Many factors influence the life and growth of plants, one of which is believed to be lunar cycles. In order to increase yields, people have for centuries made a schedule of favorable and unfavorable days for planting, depending on the phase of the moon. Despite the fact that the impact of the Earth's satellite on living organisms is not fully studied, gardeners and gardeners continue to follow the recommendations. Read more about how the lunar sowing calendar appeared, as well as when and what to plant - in the material "Izvestia".
Lunar sowing calendar - 2025: what it is, how it appeared
Lunar sowing calendar is a practical guide, which indicates the optimal dates and times for planting plants depending on the phases of the Earth's satellite and its relationship to the constellations.
The Australian esotericist and occultist Rudolf Steiner was the first to suggest that there is a connection between cosmic bodies and the cultivation of plants in 1924. As part of his "Agricultural Course" he developed a system of biodynamic organic farming.
However, the creator of the modern lunar calendar is considered to be Maria Thun. A small book called "Planting Days" saw the light of day in 1963. In addition to the magical effects of the moon described by Steiner, she added the influence of the signs of the zodiac. Thus, it is better to plant deciduous crops when the satellite is in constellations associated with water (Pisces, Cancer or Scorpio) or earth (Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn).
Since then, Maria Thun has been considered a specialist in the field of "biodynamics" - a special approach to agriculture and gardening. Now the planting calendar is actively used in 27 countries, including Russia. Since Maria Thun's death in 2013, her son Matthias K. Thun has been working on the sowing calendar and has continued her work.
However, Steiner and Thun have nothing to do with the scientific approach, their research is considered more of an example of esoteric teachings. At the moment there are no confirmed studies proving the effectiveness of this calendar. Therefore, even when using the planting schedule, it is important to remember that the key factor for the successful germination of seeds is to maintain optimal conditions: sufficient light, heat, humidity and quality soil.
Lunar phases: the influence of cycles on plant growth
Each lunar cycle (synodic month) lasts 29.5 days and consists of eight phases. Four of these are considered fundamental points that set the rhythm, the other four phases are the dynamic periods of the waxing and waning Moon, each lasting about a week.
Gardeners who focus on the lunar planting calendar believe that decreasing or increasing light from the satellite affects plant growth, sap movement and overall crop development. Roman Rybakov, an employee of the Botanical Garden of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, reminded that it is the Moon, as the nearest cosmic body to the Earth, that influences the tides. Consequently, it affects the water resources available to plants.
"Plant cells are 80% water and it is likely that they are also influenced by the Earth's satellite. Although there is little scientific on the subject, I can say from personal experience that it is often during the waxing moon that plants grow intensively. However, what mechanism is involved here is not known," - said the expert.
There is an opinion that during the new moon the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun increases, which leads to active sap movement in plants. According to the lunar sowing calendar, this is the best time to plant green leafy crops (lettuce, spinach or parsley). It is believed that seeds planted during the new moon germinate faster.
During the waxing Moon there is increased sap movement in the upper part of the plants. This is a favorable time for sowing and transplanting crops that grow upward. In addition to greens, these are leafy vegetables (all types of cabbage, leafy beets chard, etc.), as well as cereal crops. The waxing Moon stimulates leaf and stem growth, making plants stronger and healthier.
Full Moon is the phase when the Moon is fully illuminated by the Sun and is almost 100% visible. During this period, the gravitational pull is strongest, leading to an increase in the water content of the soil. In this regard, the full moon is considered the best period for harvesting fruits and vegetables, as they contain the maximum amount of juice. In addition, this time is favorable for perennials and shrubs.
The waning moon is a transitional phase from the full moon to the new moon. During this period, sap movement slows down and concentrates in the root system of plants. This is a good time for planting root crops, transplanting and pruning trees and shrubs.
Planting calendar for February 2025
In the last month of winter in the middle zone of Russia is still cold and snowy, but it is in February that active work on planting seeds for seedlings begins. It is important to maintain the right light day: for seedlings it should be 12-13 hours.
In connection with this in February it is recommended to plant vegetables and flowers with a long vegetation period, perennial flowers with a long formation of tubers, seeds that take a long time to sprout.
According to the lunar calendar, it is better to do earth works on February 14 and 20-22. On these days, the Moon is in the active stage. Also good dates for sowing are considered the 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 15th, 18th, 15th and 17th of the month.
Gardening in February 2025 should be abandoned on February 12 (full moon) and February 28 (new moon).
As a rule, seeds are planted in seedling boxes in moist dense peat mixture, after which the container is covered with a transparent lid or film. When the first entrances appear, it is better to use phytolamps to maintain the correct daylight hours.
Lunar sowing calendar for March 2025
For most gardeners of the middle strip of Russia, March is a month of active preparation for the dacha season, the time of sowing seeds for seedlings, picking and feeding for plants. In the case of good weather conditions, dacha growers clean the plots and plan places for new beds.
Thus, flowers in March 2025 is most favorable to plant on February 16, 23-25 and 27. Good time for planting seedlings are considered 5-7, 15,18, 19-21, 23 and 24 February. Plants sown or transplanted into the ground on these dates, better rooting, resistant to frost, coping well with diseases and pests.
It is desirable to refrain from any work related to gardening, March 14 and 29 - this is the time of the full moon and new moon.
Usually, the March work of a gardener consists of cleaning snow retention means (if they were applied), inspecting fruit trees, taking cuttings, disinfecting and preventive pest control.
It is possible to plant seedlings in the closed ground in the first month of spring, provided that the greenhouse is equipped with a heating system or stands on the foundation and covered with dense material (e.g. polycarbonate). In greenhouses and under thin film seedlings are planted no earlier than April.
Lunar sowing calendar for April 2025
April is considered one of the busiest periods for gardeners. However, intensive planting begins in the middle zone of the country only in the second half of the month, from April 15 to 30. For germination of plants it is necessary that the soil temperature at a depth of up to 10 cm was not lower than +5 degrees Celsius.
The most favorable days in the month fall on the 12th, 19th, 21st-23rd days. It is desirable to plant seedlings on April 2, 3, 6, 29, 30.
The full moon will begin on April 13, and the new moon on April 27. On these dates it is recommended to refrain from working in the vegetable garden, and some agro-technical activities should not be carried out.
However, during this period, the first pests awaken, so gardeners should prepare their plots. To protect plants, experts recommend sprinkling crops with wood ash and setting glue traps.
Planting calendar for vegetable gardeners and gardeners for May 2025
In May in the middle zone of Russia, the planting season is at its peak. It is warm enough outside and the ground is finally thawing: seeds and seedlings can be planted in the ground. However, since night frosts are possible in the last spring month, heat-loving plants such as cucumbers, pumpkins and watermelons should be saved and planted only in a greenhouse.
Favorable days for gardening are May 1-3 and May 29-31. A good harvest awaits dacha growers if you plant plants on May 8-11, 16, 17, 21, 21, 25, 26. Do not disturb plants on May 12 and 27, during the full and new moons.
Lunar sowing calendar for June 2025
June is a month of active growth of plants, care of plantings and the beginning of the early harvest. During this period, it is especially important to take the time to water, feed and control pests. You can also continue to plant late vegetable crops and sow greens. So, the first half of the month will be suitable for heat-loving crops such as corn, beans, zucchini and pumpkin. This is a favorable time for planting potatoes and melons.
June 5-9, 12-14, 18, 21, 22, 26 are considered a good period for sowing seeds that fruit above ground. It is undesirable to engage in gardening on June 1, 15, 16, 11, 25.
In addition, by the end of the first month of summer, cherries, black and red currants are ripe. Early vegetables, including cabbage and zucchini, are already appearing.
It is very important to protect the harvest from pests and diseases. This is especially true for nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants), which suffer from phytophthorosis and Colorado potato beetle infestation. Numerous diseases are susceptible to cabbage and tomatoes.
Planting calendar for July 2025
July is considered a month of intensive growth of crops. At this time, it is important to continue to fight pests in the vegetable garden and in the fields, as well as to remove weeds, loosen the soil and feed crops.
In addition, in July it is useful to pinch (remove) young shoots of fruit trees and remove underdeveloped ovaries. Also, so that the fruits do not break branches, supports are put under them. Before the middle of the month it is better to treat pear and apple trees from parsha, and cherry - from coccomycosis.
In mid-summer, begin harvesting early vegetables and berries, and also sow sidedresses and greens. At the end of the month you can start planting late varieties of greens, dill, lettuce, radish and spinach.
The most favorable days will be July 5, 6, 14, 15, 19, 20. But on the 10th, 2Zth, 24th, 25th it is better to refrain from sowing.
Lunar calendar for August 2025
The last month of summer is the time of active harvesting and preparing the vegetable garden or garden for the fall. If August was hot, it is necessary to water beds and crops more than usual. In addition, you should fertilize strawberry bushes, where the harvest has already been gathered, and next year plant strawberries. Also, the harvested fruits are better sorted and prepared for storage.
Until mid-August, it is desirable to plant winter garlic, onions, herbs and radishes to harvest all this in the fall season.
Special attention should be paid to the fight against parasites: treat gooseberries and currants, and if there are mites on the trees, then spray them with special means. In addition, experts recommend preparing the soil for future plantings and dilute it with organic fertilizers.
The best days for garden lovers in August will be the 1st, 2nd, 10th, 11th, 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 19th, 20th, 28th, 29th, Z0th numbers. But on August 22, 2Z and 24 it is better to refrain from agricultural affairs.
Planting Calendar for September - 2025
Autumn - traditional time of late harvest, but in the first month of the season begins to prepare the soil and beds for winter. It is recommended to dig the ground under shrubs, and on trees and other plants to cut withered branches. These, together with dry leaves and unripe fruit, can be sent to the compost pit if they are not infected.
At this time you can plant onions, garlic and siderates, and also plant conifers and tree seedlings, in particular - apples or plums. Also this period is considered successful for planting strawberries and strawberries, soon-to-ripen greens and frost-resistant vegetables. Apple trees, pears, cherries, currants, gooseberries, iris, honeysuckle, mountain ash, sea buckthorn, apricots and plums can also be planted in September.
Weather conditions are usually suitable for planting a variety of flowers, both perennials and annuals. Favorable days in September 2025 for gardeners will be September 2, 3, 24, unfavorable date - the 21st.
Lunar sowing calendar for October 2025
In October, the vegetable garden season ends, collect the last harvest of the year. After that, it is recommended to prepare the site for winterization: spray plants from various pests and diseases, remove leaves and other organic waste, trim the branches of fruit trees.
In mid-autumn it will still be possible to plant winter crops and siderates to improve the soil structure. It can also be prepared for future plantings and fertilized. The weather at this time is suitable for planting fruit trees and shrubs with an open root system, and ornamental plants are moved to another place.
Regarding flowers, in the first half of October it is best to plant bulbs: tulips, daffodils, lilies, snowdrops, hyacinths, imperial grouse, crocuses. It should be taken into account that a decrease in temperature can lead to poor rooting and freezing of plants, and after - to a delay in flowering.
Favorable days for gardening are October 4, 5, 8, 9, 9, 12, 1Z, 14, 2Z. The most unlucky numbers will be October 7, 20, 21 and 22.
Calendar for the vegetable gardener and gardener for November 2025
November is the time when the final work on the plot is carried out. At the beginning of the month it is recommended to cover roses, grapes and other heat-loving types of plants. It is useful to treat garden trees with a solution of copper sulfate.
Most often in November sow onions and winter garlic, as well as seeds of cold-resistant plants and medicinal trees are suitable for planting.
The second half of the last month of fall dacha growers and gardeners can spend on repairing structures and preparing equipment for the next planting season. It is possible to plan plantings for the next year, as well as to purchase the necessary seeds.
The best days to work in the vegetable garden in November 2025 will be the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 9th, 10th, 18th, 28th, 29th. Undesirable dates are November 5, 19, 20, 21.
Lunar sowing calendar for December 2025
In December, gardeners and vegetable gardeners can finally rest. Their main tasks at this time - to keep an eye on the stored harvest, slakduet check the shelter of plants, plan the future season and prepare for the upcoming planting. It is important to remember to remove snow from trees, shrubs, greenhouse roofs and other buildings, and to check that plants are adequately insulated.
Also in early winter you can prepare cuttings of fruit and coniferous trees for spring grafting, prepare seedlings for future sowing. Those who wish to continue doing their favorite hobby even in the cold season, can grow various greens or fruits on the windowsill or in heated greenhouses, choose flowers with a long growing season.
The second half of the month is also suitable for buying seeds. Favorable days for gardeners will be December 2, 3, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31. It is better to postpone gardening on the 1st, 8th, 9th, 10th, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
