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Farming by the Moon

When to Plant, Wean, Castrate, Build Fences, Harvest

Martha White
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The age-old practice of performing farm chores by the Moon stems from the simple belief that the Moon governs moisture.

Pliny the Elder, the first-century Roman naturalist, stated in his Natural History that the Moon “replenishes the earth; when she approaches it, she fills all bodies, while, when she recedes, she empties them.”

The Moon’s Phases

The Moon’s phases guided many a farmer and gardener in the past, and still do today:

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  • Moonrise occurring in the evening brings fair weather, says one proverb, harking back to the belief that the waning Moon (full and last quarter, which rise in the evening) is dry.
  • The New Moon and first quarter, or waxing phases, are considered fertile and wet.
  • The new and first-quarter phases, known as the light of the Moon, are considered good for planting above-ground crops, putting down sod, grafting trees, and transplanting.
  • From full Moon through the last quarter, or the dark of the Moon, is the best time for killing weeds, thinning, pruning, mowing, cutting timber, and planting below-ground crops.
  • The time just before the full Moon is considered particularly wet, and is best for planting during drought conditions.

To garden by the Moon in your area, see our “Best Planting Dates” guide on the main gardening page.

Moon Folklore

Folklore is rich among farmers, given their close ties to Earth and her natural rhythms.

  • Rail fences cut during the dry, waning Moon will stay straighter.
  • Wooden shingles and shakes will lie flatter if cut during the dark of the Moon.
  • Fence posts should be set in the dark of the Moon to resist rotting. Ozark lore says that fence posts should always be set as the tree grew. To set the root end upward makes a short-lived fence.
  • Don’t begin weaning when the Moon is waning.
  • Castrate and dehorn animals when the Moon is waning for less bleeding.
  • Slaughter when the Moon is waxing for juicier meat.
  • Crabbing, shrimping, and clamming are best when the Moon is full.
  • Best days for fishing are between the new and full Moon. 
  • Dig your horseradish in the full Moon for the best flavor.
  • Set eggs to hatch on the Moon’s increase, but not if a south wind blows.
Moon Folklore
About The Author

Martha White

Martha White has been a full-time writer and editor since 1987 and has a broad background in journalism, opinion columns, syndicated features, humor articles, book reviews, essays, and fiction. Read More from Martha White

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Comments

Teresa Bunch (not verified)

1 year 6 months ago

When is the best last time to plant potatoes?

Randy (not verified)

1 year 8 months ago

I was told by an old friend back in the 60s to cut my onions in the yard "when the moon was in the heart" and I wouldn't have to worry about them growing back . It worked.
Can you please tell me when is the moon in the heart ? My onions are back ! In Va.
Thanks

Hi, Randy,

When the Moon is in the astrological sign of Leo, it is said to be in the “heart,” as each zodiac sign is associated with a part of the body. Leo is a good time for controlling weeds, according to astrology. The Moon will next be in Leo on March 31 and April 1, 2023. For more dates when the Moon will be in Leo, you can check the Moon’s Astrological Place table on page 225 of the print or digital edition of The 2023 Old Farmer’s Almanac. If you don’t have a copy with you, you can purchase one via Almanac.com/Store or through a local retailer (you can go to https://www.almanac.com/wheretobuy to find local retailers in your area). You can also order by calling 1-800-ALMANAC (1-800-256-2622) and selecting option #2.

Hope this helps, and good luck with the onions!

Rich (not verified)

1 year 9 months ago

In January and February, I usually burn my fields in New Mexico to rid them of the dead clover, catnip and other perennials. What moon phase is recommended for burning? I would think the last quarter, but wanted your thoughts. Thanks!

Mary Schneider (not verified)

5 years 1 month ago

What are good days to can Turnip Kraut in October? And what sign would this be?

Gerald (not verified)

5 years 2 months ago

Is there a certain time that is better than another for laying gravel in our driveway. I have heard that if it is put down at the wrong time it will not stay on the driveway. Thank you.

Rosalean. Clem (not verified)

1 year 2 months ago

I am looking for the same info on laying gravel

As far as we could determine, some advise putting down gravel during the light of the Moon, especially the full Moon. It also helps to do so when the Moon is in the astrological sign of Taurus, Leo, or Aquarius (the fixed signs). The full Moon is today, August 15 (2019), with the sign in Aquarius. If today is too late, then you might wait until the Moon begins to wax again (new to full). For example, within the range of Aug 30-Sept 14 (new to full), the next best times might be when the Moon is in Aquarius on Sept 10 and 11 (2019). (The Moon’s place in Taurus and Leo do not occur within that range of dates.) Hope this helps!