18/19/20th Nov - Root Days In mild regions plant last shallots, otherwise lift and store root crops as needed remembering parsnips are better off left in ground and lifted after a frost. Improve compacted ground with compost.No gardening on 19th before 1.20pm
21/22 nov - Flower Days Cut back spent perennials, burn spent woody stems or chop and put on compost hea[ (I burn alot and use potash on raspberries) Do not trim grasses but let them die back naturally and tidy in the Spring. Cut out old wood from roses and treat cut ends with Bordeaux Mixture to stop disease getting in.
23 Nov - Leaf Day Force chicory, and stop planting out cabbages. Plant ivy and virgin creepers against walls, and continue planting hedgerow trees like ash.
24/25/26th Nov - Fruit Days In mild areas sow Broad beans and round (not wrinkled) peas.
27/28th Nov - Root Days No gardening on 27th after 6.10pm. Check out stored veg and rub off sprouting points on potatoes.
I have just picked beetroot/celery/batavia and spring onions from outside (not greenhouse) -still so mild did not expect to eat my own salad in November! How about you? How is it going? happy Gardening.
Lunar Calender 1st - 17th December as away next week.
1//2/december: Leaf Days Harvest Brussel Sprouts/Lambs Lettuce/Lettuce and spinach. Protect outdoor salad crops with tunnels. 2nd No gardening before 1.35pm Moon at lowest point so no power to aid gardeners.
3/4 december: Fruit Days In mild regions continue sowing round (not wrinkled) peas and mangetouts. Try sowing pear and apple seeds in pots with a sandy mix in greenhouse
5/6//7 December: Root Days. Sow round radishes and short variety carrots under cover. Air in mild weather. Protect from slugs and cover frames with straw in cold weather.
8/9 december; Flower Days If there is no frost plant bare root roses and shrubs.
10/11 December: Leaf Days. Force chicory. Outside frost periods plant hedgerow with bare root trees.
12/13/14 december Fruit Days. 12th No gardening after 6pm (Too dark I think!)
Prune fruit treese situated in windy positions, removing old branches in particular and clearing centres of crossing branches. Brush moss and lichen from trunks. Lightly compost root areas and add leaf mould as well. Lift stray raspberries and replant.
15/16/17 december Root Days 16th No gardening at all. Ascending moon. Continue to prepare heavy soil for next season. In mild regions plant white and violet garlic on un manured plot. Harvest parsnips/artichokes/salsify and scorsonora. Hold back good roots of horseradish and artichokes as these will be useful for transplanting for fresh crops in new plot next Spring.
It's been 2 or 3 C max today and yesterday and is expected to get even colder so, apart from getting in the last of the bulbs, stashing the last of the pots to sheler in teh shed and greenhouse, turning the compost heaps and erecting windbreak mesh along the north fence I doubt I'll be doing any gardening for some time but thanks for the update.
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)."
I read the title and imagined people digging in the moonlight. What a fascinating concept though. Have to be honest it must be a bad moon day here, never got out at all, wind and drizzle and feel a bit down about it.
Hi everyone - Just finished getting ready for final Xmas Street Market this w/e - Shall be glad to spend some time in the garden away from crowds and noise.
Have just cut lettuce and Spring onion tops for a quick salad - Can't believe how mild it is but have spotted first snowdrop!!
Herewith Lunar Calender 18th-31st December - Final Report for the Year.
18/19/20 December Flower Days If it is not frosty prune spring flowering clematis. Plant amarylis.
21 December Leaf Day - If no frost prune trees cutting out old wood. Prune hazels and tie in best branches to keep tidy in hedging.
22/23rd december - Fruit Days In mild areas sow Broad Beans. Transplant grafted baby fruit trees in sheltered spot.
24th December - Root Day No gardening after 11.40am (Thank goodness need to cook!)
25th december - Root Day MERRY CHRISTMAS - Having made plans for 2015 Think of which seeds you would like to buy and order quickly to avoid disappointment.
26th December - Flower Day - In warm greenhouse sow begonias (semperflorens) and pelargoniums, do not cover begonia seed.
27/28/29/30th December - Leaf Days Do not garden on 29th Before 2.30pm otherwise if it is not frosty harvest spinach/lambs lettuce/ winter cabbage and brussels. In the house germinate beansprouts and soya for crunchy salads.
31st December - Fruit Day In mild regions sow broad beans and round peas (not wrinkled) Mine are doing well in the greenhouse, so may pop some more in to get some fresh air.
So there we are - end of the year and generally pleased with results. Temptation to garden outside lunar advice is dreaful, but I have stuck with it and whilst I will drop some crops totally, I think the general principals with regard to sowing and sprouting are excellent, and I can see a pattern forming. Will continue into Feb to complete the annual cycle as promised. Then if anyone wants me to continue writing Diary I shall be happy to do so.
I admire your dedication to this, but you have cut lettuce on the 18th, if you need a nice fresh lettuce for Chrismas day tea you're not allowed to.
Also I didnt think December was the time to cut early flowering clematis as they bloom on growth made this summer?.
I dont think this would be for me, imagine not doing anything in the garden because chart says so, then on the day you can go out, its pouring with rain.
Everything seems to be at different times where you live compared to the UK. If it suits you, stick with it, look forward to seeing you back in the Spring, and thank you for taking the time to post about it.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Happy New Year everyone and may it be a good growing one! I have taken stock of successes and failures in 2014 - No I will never grow asparagus peas again - You were all right how awful they were to eat - and I had tons of them. Made good compost though. Salad crops worked well, and we did have a crispy lettuce with smoked salmon on Xmas Day! I also disagree with some of the pruning advice but it has worked so I shall try again for a third year AND brace yourselves, I have received a Biodynamic Gardening Calender/Diary for 2015. It is a nightmare to get to grips with , and I thought that the Lunar Cycle could be complicated! Still I am going to give it a go - Does anyone else garden this way. My Mum did for years and we always seemed to have wonderful crops. Anyway here goes with Lunar Calender for 5-16th January. Happy Gardening.
5th Jan 2015 - Flower Day Plant Bare Root trees & shrubs, soaking their feet in sticky mud before planting out. Water generously despite rain.
6/7th Jan - Leaf Days If no frost remove mistletoe and tape over resulting wounds on bark/
8/9/10th Jan - Fruit Days (No gardening after 2.17pm on the 9th) Plant bare root fruit trees mixing compost with hoof & horn meal. Plant bare root soft fruit and erect stake and wire supports for raspberries.
11/12/13th Jan - Root Days (No gardening after 11.30am on 12th Moon ascending) In mild regions on well drained light soil plant garlic and shallots for cropping in July.
14/15/16th Jan - Flower Days Plant up tuberous begonias and cannas in greenhouse or conservatory. Place in full light between 15-20c and water from time to time.
Can I just say Thank you to everyone who has added comments during 2014 - They have encouraged me to keep writing this diary, and it is so good to hear all points of view.
Hi, Just had quick stomp round garden after hard frost this morning turning as usual this week to pouring rain. Picked first broccoli, noted penstemons still flowering and bulbs appearing everywhere. Still munching our way through outdoor spring onions and celery in potager. Joy of joys picked up 2015 Lunar Calender this morning and they have added a section explaining bio dynamic gardening cycles in suc detail that I am throwing caution aside and giving it a go. If any of you would like to know more about this, I can continue under the biodynamic gardening thread on the Forum and/or explain more here for Lunar followers.Getting my head around exact details which are basically quite simple (I think!!??) tomorrow.
Herewith Lunar Calender 17th - 27th January.
17th Jan - Leaf Day Prepare Asparagus Bed very 80cm make trenches 40cm wide and 25cm deep.
18/19/20th Jan - Fruit Days Place newspaper on bottom of plastic cases used normally to carry flower pots to add insulation and sow aubergines/chillies and peppers. Water lightly and cover with glass lid if possible as opposed to plastic (Glass warms up better early in the season and allows maximum light through) Turn lids over every day to avoid condensation.
21 Jan - Root Day No gardening after 4pm but in cold frame or under cloches before this hour sow leeks in lines 15cm apart for harvesting June/July.
22/23 Jan - Flower Days Lining flower pot plastic boxes again with newspaper sow begonia semperflorens/geraniums and marigolds. Do not cover the begonia seeds but keep them damp. Under heat sow cauliflowers.
24/25/26 Jan - Leaf Days Do not garden before 4.25pm on 25th otherwise under heat sow lettuce and summer cabbage. All these can be put in cucumber frame once they have formed 2/3 leaves to plant out at the beginning of April for harvesting June/July. Cover Spinach/Winter Lettuce and Lambs Lettuce with fleece to protect against cold.
Go out and buy round as opposed to wrinkled peas NOW as on 27th in all regions sowing peas outside is recommended. Just forewarning you.
Don't forget to let me know if you would like me to explain the bio dynamic Calender details to start as from 1st Feb.
Posts
Good. Today's mission is getting my seed raised perennials in the ground at last now I've gt their nex home cleared of weeds.
Lunar Calender 18th Nov - 28th Nov
18/19/20th Nov - Root Days In mild regions plant last shallots, otherwise lift and store root crops as needed remembering parsnips are better off left in ground and lifted after a frost. Improve compacted ground with compost.No gardening on 19th before 1.20pm
21/22 nov - Flower Days Cut back spent perennials, burn spent woody stems or chop and put on compost hea[ (I burn alot and use potash on raspberries) Do not trim grasses but let them die back naturally and tidy in the Spring. Cut out old wood from roses and treat cut ends with Bordeaux Mixture to stop disease getting in.
23 Nov - Leaf Day Force chicory, and stop planting out cabbages. Plant ivy and virgin creepers against walls, and continue planting hedgerow trees like ash.
24/25/26th Nov - Fruit Days In mild areas sow Broad beans and round (not wrinkled) peas.
27/28th Nov - Root Days No gardening on 27th after 6.10pm. Check out stored veg and rub off sprouting points on potatoes.
I have just picked beetroot/celery/batavia and spring onions from outside (not greenhouse) -still so mild did not expect to eat my own salad in November! How about you? How is it going? happy Gardening.
Lunar Calender 1st - 17th December as away next week.
1//2/december: Leaf Days Harvest Brussel Sprouts/Lambs Lettuce/Lettuce and spinach. Protect outdoor salad crops with tunnels. 2nd No gardening before 1.35pm Moon at lowest point so no power to aid gardeners.
3/4 december: Fruit Days In mild regions continue sowing round (not wrinkled) peas and mangetouts. Try sowing pear and apple seeds in pots with a sandy mix in greenhouse
5/6//7 December: Root Days. Sow round radishes and short variety carrots under cover. Air in mild weather. Protect from slugs and cover frames with straw in cold weather.
8/9 december; Flower Days If there is no frost plant bare root roses and shrubs.
10/11 December: Leaf Days. Force chicory. Outside frost periods plant hedgerow with bare root trees.
12/13/14 december Fruit Days. 12th No gardening after 6pm (Too dark I think!)
Prune fruit treese situated in windy positions, removing old branches in particular and clearing centres of crossing branches. Brush moss and lichen from trunks. Lightly compost root areas and add leaf mould as well. Lift stray raspberries and replant.
15/16/17 december Root Days 16th No gardening at all. Ascending moon. Continue to prepare heavy soil for next season. In mild regions plant white and violet garlic on un manured plot. Harvest parsnips/artichokes/salsify and scorsonora. Hold back good roots of horseradish and artichokes as these will be useful for transplanting for fresh crops in new plot next Spring.
Happy Gardening.
It's been 2 or 3 C max today and yesterday and is expected to get even colder so, apart from getting in the last of the bulbs, stashing the last of the pots to sheler in teh shed and greenhouse, turning the compost heaps and erecting windbreak mesh along the north fence I doubt I'll be doing any gardening for some time but thanks for the update.
I read the title and imagined people digging in the moonlight. What a fascinating concept though. Have to be honest it must be a bad moon day here, never got out at all, wind and drizzle and feel a bit down about it.
Not for me but I wouldn't knock anybody do it , everybody to there own
Hi everyone - Just finished getting ready for final Xmas Street Market this w/e - Shall be glad to spend some time in the garden away from crowds and noise.
Have just cut lettuce and Spring onion tops for a quick salad - Can't believe how mild it is but have spotted first snowdrop!!
Herewith Lunar Calender 18th-31st December - Final Report for the Year.
18/19/20 December Flower Days If it is not frosty prune spring flowering clematis. Plant amarylis.
21 December Leaf Day - If no frost prune trees cutting out old wood. Prune hazels and tie in best branches to keep tidy in hedging.
22/23rd december - Fruit Days In mild areas sow Broad Beans. Transplant grafted baby fruit trees in sheltered spot.
24th December - Root Day No gardening after 11.40am (Thank goodness need to cook!)
25th december - Root Day MERRY CHRISTMAS - Having made plans for 2015 Think of which seeds you would like to buy and order quickly to avoid disappointment.
26th December - Flower Day - In warm greenhouse sow begonias (semperflorens) and pelargoniums, do not cover begonia seed.
27/28/29/30th December - Leaf Days Do not garden on 29th Before 2.30pm otherwise if it is not frosty harvest spinach/lambs lettuce/ winter cabbage and brussels. In the house germinate beansprouts and soya for crunchy salads.
31st December - Fruit Day In mild regions sow broad beans and round peas (not wrinkled) Mine are doing well in the greenhouse, so may pop some more in to get some fresh air.
So there we are - end of the year and generally pleased with results. Temptation to garden outside lunar advice is dreaful, but I have stuck with it and whilst I will drop some crops totally, I think the general principals with regard to sowing and sprouting are excellent, and I can see a pattern forming. Will continue into Feb to complete the annual cycle as promised. Then if anyone wants me to continue writing Diary I shall be happy to do so.
Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy Gardening.
I admire your dedication to this, but you have cut lettuce on the 18th, if you need a nice fresh lettuce for Chrismas day tea you're not allowed to.
Also I didnt think December was the time to cut early flowering clematis as they bloom on growth made this summer?.
I dont think this would be for me, imagine not doing anything in the garden because chart says so, then on the day you can go out, its pouring with rain.
Everything seems to be at different times where you live compared to the UK. If it suits you, stick with it, look forward to seeing you back in the Spring, and thank you for taking the time to post about it.
Happy New Year everyone and may it be a good growing one! I have taken stock of successes and failures in 2014 - No I will never grow asparagus peas again - You were all right how awful they were to eat - and I had tons of them. Made good compost though. Salad crops worked well, and we did have a crispy lettuce with smoked salmon on Xmas Day! I also disagree with some of the pruning advice but it has worked so I shall try again for a third year AND brace yourselves, I have received a Biodynamic Gardening Calender/Diary for 2015. It is a nightmare to get to grips with , and I thought that the Lunar Cycle could be complicated! Still I am going to give it a go - Does anyone else garden this way. My Mum did for years and we always seemed to have wonderful crops. Anyway here goes with Lunar Calender for 5-16th January. Happy Gardening.
5th Jan 2015 - Flower Day Plant Bare Root trees & shrubs, soaking their feet in sticky mud before planting out. Water generously despite rain.
6/7th Jan - Leaf Days If no frost remove mistletoe and tape over resulting wounds on bark/
8/9/10th Jan - Fruit Days (No gardening after 2.17pm on the 9th) Plant bare root fruit trees mixing compost with hoof & horn meal. Plant bare root soft fruit and erect stake and wire supports for raspberries.
11/12/13th Jan - Root Days (No gardening after 11.30am on 12th Moon ascending) In mild regions on well drained light soil plant garlic and shallots for cropping in July.
14/15/16th Jan - Flower Days Plant up tuberous begonias and cannas in greenhouse or conservatory. Place in full light between 15-20c and water from time to time.
Can I just say Thank you to everyone who has added comments during 2014 - They have encouraged me to keep writing this diary, and it is so good to hear all points of view.
Happy New Year once again.
Hi, Just had quick stomp round garden after hard frost this morning turning as usual this week to pouring rain. Picked first broccoli, noted penstemons still flowering and bulbs appearing everywhere. Still munching our way through outdoor spring onions and celery in potager. Joy of joys picked up 2015 Lunar Calender this morning and they have added a section explaining bio dynamic gardening cycles in suc detail that I am throwing caution aside and giving it a go. If any of you would like to know more about this, I can continue under the biodynamic gardening thread on the Forum and/or explain more here for Lunar followers.Getting my head around exact details which are basically quite simple (I think!!??) tomorrow.
Herewith Lunar Calender 17th - 27th January.
17th Jan - Leaf Day Prepare Asparagus Bed very 80cm make trenches 40cm wide and 25cm deep.
18/19/20th Jan - Fruit Days Place newspaper on bottom of plastic cases used normally to carry flower pots to add insulation and sow aubergines/chillies and peppers. Water lightly and cover with glass lid if possible as opposed to plastic (Glass warms up better early in the season and allows maximum light through) Turn lids over every day to avoid condensation.
21 Jan - Root Day No gardening after 4pm but in cold frame or under cloches before this hour sow leeks in lines 15cm apart for harvesting June/July.
22/23 Jan - Flower Days Lining flower pot plastic boxes again with newspaper sow begonia semperflorens/geraniums and marigolds. Do not cover the begonia seeds but keep them damp. Under heat sow cauliflowers.
24/25/26 Jan - Leaf Days Do not garden before 4.25pm on 25th otherwise under heat sow lettuce and summer cabbage. All these can be put in cucumber frame once they have formed 2/3 leaves to plant out at the beginning of April for harvesting June/July. Cover Spinach/Winter Lettuce and Lambs Lettuce with fleece to protect against cold.
Go out and buy round as opposed to wrinkled peas NOW as on 27th in all regions sowing peas outside is recommended. Just forewarning you.
Don't forget to let me know if you would like me to explain the bio dynamic Calender details to start as from 1st Feb.
Happy Gardening