The days are getting longer, the sun more intense – spring is getting ready to come to Chicago! My dear fellow gardeners are awaking from their winter sleep and start exchanging seeds and sowing plants indoors. And as soon as we are sure that the last frost has passed our little farm at Taylor Street in Little Italy,  we will start digging and planting again.

But one question always goes around in my head: Is it the right day/time to plant? Can I be sure that my crops will grow and fruit?

Well, I grew up on a farm where the art of timing was celebrated. My mom inherited this skill from her mother who had learned it from her ancestors, and all of them knew the perfect time to sow fruit and vegetable or plant flowers. You wonder what´s behind all this? They say, the moon.

It is said that the lunar cycles can influence how successful your harvest can be. Some days (so-called fruit-days) are better for root vegetables, some are better for fruit bearing plants. When the moon wanders through the astrological signs of Aries, Leo or Sagittarius, it is supposed to be the best time to sow and plant. These days during waxing moon shall be ideal for all fruit-bearing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, squashes, apples, and so on. When the moon is decreasing, it is said to be better for allsubterranean plants or root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, sunchokes, etc.

You might ask “What´s the point anyway”? Well, the plants are supposed to grow better, healthier and more resistant against pests. As we are a proud organic garden community, I decided to give it this year a try and will start my plants according to the lunar cycles.

And for all of you who want to give it a shot, here are the next lunar cycle dates:

March 22-24, April 19-20 waxing moon (Lion): all fruit-bearing plants (tomatoes, peppers, etc.)

March 31, April 1, 9, 10, 28 and 29 decreasing moon (Sagittarius): all subterranean plants (carrots, parsnips, etc.)

As you might guess, there are also specific times when to plant your flowers best – but that´s a completely different story, and shall be told another time.

Happy Gardening! Veronika.