First daffodil out this week! First Iris out last week! Snow forecast for next week so both have made bad mistakes!
Anyway here is Lunar Calender up to 15th Feb finishing this year. If you would like me to continue please let me know, as I was going to add extra info from 1st Feb for those interested in Bio Dynamic Gardening under Bio Dynamic Thread.
30th Jan - 15th Feb 2015
30th Jan - Root Day Sow Radish and carrots under cover, mixing the seed together. When you crop the radishes in a month's time, you will have left space for carrots to grow on. Sow turnips under cover.
31st Jan 1st Feb - Flower Days Prepare plot for Artichokes. If no frost plant out climbing shrubs like wisteria and honeysuckle.
2/3 Feb - Leaf Days If soil is not frozen, Plant hedging shrubs either bare root or container grown
4/5/6 Feb - Fruit Days (No gardening on 6th before 11.30am) Prune fruit and take cuttings from currants, popping spurs direct into vacant ground. Sweep moss and lichen off fruit tree trunks and then treat with Bordeaux Mixture.
7/8/9/10 Feb - Root Days (No gardening on 8th after 12.05pm) In all regions on non manured soil sow shallots with points showing abive ground but do not water in. - These should be ready for harvesting in July. Plant Rose Garlic. Thin turnips sowed between 1-4th January.
11/12 Feb - Flower Days After hard frost take off covering from artichokes to allow air to circulate and freshen tops (Cover again at night) Divide snowdrops in the green. Plant Anemones de Caen and renonculus. Prick out begonias sown 22-23rd January
13/14 Feb - Leaf Days Prune Box hedges. Cut Hazel for pea and bean sticks.Prick out lettuce and cabbage sown 24-26th January
15/16th Feb - Fruit Days In heated greenhouse 18-20degrees - sow tomatoes/aubergines/chillis and peppers.
Thanks Biofreak. If we stay above freezing this week I may also risk sowing some toms and chillies next Sunday but will save some seeds for a later fruity day, just in case.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Well it is getting milder - so I think I will try some tom seeds on Sunday too. Thought I would add fuller details about Lunar Gardening/Biodynamic Gardening as from Monday on this thread, and we could see if there are improvements on last year by taking the methods a step further by co-ordinating the phases of the moon with the other constellations which reinforce the effects on the growth stages of plants. Please let me know if you would like me to go ahead, and continue with the Calender.
Thank you so much for your support, it actually gives me confidence to continue too. So glad to bounce ideas off other people on the Forum, especially when some methods do require second opinions. 2 heads are better than 1 and all that and a problem shared is a problem halved! Anyway before I start on this potted description of Biodynamics and lunar gardening, may I just answer one persistent question - The fact that I live in France and you are in UK does not change the Luner Calender as it is on Greenwich Meantime and Europe is in the Northern Hemisphere so it does apply to you as much as I. I have put the hours for gardening in UK time as you are an hour behind us, but that is for your convenience only. Just to recap of the Moon element of this thread:-
The lunar month is 27days 7hrs and 44secs and in the exact image of the sun it passes in front of the constellations of the Zodiac exercising a great influence on the Earth - This can be easily recognised by high tide (when the moon is at its highest point in the sky) and low tide when the moon is at the lowest point (either horizon east or west.) To decide if the moon is ascending or descending in the sky take a tree/building in your garden and look at the moon - 2 hours later look again, it will be higher or lower in the sky and this gives you the visual info backed up by the Calender. For 13and a Half days the moon is rising from the constellation of Sagittarius to Gemini, it follows this track from 21st dec-21st june, during this time sap rises and this is the time to sow/graft, harvest leaf vegetables, the best fruit and to cut flowers for bouquets.For 13 and a Half days the moon is descending from the constellation of Gemini to Sagittarius and following the route of the Sun between 21st June - 21st Dec the sap returns to roots and now is the time to transplant/thin seedlings, spread compost and prune. The ground absorbs nutrients well, and hedges and trees are able to recover readily from pruning. It is this movement of ascending and descending that is of most interest to us gardeners.
When the Moon is at its highest point in the sky it is at its weakest in relation to gardening, when it is at its lowest it is also weak, so of no value to the gardener, this is why the Calender says no gardening before or after certain hours. Sowings may be unsuccessful/transplanting may weaken plants (albeit temporarily) The idea is to sow and plant at the best times working in co-ordination and with the rythmn of the stars.
The other cycle of importance is the synodique cycle where the moon changes from New Moon to Full Moon this takes 29days 12hrs 44mins & 2secs (In the 3rd century BC the Babylonians made this calculation and modern day scientists have found that they were only 0.000053secs out!) This is where we talk about the moon crossing (croissante) and it is at this time that the sun casts a shadow on the moon entirely and it appears to disappear from the sky (That's when on a clear night we say 'I can't see the moon') The Moon is Uncrossing (decroissante) from the Full Moon to the New Moon. At the Full Moon it is entirely lit up by the Sun and appears round.
If the New Moon is at 'noeud' or at a 'node' this means there is a solar eclipse as the Moon is directly in front of the Sun and at a Full Moon it is a lunar eclipse where the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. At these times gardening is not recommended according to the Calender for 5hrs before or after an eclipse. Plants do not take well during these periods, so leave them alone - weed or mend fences or tidy paths, clean tools etc. Catch up on those jobs.
Going to have a coffee! Will come back to this a bit later. - Any questions so far?
Part 2. Just in passing I did take the plunge and sow some Roma Tomatoes in the greenhouse yesterday as the guage registered 20c. They were the remains of a 37p packet I bought at a Car boot last year, so if they don't take I've lost nothing.
Anyway back to Biodynamics which really means organic gardening using the forces of nature. The constellations play a large part in the plan, and at this stage we must not get confused with astronomy or Brian Cox would have a fit! As the Moon passes from Sagittarius to Gemini, it passes in front of all 12 signs of the Zodiac. In doing so it strengthens the force of each, and this action has a direct effect on the Earth. Not only gardeners notice benefits but Beekeepers also follow the Calender, and there have been many interesting articles and books written on the subject since the 1920's.
Taurus/Virgo & Capricorn represent Earth and therefore Roots. When the Moon passes in front of these signs it is time to enrich & prepare soil. Make sowings, thin and plant out root crops.All vegetables at this time will be more resistant to parasites.
Cancer/Scorpio & Pisces represent Water and therefore Stems & Leaves. You can benefit from the Moon passing in front of these constellations to care for lettuce/spinach and asparagus, and if you harvest at this time these particular crops will be tastier.
Gemini/Libra & Aquarius represent Air and therefore flowers.The Moon passing in front of these constellations encourage perfume and brightness. Use the Moon passing these constellations to tend Flowers/Artichokes/Cauliflowers and Broccoli.
Aries/Leo & Sagittarius represent Fire giving heat necessary to ripen fruit and encourage seed formation. Tend your Fruit trees/Peas/Beans and Tomatoes when the Moon passes in front of these constellations.
Something to note is that some vegetables fall into 2 categories - For example Onions and Beetroot come under Root and Leaf, but the keeping quality is best when harvested on Root Days. Broccoli and Cauliflower which could be placed under Leaf are actually frimer and stronger when sown on Flower Days.
I will give you a vegetable and flower guide as the year progresses.
The last point to bear in mind is the subject of Conjunctions - This is when 2 or more planets stand behind one another in space. It is then only the planet closest to the Earth which has any influence on plant growth. If this influence is stronger than the Moon then it can have a detrimental effect on plant growth. Sowing at these times can harm a plan't regenerative power and the crop will be poor. Such Conjunctions will be mentioned in the year's Calender as I am incorporating the BioDynamic and Lunar together.
On the practical side, it is imperative with Biodynamic Gardening that no chemicals whatsoever are used. They form a barrier against the natural actions of the stellar and planetary forces. Alternative mixtures or Purins can be made using herbs to make brews (Like Nettle and Comfrey) to protect/feed our crops. Companion Planting forms a big part in Biodynamics. The Companion Planting Thread on the Forum is full of good tips, and I notice that Seed Brochures now recommend companions.
I think now is the time to pause. Part 3 will be the Calender together with Key Dates to watch out for this year, if nothing else out of curiosity.
Well done Biofreak. A clear explanation though there will no doubt be sceptics.
I didn't sow any toms or chillies or broad beans yesterday or today as it was so cold outside (6C at 10am) so I shall wait for the next fruit day when I hope it will be a tad warmer and there will also be a bit more light.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Posts
First daffodil out this week! First Iris out last week! Snow forecast for next week so both have made bad mistakes!
Anyway here is Lunar Calender up to 15th Feb finishing this year. If you would like me to continue please let me know, as I was going to add extra info from 1st Feb for those interested in Bio Dynamic Gardening under Bio Dynamic Thread.
30th Jan - 15th Feb 2015
30th Jan - Root Day Sow Radish and carrots under cover, mixing the seed together. When you crop the radishes in a month's time, you will have left space for carrots to grow on. Sow turnips under cover.
31st Jan 1st Feb - Flower Days Prepare plot for Artichokes. If no frost plant out climbing shrubs like wisteria and honeysuckle.
2/3 Feb - Leaf Days If soil is not frozen, Plant hedging shrubs either bare root or container grown
4/5/6 Feb - Fruit Days (No gardening on 6th before 11.30am) Prune fruit and take cuttings from currants, popping spurs direct into vacant ground. Sweep moss and lichen off fruit tree trunks and then treat with Bordeaux Mixture.
7/8/9/10 Feb - Root Days (No gardening on 8th after 12.05pm) In all regions on non manured soil sow shallots with points showing abive ground but do not water in. - These should be ready for harvesting in July. Plant Rose Garlic. Thin turnips sowed between 1-4th January.
11/12 Feb - Flower Days After hard frost take off covering from artichokes to allow air to circulate and freshen tops (Cover again at night) Divide snowdrops in the green. Plant Anemones de Caen and renonculus. Prick out begonias sown 22-23rd January
13/14 Feb - Leaf Days Prune Box hedges. Cut Hazel for pea and bean sticks.Prick out lettuce and cabbage sown 24-26th January
15/16th Feb - Fruit Days In heated greenhouse 18-20degrees - sow tomatoes/aubergines/chillis and peppers.
Happy Gardening
Hello , how do you heat your green house ?
I don't - and I'm not sure if I will be able to sow toms as instructed on 15/16th - Still I might try some in the house to kick them off.
Thanks Biofreak. If we stay above freezing this week I may also risk sowing some toms and chillies next Sunday but will save some seeds for a later fruity day, just in case.
Well it is getting milder - so I think I will try some tom seeds on Sunday too. Thought I would add fuller details about Lunar Gardening/Biodynamic Gardening as from Monday on this thread, and we could see if there are improvements on last year by taking the methods a step further by co-ordinating the phases of the moon with the other constellations which reinforce the effects on the growth stages of plants. Please let me know if you would like me to go ahead, and continue with the Calender.
Hello , I would say yes , continue , as it is so different to what I am use to
Happy Gardening
Yes please.
Thank you so much for your support, it actually gives me confidence to continue too. So glad to bounce ideas off other people on the Forum, especially when some methods do require second opinions. 2 heads are better than 1 and all that and a problem shared is a problem halved! Anyway before I start on this potted description of Biodynamics and lunar gardening, may I just answer one persistent question - The fact that I live in France and you are in UK does not change the Luner Calender as it is on Greenwich Meantime and Europe is in the Northern Hemisphere so it does apply to you as much as I. I have put the hours for gardening in UK time as you are an hour behind us, but that is for your convenience only. Just to recap of the Moon element of this thread:-
The lunar month is 27days 7hrs and 44secs and in the exact image of the sun it passes in front of the constellations of the Zodiac exercising a great influence on the Earth - This can be easily recognised by high tide (when the moon is at its highest point in the sky) and low tide when the moon is at the lowest point (either horizon east or west.) To decide if the moon is ascending or descending in the sky take a tree/building in your garden and look at the moon - 2 hours later look again, it will be higher or lower in the sky and this gives you the visual info backed up by the Calender. For 13and a Half days the moon is rising from the constellation of Sagittarius to Gemini, it follows this track from 21st dec-21st june, during this time sap rises and this is the time to sow/graft, harvest leaf vegetables, the best fruit and to cut flowers for bouquets.For 13 and a Half days the moon is descending from the constellation of Gemini to Sagittarius and following the route of the Sun between 21st June - 21st Dec the sap returns to roots and now is the time to transplant/thin seedlings, spread compost and prune. The ground absorbs nutrients well, and hedges and trees are able to recover readily from pruning. It is this movement of ascending and descending that is of most interest to us gardeners.
When the Moon is at its highest point in the sky it is at its weakest in relation to gardening, when it is at its lowest it is also weak, so of no value to the gardener, this is why the Calender says no gardening before or after certain hours. Sowings may be unsuccessful/transplanting may weaken plants (albeit temporarily) The idea is to sow and plant at the best times working in co-ordination and with the rythmn of the stars.
The other cycle of importance is the synodique cycle where the moon changes from New Moon to Full Moon this takes 29days 12hrs 44mins & 2secs (In the 3rd century BC the Babylonians made this calculation and modern day scientists have found that they were only 0.000053secs out!) This is where we talk about the moon crossing (croissante) and it is at this time that the sun casts a shadow on the moon entirely and it appears to disappear from the sky (That's when on a clear night we say 'I can't see the moon') The Moon is Uncrossing (decroissante) from the Full Moon to the New Moon. At the Full Moon it is entirely lit up by the Sun and appears round.
If the New Moon is at 'noeud' or at a 'node' this means there is a solar eclipse as the Moon is directly in front of the Sun and at a Full Moon it is a lunar eclipse where the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. At these times gardening is not recommended according to the Calender for 5hrs before or after an eclipse. Plants do not take well during these periods, so leave them alone - weed or mend fences or tidy paths, clean tools etc. Catch up on those jobs.
Going to have a coffee! Will come back to this a bit later. - Any questions so far?
Part 2. Just in passing I did take the plunge and sow some Roma Tomatoes in the greenhouse yesterday as the guage registered 20c. They were the remains of a 37p packet I bought at a Car boot last year, so if they don't take I've lost nothing.
Anyway back to Biodynamics which really means organic gardening using the forces of nature. The constellations play a large part in the plan, and at this stage we must not get confused with astronomy or Brian Cox would have a fit! As the Moon passes from Sagittarius to Gemini, it passes in front of all 12 signs of the Zodiac. In doing so it strengthens the force of each, and this action has a direct effect on the Earth. Not only gardeners notice benefits but Beekeepers also follow the Calender, and there have been many interesting articles and books written on the subject since the 1920's.
Taurus/Virgo & Capricorn represent Earth and therefore Roots. When the Moon passes in front of these signs it is time to enrich & prepare soil. Make sowings, thin and plant out root crops.All vegetables at this time will be more resistant to parasites.
Cancer/Scorpio & Pisces represent Water and therefore Stems & Leaves. You can benefit from the Moon passing in front of these constellations to care for lettuce/spinach and asparagus, and if you harvest at this time these particular crops will be tastier.
Gemini/Libra & Aquarius represent Air and therefore flowers.The Moon passing in front of these constellations encourage perfume and brightness. Use the Moon passing these constellations to tend Flowers/Artichokes/Cauliflowers and Broccoli.
Aries/Leo & Sagittarius represent Fire giving heat necessary to ripen fruit and encourage seed formation. Tend your Fruit trees/Peas/Beans and Tomatoes when the Moon passes in front of these constellations.
Something to note is that some vegetables fall into 2 categories - For example Onions and Beetroot come under Root and Leaf, but the keeping quality is best when harvested on Root Days. Broccoli and Cauliflower which could be placed under Leaf are actually frimer and stronger when sown on Flower Days.
I will give you a vegetable and flower guide as the year progresses.
The last point to bear in mind is the subject of Conjunctions - This is when 2 or more planets stand behind one another in space. It is then only the planet closest to the Earth which has any influence on plant growth. If this influence is stronger than the Moon then it can have a detrimental effect on plant growth. Sowing at these times can harm a plan't regenerative power and the crop will be poor. Such Conjunctions will be mentioned in the year's Calender as I am incorporating the BioDynamic and Lunar together.
On the practical side, it is imperative with Biodynamic Gardening that no chemicals whatsoever are used. They form a barrier against the natural actions of the stellar and planetary forces. Alternative mixtures or Purins can be made using herbs to make brews (Like Nettle and Comfrey) to protect/feed our crops. Companion Planting forms a big part in Biodynamics. The Companion Planting Thread on the Forum is full of good tips, and I notice that Seed Brochures now recommend companions.
I think now is the time to pause. Part 3 will be the Calender together with Key Dates to watch out for this year, if nothing else out of curiosity.
All Queries welcome.
Well done Biofreak. A clear explanation though there will no doubt be sceptics.
I didn't sow any toms or chillies or broad beans yesterday or today as it was so cold outside (6C at 10am) so I shall wait for the next fruit day when I hope it will be a tad warmer and there will also be a bit more light.