Everything changes in the garden when you learn how the phases of the moon work

On July 29, 2026, a guide titled “Should You Plant Today or Wait? Everything Changes in the Garden When You Learn How the Lunar Phases Work” was published in La Nación, offering practical advice on aligning gardening tasks with the lunar cycle. The article explains how traditional agricultural practices, particularly those rooted in biodynamic farming, continue to influence modern gardeners who rely on the phases of the moon to determine optimal times for planting, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting. For centuries, farmers have observed the moon’s cycles to decide when to sow seeds, harvest crops, or prune plants. This practice persists today among proponents of biodynamic agriculture, which suggests that the moon's gravitational pull affects the distribution of water within plants, thereby influencing processes such as root development, leaf growth, photosynthesis, and seed germination. While scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited and results can vary depending on species and environmental conditions, many gardeners still follow the lunar calendar as a useful tool for planning their work. The article outlines specific recommendations based on different lunar phases. For instance, during the new moon, it is considered an ideal time to plant crops whose growth occurs underground, such as carrots, potatoes, radishes, beets, onions, and garlic. According to biodynamic principles, this phase is believed to concentrate sap in the roots, promoting stronger underground development. Conversely, the waxing gibbous phase, when the moon appears to grow larger each night, is recommended for planting crops that produce leaves, stems, or other above-ground parts. During this period, the increasing light from the moon is thought to encourage the upward movement of sap, enhancing foliage growth and overall plant health. The full moon is also highlighted as a key time for certain activities. It is traditionally chosen for pruning, especially for shaping plants, as it is believed that the plant reaches its peak developmental stage during this phase. However, the waning crescent phase is considered more suitable for pruning, as it is thought to allow the plant to recover faster by redirecting energy toward root development. Transplanting is another task influenced by the lunar cycle. The new moon is suggested as a favorable time for transplantation due to its association with rest and preparation for growth. Yet, the waxing gibbous phase is regarded as the best time for both planting and transplanting, as the upward flow of sap is believed to aid recovery and promote robust growth of leaves and stems. Harvesting is similarly guided by the lunar phases. The full moon is often viewed as the optimal time for picking fruits and vegetables, as it is believed that plants reach their peak development and that the resulting yield will be more abundant and of higher quality. Some gardeners claim that the concentration of sap in the aerial parts of the plant during this phase enhances flavor and nutritional value. These guidelines reflect a blend of tradition and personal experience among gardeners who choose to integrate lunar cycles into their routines. While the scientific community continues to debate the validity of these practices, the cultural and historical significance of lunar gardening remains strong, particularly in regions where biodynamic methods are widely adopted. As the article concludes, synchronizing gardening tasks with the moon’s phases allows individuals to work in harmony with nature’s rhythms, fostering a deeper connection between human activity and the environment.