It's a Sign

[image error]

Someone recently gifted us with one of The Foxfire Books (click here to get your own copy).  Having always appreciated the folksy wisdom and earnestness of the Farmer's Almanac, we were smitten with this new addition to our library.

One of the chapters in the book covered "Planting by the Signs", and for those gardeners out there who are firm believers in the power of the zodiac we thought we'd share these rules.

Every day of the month is dominated by one of the twelve signs of the zodiac.  Each of the twelve appears in the heavens at least once a month and then for a period of either 2-3 days.  Each of the signs are assigned specific characteristics:   masculine, feminine, airy, dry, barren, fiery, earthy moist, watery, fruitful, or very fruitful.

Planting of seeds is best done in the fruitful signs of Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus or Cancer.

Plow, till and cultivate when Aries is in the sky.

Only put plants into the ground in a water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) or earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) sign.

Destroy weeds in the barren signs (Gemini, Leo, Virgo)

Harvest most crops when the moon is growing old (shrinking each night).  This will allow the harvested produce to keep better and longer.

Are you a gardener who plants by the stars?  Share your experiences with us.