Planting by the Signs |
Planting is best done in the fruitful signs of Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus, or Cancer (when the signs are in the loins, feet, neck, or breast). Plow, till, cultivate in Aries. Never plant anything in one of the barren signs. They are only good trimming, deadening, and destroying. Always set plants out in water in a Earth sign. Graft just before the sap starts to flow, while the moon is in its first or second quarter, and while it is passing through a fruitful watery sign, or Capricorn. Never graft or plant on Sunday as this is a barren, hot day (the sun's day). Plant flowers in Libra which is an airy sign that also represents Beauty. Plant them while the moon is in the first quarter unless you need the seeds, in which case use the period between the moon's second quarter and full. Corn planted in Leo will have a hard, round stalk and small ears. Crops planted in Taurus and Cancer will stand drought. Plant beans when the signs are in the arms. Root flower cuttings, limbs, vines, and set out flower bushes and trees in December and January when the signs are in the knees and feet. If you want a large vine and stalk with little fruit, plant in Virgo--"bloom days". Don't plant potatoes in the feet. If you do, they will develop little nubs like toes all over the main potato. The best time is a dark night in March. Plant all things which yield above ground during the increase or growing of the moon, and all things which yield below the ground (root crops) when the moon is decreasing or darkening. Never plant on the first day of the new moon, or on a day when the moon changes quarters. In the fourth quarter turn sod, pull weeds, and destroy. Many farmers also look at the phase of the moon. The best time for planting or harvesting crops occurs during the correct sign and during the correct phase of the moon. There is really no scientific evidence to prove this but many Appalachian folks plan their lives around these signs. Of course, with all traditions, this is one that is quickly being forgotten. I plant my garden when I can find the time, which is really hard to do. I have never concerned myself with the signs, but some farmers swear by it. In fact, some of the old timers will say that if you miss the signs and plant on an "unfruitful day" your crops will only produce half as much as they should. Some even say that a few hours will make a difference. Below are listed some of the more common harvesting signs and a few other activities that sign related. Pick fruit in the old of the moon. The fruit will not rot and bruises and blemishes will dry up. Harvest most crops when the moon is growing old, they will keep better. Gather root crops (potatoes, carrots, etc...) in the third quarter of the moon when the signs are in the feet. Can vegetables, cook preserves and jelly, and make pickles during the last quarter of the moon. Cut timber in the old of the moon. It will dry better and not become worm-eaten. Set fence posts in the old of the moon to prevent them from loosening. The part of your body governed by a particular sign is more sensitive when the moon is in that part. For example, people who have heart problems will have more trouble when the moon is in Leo. Paint during a dry sign like Leo or Aries. Wean children and animals when the moon is in a sign that does not affect the vital parts of a body. Set eggs to be hatched in a fruitful sign like cancer. The chicks will mature faster and be better layers. Quit habits on the second day that the moon is in Sagittarius, or on the new moon, or in Pisces. If you cut your hair in Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius, or Pisces, it will grow stronger, thicker, and more beautiful. Bake and cook in Aries. Lay foundations in Capricorn. Don't nail boards or shingles on the growing side of the moon. If you do, they will curl and buckle. Destroy weeds and turn sod in the barren signs; Gemini, Leo, or Virgo. Slaughter cattle or hogs while the signs are in the knees and feet. |
This page was last updated on: February 7, 2002
This is from part of an article by Hillsweb. You can read the entire article at the link below. |
