I found gardening by the moon phases a great way to combat the overwhelm I felt when starting out. Gardening by the moon phase breaks up seed sowing into a manageable routine. In each phase, plants are sown based on their requirements for seed growth. Seeds that form inside and outside the fruit, bulbs, and rhizomes all fall into their own phase. The fourth phase is for pruning and maintenance. This week we hit phase I, the new moon, so I am starting seeds for lisianthus and carnations. Both are slow starters and need 10-12 weeks before they are ready to plant outside.

Garden planning is my favorite winter task; it brings so much promise and excitement. I let myself go when ordering flowers. I choose rare colors and colors that evoke a feeling. I take notes of the available sun/shade spots throughout the previous year. Sometime in January, I gather all my notes, catalogs, and seed packets, spread them all out on the dining room table, and start building a plan. I measured all my beds, numbered them, and created a map to scale. I haven’t followed the same pattern in bed design as I am experimenting and my taste and goals change each year. This year I’m planning for mixed borders, focusing on shade plants, a year-round garden, and designing a companion planting bed.

Week 3 recap:

• Started lisianthus seeds.
• Fixed low tunnel again and added more sod staples and chicken wire.
• Cut back mums and cleaned day lily debris.
• Planned garden beds.
• Finished master bath demo (floor, countertop, scraped ceiling.)

Week 4 plans:

• Start carnation seeds.
• Organize photos - 2009.
• Review and continue designing magazine flowers.
• Order seeds.
• Prepare seed starting shelf.
• Map out new beds for 13, 14, and 15.
• Measure bed 16.
• Build a budget for new beds and rabbit fences.

Gardening by the moon phase is great for the garden but, more importantly, enables you to fall into the rhythm of nature.

Happy Gardening,

Lelo