When to plant seedlings: favorable days in March-2025

Lunar phases and their effects on plant growth and development

Each lunar month lasts 29.5 days and is divided into eight key stages. Of these, four main points are especially important — the new moon, the full moon, the first and last quarters, which set the general rhythm of the development of the plant world. The other four phases associated with the Moon's rise and waning also play a significant role, lasting about a week each. Many gardeners and farmers rely on the lunar calendar, convinced of the influence of moonlight on plant growth, juice circulation and the general condition of crops.

Roman Rybakov, an employee of the Siberian Botanical Garden of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasizes the connection between lunar cycles and tides, which directly affect the movement of water in the earth and plants. Since plant cells are 80% water, it is assumed that they are also affected by the moon. Based on practical experience, the most intense growth is observed during the waxing moon, although the exact mechanism of this process remains to be fully understood.

Lunar sowing calendar for 2025: how to grow a good harvest

The phases of the moon help you schedule your planting and plan for the year

During the new moon period, when the gravitational influence of the Sun and Moon increases, active sap movement occurs in plants. This is the optimal time to plant leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and parsley, as well as to improve seed germination. It is believed that at this time the seeds germinate faster due to accelerated sap flow.

During the waxing Moon, sap movement is activated in the upper part of the plants, which is favorable for sowing and transplanting upward-facing crops. These include not only green leafy vegetables, but also grains, as well as all types of cabbage and chard. This period promotes the strengthening and growth of leaves and stems, making plants more stable and healthy.

The full moon is the phase when the Sun fully illuminates the moon, making it almost one hundred percent visible from Earth. These days, the power of the gravitational influence of the satellite reaches its peak, which contributes to the abundant moistening of the soil due to the increased moisture capacity of the soils. This is the optimal time to harvest fruits and vegetables because of their maximum juiciness; the full moon also has a beneficial effect on perennial plants and shrubs.

The waning phase of the Moon is a transitional moment from full to zero illumination, to a new lunar cycle. During this period, the activity of sap in plant organisms decreases, focusing mainly on the root system. This is the most suitable time interval for planting root crops, moving and forming trees and shrubs — when the growth processes are directed deep into the earth.

Lunar sowing calendar for March 2025

For most gardeners in central Russia, March is a month of active preparation for the summer season, the time for sowing seeds for seedlings, picking and fertilizing plants. In case of good weather conditions, summer residents clean the plots and plan places for new beds.

So, flowers in March 2025 are most favourably planted on February 16, 23-25 and 27. 5-7, 15, 18, 19-21, 23 and 24 February are considered a good time for planting seedlings. Plants sown or transplanted into the ground on these dates take root better, are resistant to frost, and cope well with diseases and pests.

It is advisable to refrain from any gardening—related activities, as March 14 and 29 are the time of the full moon and new moon.

Usually, the gardener's March work consists of cleaning snow retention products (if they were used), inspecting fruit trees, harvesting cuttings, disinfection and pest control prevention.

Seedlings can be planted in an enclosed ground in the first month of spring, provided that the greenhouse is equipped with a heating system or stands on a foundation and is covered with dense material (for example, polycarbonate). Seedlings are planted in greenhouses and under thin film no earlier than April.

Usually sow tomatoes for seedlings starts in mid—March - early April. But in the southern regions, crops may occur earlier, and in the northern regions later. You can get your bearings by the time of disembarkation. By this time, the seedlings should be 50-60 days old. It is transferred to the open ground when the threat of frost has passed, so you should focus on the climate conditions and the weather of your region.

Pepper seedlings begin to be sown in the first days of March. This plant is sensitive to temperature: for seedlings, it needs to be around +25...30 °C. For growing seedlings pepper it is recommended to use loose, moisture-intensive soil with neutral acidity. You can use a special or universal ready-made primer.