Care for the Earth by caring for your earth
A major part of gardening biodynamically is organising plantings according to the position of the moon as it travels through the zodiac constellations. Former editor of New Scientist, Dr Bernard Dixon, stated that “there seems little doubt that the lunar cycles influences the life processes in plants”. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) considered the rhythms of the stars, planets and moon to be significant to plants and suggested areas to investigate. Biodynamic researcher Maria Thun has spent over 40 years conducting field trials to research the cosmic effects on plant form, quality, yields and vitality.
One of Maria Thun’s most important discoveries has been that as the moon passes through the signs of the zodiac it positively influences different organs of the plant. The photo above shows the results of an experiment with radish plants; those that have been sown when the moon is in a root constellation (Virgo and Capricorn) show superior size and shape. Maria’s large body of knowledge has been condensed into her Biodynamic Sowing and Planting Calendar and informs Brian Keats’ Antipodean Astro Calendar.
Maria has identified the influence of the moon in the 12 constellations as follows:
Pisces - Leaf
Aries - Fruit
Taurus - Root
Gemini - Flower
Cancer - Leaf
Leo - Fruit/seed
Virgo - Root
Libra - Flower
Scorpio - Leaf
Sagittarius - Fruit
Capricorn - Root
Aquarius - Flower
Of course, there are exceptions and other rhythms at work. If you are interested in reading studies on moon planting, there are 140 references at www.considera.org/reslit.html.
Backyard Biodynamics is a place where you can learn, share and be engaged by biodynamic gardening in your own backyard. 
[...] of plant life. To learn which constellations are associated with which plant part, see our blog, “The science of moon planting”. Think about which part of the plant you wish to use or influence most. If you are planting spinach [...]