Understand how each phase of the moon can influence the cultivation, growth, and health of plants traduzido por: OPENROUTER
Submitted at May 12, 2026, 1:30 PM
(Arnold Rodrigues/Unsplash/Divulgação)
The use of the lunar planting calendar has accompanied agriculture for centuries and still sparks curiosity among gardeners, farmers, and landscaping enthusiasts. The practice is based on the idea that the moon, just as it influences the tides, can also affect soil moisture, the sap of plants, and even the development of roots, leaves, and fruits.
Although much of this knowledge originates from popular traditions and observations passed down from generation to generation, the lunar calendar continues to be used as a complementary guide for organizing cultivation and garden care.
(David Dibert/Unsplash/Divulgação)
Each moon phase has specific characteristics that, according to this practice, favor certain types of planting, pruning, and harvesting. Therefore, understanding how the lunar calendar works can help those who want to create a more productive vegetable garden, grow flowers with more vigor, or simply establish a gardening routine connected to natural cycles. Below, find out how each lunar phase can influence cultivation and which activities are usually recommended in each period.
Lua nova: Período associado ao fortalecimento das raízes, ideal para plantar espécies subterrâneas como cenoura, beterraba, batata, gengibre e rabanete. Uma fase perfeita para preparar o solo e iniciar novos cultivos. (Annie Spratt/Unsplash/Divulgação)
The new moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle and is often associated with a period of lower sap activity in the aerial parts of plants. For this reason, many gardeners believe that this phase favors underground development, making it ideal for planting species that grow below the ground, such as carrots, potatoes, ginger, and beets. It is also considered a good phase for fertilizing, preparing the soil, and removing weeds, since the plants would be concentrating energy on their roots. In addition, the new moon is often chosen to start new vegetable gardens or flower beds, symbolizing renewal and gradual growth.
(Lavi Perchik/Unsplash/Divulgação)
During the waxing moon, it is believed that sap circulation increases, favoring the growth of the aerial parts of plants. This phase is frequently recommended for planting leafy vegetables, aromatic herbs, and ornamental species that emphasize leaves and stems, such as lettuce, arugula, basil, and ferns. Many growers also take advantage of this period to perform grafts and transplants, since plants tend to show more vigorous growth. In landscaping, it is an interesting phase to encourage the filling in of green clusters and stimulate denser and more lush gardens.
(Oliver Hale/Unsplash/Divulgação)
The full moon is traditionally associated with the peak of plant vitality. At this stage, the greater nighttime brightness and intense sap circulation are said to be responsible for stimulating flowers and fruits. For this reason, the lunar calendar commonly recommends this phase for cultivating fruit-bearing and flowering species, such as tomato plants, strawberry plants, rose bushes, and citrus trees. It also tends to be a good time to harvest medicinal herbs and flowers, especially for those seeking greater aroma and intensity. However, because it favors accelerated growth, this phase can also increase the presence of pests and fungi, requiring extra attention to garden care.
(Ray Shrewsberry/Pixabay/Divulgação)
The waning moon represents a period of slowdown in the plants' cycle. According to the tradition of the lunar calendar, this phase concentrates less sap in the branches and leaves, making it ideal for pruning, growth control and garden maintenance. Trees and shrubs pruned at this stage would tend to lose less sap and show a more balanced recovery. In addition, it is a moment frequently recommended for harvesting roots, cleaning flower beds and controlling invasive plants. Many landscapers also take advantage of the waning moon to perform maintenance services on lawns and hedges, since growth tends to occur more slowly.
(Freepik/Divulgação)
Even though not all effects of the lunar calendar are scientifically proven, many people report good results when aligning cultivation with the moon's cycles. In gardening, this practice can work as a tool for organization and observation of nature, encouraging more attentive care with the garden. The most important thing is to understand that factors such as soil quality, irrigation, light and climate remain essential for the healthy development of plants. Even so, following the lunar calendar can provide a more intuitive experience connected to natural rhythms, making cultivation more conscious and enjoyable.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.
traduzido por: OPENROUTER
