Last week I talked about how the phases of the moon can be used to increase the efficacy of your gardening efforts. This week we will add another aspect of the moon to consider when planning what to do in the garden.

Signs of the Zodiac: We know that there are 12 zodiac signs that the sun passes through. It stays in each sign for approximately 1 month and it takes about a year for the sun to make the circuit through each sign. Well the moon does the same thing, except that it stays in each sign for about 2 days and takes only 1 month to make the circuit. Each of the signs are associated with a particular element: either earth, water, fire or air. Water and earth are the more fruitful signs and are the best planting signs. Fire and air are barren making them perfect times to weed and harvest. Here is a quick rundown of each sign.

Aries: Fire sign that is barren and dry. Harvest, weed, cultivate. Also a great time to destroy pests

Taurus: Earth, moist and productive. This is the time to plant seed especially root crops and leafy greens.

Gemini: Air, barren and dry, harvest root crops for long storage, weed, cultivate and destroy pests. Melon seeds respond well to this sign

Cancer: Water; very fruitful and moist, this is the number one sign for planting, transplanting, grafting and fertilizing.

Virgo: Earth, barren and moist. Some flowers do well. Weed, cultivate and destroy weeds.

Libra: Air, this sign is semi-fruitful and moist and is great for planting fragrant flowers, vines and herbs.
Scorpio: Water, extremely fruitful and moist. Tomatoes, corm, squash do especially well if planted or transplanted under this sign

Sagittarius: Fire, barren and dry. Harvest roots especially onions. Weed, cultivate and destroy pests

Capricorn: Earth, productive and dry. Good for planting root crops, and for encouraging strong hardy growth. Good for grafting, and pruning to promote healing.

Aquarius: Air, barren and dry. Harvest root crops for storage. Weed, cultivate and destroy pests.

Pisces: Water, very productive and moist. The second best sign for planting and transplanting.

You can find astrological calendars that tell you what sign the moon is in at most any bookstore, or go online and Google ‘astrological calendar' and you may even find one on-line for free.