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Q: Where is the evidence that Moon Gardening works?
A: There have been various studies conducted to ascertain the benefits of Lunar Gardening - Most experiments show measurable
improvements in 'side-by-side' trials. The most extensive work has been done by Maria Thun, a German researcher, who has
published a number of comparative trials using biodynamic moon gardening techniques.
Recently (2007) the BBC TV program, 'A Year at Kew Gardens' showed some successful comparative trials done as part of
a supervised project.
Q: Is the moon really the biggest influence on my gardening results?
A: No - One of the reasons that lunar gardening faded from our horticultural traditions is that fertilisers have a much more
immediate impact, however bad in the long term. Climate also plays a big part - You can't expect moon gardening techniques
to compensate for a bad summer, insufficient water or no compost!. But get these right and lunar gardening will improve things
further. Typical yield improvements are around 10% to 15% as well as better taste, colour, and fragrance.
Q: Why does Lunar Gardening work?
A: Nobody really knows - the evidence is really empirical (by observation) rather than scientific (by testing a theory).
Nobody really knows why the menstrual cycle is linked to the lunar cycle either! One theory is that the differing amounts
of reflected light from the moon, the gravitational pull of the moon on plant fluids, the tidal effect on the water table,
and the distortions in the Earths magnetic field all have a role to play.
Q: What is the difference between Organic and Biodynamic?
A: Organics embraces all activities associated with 'natural growth'. Biodynamics is a specific approach to organic farming
(developed by Rudolf Steiner, an early 20th century philosopher). Biodynamics treats the farm, garden or allotment as a balanced
ecosystem, in harmony with the Earth. To assist in maintaining this harmony, biodynamic practitioners use the following tools:
1) A Biodynamic calendar, that used Lunar cycles to recommend best times for various growing activities
2) Soil and spray preparations made from plant and animal material, and used in very low concentrations to assist growth
- a kind of 'Homeopathy for Gardens'
Q: Why is this calendar different from some other Lunar Gardening calendars?
A: Lunar Gardening has evolved over thousands of years in different cultures, countries and climates: - In some cultures,
the emphasis is on the moon phase only - in others it is on the astrological division of the constellations in the heavens.
We use the Biodynamic version, because it works for us, and because it is the most extensively researched.
Q: Why did you develop your own calendar?
A: We found the other Moon Planting calendars were all in 'book' format, and somewhat over-complex. Others ignored the concept
of the Ascending Moon and Descending Moon, which is important in Biodynamic farming. We wanted a simple Biodynamic wall-chart
that allows the moon gardener to plan ahead for the weekends and available gardening time.
Q: What about other astronomical influences such as eclipses, conjunctions, and oppositions?
A: Some Lunar Gardening calendars refer to these (including the Biodynamic Planting and Sowing calendar), but the evidence
on their effect on gardening is not conclusive. Most Moon Gardening traditions recommend that on Lunar eclipses it's best
to do nothing in your garden or allotment. We have omitted the geometric relationships (conjunctions, oppositions, and trines)
to keep the Organic Gardening Calendar easier to read and understand.
Q: Where do you get your data from?
A: The Moon Planting calendar is developed from computer-generated Astronomical data provided by various sources. We use
the actual positions of the moon in relation to the Earth and heavens (not the Astrological version used in fortune telling
and horoscopes)
Q: Is the calendar valid anywhere in the world?
A: Yes - The Moons' phases and position in the constellations are the same, BUT the moon is descending in the southern hemisphere
when it is ascending in the northern hemisphere (and Vice-Versa). This means that the 'planting time' in each lunar cycle
is the opposite in the southern hemisphere to that shown on the calendar. Remember that published times are GMT/UT so you
need to correct for your time zone.
Q: Who are Lunar Organics?
A: We are a small family business; Erika has worked for many years on Organic and Biodynamic farms in Germany, where the
Lunar Gardening traditions are very strong. She is an enthusiastic gardener and is chairperson of the local Allotment Association.
Ian does most of the boring stuff like admin, computing, and accounting!
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