For generations, the Farmers’ Almanac has been a trusted source for gardeners and farmers alike. Rooted in time-honored traditions, a cornerstone of the Farmers’ Almanac philosophy is gardening by the Moon, aligning planting schedules with the phases of the Moon. For over two centuries, our print editions have featured a detailed Planting Calendar, leveraging lunar cycles to pinpoint the most auspicious times for various gardening activities. Devotees of the Farmers’ Almanac have long championed this lunar method for nurturing thriving gardens and bountiful harvests. Unlock exclusive access to our comprehensive planting calendar for the next 12 months and receive your own copy of the Almanac with an All-Access membership!
Farmers’ Almanac Planting Calendar: Grow with the Moon in 2024
Below you’ll find our general planting dates, applicable across all growing zones. However, it’s crucial to factor in your local weather patterns and climate conditions for optimal results. We strongly advise consulting with your regional greenhouse or agricultural extension office to pinpoint the ideal planting windows specific to your area, complementing the dates provided below. Don’t forget to determine your average frost dates and familiarize yourself with your plant hardiness zone, especially noting any updates to zones in 2024.
February 2025– 17th – 19th: Ideal period to start seedbeds and transplant seedlings. Excellent days for planting root crops like carrots, turnips, onions, beets, and Irish potatoes, particularly in southern regions. Lettuce and other leafy greens will also flourish when planted now.
- 20th – 21st: Less favorable planting days. Focus on harvesting mature crops.
- 22nd – 24th: Root crops planted during this period are expected to thrive.
- 25th – 26th: Barren days, best suited for clearing garden beds, plowing, fertilizing soil, and managing plant pests. Good days for harvesting.
- 27th – 28th: Especially beneficial for planting cucumbers, peas, cantaloupes, and other vine crops. Suitable for setting out strawberry plants. In warmer climates like southern Florida, California, and Texas, consider planting peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, and other above-ground crops.
March 2025– 1st – 2nd: Focus on cultivation, spraying, and general farm maintenance. Refrain from planting on these days.
- 3rd – 4th: Favorable for planting crops that bear fruit above ground.
- 5th – 6th: Seeds planted now may be prone to rotting in the ground.
- 7th – 8th: Excellent for establishing seedbeds and flower gardens. Optimal planting days for above-ground crops, particularly peas, beans, cucumbers, and squash, in regions with suitable climates.
- 9th – 13th: A barren period, best utilized for pest control and farm chores.
- 14th – 16th: Ideal for sowing grains, hay, and forage crops. Plant flowers and root crops during these favorable days.
- 17th – 18th: Start seedbeds and transplant seedlings. Excellent timing for planting root crops that can be planted at this time. Leafy vegetables will also do well.
- 19th – 21st: Barren days, avoid planting.
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Image: A hand gently holds a seed, symbolizing the start of the planting season with the Farmers Almanac 2024 Planting Guide.
Understanding Farmers’ Almanac Gardening Terms
To best utilize the Farmers’ Almanac 2024 Planting Guide, it’s helpful to understand some common gardening terms we use:
Above Ground Crops: Plants that yield their harvest above the soil surface. Examples include corn, peppers, and squash.
Root Crops: Plants that produce their edible parts beneath the soil, such as potatoes, radishes, and carrots.
Seedbeds: Prepared soil areas where seeds or seedlings are planted before transplanting to their final location.
Seedlings: Young plants that have sprouted from seeds, ready for transplanting.
Transplanting: The process of moving a young plant or established plant from one location to another, often to give it more space to grow or to move it outdoors. These transplanting guidelines are also applicable to houseplants.
When you see the terms “Favorable,” “Good,” and “Best” in our planting calendar, these all indicate beneficial days for planting. “Favorable” and “Good” are interchangeable. However, “Best” signifies the most optimal day for sowing seeds, according to lunar gardening principles. Explore the connections between zodiac signs and planting in our Zodiac Calendar for a deeper understanding of astrological influences on gardening.
Questions? Ask us in the comments below!
Image: A smiling senior woman tending to her garden, illustrating the joy of gardening with guidance from the Farmers Almanac 2024 Planting Guide.
The Lunar Gardening Principle: How Does the Moon Affect Plant Growth?
Many gardeners who follow lunar planting methods believe that the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon influence moisture levels in both the soil and plants, much like they affect ocean tides. This theory suggests that during the new and full phases of the Moon, when tidal forces are strongest, seeds absorb the most moisture, promoting better germination and growth. Delve deeper into the science and practice of Gardening by the Moon to understand how to maximize your garden’s potential.
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