prune for growth. Also, fruits and vegetables that are tender and should be eaten immediately are at their best when gathered at the Waxing Moon, because the water content is higher, salads are crunchier, and juicier. Recommended Days for these garden chores: February 4th and 5th: Plant above ground annuals February 7th: Full moon The 4 days before and also 4 days after the Full Moon is the best time to prune, plant seeds (they germinate faster when planted at the full moon because they absorb more water) and fertilize plants as close to the Full Moon as possible. Cut bamboo and sow a lawn or put down sod. The Full Moon, when water is at the highest level in the month. Best time to pick tomatoes, and harvest grapes to be used in winemaking as close to the full moon as possible because the grapes will retain more juice and bouquet. Gather any herbs to be used for their essential oils at the Full Moon because oil content is more concentrated at this time. From February 8th till the 20th, the Moon is Waning, and the energy of the earth is drawn down but the gravitational pull is high, creating more moisture in the soil and this energy goes into the roots making it a good time of the month to sow crops that produce their yield below ground and control plant growth by pruning, weeding, and controlling garden pests, as well as dividing perennials. This is the best time for garden maintenance because the growth cycle of plants decreases. Fruit trees do best planted at this time of the month because the position of the moon encourages development of root growth and tree bark, essential to their success. This is also the best time to cut wood, because it resists parasites and cures better. Farmers pick their apples, cabbages, potatoes and onions at the Waning Moon, when water content is lowest and so the harvest stores better and keeps longer. Best time to dry herbs, flowers and fruit and the herbs are at their most potent. Also, add potassium fertilizer to plants that need it because it will be better absorbed at this time. Mow your lawn to slow growth. First time composters, start your composter during this period because the Waning Moon phase helps aid in the decomposition of plant matter. Recommended days for these garden chores: February 8th and 9th: Harvest, cultivate, weed, and control pests February 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th: Plant for root growth, divide perennials, especially flowers and herbs and prune February 15th and 16th: Harvest, cultivate, weed and control garden pests February 17th and 18th: Graft, prune and control pests February 19th and 20th: Harvest, cultivate, weed, and control pests February 21rst: New Moon February 21rst and 22nd: Plant above ground annuals February 26th, 27th and 28th: Plant above ground annuals, especially cabbage and leafy vegetables Get ready for March 2012 Gardening according to the phases of the Moon! Subscribe to my Almanac and get your monthly update every month from me. Take care Priscilla Woolworth |
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Raised Garden Planter
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