MFK GARDENS - URBAN FARMER NURSERY

SEVEN PRACTICES OF SOIL REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
Video:  Kiss the Ground (NETFLIX)
Video: "I can sleep when the wind blows"

S/N	PRACTICE	DETAIL (THEORY, OBSERVATION, PRACTICAL, DISCUSSION, QUIZ)
1.	NO TILLING	Video:  Soil is a living organism No-till Least amount of mechanical disturbance
2.	GROUND COVER	Pasture cropping
3.	USE DIVERSITY	Silvopasture Companion Planting Organic recipes to rid of pests (Garden Pests, Home Pests) Use of beneficial insects (row crops, farming, using good bugs) Waste-water management ​​(Notes and videos below, quiz)
5.	COMPOST-MAKING	​​Compost (Link 1, Link 2) & worm composting (Link 1, Link 2) Biochar
4.	​GROW PERENNIALS	​Agroforestry
6.	LIVING ROOT AT ALL TIMES	Planting by Lunar Phases & Planting by Stellar Constellation Phases (Notes and videos below, quiz)
7.	ANIMAL INTEGRATION	Aquaculture Holistic Planned Grazing

​iii.  planting by lunar moon phases

Moon gardening is not a new age trend but a practice rooted in ancient wisdom.  Over the centuries diverse cultures have observed that planting during certain phases of the moon has affected the germination and growth rate of plants.

The tilt of the Earth’s axis regulates the seasons as we journey our way around the Sun.  Distance from the equator (latitude) is the prime determinant of the growing seasons that combines with altitude, distance from the sea and other regional factors to create a diverse mosaic of climates and micro-climates across the globe.  Any seasonal planting calendar must be regional if not local.

The Moon provides a more subtle influence on growing conditions, its light and gravitational force affecting plant growth that has informed traditional gardening rhythms through the centuries.  Unlike the seasonal cycle, this lunar cycle is more universal so can be incorporated into a calendar with global relevance. This basic guide to gardening by moon phases can help improve health and yield from our efforts.

​Have you ever wondered how the tides on Earth are created?  Well, the answer lies in the gravitational pull of our closest celestial neighbour, the Moon!

The Moon’s gravitational pull creates two tidal bulges on opposite sides of the Earth, which causes the rise and fall of sea levels that we experience as tides.  As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet pass through these tidal bulges, resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day.

But did you know that the position of the Moon also affects the intensity of the tides?  During a full moon or new moon, when the Moon and Sun are aligned, their gravitational forces combine, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.  On the other hand, during the first quarter or third quarter moon, when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, their gravitational forces partially cancel each other out, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides, known as neap tides.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvnFodYBvU4/?img_index=1

Diving into the enchanting world of moon gardening, this video explores the ancient practice of planting by the lunar calendar. Discover how the moon's cycles can influence plant growth and garden vitality. From the lunar calendar to lunar gardening, uncover the secrets behind growing by the moon. Learn how to utilize the moon planting calendar for your garden and delve into the intriguing symbology of the sun and moon. Plus, explore the wonders of the world through the lens of gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious newcomer, this guide to moon gardening will illuminate your path to a thriving garden harmonized with the celestial rhythms. Join us as we unravel the mystery of moon gardening, a practice that combines ancient wisdom with modern gardening techniques.

how lunar phases affect sap dynamics in plants according to Restrepo [29]. Redrawn and translated from Restrepo. Credits: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/10/7/955#B39-agronomy-10-00955

Lunar and constellation planting is based on the concept that the gravitational pull of the moon and the positioning of celestial constellations influence plant growth, water movement, and soil vitality. This approach aligns planting, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting with natural cosmic rhythms to optimize plant health and productivity.

Key Reasons Why Lunar & Constellation Planting Ensures Success
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1. Influence of Lunar Phases on Plant Growth

• The moon’s gravitational pull affects water movement in plants, just as it influences tides.
• New & Waxing Moon (Increasing Light Phase): Encourages strong leaf and stem growth, making it ideal for planting leafy greens and above-ground crops.
• Full Moon: Enhances sap flow, promoting seed germination, nutrient uptake, and vigorous plant growth.
• Waning Moon (Decreasing Light Phase): Best for root development and below-ground crops like carrots and potatoes, as energy shifts downward into the soil.

2. Aligning with Zodiac Constellations

• Different constellations correspond to the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—each influencing plant development:
  • Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) – Favor root crops and soil enrichment.
  • Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) – Ideal for moisture-loving, leafy crops.
  • Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) – Best for flowering plants and pollination.
  • Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) – Enhance fruiting crops like tomatoes and peppers.

​3. Enhanced Germination, Growth, and Yield

• Seeds germinate faster and stronger when sown in sync with the moon’s cycle.
• Plants have better nutrient absorption and stronger resistance to pests and diseases.
• Harvesting at the right lunar phase improves shelf life and flavor, especially for fruits and herbs.

4. Soil & Water Optimization

• Moisture levels in soil are highest around the full moon, making it a great time for irrigation and fertilization.
• Tilling and composting are most effective in the waning moon phase, when decomposition processes are accelerated.

By following lunar and constellation planting, farmers and gardeners work with nature’s rhythms rather than against them, improving crop resilience, productivity, and soil health in a natural and sustainable way.

Moon Phases 2025 – Lunar Calendar

* All times are local time for Gaborone.  They take into account refraction. Dates are based on the Gregorian calendar. Current lunation cycle is highlighted yellow. Special events are highlighted blue.
https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/​

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• The way the moon begins to have a powerful effect on the plants is because of its effect on the tides.  We will also attest that the moon can also adversely affect people and their behavior.  People weren't called "lunatics' for nothing!
• It is also believed that the moon affects the earth's vegetation in different ways depending on the phase of the moon at any one time of the month, with the moon completing a cycle every 29 1/2 days.  Although there are 8 phases of the moon, for gardening purposes the moon phases are divided into 4 quarters; new moon, 1st quarter, full moon, 3rd quarter, new moon each lasting around seven to eight days. The new moon will actually be a dark period where you will not see any moon at all.
• The transition, from one phase to the next, is where sowing, planting and pruning is best avoided for 12 hours before and after the change.  Use this time instead to improve your soil.  These make up the remaining 4 phases of the moon.

WAXING MOON - INCREASING IN LIGHT, SAP FLOW DRAWN UP
The new moon and first quarter phases are the most suitable time for sowing and transplanting flowering annuals (and biennials), grains, melons, annual grasses and green manure crops. It’s also a good time for applying liquid fertilisers, pruning and grafting as increased saps flows produce new growth more quickly.  If you want to speed up lawn growth then consider mowing during this period.

Credits: https://insectsandorganicgardening.com.au/organic-gardening/planting-guide/moon-cycles/

Phase Name	Description	To Do	To Avoid
NEW MOON PHASE	This phase is characterised by darkness as the moon is between the earth and the sun. The increased gravitation pull (compared to the previous phase) and light cause the seeds to swell and burst.	It is the time of rebirth and new beginnings. Excellent time to plant seeds for above-ground crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit example, lettuce, spinach and celery. It’s also a good time for applying liquid fertilisers, pruning and grafting as increased saps flows produce new growth more quickly.​	​
FIRST CRESCENT	When the moon is waxing (increasing light) towards the first quarter, there is a surge of energy through the plants and the sap begins to rise through the stems.	Start planting, start to sow seeds, transplant seedlings and graft plants. The time to plant leafy annuals and crops, cereals, grains and other crops and flowers that produce growth above the ground.  Sow or transplant leafy annuals – where we value or eat the leaves or stem. Eg: lettuce, spinach, cabbage and celery. ​The best zodiac signs to plant during the first quarter is when the moon is in a water sign, such as Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
FIRST QUARTER	When the moon is waxing (increasing light) towards the full moon, this phase is all about growth and vitality.	It is a great time to continue planting and to encourage leaf growth. Mow lawn to promote lush thick grass. When the moon is in the first quarter and is moving towards a full moon you can also plant ground crops that have inside seeds such as tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers etc. It is also the time to plant annuals and flowers that you want to produce showy and fragrant flowers such as roses. ​​
WAXING GIBBOUS		The last two days of the first quarter, just before the full moon is considered an ideal time for grafting fruit trees.  Again the best zodiac signs for sowing and planting your moon garden are during the first quarter when the moon is in a water sign, such as Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. ​Also sow or transplant fruiting annuals – where we value or eat the fruit or seed bearing part of the plant. Eg: tomato, pumpkins, broccoli and beans. ​​

WANING MOON - REDUCING LIGHT, SAP FLOW DRAWN DOWN
The full moon and last quarter phases are a good time for applying solid fertilisers, pruning dormant plants, harvesting crops and seed for storage or drying – as they are less likely to rot. Perennials, plants that live for more than two years, have root systems that are able to store sugars and nutrients in a similar way that root crops do.  If you want to slow lawn growth then consider mowing during the waning moon.

Credits: https://insectsandorganicgardening.com.au/organic-gardening/planting-guide/moon-cycles/

Phase Name	Description	To Do	To Avoid
FULL MOON	When the moon is fully illuminated casting a bright glow on earth.  This is when the gravitational pull is at their peak leading to increased moisture in the soil.  The increased moisture content encourages strong root development. At full moon all plants are at their peak. ​	​​This is the time to plant crops and flowers that produce growth below the ground such as root crops, tubers and bulbs and for flowers, your biennials and perennials, and the perennials can be divided now too.  It is time to plant onions, potatoes, carrots, swedes, turnips, beets, parsnips and radishes. It is also the time to plant trees, fruit trees and saplings towards the end of the waning period and any spraying of fruit trees should be done during this period of the moon phase.  Sow or plant, decorative and fruiting perennials – take cuttings and divide plants.  You can also plant strawberries and their runners out now and if you have any vegetables or fruit that will have to be stored for a long period of time, such as apples, potatoes, pumpkins etc. if you pick them now, they won't rot as quickly. Sow or plant out root crops, decorative and fruiting perennials – take cuttings and divide plants.	Value
WANING GIBBOUS	However, over the next two weeks as the moon loses its light it also loses its energy and the moon is waning to the third quarter.	​
THIRD QUARTER	Where the moonlight starts to wane.	During the last or fourth quarter this is a barren phase for moon gardening where it more prudent to do some tidying up in your garden, pull the weeds, see to the compost heap, spread the manure and turn over the beds. Now wait for the first crescent of the new moon to plant new seeds. It is the time for the plants to rest and recuperate. It is the time to prune, weed and harvest. Harvest your crops, your herbs, especially medicinal herbs which will be more potent if picked at this time, mushrooms, grapes The full moon and last quarter phases are a good time for applying solid fertilisers, pruning dormant plants, harvesting crops and seed for storage or drying – as they are less likely to rot. Time to improve your soil – weeding, mulching, making compost and manure teas, digging or ploughing. Time to mow the lawn to slow growth. Harvest your crops, your herbs, especially medicinal herbs which will be more potent if picked at this time, mushrooms, grapes It is the time to prune.
WANING CRESCENT

Credits: https://insectsandorganicgardening.com.au/organic-gardening/planting-guide/moon-cycles/

When you are looking at the moon from the Northern Hemisphere, you will see the phases as below. However, if you are looking at the phases of the moon from the Southern Hemisphere, you will see the reverse. That is the waxing 1st quarter will will remind us of the letter "C" and the waning 3rd quarter will remind us of the letter "D".

This planting calendar helps you pick the best dates for popular garden tasks—starting seeds, pruning shrubs, harvesting, weeding, and much more—according to our 200-year-old formula that relies on phases and position of the Moon.

​Tune your fork - a moon planting guide - Permaculture Principles

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