PLANTING BY THE MOON

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 109, 1 February 1941, Page 14

PLANTING BY THE MOON

Comments By Correspondents

Last week's article on the possible iniluence of the moon on seed germination and plant, development has aroused considerable 'interest. While the scientific world generally is inclined to discredit the possibilities of lunar influence, there are schools of thought which hold the contrary view. Following are extracts from two of the interesting letters received on the subject:— R. L. Jones, I’pper Hutt, writes: "The Moon and Plant Growth,” by Dr, L. Kolisko (Anthroposophical Publishing Co., Ijindon, 1928), gives the result of ten years of scientific experiment on this seemingly controversial question. Dr Kolisko worked mainly with selected wheats over that period. Experiments completed have indicated the greater growth taking place during the waxing phase of the moon, with minimum growth during the warning period. As the year progressed it was found that from measurements made of first and second leaves, length of root, and total dry weight, certain definite changes took place, indicating the influence of light on the germination and growth, e.g., it was found that the smallest plant had the heaviest weight, and the largest was the lightest. This was apart from the lunar influence studied each month, and served to indicate the reason for apparent discrepancies which arose.

"Experiments made in the open (where constant conditions are very difficult to achieve) showed that in all the classes of plants studied (list given of some) those sown two days before the full moon were superior in all ways to those sown two days before the new moon. Not only was germination better (it is well known that more rain falls at full moon .than at any other period), but that the plant right up to and including the fruiting stage was definitely superior. “As to root crops, the following conclusion was reached: —The new moon plants tend toward woodiness, while among the full moon plants hardly any woody plants could, be found. There are two extreme possibilities, (a) the full moon effects may be too strong, then the product tends to rot; (b) the new moon effects may be too strong, then the product tends to become woody. ... If at full moon times the soil is dry the forces of the full moon cannot develop their effect In the plant. ... It it rains at new moon the plants certainly grow, but the new moon cannot incorporate the watery element into the plant growth in the way the full moon would be able to do. . . .” In conclusion, I might mention a paragraph I remember seeing in a Christchurch paper two years ago. The content of it was that the director of reserves had instigated planting two days before the full moon with the reserve’s seedling output, which yearly is quite tremendous. Such plantings were said to give 30 per cent, better germination, which is no mean number in such large quantities of seedlings as were dealt with.”

Effect On Parsnips

From Mr. H. F. Bryant, Manakau: "For many moons I have practised what we term 'star planting,’ and been told by non-adherents to the system to get 'n'tv head read.’ However, many who have followed results now quietly follow suit. In 1930 I made a special parsnip test. Prepared ground for five rows in one bed. Two rows were set when the moon had entered ihe barren signs of the Zodiac, the next three rows, with the same supply of seed and from outward appearance the same weather conditions but in a fertile sign of the moon. The result, the first two tows sprawled their foliage over the ground, similar to a dandelion’s habit, yielded roots to six inches long, hairy, mishapen and evidently a small P^ l " ventage germinated for no thinning or these rows was necessary. Ihe three rows planted in the fertile sign yielded a great crop of the finest parsnips I've ever seen. Crowns four inches m diameter and roots 18 'inches and more in length. The skins of these were clean and healthy. There was only three dars between the two plantings, and the "way the second rows, reared their foliage one would think ‘the sky was the limit.’ "Another remarkable result was obtained from a. butter bean test —absolutely no comparison between a setting in the fertile signs to one in the barren sign. This season a son-'in-law is testing with ff crop of maize and has ■f,mazed’ himself, so far."