There are many systems to planting and mataining a farm. The type of system you use is dependent on your environment; is there adequate water, the lay of the land, and the needs of the farmer.

How Shall I Farm?

If you have arable land you want to farm what we encourage is to consider the needs of your community.  Visit a local farmering cooperative.  Talk to the farmers, visit their farms.  Look at the variety of crops being grown on the farm, see which sections are planted and which lie dormant.  Ask questions about watering during the different seasons of the year; about common pests that attack the plants.  Pay particular attention to the compost and other nutrients used to treat the soil.

Most small community farms are set up to provide a greater range of vegetables than can be provided by corporate farms.  Working cooperatively small organic farms can provide such a choice of vegetables that they can act as protection against crop blights that affect food prices and availability.

In the quest to understand the mysteries of the world humanity sought understanding in the planets and stars. The moon with its regular pattern of waxing and waining was the primary focus of farmers. The schedules of planting and working the soil based on the phases and astral location of the moon have been supported in the modern world.

John Teasdale, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Systems Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, said, "We know that the moon influences some natural phenomena such as tides," he said. "I would guess that a simple hypothesis would be that lunar cycles could influence meteorological cycles which in turn could influence crops." Others have speculated that it may be more attention is paid to the planting, growing and harvesting of crops or that a regulated system provides for better care.

Some describe the process as devinely inspired. Others describe this as the actual working parameters of the universe. What I know is true is following the system made me a better farmer primarily by instructing me in the knowledge of plant and soil needs. I also became familiar with the language if growing and managing irrigation and developing humus.

Phases of the Moon

Planting by the moon is considered controversial by some people, but it is based completely on basic earth science. The same lunar forces that cause ocean tides, also are responsible for land tides. Centuries ago, people noticed that the water in their wells rose and fell in rhythm with the lunar cycle and that their crops responded to the influence of the moon as well.

During the increasing light {from New Moon () to Full Moon ()}, plant annuals that produce their yield above the ground. During the decreasing light {from Full Moon () to New Moon ()}, plant biennials, perennials, bulb, and root plants.

Seeds planted just before a New Moon (), absorb water from the surrounding soil, then as the moon's gravitational pull increases, a "tide" is created within the seed that helps burst the seed coat and speed germination.

Lunar gravity and magnetism also affect plant growth in other ways. When lunar gravity is on the decrease, root growth is favored. That is why Full Moon () is the best time to transplant seedlings from flats in to your beds. Root growth is enhanced at this time.

When lunar gravity is on the increase, leaf growth is favored. One week after full moon, the moon's pull starts increasing, but moonlight is decreasing, so your transplants go into a resting stage. Two weeks after Full Moon (), both lunar gravity and moonlight are on the increase and the well rooted transplants are now coaxed into strong top growth right on time.

Moonlight also encourages top growth. Sometimes moonlight and lunar gravity are working together and sometimes they are opposing each other in their affects on plant growth.

At the New Moon (), the lunar gravity pulls water up, and causes the seeds to swell and burst. This factor, coupled with the increasing moonlight creates balanced root and leaf growth. This is the best time for planting above ground annual crops that produce their seeds outside the fruit.

During the First Quarter (), the moon is increasing. Plant annuals producing their yield above the ground, which are generally of the leafy kind that produce their seed outside the fruit. Examples are asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cress, endive, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsley, spinach, etc. Cucumbers are an exception, as they do best in the First Quarter rather than the Second Quarter, even though the seeds are inside the fruit. Also plant cereals and grains.

In the Second Quarter () the gravitational pull is less, but the moonlight is strong, creating strong leaf growth. It is generally a good time for planting, especially two days before the full moon. The types of crops that prefer the Second Quarter are annuals that produce above ground generally of the viney kind, but their seeds form inside the fruit, such as beans, eggplant, melons, peas, peppers, squash, and tomatoes, etc. Mow lawns in the first or second quarter to increase growth.

After the Full Moon (), or the Third Quarter (), as the moon wanes, the energy is drawing down. The gravitation pull is high, creating more moisture in the soil, but the moonlight is decreasing, putting energy into the roots. This is a favorable time for planting root crops, including beets, carrots, onions, parsnips, potatoes, peanuts radishes, rhubarb, rutabagas and turnips, also plant trees, shrubs, berries , grapes, strawberries and winter wheat. It is also good for perennials, biennials, bulbs and transplanting because of the active root growth. Pruning is best done in the Third Quarter, in the sign of Scorpio.

In the Fourth Quarter () there is decreased gravitational pull and moonlight, and it is considered a resting period. This is also the best time to cultivate, harvest, weed, transplant, prune and destroy pests of all kinds, especially when the Moon is in the barren signs of Aries, Leo, Virgo, Gemini, Aquarius, and Sagittarius. Mow lawns in the third or fourth quarter to retard growth.

Planting by moon signs

Aries - a fire sign, barren and dry. Insect control, plowing, pruning, trimming, weeding. A good sign for harvesting crops and fruit and roots for storage. Pruning to limit growth done while the moon is in Aries will help to discourage the growth of nuisance plants and weeds. Till and cultivate.

Taurus - An earth sign, productive and moist. A fine time to sow seeds and transplant plants. A good time to prune plants to control their growth. Taurus is a productive sign for the planting of root crops and potatoes, especially when hardiness is important. . Also a good sign for leafy vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage and spinach. Transplant in this sign for hardy plants

Gemini - An air sign. Barren and dry. Insect control, plowing, and weeding chores can be conducted while the moon is in this sign. Melon seeds respond well in this sign. Harvest herbs, root and fruit for long-term storage.
Cultivate, destroy weeds and pests in this sign is very effective.

Cancer - A water sign, very fruitful and moist.. Cancer is one of the best fertile times for sowing seeds and transplanting plants. Prune plants to encourage healthy new growth. The moon in Cancer is a good time to fertilize plants. Also good for grafting, and irrigation, since plants take it up water easily in a water sign. Prune to encourage growth of aerial crops.

Leo - A fire sign, very barren and dry. Gardening chores that can be safely conducted while the moon is in Leo includes plowing, trimming and weeding. Prune trees, shrubs, and herbs is most effective during this sign. An excellent time to destroy weeds and pests in the fourth quarter.

Libra - An air sign, soewhat fruitful and moist. A good time for picking flowers which will last a long time adorning your home. Best sign for planting beautiful and fragrant flowers, vines, herbs and grain crops. Also a good sign in which to prune plants in order to control their growth and maintain their shape.

Scorpio - A water sign, fruitful and moist. Best planting sign for plants and vines. One of the most fertile times for sowing seeds and transplanting plants like tomatoes and eggplant. Prune or graft your plants during this sign to encourage healthy new growth. Also a good sign for applying fertilizer to plants.

Sagittarius - A fire sign, barren and dry. Insect control, plowing, pruning, trimming, weeding, and cultivating the soil. A good sign for harvesting roots and onions for storage, and planting onion sets and fruit trees. Pruning will help to discourage the growth of nuisance plants.

Capricorn - An earth sign, productive and dry. An okay time to sow seeds and transplant plants. Plant rhizomes, bulbs and tubers. A good sign for grafting, and pruning to promote healing of herbs, shrubs, and trees.

Aquarius - An air sign, barren and dry. Aquarius is a good sign to perform insect control, cultivate and till the earth. Harvest root and fruit for long-term storage. Good for planting onion sets.

Pisces - A water sign, productive and moist. One of the most fertilize root crops, transplant or sow seed in this sign for vigorous root growth . Second best sign for planting and transplanting, especially good for root growth and irrigation.