About

Agriculture is not merely about spatial arrangement; it is a temporal science. Professional agronomists and biodynamic farmers understand that the gravitational pull of the moon dictates soil moisture levels, while the photoperiod drives plant metabolism. This tool bridges the gap between ancient agrarian wisdom and modern geolocation data.

The critical error many growers make is ignoring the 'temporal window' of germination. Sowing a root crop during a waxing moon often results in excessive foliar growth at the expense of the tuber. Conversely, transplanting during a moisture-deficient lunar phase increases the risk of transplant shock. By synchronizing your schedule with local climate data and astronomical cycles, you significantly increase yield potential and disease resistance.

Formulas

The calculation of the ideal planting window relies on the Synodic Month cycle and the local Hardiness Zone derived from latitude. The Moon Phase Index ($I_{\phi}$) is calculated as:

I_φ ≈ ((JD_current − 2451550.1) / 29.53059) % 1

Where JD represents the Julian Date. The resulting index determines the gravitational influence:

Action = {

Sow Leaf ← 0.0 ≤ I_φ < 0.5Sow Root ← 0.5 ≤ I_φ < 1.0

Reference Data

Crop Category	Best Lunar Phase	Soil Temp Range (°C)	Soil Temp Range (°F)	Sample Crops	Key Action
Leafy Annuals	Waxing Crescent	10°C - 20°C	50°F - 68°F	Lettuce, Spinach, Kale	Sow / Transplant
Above-Ground Fruiting	Waxing Gibbous	18°C - 30°C	65°F - 86°F	Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans	Sow Seeds
Root Crops	Waning Gibbous	7°C - 24°C	45°F - 75°F	Carrots, Beets, Onions	Sow for Root Dev
Bulbs & Perennials	Waning Crescent	5°C - 15°C	40°F - 60°F	Garlic, Tulips, Rhubarb	Divide / Plant
Rest Period	New Moon	N/A	N/A	Soil Amendments	Compost / Mulch
Brassicas	Waxing Crescent	15°C - 25°C	60°F - 77°F	Broccoli, Cabbage	Transplant
Cucurbits	Waxing Gibbous	21°C - 32°C	70°F - 90°F	Cucumber, Squash, Melon	Direct Sow
Legumes	Waxing Crescent	15°C - 25°C	60°F - 77°F	Peas, Lentils	Sow
Tubers	Waning Gibbous	10°C - 20°C	50°F - 68°F	Potatoes, Yams	Plant Seed Potatoes
Herbs (Leafy)	Waxing Crescent	15°C - 25°C	60°F - 77°F	Basil, Parsley, Cilantro	Sow / Prune
Herbs (Woody)	Waning Crescent	10°C - 25°C	50°F - 77°F	Rosemary, Thyme	Cuttings / Prune
Cover Crops	Waning Crescent	5°C - 15°C	40°F - 60°F	Clover, Vetch, Rye	Soil Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, primarily related to soil moisture. Just as the moon's gravity affects ocean tides, it influences the moisture content in the soil (tides in the water table). Higher moisture content during the New and Full moon phases encourages seed swelling and germination.

This tool approximates your climate zone based on your latitude and hemisphere. While highly effective for general planning, microclimates (such as urban heat islands or valley floors) can skew local temperatures by 2-5 degrees. Always cross-reference with a soil thermometer.

It will likely still grow, but you may observe a higher ratio of leaf growth to root mass. The plant directs energy upward as the moonlight increases. For carrots or potatoes, this results in lush tops but potentially smaller tubers.

The gravitational effects (moisture uptake) remain relevant, but the seasonal temperature constraints do not. For indoor setups, focus strictly on the Lunar Phase column of the results to optimize nutrient uptake cycles.

Enzymes responsible for breaking down seed dormancy are temperature-sensitive. Planting too early in cold soil often leads to 'damping off' (fungal rot) rather than slower growth. Adhering to the specific temperature ranges in the database significantly increases success rates.