Every early culture known throughout the world knew and implemented the benefits of planting with the phases of the moon.

Planting according to the phase of the moon is now looked upon by some as lunacy (if you'll pardon the pun) and by others as an integral part of their organic gardening strategy. Personally I believe in giving every plant the best possible chance of growing into a strong and healthy specimen.

So if we are to believe that the moon influences the behaviour of water on the earth, then it is reasonable to think that it influences both soil and plant tissue. After all, the gravitational pull of our moon causes the tides to ebb and flow twice a day - an incredible influence.

While there are many systems that have been exhaustively tested and recorded, I think that results will vary depending on your particular weather conditions and soil type. The effects of moon planting are pretty much non-existent in soils where chemical fertilizers and pesticides are in use.

Working with the appropriate phase of the Moon for each aspect of planting, cultivation, and harvesting can increase quality along with quantity of your yield.
The actual days of Full Moon and New (or Dark) Moon are best avoided. Try the suggestions below and keep notes of your results in your garden diary.

- From the new moon to the first quarter - at this time there is a greater upward pull by the moon - it is a good time to be planting any leaf producing crops such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, Chinese vegetables etc. as well as flowering annuals

- From the first quarter through to the full moon - this is when you can concentrate on above the ground growth, the fruiting type of plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, legumes etc.

- From the full moon through to the last quarter - now is the time to be focusing on root crops such as radish, carrots, potatoes etc. as well as bulbs, biennials and perennials

- In the last quarter through to the new moon - Do Not Plant! You can either take the week off or spend your time weeding, tidying and mulching.

Another very simple and easy to remember rule for planting with moon phases is:
to plant crops that produce above the ground during the increasing light of the moon (from new moon to full moon) and to plant crops that produce below the ground during the decreasing light of the moon (from full moon to new moon).

I believe it's worth giving a go in your garden. Anything that is going to increase your yields is worth trying - especially when it is totally free. Good luck.