Gardening by the Moon Weekend To-Do
An idea as old as agriculture, based both folklore and superstition but there are scientific ideas to back it up.
- Lunar Phase: Waning Half begins Monday, October 13
- Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Gemini/Cancer - Harvest, weed, plant, and transplant for root growth
- Spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, irises, and crocuses, can be planted in containers or directly in the ground. Also, plant seasonal flowers to add immediate color to these containers.
- With shorter days and cooler nights, it's the perfect time to plant fall and winter color. Pansies, Violas, Primroses, Primulas, Iceland Poppies, cyclamen, and others are now available.
Later in the Week
- Tuesday-Wednesday; Moon in the sign of Leo - Harvest, cultivate, and control pests
- Don't let your guard down against snails and slugs. They can cause just as much damage in the fall as in the spring. So, when you plant your fall annuals, vegetables, and other herbaceous plants, remember to use bait.
Other Things To-do
- When storing seeds for next season, use glass jars or zip-lock plastic bags. Air and moisture can reduce seed viability and germination. I would also add silica gel to absorb moisture in the container during storage.
- When composting, shredded leaves decompose much faster than whole ones. You can rent a shredder, but a lawn mower with a bag works just as well. Also, you can store them in plastic bags for use next summer.