What Moon Phase Should You Start Growing?

If you’re trying to break into the cannabis growing industry, you may be worried about everything from soil composition to heat and humidity levels. However, one element you might want to consider if you’re growing outside is the moon phase. Although everyone knows that the moon affects ocean tides, it can also impact your growth cycle. 

So, when trying to maximize the yield of your marijuana seeds, paying attention to the moon is crucial. Also, this isn’t some new-age pseudo-science that doesn’t do anything. These details are based on scientific facts and can influence the success of your next crop. 

Why Does the Moon Phase Matter When Growing Cannabis Seeds?

As you know, the moon reflects sunlight. The fuller the moon, the more sunlight reflects on your plants at night, spurring growth and new development. So, planting your cannabis seeds accordingly can help you get more bang for your buck, all without having to add any extra costs to your operation. 

There are two main periods to pay attention to when utilizing the moon – waxing and waning. A waxing moon is when it starts to get fuller, going from a new moon to a full moon. Since the amount of reflected light is higher, this is a period of growth. During a waning moon, when it starts to get cast in shadow, more energy goes into the ground as sap and other nutrients get pushed toward the roots. 

Overall, it’s best to plant your seeds during the waning moon so that they can thrive underground. Then, as the moon shifts into a waxing period, the roots will start to grow faster and more efficiently. 

A Breakdown of Moon Phases and What to Do

There’s more to planting by the moon cycle than just putting your seeds in the ground at the right time. There are multiple phases of the moon during each period, and you should prepare your plants as necessary during each phase. Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect at each interval. 

New Moon

This is the beginning of the lunar cycle when the amount of light is the lowest. Since the moon is entirely cast in shadow behind the earth, you won’t be able to see it in the sky. A lack of light means your plants won’t be very active at night during this phase. When the new moon hits, you should: 

• Trim and Treat Your Plants for Pests – Now is the best time to trim any leaves and add pest control methods to your crop. Doing your pest control now means you don’t have to worry about damage once the moon is fuller and pests are more active at night. 
• Harvest Plants (if Possible) – Because your plants will have the least amount of water during this phase, you should harvest them. That way, you don’t have to spend as much time waiting for them to dry out on a curing table. 

Crescent Moon

This phase marks the beginning of the waxing period, so now is the best time to germinate your new seeds. The term crescent moon stems from the fact that the moon has a curved shape, with most of it cast in shadow. 

Gibbous Moon

This phase is the inverse of a crescent moon, meaning there’s a small slice of darkness while the rest of the moon is illuminated. Although the moon is not quite full, it casts a lot of light. So, your plants will start absorbing more nutrients as they’re pulled up through the stems and into the flowers. Typically, the moon will reach this phase after about 10 or 12 days, meaning your plants should have sprouted and started growing pretty quickly. 

Full Moon

While the moon is fully cast in sunlight, this phase marks the beginning of the waning period. At this stage, the leaves and buds will have the most amount of resin and wax because the moon’s gravitational pull is so strong. Most growers will warn against harvesting during a full moon because it will take longer for the plants to dry. However, if you want extra sticky weed, now might be the best time to harvest. Just make sure you add extra time for the curing process. 

Dwindling Moon

As the moon moves through the waning phase, now is the time to transplant your cannabis or produce clones. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, making a clone of a plant involves removing a piece of it and planting it into the ground. This piece will develop its own roots and grow into its own cannabis plant. 

Clones are highly valuable because they offer stable crops with the same attributes as a parent plant. Since your customers will expect consistency with their products, you’ll have to rely on clones to deliver the best results. 

Tips and Tricks for Planting and Harvesting Cannabis By Moon Cycle

The full moon cycle takes about 28 days to complete, but there are many other factors to consider when planning your growth cycle based on the moon. Here are some top recommendations on how to maximize your yield. 

• Pay Attention to the Season – While the moon can boost crop production, you can’t ignore all the other environmental factors, such as heat, humidity, and soil conditions. For example, you might get the most significant crop yields during the summer but much smaller ones during the winter, even if you follow the same moon cycle. 
• Look Up the Lunar Calendar – Fortunately, it’s easy to know what the moon will do ahead of time. By looking at the lunar calendar, you can plan crops in advance. Staying organized is crucial when growing cannabis, so a lunar calendar will be valuable to your supply list. 
• Consider Weather Issues – While clouds and rain can affect how well the moon impacts your crops, they will not stall growth. However, you may notice slight differences between crops if poor weather hits regularly. 

Get the Best Seeds From Us!

Growing and harvesting based on the moon phase is an excellent way to improve your crops. However, you also have to start with the best seeds.