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:: 4th Quarter begins on Monday,  May 7
•  Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of  Capricorn: - Plant and transplant for root growth along with mulch.
  • It’s not too early to conserve moisture around trees, shrubs and ground covers by mulching. A one to two-inch layer of mulch will protect the roots of all plants during our warm summer days as well as retard weed growth.

Later in the Week

• Wednesday/Thursday: Moon in the sign of Pisces - Prune water, compost and fertilize
  •  Spring flowering shrubs are pruned for shape after they have finished blooming.  You’d also apply an all-purpose fertilizer for their annual feeding.

Other Things To-do

• Tomato plants should be staked or caged early in the growing cycle. .I’d also thin out the side shoots to increase the air circulation by reducing the density of the foliage. 
•  And finally, now is an excellent time to refresh water gardens from the winter. Water plants like water lilies are divided in the spring. Also, with larger ponds lower the water level but don't empty it and remove the solid waste built on the bottom.