Tim C. wrote:
Following up to "Cat(h)" :

I read about this fellow RJ Harris, head gardener at Tressilian Estate
in Cornwall this week end. He apparently planted, fed, and harvested
fruit and veg depending on the moon phase, and claimed this had a
substantial effect on the success of the operation. Now, I know the
lunar cycle has a substantial effect on nature (tides immediately
spring to mind). But should it be taken into account when gardening ?
I found his book he
http://www.moongardening.cwc.net/BOOK%20cv.htm
What do the experienced resident gardeners here think? Is there
something in this, or is it just airy fairy bunkum? Do any of you
practice gardening by the moon, and would you recommend it?

It was quite the rage a few years ago in Germany, and the moon calendar is
still almost always a part of the popular books on organic gardening. I get
good enough results totally ignoring it. I'm sure that if it made any
difference that over the eons plants would have evolved to take advantage
of the advantageous phases of the moon and show marked differences
depending on phase. If there is, it's slipped my notice*.
I'm sure it can't hurt, so why not try it and see if it works for you?

My interest is more curiosity than immediate intention to put into
practice: I only get to my garden at the week end - so that if
something doesn't get done this week end, it is automatically delayed
by at least a week... If I had to factor in moon phases, I'd be
overrun with weeds, and my crops would rot on the plants, or be
consumed by ungrateful birds/slugs/and other hungry critters :-) Maybe
when I retire....
I find the topic interesting, though, and appreciate your response.
I'll read a little bit more about it.


Cat(h)