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1. Unlocking the Power of Lunar Cultivation for Cannabis Harvesting

The moon directly affects cannabis cultivation, and by focusing on its phases, you can take advantage of it to improve plant growth. Explore how you can employ lunar cultivation to achieve optimal yields.

How the lunar calendar works

Following the moon calendar can help cannabis producers leverage the influence of the celestial body to enhance plant well-being and maximize productivity. The lunar waxing and waning phases serve as a natural chronology that directs cultivators throughout the growing season.

The ascending and falling periods guide growers on when to perform specific chores. According to lunar horticulturists, as the moon descends, it compels the flow of sap (the vital essence of plants) into the soil. Conversely, as the moon ascends, it exerts a gravitational force that elevates this energy toward the plants, enveloping the flowers, stems, and leaves.

Aligning gardening activities with the constellations’ positions enhances planting precision based on lunar cycles. Transplanting cannabis plants into the ground during a lowering moon phase will optimize their growth, as most of the necessary energy will then be concentrated in the Earth. Germination, irrigation, and fertilization performed in these cycles enhance the specific element linked with each task, improving the overall output of your cultivation.

The moon cycles

The moon’s orbit causes its distance from the Earth to fluctuate. To see this phenomenon, one must be at a specific location and return to the same location the following day. This way, you can determine whether the moon is moving closer or farther away.

Ascending moon

The best time to cut off cannabis clones is when the moon is ascending, and sap rises to the top. Avoid harvesting since the buds will be full of liquids, which might slow the drying process of cannabis buds.

Descending moon

As the moon descends, the liquids flow downward, and all plants’ subsurface activity intensifies, making it an excellent time to work on roots and germinate seeds. This moon cycle is ideal for soil enrichment, so make super soil or compost today.

Phases of the moon and what they mean

In cannabis cultivation, matching activities with moon phases combines old wisdom with modern horticulture. Understanding moon phases and their potential impact on cannabis cultivation might help farmers schedule tasks for optimal outcomes. Let’s examine each phase’s cannabis cultivation implications:

New Moon

The lunar cycle begins with limited moonlight on the New Moon. In this phase, the moon is between Earth and the Sun, with its lit side facing away from Earth. It is claimed that cannabis seed sowing and transplanting are best during the New Moon period. This phase has the lowest gravitational force and the most root sap flow. This combination is thought to speed germination and build strong root systems, laying the groundwork for healthy plant growth and aggressive vegetative growth.

Waxing Moon

The moon’s luminous portion grows from the New to the Full Moon. Energy and vitality increase throughout this phase. A waxing moon is thought to promote vegetative development in cannabis. To promote bushier, healthier plants with strong vegetative development, growers prune, top, and train. The waxing phase’s enhanced energy may boost above-ground development, including leaf and stem expansion, boosting photosynthesis and nutrition absorption.

Full Moon

During the Full Moon phase, the moon appears as a full circle in the night sky. This phase frequently has more energy and intensity. Flowering and reproduction in cannabis depend on the Full Moon. Growers say harvesting cannabis during a Full Moon boosts strength and terpenes. Full Moon evenings add natural light to outdoor cultivation, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and perhaps affecting plant metabolism.

The moon’s luminous fraction gradually declines after the Full Moon until it returns to the New Moon phase. Energy and vitality decrease throughout this phase. Cannabis pruning, harvesting, and care are best during the waning moon. Growers may cut extra foliage and harvest mature buds during this phase since plants may recover faster and endure less stress. Harvesting during the declining moon phase may improve post-harvest curing and storage, conserving cannabis strength and flavor.

Aligning cannabis cultivation with moon phases is intriguing but must be approached critically. Anecdotal evidence underpins many lunar gardening methods due to inadequate scientific research on lunar cycles and plant growth. Growers should consider moon cycles one of many elements affecting plant health and base their cultivation practices on empirical data, ambient circumstances, and strain characteristics. Moon-aligned farming strategies must be tested and observed to determine their efficacy and how they interact with light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability.

The role of constellations in lunar gardening

The 12 zodiac constellations can influence lunar or moon gardening. Many cultivators believe that fire, Earth, air, and water signs significantly influence growth and yields, extending beyond just being a horoscope. When the moon transits a particular constellation, it intensifies the designated elements.

The fire constellations – Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. 

The constellations of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius have the greatest advantageous effects on germination. Certain lunar horticulturists choose to refrain from planting vegetation during fire constellations due to the idea that it results in reduced crop yields. 

The air constellations – Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. 

Flower growth is enhanced as the moon traverses the celestial constellations of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Therefore, it is advisable to transplant or create clones when the blossoms are more robust.

The water constellations – Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. 

Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, which are water signs, promote plant growth by increasing the size of plants and enhancing the development of leaves and stems. It is advisable to apply foliar spray during these specific astrological alignments and carry out any low-stress training techniques. 

The earth constellations – Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

As earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn naturally have a positive impact on the underground structures of the Earth. Roots exhibit enhanced growth and improved vitality. Hence, planting in the soil or enhancing soil mixes at these stages is advisable.

How to grow cannabis plants with a lunar calendar

Germination

Suppose you intend to follow the lunar calendar of 2024 for cultivating cannabis. In that case, it is advisable to initiate the germination process of your seeds during a full moon, which occurs within the fire sign. The custom of aligning with the rhythm of the night sky associates fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) with warmth, which is essential for the proper germination of seeds.

 If you are growing your plants indoors and reside in a region with a long cultivation season, you can plant the seeds as early as January. If you encounter a situation where you are rushing later in the growing season, you can plant fast-growing auto seeds as late as June. The specific days in which a full moon occurs within a fire sign include January 25th, February 24th, March 25th, April 23rd, May 23rd, and June 22nd.

Soil preparation

Moon growers recommend preparing the growing medium during a waning moon in the earth sign of Virgo. During the waning moon, the sap is drawn down into the soil underneath as the moonlight decreases and transitions from full to new. Naturally, this becomes more significant when living plants are in the soil, but this timeframe has also become the preferred choice for soil preparation. Strive to create a fertile and nutrient-rich soil during February 27th to March 24th.

Transplanting with Lunar Rhythms

When following the lunar calendar for planting, it is recommended to transplant when the moon sits in a water sign but in its waxing phase. During the waning moon, sap is transferred from plants into the soil. Conversely, during the waxing phase of the moon, the sap is drawn up from the soil and into newly transplanted seedlings, providing them with water and nutrients. The waxing moon is present in the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces during March 11th, March 20th, April 16-17, May 13-14, and June 9th.

Cannabis Training and Pruning Lunar Calendar

Training your plants elevates the chances of transforming a satisfactory cultivation into an exceptional one. Methods like Low-Stress Training (LST) promote the growth of more evenly distributed buds and increase crop yields. Pruning through topping disrupts the plant’s apical dominance, while defoliation enhances canopy ventilation and increases exposure to light. You should perform these procedures when a waxing moon transitions into the aquatic constellations of Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio as the sap and water rise in the branches. Training takes place in the early stages of the growing season and should be conducted on February 12th to 13th, March 11th–12th, April 9th, May 12th, and June 9th, as per the 2024 calendar. Pruning should occur later during the season on July 6th to 7th and August 5th.

Applying fertilizer

Fertilization occurs during the waning moon, when sap descends into the soil, facilitating the transport of nutrients back up to the plant when the moon transitions into a waxing phase. Note that synthetic and organic liquid fertilizers deliver nutrients quickly, but organic stuff like mulch takes longer to decompose. Optimal fertilization should occur during the waning phase of the lunar cycle when the moon is positioned in the water signs of Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio. Strive to nourish your plants on February 5th, March 3rd, May 5th, June 1st, June 29th, August 3rd, August 31st, and October 25th.

Harvesting

There are two options available to you when it comes to harvesting those mature buds. One is harvesting while the moon is in its waxing phase and positioned in an air constellation. A waxing moon will draw the sap into your flowers before harvesting, while air signs are linked to plants’ upper parts and canopies. Adhere to these specific dates when implementing this strategy: June 18th, July 15th, September 17th, October 14th, and November 10th.

Similarly, many cultivators who follow the lunar calendar choose to harvest their crops during a full moon, as they believe that this celestial occurrence aids in plant absorption of nutrients and energy. If you continue working late into the night, you will have access to more natural illumination.

Benefits of Lunar Cannabis Cultivation

Higher yields

The lunar cannabis growing method enhances nutrient uptake and plant growth by synchronizing the plant’s growth cycle with the lunar phases, ultimately leading to higher harvests.

Reduced pest and disease vulnerability

Lunar cannabis growth promotes a stronger, more robust plant that is less prone to pests and diseases. In certain lunar phases, the plant can boost its natural defenses.

Improved plant health and potency

Lunar cannabis cultivators argue that this approach can result in healthier plants with higher potency. This phenomenon is attributed to plants’ efficient absorption of essential nutrients and subsequent growth during specific moon phases. As a result, the plants exhibit increased levels of terpenes.

Low environmental impact

Lunar cultivation emphasizes natural cycles and eliminates industrial fertilizers and pesticides. This may reduce environmental impact compared to traditional agriculture.

What you need to implement cannabis cultivation by the moon

Picking the right strain and growth medium

Not all strains respond equally to moon phases, so choose one that suits lunar growing. Similarly, selecting the right growth medium is essential for achieving optimal nutrient absorption and promoting plant development.

Lunar calendar and growing phases

Plan planting, harvesting, and other important tasks using the lunar calendar. The moon cycle can help you maximize agricultural productivity. In the new moon phase, focus on root growth; in the full moon phase, focus on plant blossoming and fruiting. The lunar calendar might help you grow healthy cannabis plants and harvest successfully.

Lighting and temperature control

Cannabis production requires lighting and temperature control, including moon growing. Growers must provide adequate light and temperature for their strain.

Maintenance and care

Regular maintenance and care are crucial to enhance the health and vigor of cannabis plants. This includes regular watering, feeding, and monitoring for the presence of pests and illnesses. Also, cultivators should be attentive to the unique needs of their particular strain and adapt their cultivation methods accordingly. Adhering to diligent maintenance and care procedures can enhance the general health and productivity of your cannabis plants, ultimately resulting in profitable and abundant yields.

Picture of Janice Bernstein

Janice Bernstein

Janice has been on the cannabis scene for many years now, though she tends to keep to herself and might fly under the radar for many, even those well-versed in cannabis growing. Her writings on different methods of watering cannabis helped bring the use of reverse osmosis water to the forefront of cannabis gardening.đť•Ź

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