Horticulturist Sari Weckström promotes lunar gardening practices in Finland

Sari Weckström, an experienced horticulturist, prepares to plant spring-flowering bulbs according to the lunar calendar, emphasizing that they should be planted by October 16. For the past 25 years, Weckström has incorporated the lunar phases into her gardening practices, which include sowing, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting.

Historically, agrarian societies have aligned their farming and hunting activities with celestial cycles to ensure bountiful yields. Weckström notes that while many amateur gardeners follow lunar guidelines, professionals often do so privately to avoid criticism.

Educated as a horticulturist in the 1990s and later as a feng shui consultant, Weckström learned from her grandmother and mother about the importance of timing garden tasks to the moon’s cycle. The lunar calendar helps gardeners schedule their work; for instance, as the moon waxes, they focus on planting above-ground crops like peonies, whereas, during the waning moon, they plant root vegetables, like carrots.

Weckström’s interest in lunar gardening is echoed by a growing number of young gardeners seeking advice on optimal watering times and care specifics. Although scientific studies on lunar gardening benefits are limited, some researchers theorize that the moon might influence plant water pressures and growth.

She advises home gardeners to experiment with lunar timing for weeding and pruning tasks to observe any differences. Ultimately, while the benefits of following the lunar calendar remain anecdotal, gardeners are encouraged to embrace this ancient practice and monitor its effects on their own plants.