Moon planting methods

If you are just looking for for this months moon planting calendar Click here.

There are three methods for planting by the moon.
The Synodic, Sidereal, and the Biodynamic cycle.

This is were all the confusion comes from is the diffrent zodiac signs.

Synodic (waxing and waning) cycle
Most Farmers almanac's are based on this way.
Every month the moon passes through all 12 signs of the zodiac; It is about 2 1/2 days in each sign.The 12 zodiac signs is associated with a different part of the body. and any sign above the waist is do not plant. Below the waist is plant.
Then they divides the Luna cycle into four phases or quarters. This cycle takes 29.6 days to complete.

Then they assign plants to the phases of the moon which best suits there growing characteristics.They group plants into categories, Root Crops, Foliage.Crops with seeds on the outside, and crops with seeds on the inside.

Sidereal cycle
This is very similar to the Biodynamic cycle except only the moons orbit around the earth is used to define the best times to sow and harvest.
The orbit is divided up into 12 equal 30 degree sections to represent the position of the moon in the sky, but it may not be the same as the current moon position. The sidereal cycle takes 27.3 days to complete.

Biodynamic cycle
This a method of organic farming that has its basis in a spiritual world-view (anthroposophy) This is a more scientific method using the 12 Zodiac signs as a way of position the moon, for more accurate planting. Rudolf Steiner , started this way in 1924.
Zodiac signs used where for the actual positioning of the moon in the sky, as the moon passed through them.
The moon, Venus and Saturn all play a large part in the Biodynamic farming calendar.
Form more information see the Wikipedia Article on Biodynamics.


So now that I have learn the difference I have now chosen to use the Biodynamic cycle, because I want to try the most scientific way. As they have done allot of research and it works for them. They encourage you to keep records and experiment. See for your self if it works!

Look at this web site, Look about 1/2 way down the page, it will show the difference in side real and tropical Zodiac signs. And explain in more detail.