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  • Create a Wild & Free Garden Journal – Garden Therapy

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    Create your own custom garden journal, adding your own personal touch using found materials. By putting creativity and intention into your garden journal, you’ll find yourself more enthusiastic and more inclined to fill its pages.  

    Journaling has become part of my morning routine as a way to start the morning off intentionally.

    I know I’m not the first person to rave about journaling. In fact, I’m hopping onto the bandwagon rather late. I transcribe manifestations, gratitude, and ideas all into the journal. Then at night, I review them rather than scrolling on my phone.

    For me, journaling isn’t a New Year’s goal or a way to practice creative thinking. It’s my way to slow down, which feels like a rebellion in this day and age.

    This practice also applies to the garden. Creating a garden journal is a beautiful way to add intention to your garden. It’s a place to gather knowledge, but also musings and feelings that come from the garden.

    This project is an excerpt from The Wild & Free Garden, my new book about creating a garden using found materials and free resources. It’s a book that will inspire you to grow a deeper connection to your garden, your community, and yourself. The book releases February 24, 2026, and is available for pre-order now!

    wild & free book cover (updated)wild & free book cover (updated)

    The Neuroscience Behind Garden Journaling

    Have you noticed that when you first discover something, you suddenly see it everywhere? Like when you spot a new-to-you plant at the garden centre, and the next day you realize it’s growing in all your neighbours’ gardens.

    That’s your reticular activating system (RAS) at work, the network of neurons in our brainstem that acts as a gatekeeper for your awareness. It helps us notice what matters based on our beliefs, thoughts, and experiences.

    You can train your RAS through activities like journaling. When you write down your goals, intentions, and garden design ideas, you’re giving your brain clear instructions on what to prioritize. Journaling strengthens this effect by filling your RAS with information about what deserves attention.

    When we combine this with gardening, there’s an additional benefit from the therapeutic act itself. Gardening helps us focus on the present and notice signs of growth and progress. We pay attention to what’s resilient and renewing, which rewires our thought patterns to help us see what’s becoming rather than what’s missing.

    Garden journaling doesn’t just help us find what we’re looking for; it also helps reset our intentions and reconnect us with nature.

    hand holding flower journalhand holding flower journal

    Create a Wild and Free Garden Journal

    My mother’s garden journal, which I discovered after she passed away, was a modest spiral-bound school notebook. As I thumbed through the pages, I saw her garden come together with interesting magazine and newspaper clippings pasted alongside her notes. It was beautiful; a keepsake of her garden that was well-organized and deeply personal, yet it didn’t cost a penny to create.

    Create your own garden journal with a found notebook and some decorative pressed flowers or images to make it your own. The act of creating a garden journal allows us to create a place for planning. The act of personalizing it, just as my mother did with her pasted articles, fosters value and attachment to the planning process and the record-keeping.

    Dedicate as much time to the project as you like, but the more personal it is, the more you will treasure it for years to come.

    Materials

    wild and free garden journal materialswild and free garden journal materials

    Make It!

    You probably have a notebook in your home or office that could serve as a garden journal. Often, we have books where we’ve jotted down a few notes or started a journal but never completed it; simply removing those pages can give us a fresh start. Or perhaps you have been given a promotional notebook from a business or event. If you don’t have something that can be repurposed, many other people do, so look for them at Little Free Libraries, paper and book recycling depots, second-hand stores, and free groups.

    empty notebook and crafting supplies to make a garden journalempty notebook and crafting supplies to make a garden journal

    Once you have your notebook, take some time to personalize it. Decoupaging the cover with pressed flowers brings us into our creativity and attaches a value to the notebook that no money could buy. This decoupage project could also be done with printed photos, images from seed catalogues, or old gardening books. The instructions are the same whether you use flowers or paper.

    Arrange pressed flowers or other decorative elements on a sheet of paper to map out the final design. When you’re happy with the arrangement, add another sheet of paper on top and flip the flowers so they are upside down. This will help to preserve the layers of the design while you apply the underside to the cover first.

    pressed flowers arranged on book pagepressed flowers arranged on book page

    Allow to dry, then apply two to three thin layers of the adhesive over your decorated cover, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

    wild and free garden journalwild and free garden journal

    Create sections for different garden areas or seasons, or just begin filling the pages with notes. It will come together as you work through your garden. Add plant lists, interesting articles, seed packets, and growing tips with lots of room for notes, sketches, and pressed plants.

    Expert Tip: Add the date at the top of each page you write and leave room for notes in the following years on those same pages. This way, you can see how your garden grows not just over the season, but over the years.

    wild and free garden journalwild and free garden journal

    Fill Your Journal!

    For inspiration on what to fill your gardening journal with, check out these posts. Better yet, order your copy of The Wild & Free Garden!

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Winter Houseplant Care: How Nurturing Plants Takes Care of YOU – Garden Therapy

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    The houseplant surge continues to climb, and I couldn’t be happier to see it. Houseplants are a wonderful way for people to get a little bit of gardening therapy no matter where they live and what time of year it is. They’re an incredible tool to foster your well-being, so let’s keep your houseplants alive this winter, shall we? Read on for all my winter houseplant care hacks you need to know.

    I don’t know about you, but I’m really starting to feel the toll of the shorter days and the colder weather. Because of my back issues, I’ve been feeling it pretty severely this year. I haven’t been out walking outside every day, and I’m missing my daily dose of nature.

    Instead, I’ve been focusing on my houseplants. I went through and changed up all their soil and bought a bunch of new plants to replace the ones that weren’t growing. Any excuse to go to the garden centre, right??

    I know many people love getting specialized plants and ones that require a lot of care. Right now, I want some easier plants that won’t require too much attention from me. And ones that can handle the lack of watering and sunlight that comes from the winter months.

    Luckily, my houseplants are willing to provide me plenty of company in the house, all while being beautiful décor.

    Let’s talk a little bit about how nurturing houseplants can actually help you and provide you with plenty of winter houseplant care tips so you can enjoy their company all winter long…and then some!

    This post will cover…

    The Emotional Benefits of Houseplants

    I’m a firm believer that everyone should have at least one indoor plant in their home. Having a little piece of greenery around connects us to nature. And nature is a powerful tool for maintaining our overall well-being.

    In the winter, finding the green connection we need can be more challenging, which can lead to nature deficit disorder. I find a home without greenery a little lifeless, and I think people notice the difference immediately once they add a plant.

    The design of my new house includes plants in every corner. And not just plants but little plant projects. You might see the herbs I’m drying or the orange slice garland I still have up from Christmas. Over the holidays, I had Chinese chestnuts that I collected from my tree on display.

    You’ll find artwork on the walls featuring flowers, plants, and nature. Being surrounded by this kind of greenery and interacting with plants can make us feel more comfortable and soothed. It lowers your stress levels, which, in turn, actually helps your physical and mental health.

    Plants and greenery are also proven to help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Just having houseplants around you in the winter can act as horticultural therapy.

    So, when we feel the seasonal depression creeping in, houseplants can be a useful tool to help you foster some emotional resilience during the winter.

    Choose Your Plants

    When it comes to my indoor plants, I’m going for simple. I have a dog, a cat, a garden, a house, and a kid to take care of, and I’ve already got enough tasks on my plate to deal with some finicky plants.

    But I know how much these plants give us a sense of calm, so for me, the best thing to hold onto that calm is to ensure the plants are simple and easy to care for.

    There are many people out there who like that sort of commitment. People who may not have things that require a lot of nurturing will enjoy their routine and connection to some very special plants. Helping take care of them can help us take care of ourselves.

    Here are a few easy-to-care-for houseplants that you can grow during the winter:

    jade succulent in housejade succulent in house
    This jade has traveled with me from home to home.

    Plants that do well in low light translate as plants that tolerate neglect. They’re very high reward, as they keep growing and look amazing without you having to do much besides placing it in the right spot and water it.

    My personal favourites? I currently love my two monsteras because they’re so big and beefy. They make a very large impact in any room they’re in (just remember that they like it humid!).

    I also love anything with interesting colour. Many pothos and philodendrons come with nice variegation and are quite easy to care for. Some plants also have dark leaves or even fuzzy ones, like the African violet.

    Anything that trails also is fun to include. I put them high on cabinets or along a mantle and let them trail down.

    pothos hanging plant on window sillpothos hanging plant on window sill
    This lime green pothos adds so much colour, while also trailing down.

    Get Some Gorgeous Pots

    While you’re at it, why not get some really gorgeous pots for your houseplants? I treat my houseplants as décor as well as friends, and dressing them up is a fun way to incorporate your style into your home.

    Most recently, I got these beautiful concrete pots with lavender sprigs on them. They’re adding to my already plentiful collection of pots, but a few more won’t hurt.

    Potting up your houseplants is a small project, but it’s an easy way to get some garden therapy, even in the winter.

    Fidde-leaf figs in pots at GardenWorks garden centreFidde-leaf figs in pots at GardenWorks garden centre
    Large pots are also welcome indoors.

    Need to Know Winter Houseplant Care

    Your routine should switch up a bit for the winter. Don’t worry; your plants will actually require less TLC in the winter!

    Sunlight Needs for Houseplants in Winter

    The days are much shorter in winter than they are in summer. Plants that are already struggling to get enough sunlight inside the house will have a really hard time in the winter. I mean, 4 PM feels like midnight here in Vancouver!

    Your houseplants may need to be moved somewhere where they can get more light. Ideally, you’ll want a south or west-facing window since they get the most light throughout the day.

    That being said, you want to keep your plants away from frosty windows, as the cold temperatures can affect your plants. So, be mindful of your window placement depending on where you live.

    You may also need to add some supplemental light. You can set up some grow lights and put them on a timer so they give your plants plenty of light. Just keep in mind that one hour of grow light time isn’t as good as one hour of sunlight, so plants will need longer under the grow light to get their fill.

    Finally, dust can affect your plant’s ability to absorb sunlight. While it won’t make a huge difference, it’s still a good idea to wipe down the leaves and clean them off occasionally.

    Winter Houseplant Care: How Nurturing Plants Takes Care of YOUWinter Houseplant Care: How Nurturing Plants Takes Care of YOU
    If you’re lucky, you’ll have wide windowsills to place pots while keeping the leaves off the glass.

    Watering and Humidity in Winter

    In the winter, our houseplants enter a period of dormancy—much like the plants outside. While they may not be losing their leaves like the trees, they are slowing down their growth this time of year. This means they require fewer resources than they normally do, water included.

    Watering the plants will stimulate them to need more. When we alter the watering routine and water the plants less, it slows down the plants, and in turn, it helps to slow us down, too.

    snake plant sitting on book stack next to a brass watering can on a window ledgesnake plant sitting on book stack next to a brass watering can on a window ledge
    Water less often in the winter.

    Humidity is something you want to keep an eye on in the winter. Indoor furnaces pump out really dry air, and it affects us all. Our skin dries up, and we need to hydrate more. Plants also dry out.

    Here are a few ways you can increase the humidity in your home:

    • Add a humidifier near your plants. Already have one running? Consider moving your plants closer to it.
    • Add a humidity tray. These are a low-cost and simple way to add extra water to your plant but also keep the roots from sitting in water.
    • Move your plants to an area of the house with more natural humidity. Bathrooms and kitchens have more moisture and can be a great place for plants if they have enough light.
    • Keep your plants away from drafts and heat sources.
    • Spritz your plants more regularly with a plant mister.

    I have always found that my terrariums do well this time of year, as they get that trapped humidity while other plants look a little dry. Some people even mimic these conditions by grouping their plans in a glass cabinet to hold onto the humidity inside.

    Soil and Fertilizing

    As I mentioned above, houseplants in winter are in a state of dormancy, so we don’t have to worry much about their soil or fertilizing. I wait to refresh my soil and do any repotting in the spring. If you notice the soil is getting dry and crusty, you can revive it in the spring. Your plant should be fine until then!

    Once spring begins, the temperature and amount of sunlight naturally begin to rise. Your plant will notice and slowly begin to push out more growth again. Follow its lead and start fertilizing when it does.

    refreshing soil for a snake plant sitting in a wooden potrefreshing soil for a snake plant sitting in a wooden pot
    Wait until the spring to refresh soil and start fertilizing.

    Do you have any more questions about winter houseplant care? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m able. Happy growing!

    More Tips for Taking Care of Your Houseplants

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Applying Water Conservation Systems in Your Garden – Garden Therapy

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    What if I told you that you could meet all your gardening needs with captured, cached or recycled water? Not only will this lower your watering bill, but you’ll be able to reduce water waste by recycling water and using it as much as possible. Here’s why you need to employ water conservation practices in your home garden.

    One drop of water has been through so much, recycled endlessly through billions of years. The water we use now is the same water used long before we ever existed. But sadly, we do not treat this water with much respect.

    As a regenerative gardener, it pains me to see how much water we waste. We are so generously supplied with rainfall and we don’t take the time to save this water for a not-so-rainy day. Ideally, we should all be storing this water for future use rather than overloading our storm sewers!

    One of the main components of my upcoming book, The Regenerative Garden, focuses on water conservation and catchment systems and how to use them in your own garden. I want to share a little bit about that with you today!

    This post will cover…

    Woman with watering can filled with conserved waterWoman with watering can filled with conserved water

    Why is Water Conservation Important?

    The total amount of water we have in the world is finite. With so much of it becoming polluted and unusable as drinking water, we need to start using it more responsibly. As gardeners, thinking about water conservation is our responsibility and a major step in creating a regenerative garden.

    For over 25 years, I’ve lived in Vancouver which is known as a temperate rainforest. Normally, it has a lot of rainwater that cycles through. But as of lately, drought has entered that cycle and I’ve noticed a significant change. Yes, we are still “raincouver” with six months of solid rain, but we’ve never had these types of drought conditions before.

    Since rainfall is lessening, the demand for water has gone up. The municipal systems that were developed to cache water are not large enough to provide the water we need. Wildfire season is now a new normal which calls for a high demand for water and we don’t have the catchment size to help put out the fires.

    Australia and California deal with a lot more water catchment issues, but saving water is more and more important no matter what climate you’re in. Even us, in a place known for its rainy weather, need to think about water storage as a part of their home garden.

    We can’t focus solely on the amount of water in our area, but instead on how we can catch it and use it for future use. From our environment, we can acquire naturally without needing to tap into our municipal water supply.

    water conservation - blue hydrantwater conservation - blue hydrant

    Let the Rain Fall Down!

    Where do you begin with water conservation? It’s about embracing the rainfall we do have and using it to our advantage. A good place to always start is with your downspouts. Most downspouts are being redirected into sewage water or stormwater instead of being redirected into the land.

    Every time we take our water and direct it into the streets, we’re taking it away from our yard and the streams. Instead of going into our land, we’re wasting good water and reprocessing it to use through our garden hose later.

    Normally, the water would filter through the land and run back into the streams. Plants are used to being supported from the sky and now we’re changing that!

    So, embrace the rain. Redirect your downspouts into water catchment systems like rain barrels and water cisterns and make them multi-faceted.

    rain barrel water catchment systemrain barrel water catchment system
    Rain barrel

    How Safe is Roof Runoff for Garden Plants?

    When it comes to using roof runoff, many people are concerned about how safe it is to use in the garden, especially when watering vegetables. All in all, it depends on your roof.

    Solid, non-porous roofs work best for water collection, such as metal roofs. Just keep in mind that a galvanized zinc roof might have additional zinc which can stunt growth or cause leaves to curl.

    Tile and shake roofs, or wood roofs, left untreated are completely safe to run off and use in the vegetable garden.

    Asphalt or rubber roofs should be avoided as they can be high in anaerobic bacteria and petroleum that we wouldn’t want to use on our vegetables but can use on non-edible plants.

    We still want to use all water and let our soil and plants filter it. They work as great biofilters and are the best natural way to filter water.

    If you’re concerned, you can get your water tested. Mainly think about where you will be using it, how it filters, and maybe consider changing your roof material the next time you undergo renovations.

    rain gardenrain garden
    Rain garden

    Water Catchment Systems for Your Garden

    Water conservation isn’t about using only one water catchment system. The more and more systems you build, the less you rely on external sources to water your gardens. My own garden is a multi-faceted system designed to catch as much water as possible. Here are some of the best ways of saving water in your own home.

    Olla water catchment systemOlla water catchment system
    Olla water catchment system
    • Rain barrel: redirects water from downspouts and the home into a catchment container that can be used for future irrigation.
    • Olla water catchment system: unglazed terracotta pots are buried in the ground and filled with water. They then slowly irrigate when the surrounding soil and plants reach for it.
    • Rain gardens: water is redirect to a basin filled with plants that love moisture and use their biofilters to filter the water. Upper swales have drought tolerant plants with deep roots to get groundwater when they can.
    • Wicking beds: a giant self-watering container, the base of the container has a impermeable barrier to hold water below the plants. It’s often fed by overflow spouts.
    • Self-watering planters: a pot designed to with a reservoir to hold excess water below the soil. As they need it, plants can reach below with their roots and wick up water.
    self-watering planterself-watering planter
    Self-watering planter

    You can find all of these projects in my upcoming book, The Regenerative Garden. I take you step-by-step on how you can easily DIY these own water catchment systems in your garden. Alongside water conservation practices, I provide plenty of projects to help build a self-sustaining, resilient garden for today’s world.

    If you’re looking for ways to explore water conservation at your own home, be sure to pre-order your copy today!

    THE REGENERATIVE GARDEN 80 PRACTICAL PROJECTS FOR CREATING A SELF-SUSTAINING GARDEN ECOSYSTEMTHE REGENERATIVE GARDEN 80 PRACTICAL PROJECTS FOR CREATING A SELF-SUSTAINING GARDEN ECOSYSTEM

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • A Sweet Homemade Honeycomb Soap Recipe – Garden Therapy

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    I’m just buzzing about this honey soap because it was easy to make, and it comes with a bit of a secret. While the soap looks like a sticky block of honey straight from the honeycomb, it’s actually an aloe, cucumber, and carrot soap that I’ve mixed with manuka honey and scented with citrus. The trick to this attractive honey soap is how to get the honeycomb look without buying an expensive mold.

    Homemade Honeycomb Soap

    Materials

    How to Make Gorgeous Honeycomb Soap Bars Easily at HomeHow to Make Gorgeous Honeycomb Soap Bars Easily at Home

    Make It!

    The bubble wrap is what gives the soap its honeycomb look. I have seen some tutorials that suggest putting the bubble wrap in the bottom of the mold, then pouring the soap on top, but this did not work for me. The bubble wrap floated into the center of the soap, so I removed it and tried again. The following method works beautifully for me each and every time!

    By pressing a piece of small-celled bubble wrap onto the top of the soap, the organic shape begins to take form. Cut the bubble wrap in rounds or geometric shapes that mostly fit into the molds, leaving a bit of extra plastic as a tab so you can easily grab and pull the bubble wrap off when the soap is dry. You will want to do this step first, as it will need to be done quickly when the soap is poured.

    Cut up the soap base into 1-inch cubes and add them to the Pyrex measuring cup. Melt the soap base in a microwave or in a double boiler so that it is just melted. You want the soap base to melt but not cook. Remove the soap base from the microwave or off the double boiler before it starts to steam. There may be a few chunks left, but that is just fine. Those will melt if you keep stirring the soap base for a few minutes after removing it from the heat.

    When your soap base is melted, add in the honey and essential oils to the soap mix. I like to add a bit of manuka honey to this soap for its antibacterial and healing properties and to add a delicate honey scent. The orange essential oil adds more sweet and bright scent that makes this soap deliciously decadent.

    How to Make Gorgeous Honeycomb Soap Bars Easily at HomeHow to Make Gorgeous Honeycomb Soap Bars Easily at Home

    Pour the soap into the silicone mold and gently press a piece of bubble wrap on the top. 

    How to Make Gorgeous Honeycomb Soap Bars Easily at HomeHow to Make Gorgeous Honeycomb Soap Bars Easily at Home

    I like to use some geometric forms rather than rounds because I think it looks like broken off pieces of honeycomb. I like the organic, imperfect final product that it produces.

    On a side note, the original post that was published here for Handmade Honey Soap was submitted as a guest post from an author and the publisher of a handmade soap book. I’m disappointed to say that the reviews of the book have been poor, both online and for this recipe in particular. I have decided to remove the original post and recreate a recipe that can be successfully made by beginners and experienced soap-makers alike. I hope that you enjoy this project!

    How to Make Gorgeous Honeycomb Soap Bars Easily at HomeHow to Make Gorgeous Honeycomb Soap Bars Easily at Home

    If you liked this melt and pour soap project you will LOVE my eBook, Good Clean Fun: THE Idea Book for Creative Melt and Pour Soap Projects. Get your copy instantly here.

    Please visit this post on How to Make Cold-Process Soap or visit the Natural Skincare Series of posts for more ideas on how to make natural beauty projects at home.

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • The Celestial Garden: A Guide to Planting by the Signs – Garden Therapy

    The Celestial Garden: A Guide to Planting by the Signs – Garden Therapy

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    Your zodiac signs can do more than rule your destiny. They can also control the outcome of your garden! For centuries, people have been using the moon phases and zodiac signs to govern when to do certain garden activities. Here’s how we can utilize those traditional practices in a modern garden by planting by the signs.

    Even if you don’t believe that the time of year you’re born influences your personality or destiny, chances are you still know your zodiac sign. Who isn’t tempted to check their horoscope when it pops up?

    While I can’t fully convince myself that the zodiac plays a part in my day-to-day life, our ancestors have been using astrology to help them make decisions about their gardens. From the best time of year to harvest wheat to when to expect the first frost, gardening by the signs was essential to making informed predictions.

    I’m thrilled to share some great insights from Jane Hawley Stevens’ book, The Celestial Garden: Growing Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers in Sync with the Moon and Zodiac.

    Celestial gardening is fascinating because you can take as little or as much from it as you want. You can use it practically to organize your gardening activities and energy or to decide what and when to plant.

    Let’s dive into gardening by the signs!

    The Celestial Garden Book CoverThe Celestial Garden Book Cover

    Reprinted with permission from The Celestial Garden: Growing Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers in Sync with the Moon and Zodiac. By Jane Hawley Stevens © 2023. Published by Chelsea Green Publishing.

    What is Planting by the Signs?

    I’ve talked a little bit about planting by the signs in my post about moon gardens. While I talked about how to plant a garden that glows in the moonlight, I couldn’t help but dive into moon folklore as well.

    Planting based on the moon cycle is a very old practice and hasn’t really been proven or disproven. The moon and the sun have long been a way to tell time and keep track of the days.

    But you can take moon gardening even further. It’s a fact that the moon controls the tides, but some believe it can also affect the amount of moisture in the ground and, therefore, water intake in plants.

    In every monthly cycle the moon completes circling around the earth, the moon will pass through all 12 zodiac signs. Each of the signs will be in effect for a few days, in which case it’s a good idea to do certain gardening activities.

    “The premise of celestial gardening is to plant, transplant, and propagate under moist influences—Water and Earth signs—and to cultivate, harvest, and dehydrate for storage under dry influences—Air and Fire signs,” says Jane.

    You can use the signs to help guide you when to do what in your garden. “Planning activities by the Moon’s influence helps to organize a schedule: when to envision new beginnings, start new projects, expand, then wrap up old projects,” says Jane.

    gardening by the signsgardening by the signs
    Even if you’re not directly planting or harvesting, you can do many gardening tasks every day.

    Practicing Planting by the Signs

    There are a few ways to practice gardening by the signs. The moon will go through each of the 12 zodiac signs throughout the year, spending a month in each zodiac. For instance, a Virgo occurs between August 23 and September 22.

    This can give you an overarching idea of what the month is like, but you can also apply this day by day.

    As Jane explains, “The moon orbits around the Earth once a month, passing in front of all twelve astrological signs during that time, changing its zodiac sign every two and a half to three days.”

    This can tell you which days are best for planting, watering, pruning…you name it! If you want to know what zodiac the moon is currently in, I recommend downloading an app such as Moon and Garden.

    the 12 zodiac signs for plantingthe 12 zodiac signs for planting
    There are 12 zodiac signs. Photo provided by Jane Hawley Stevens.

    The Four Elements

    Each of the 12 zodiac signs also falls under an element: earth, air, fire, and water.

    Earth signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are great for planting. They encourage root growth, which also makes them ideal for transplanting. Fertilize and water during this time.

    Air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are considered barren. During this time, you shouldn’t do any planting or transplanting. Instead, you want to use this power as a tool, weeding and pruning. It’s also a great time for harvesting.

    Fire signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius encourage fruit and seed production. Also barren, you can use this time for pest and weed control.

    Water signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are great for leaf and above-ground growth. Feel free to plant and transplant during this time and to water deeply and fertilize.

    the 12 zodiac signs for planting divided into the four elements: air, water, fire, and earth.the 12 zodiac signs for planting divided into the four elements: air, water, fire, and earth.
    This picture shows the different signs and their elements. Illustration by Jerry Chapa.

    The Three Modes

    A sign can be described as a cardinal, fixed, or mutable sign. As a cardinal sign, they are a symbol of a fresh beginning. These signs represent the beginning of a new season.

    Fixed signs do not bring in any more energy; instead, they sustain what is already happening. They are fixed in the middle of the season.

    Mutable signs are at the end of the season, changing from one to another. They’re flexible and can easily shift.

    full moon with cloud coveragefull moon with cloud coverage
    The moon’s position plays a big role in planting by the signs.

    The 12 Zodiac Signs for Planting

    Now that you know a little bit about how much goes into using the signs, here’s what each of the 12 zodiac signs represents and how you can use them to guide your planting and gardening.

    Aries

    Element: Fire

    Sign type: cardinal (ushers in spring)

    Activities: cultivating, pest control, weeding, harvesting fruit and root crops

    Zodiac Plants: cabbages, peppers, ginger, nettles, St. John’s wort

    Aries, the ram, is a barren sign but encourages quick maturity. So, if you need a final push for a plant, you can use this to your advantage.

    “Aries is the ultimate initiator, bringing in spring with the energy of Fire, as in the extended day lengths of spring,” says Jane.

    nettle plant for planting by the signs for Ariesnettle plant for planting by the signs for Aries
    Nettle is very nutritious and loses its “sting” after it has wilted.

    Taurus

    Element: Earth

    Sign type: fixed (mid-spring)

    Activities: planting cut flowers and leafy vegetables, planting root vegetables, transplanting, composting

    Zodiac Plants: apples, grapes, peas, potatoes, spinach, feverfew, mallows

    Taurus is one of the most fertile months outside of the water signs. It’s a great time for planting root vegetables, as it encourages sturdy and short growth.

    Jane says, “Taurus, the bull or cow, represents the middle of spring, with seeds established and getting on their way (depending on your zone). A Taurus Moon fosters material comfort and stability.”

    fevefew for planting by the signs for Taurusfevefew for planting by the signs for Taurus
    Feverfew is a well-known herb for treating headaches.

    Gemini

    Element: Air

    Sign type: mutable (finishes spring)

    Activities: cultivating, weeding, mowing, pest control, pruning, harvesting fruit and root crops

    Zodiac Plants: carrots, daffodils, lily of the valley, oats, calendula, lavender, dill, marjoram, parsley

    Represented as the twins, it’s not recommended to plant or transplant under this sign. Use this time to care for your garden or focus on communications like Jane suggests: “Gemini, an Air sign, is all about communication and gathering information.”

    daffodils for planting by the signs for Geminidaffodils for planting by the signs for Gemini
    Daffodils are always a cheery sight for sore eyes in early spring.

    Cancer

    Element: Water

    Sign type: cardinal (ushers in summer)

    Activities: watering, planting seeds, transplanting, irrigation, fertilizing

    Zodiac Plants: sap-rich plants, aloe, blue vervain, lemon balm, lily, peppermint, sage

    The most fertile of all the signs, cancer (the crab) is favourable for the growth of nearly all plants. “Cancer, as a cardinal Water sign, is the number one choice for starting seeds,” says Jane. “Cancer holds the momentum to create and nourish life.”

    aloe is a zodiac plant for Canceraloe is a zodiac plant for Cancer
    Aloe is an amazing skincare plant, especially in treating sunburns.

    Leo

    Element: Fire

    Sign type: fixed (mid-summer)

    Activities: weeding, pruning, controlling unwanted growth, pest control, harvesting herbs

    Zodiac Plants: citrus, corn, palm trees, peppers, celandine, marigold, motherwort, sunflower, hawthorns

    Leo, the lion, is one of the least fertile signs. But it’s a powerful time to handle noxious weeds. Jane says, “A Leo Moon brings the enthusiasm of Fire with the sustained energy of a fixed sign. Leos integrated Fire into itself and can use its sunny personality to move a project forward.”

    Virgo

    Element: Earth

    Sign type: mutable (finishes summer)

    Activities: potting plants, cleaning and organizing your garden, ornamental gardening

    Zodiac Plants: root vegetables, small bright-coloured flowers, eucalyptus, fennel, lavender, myrtle

    Virgo, the virgin, is the only earth sign considered barren (she is the virgin, after all). “Virgo brings in beauty and love in its changeable forms,” says Jane. “Use this power to change your surroundings or partnerships to enhance beauty.”

    Libra

    Element: Air

    Sign type: cardinal (ushers in fall)

    Activities: flower planting, harvesting medicinal herbs, planting full bulbs

    Zodiac Plants: broccoli, eggplant, juniper, flowers, elderberry, lilac, mint, parsley, yarrow

    Out of all the earth signs, libra (the scales) is the most fertile and is the best sign for planting flowers.

    “A Libra Moon is a great time for throwing parties or planning a gathering in your garden to foster community and partnerships,” says Jane. “Harvest your crops, prepare them into delicious and beautifully displayed dishes to share.”

    yarrow is a zodiac plant for librayarrow is a zodiac plant for libra
    Yarrow comes in many colours beyond the traditional white.

    Scorpio

    Element: Water

    Sign type: fixed (mid-fall)

    Activities: planting, transplanting, irrigating, harvesting medicinal herbs, canning and preserving

    Zodiac Plants: bushy trees, mushrooms, aloe, basil, ginseng, wormwood

    You can’t go wrong planting in Scorpio, the scorpion, as it’s the second-best all-purpose planting sign. Just don’t harvest roots during this time!

    “Scorpio holds deep emotions and is meticulous with details. Scorpio, as a Water sign, is a good time for planting seeds,” says Jane.

    use basil for gardening by the signs for Scorpiouse basil for gardening by the signs for Scorpio
    You can grow basil indoors or outside during the warm months.

    Sagittarius

    Element: Fire

    Sign type: mutable (finishes fall)

    Activities: planting fruit trees, drying fruits and vegetables, pruning

    Zodiac Plants: ash trees, asparagus, beets, oak trees, rhubarb, tomatoes, hyssop, clematis, borage, horsetail, nutmeg, sage

    Sagittarius, the archer, is one of the barren signs. During this time, it’s recommended to harvest with long-term storage in mind.

    Jane says, “Sagittarius is a Fire sign and opens you to a continually adaptive view of things. This mutable sign’s keynote is observation.”

    use clematis for gardening by the signs for Sagittariususe clematis for gardening by the signs for Sagittarius
    Even after they’re done blooming, clematis are still lovely to look at, thanks to their unique seed heads.

    Capricorn

    Element: Earth

    Sign type: cardinal (ushers in winter)

    Activities: plant root crops, fertilize, compost, tree and shrub planting, create paths and fences

    Zodiac Plants: beets, parsnips, pines, willows, comfrey, onions, rosemary, rue, thyme

    Represented as the goat, Capricorn is a notable planting sight. It’s great for root growth and planting herbs from seed.

    “Capricorn is the cardinal Earth sign, a favourable sign for starting seeds, planting root crops (especially during the last quarter), and initiating garden and farm activities or other activities that build and control the material environment,” says Jane.

    Aquarius

    Element: Air

    Sign type: fixed (mid-winter)

    Activities: cultivation, weed control, pest control, harvesting

    Zodiac Plants: most fruit trees, flowers on all plants, orchids

    Aquarius is known as the water bearer and is not to be confused as a water sign. It’s a good time for cultivating and weeding.

    “Aquarius, governed by Air, is intellectual but fixed in opinion,” says Jane. “This Moon would be a good time to hoe your garden while expanding your thoughts to craft your position on a subject you need to defend.”

    Pisces

    Element: Water

    Sign type: mutable (finishes winter)

    Activities: planting, root growth, watering, fertilizing, making jams and jellies

    Zodiac Plants: tulips, leaves of all plants, water plants, basil, lemon balm, water lilies

    Pictured as the fish, Pisces is a great time for planting and transplanting, encouraging root growth. “Pisces is a mutable Water sign and governs emotions,” says Jane. “Pisces is also a good planting sign, favouring leafy growth. It is deep and thoughtful, like the fish in the ocean.”

    Lemon balm is a zodiac plant for PiscesLemon balm is a zodiac plant for Pisces
    Lemon balm has antiviral properties, making it a go-to for treating cold sores.

    And that covers the basics about planting by the signs! If you want to learn more about using the moon and zodiac signs as guidance for your garden, I highly recommend you check out Jane’s book, The Celestial Garden.

    Quotes from Jane Hawley Steven’s new book The Celestial Garden (Chelsea Green Publishing December 2023) were printed with permission from the publisher.

    More Garden Inspiration

    The Celestial Garden: A Guide to Planting by the SignsThe Celestial Garden: A Guide to Planting by the Signs

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    Stephanie Rose

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