SOWING BY THE MOON

Hutt News, Volume 17, Issue 24, 17 November 1943, Page 7

SOWING BY THE MOON

At the present time, when .the amateur gardeners' interest is so much stimulated by the Dig for Victory Campaign, the compost craze and the fear of vegetable starvation unless he bestirs himself. Many are 1 probing into the theory that the moon has a direct bearing on success or otherwise when planting or sowing. All primitive agricultural people, including the Maoris and Chinese, still pay great heed to the moon in their agricultural operations, and seed sowing and planting operations are govern ed by the phases of the moon. This is considered by some authorities an integral part of the bio-dynamic system of agriculture originated by Dr. Rudolph Steiner- and praC| ticed with conspicuous success in parts of England, Europe and U.S.A. and also in a few places irf New Zealand. The theory is that when the moon is waxing (that is, between the time of new and lull moon) plants which mature above ground should be sown and when the moon is waning those maturing above ground. It is contended that when these rules are followed better germination and better crops will result.

The very best time of all to sow Is said to be two days before full moon, and if, this sowing happens to be followed by some beneficial rain the results will surpass expecta-

tions, although in any case they should be good. The moon is waxing at the present time and will be full on November 12: see if plants maturing above ground should therefore be sown between now and then, preferably on November 10. Between November 12 and 28, the moon will be waning.