My grandmother always gardened by the cycles of the moon. A very serious gardener, she was adamant about her gardening pursuits as they coincided with each cycle of the moon. The practice of planting in harmony with earth's natural rhythms is practiced by lots of folks and I don't doubt that this ancient earth science benefits all gardeners in their day to day activities.
It is understood that earth's ocean currents and water levels are highest during the new and full moon, lowest in a moon's 3rd and 4th quarter. This influence on water dictates how seed will absorb moisture or a seedling will grow upwards, just as it helps root crops burrow deeper in the soil, helped by lower water levels and the moon's lowered gravitational pull. These reoccurring cycles run from 29 to 30 days and also aid with pruning, fertilizing, and harvesting.
One of the easiest ways to remember the moon cycles is to familiarize yourself with the letters D-O-C. With a new moon, the moon is a crescent that is shaped like the curve of the letter D, also explained as the light reflected back to us looks like the shape of the curve in the letter D. The shape of the curve will fill as moon phases pass until you have the shape of the filled letter D, which is a new moon or the first quarter. The second quarter is the filling out of the moon as it becomes full or shaped like the letter O, this is also referred to as a waxing moon. This second quarter continues until the full moon is passing or waning. In the moon's fullest, most filled out shape, the moon's gravitational pull becomes stronger as it becomes round, waning as it passes. It is said that the best time for planting seed is two days before a full moon which lets seed absorb moisture and then sprout with strong upward growth. The 3rd and 4th quarter is occurring when the moon's bright outline looks like the letter C. This is the best time for root growth and transplanting seedlings as root growth is encouraged, gravity is lowered. Also a good time for pruning since a plants sap or water levels are at their lowest.
The moon also moves through the sky around astrological signs and these also affect plants as these signs are earth, water, air and fire, which favor particular types of crops. This is where an almanac comes in handy, isolating the best times to garden within these favorable time slots as the occur with lunar activity. To make things a little simpler, I have listed the activities for each lunar quarter.
First Quarter, new to half full;
Lunar gravitational pull is increasing, sow seeds of plants that produce their seeds on the outside, such as lettuce, broccoli, annuals and herbs. This is also a good time to transplant.
Second Quarter, full to half full - waxing;
An idea time to sow seed as the seed's coat will readily soften as surface water is available from the moon's strongest gravitational pull. This is the best time to sow seeds that produce seed inside a pod or skin, such as beans, tomatoes, squash, and pumpkin.
Third Quarter, full to half full - waning;
The gravitational pull has subsided. This is the best time to plant root crops such as potatoes, onions, radishes, and beets. Also plant perennials, flower bulbs, shrubs and trees to encourage strong roots. A good quarter to also transplant seedlings.
Fourth Quarter, half full to new;
The moon's gravitational pull is at its lowest. This is considered a resting time, best to prune, pull weeds, and apply mulch or compost.
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