At the heart of popular beliefs and superstitions, the Moon seems to affect not only our mood, but also various activities that happen on Earth, such as animals’ behaviour and the growth of plants.

In fact, agricultural phases seem to have been linked to the lunar calendar for centuries, although these are customs and beliefs handed down over time, rather than based on scientific research. For example, a waxing moon phase is supposed to be the best time to harvest, as it is believed that plants grow better thanks to moonlight, which is thought to encourage photosynthesis and therefore help vegetation to grow. On the other hand, during a waning moon phase, liquids apparently recede to the lower part of plants, making the soil more fertile and encouraging germination. This is why it is considered the perfect time to sow and replant shoots.

But alongside moonlight, the force of gravity exerted by the Moon over the Earth also seems to affect agriculture. In fact, there is another belief linked to the phenomenon of the tides, according to which the Moon not only causes sea levels to rise, but also draws more water from the soil to plants’ roots, making them grow better.

Don’t think you’ve got green fingers? Maybe you’re wrong… The next time you decide to plant some seeds in your vegetable garden make sure that it’s the right time and glance up to the sky first!