Anyone who plants potatoes according to the lunar calendar expects a lot of success from it. This article explains when exactly the right time is for this and what needs to be considered.

In a nutshell

  • the moon is said to have an impact on plant growth on earth
  • it depends on the zodiac signs, the elements and the plant groups
  • Waxing, waning, ascending and descending moon have meaning
  • relevant dates are also the new and full moon
  • for potatoes, the root days are particularly important

Lunar calendar background

Zodiac signs play an important role in moon gardening. The earth moon moves through all twelve signs of the zodiac during the month. If he is in one of the signs of the zodiac, he should direct its power to the earth. Three zodiac signs are combined into a trine and embody an element:

  • Leo, Aries, Sagittarius represent warmth
  • Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn stand for earth
  • Libra, Gemini, Aquarius stand for light
  • Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces represent water

Classification of plant groups

The four elements are each assigned to a plant part. Depending on which part of the plant is harvested or used, fruits, vegetables or flowers are assigned to one of these groups.

  • Heat to fruit (fruit and fruit vegetables)
  • Earth to root (bulbs, tuber vegetables, also potatoes)
  • Light to flower and seed (any flower or vegetable for seed production)
  • Water to leaf (leafy greens, salads)

Classification of moon phases

In the lunar calendar, not only the new moon, waxing and waning moon and the full moon are important. There is also talk of the descending or ascending moon. This describes the position of the moon in the sky, not its visibility. Traditionally, the Earth is believed to inhale when the Moon is descending and exhale when it is ascending. This means that the plant saps either retreat into the soil or are increasingly drawn into the foliage. For practical work, however, this also means that the best time for planting and sowing has come when the moon is descending or waning. This applies equally to all plant groups, only on different days.

full and new moon

These are special days in the lunar calendar. On the new moon, work on the plants in the garden should come to a complete halt, just like the power of the moon rests. These days are good for other work in the garden, such as turning compost, repairing fences or loosening the soil. The situation is different with the full moon, which is even more stimulating for plant growth.

Important dates for potatoes

Since potatoes are root crops, they are interested in the phases of the moon that fall within the zodiac signs of Virgo, Capricorn, or Taurus. The best days for planting potatoes are:

  • March 1st to 3rd, only in warmer regions or for seed potatoes under glass or foil
  • March 28-30
  • April 27-29
  • May 22-24, the latest date for storage potatoes

Notice: On March 28th and April 27th there is a full moon, so planting potatoes is particularly worthwhile.

If it is not possible to get the seed potatoes into the ground on these days, the following dates can also be considered. Although they are not quite as cheap for laying, they are generally well suited for work on root vegetables.

  • March 10th and 11th, also only if the seed potatoes are protected
  • April 6th to 7th
  • May 3rd and 4th

More root days, but with waxing moon:

  • March 19-21
  • April 15 and 16
  • May 12-15

Special days for new potatoes

New potatoes are not just called that because they can be planted early in the year. In fact, the name refers more to the speed with which the tubers are ready for harvest. For new potatoes, this is 90 to 110 days. This means that early potatoes can be planted at any time as long as the first frost is still sufficiently far away. It makes sense to plant potatoes in July. In the lunar calendar after May the following dates are favorable:

  • June 19-21
  • July 16-18

Alternative dates:

  • May 31st and June 1st
  • June 27th and 28th
  • July 6th to 8th

There are root days from June 9th to 11th, but there is a new moon on June 10th, so they are not so good for planting potatoes. The last possible date for laying the tubers is July 25th and 26th, but with the waxing moon.

notice: Since it makes sense to harvest the tubers on a rooting day, this should be taken into account when planting early potatoes late.

frequently asked Questions

What to do if you miss the best time?

If it is not possible to plant potatoes even on the alternative days, there is still the option of doing all other care and harvesting work on root days in order to increase the yield and health of the tubers.

Why are lunar calendars different?

Astronomical calendars assume the true status of the zodiac signs, which change over time. So they reflect the actual conditions in the sky. This means that some zodiac signs are valid for four days, while others are only valid for two days. Astrological calendars assume that all signs of the zodiac are the same size and do not change.

What is the meaning of times in the lunar calendar?

In most lunar calendars, not only days but also the times are given until when the earth moon is favorable for the respective work. So if you are very precise, you must also follow these times.

What is the significance of the lunar calendar for potatoes?

If you only focus on the root days, the tubers should grow better and healthier. In addition, the harvested storage potatoes last longer.

Category:

Vegetable garden