Compiled by Sue Bagust

WAXING MOON: Second week of the lunar month
FULL MOON: Monday 12th @ 7.30 pm
WANING MOON: Third week of the lunar month

This calendar week is divided into two lunar weeks by the Full Moon which falls on Monday 12th. Up to the 12th is still the waxing moon when the moon is growing to full and after is the waning moon as the moon decreases in size until she disappears altogether.

During the waxing moon lunar gardeners get a second chance this month to plant fruiting annuals, when the moon is in Pisces nearly all day on Sunday 11th and for the morning of Monday 12th.  In the tropics during September fruiting annuals could include beans, corn, tomato, pumpkin, squash, marrows, eggplant, zucchini, choko, gourds or those herbs where you want to harvest the seeds, depending on your local microclimate. During this time you can also choose to plant those crops that will do equally well if planted in either the first or second lunar week such as annual flowers, hay, cereal grains and oil seeds, cucumbers, melons and shallots. You can also graft, irrigate or use soluble fertilizers while the moon is in Pisces to lessen the shock and give your plants the best chance for quick acceptance and healing. This is also a good time to prune to stimulate quick and healthy regrowth, or to cut your hair or your lawns if you want to encourage lush regrowth.

After the full moon when the moon is still in fertile Pisces you get a chance to plant root crops on Tuesday 13th, up until 4.50 pm when the moon moves into non-fertile Aries. At this time of the year in the tropics your root crops could include radish or sweet potato, and of course any perennials, berries, shrubs, trees and vines. Lunar gardeners can prune to retard growth or apply organic manure at this time when the moon is waning.

This week has one small void moon on Tuesday 13th just before 4.30, as the moon moves from Pisces into Aries. During the time when the moon shifts to a new sign and doesn’t make any key aspect with a planet could leave you feeling not grounded and a bit spacey. It’s a good idea to put off any decision making that could have far reaching consequences during this time of a void moon, because you could miss some small but important detail.

Long ago farmers planted for success not only according to the season, but also according to the phase of the moon. If you would like to know more read about Rudolph Steiner who published breakthrough ancient ideas on farming as well as on education