Lunar Planting?

Question

Where does this theory come from?

How does it work?

Is it an old's wives tale or does it have scientific backing?

xP

Answer 1

How does lunar planting work?

Isaac Newton established the laws of gravity, which proves the tides are affected by the gravitational pull of the moon. The pull of the moon is stronger than the sun because, even though the sun is larger, the moon is closer to the earth. The strongest effect is felt when the moon and sun pull from the opposite sides of the earth, at the full moon phase, although it also creates high tides when they are on the same side (at the new moon) as well.

"The gravitation of the passing moon pulls the nearest body of water a little away from the solid mass of earth beneath it, and at the same time pulls the earth a little away from the water on the farthest side. In this manner the moon sets up two tidal bulges on opposite sides of the earth." (Louise Riotte, 1)

These same forces affect the water content of the soil, creating more moisture in the soil at the time of the new and full moon. This increased moisture encourages the seeds to sprout and grow.

Dr. Frank Brown of Northwestern University performed research over a ten-year period of time, keeping meticulous records of his results. He found that plants absorbed more water at the time of the full moon. He conducted his experiments in a laboratory without direct contact from the moon, yet he found that they were still influenced by it. (2)

Rudolf Steiner was the founder of the anthroposophical movement, which sees a correlation between science, nature, universal laws and spiritual concerns. Out of this movement the Biodynamic methods of planting were developed. He established a relationship between the elements of earth, air, fire, or water that corresponded to specific parts of the plants. Earth corresponds to root, water to leaf growth, fire to seed production, and air corresponds to flowers. Hence, when planting crops for their fleshy roots, you would plant them in an earth sign, and so forth.

Biodynamic methods are based on the heliocentric, or astronomical, position of the moon. This system is more complicated and also takes into consideration eclipses, trine, apogee and perigee as well as descending and ascending moons. (The Gardening by the Moon Calendar is based on the geocentric and astrological calculations.)

more....

Answer 2

A simple thing to observe in nature is "High and Low tides" those happen twice a day every day. This is the proof that moon has gravitational effect on earth. This is seen on big water bodies. however it has effect on everything on the earth.

Those suffer from high BP feel more pressure within themselves at these times. And these phases are different at different places at different times. This is why calender of such phases are different at different places.

Moon also has influence on seeds and farmings; this is why planting calender known as "Lunar Planting calender".

It all started by Rudolf Steiner, in 1924 and now it is known as Bio-dynamic farming - where planting by moon is a part.

Answer 3

Stonehenge, which was begun about 5000 years ago was thought to have provided some calendar which would have helped to guide planting times as well as other events.

The traditional Chinese calendar was considered the first agricultural calendar, about 4500 years ago. As most time keeping started the day at midnight, and calendars were lunar or lunar solar, one planted with the moons, but not literally at night. I think it was the Sumerians also at about that time having a lunar calendar and may have influenced the Chinese, as a lot of math calculations, especially the day and month length, came from Sumer. Lunar planting is the result of lunar calendars and ancient astronomy and math.

Answer 4

I don't honestly know, but I found this link that may answer your question:

http://www.gardeningbythemoon.com/lunarf...