Renewal and Preparation
Moon Gardening in March
March carries the weight of winter’s last breaths and the quiet anticipation of spring’s awakening. The soil, damp with the memory (and anticipation of more) rain, is ripe for renewal, asking us to turn our attention to its care. This month, our moon gardening practice invites us to align with the natural cycles of renewal and preparation, embracing the work needed to ready our gardens for the season ahead. With a Total Lunar Eclipse on March 13–14, followed by the Last Quarter Moon in Capricorn on March 21, the moon’s journey offers both a symbolic and practical turning point for reflection, preparation, and transformation.
The Eclipse: A Time to Compost and Clear the Way
A Blood Moon, as this total lunar eclipse is called, is a rare and striking phenomenon, a moment when the Earth’s shadow cloaks the moon in deep red hues. While the Blood Moon is visually striking, its significance in the garden is more subtle. Eclipses have long been viewed as cosmic resets—times to release, to let go, and to make space for the new. In the garden, this translates beautifully to composting and soil renewal. Much like the moon’s shadow passing over the Earth, we are reminded that dormancy gives way to renewal, and what we let go of now will nourish the growth to come. As we cut back old growth, clear away debris, and chop in cover crops, we are not merely tidying—we are returning nutrients to the earth, feeding the soil so that it can, in turn, feed us once again.
At Eco-Restore, we often remind gardeners that composting is more than waste management; it is an act of reciprocity with the land. If your soil is compacted or depleted, now is the time to enrich it. Consider incorporating organic matter, mulching bare soil, and rotating crops with care—each small action builds resilience for the growing season ahead.
The Last Quarter Moon in Capricorn: Grounded Action
As the moon wanes toward its quietest phase, Capricorn’s influence urges practical, grounded efforts. The Last Quarter Moon is a time for refinement—soil preparation, structural pruning, and deep, intentional planning. It is a perfect phase for dividing perennials, tending to pathways, and reinforcing garden structures. Falling in Capricorn, an earth sign ruled by Saturn, this lunar phase encourages methodical and practical efforts—tasks that set the stage for lasting growth. It’s a time for strengthening the foundation of the garden through soil building, composting, and strategic pruning.
Plants to Work With: Lungwort & Comfrey
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) One of the earliest bloomers in the Pacific Northwest, Lungwort heralds the arrival of spring with its delicate, speckled leaves and clusters of pink-to-blue flowers. Symbolizing transition and renewal, it is a perfect companion for this lunar phase, thriving in shaded woodland areas that mirror Capricorn’s steady, structured nature. Now is the time to divide clumps, clear old foliage, and mulch around plants to support their coming burst of growth.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) A workhorse in the regenerative garden, Comfrey is deeply aligned with Capricorn’s practical, long-term energy. Ruled by Saturn, this herb excels at building soil structure, enriching compost, and acting as a nutrient accumulator. Harvesting older Comfrey leaves now to make a rich compost tea or mulch is an excellent way to fortify the soil before the season of active growth begins.
Gardening Activities for the Last Quarter Moon
Soil Preparation – Test soil pH, amend beds with compost, and lay down a protective layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning and Maintenance – Shape perennials and fruiting shrubs, removing dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy regrowth.
Long-Term Planning – Draft a garden layout, create a planting schedule, and set intentions for the season ahead.
Composting & Organic Matter – Chop and return plant residue to the soil, feeding the microbes that fuel a thriving ecosystem.
Honoring the Soil: A Practice of Reverence
Soil is not just a growing medium—it is a living, breathing ecosystem that deserves our care. At Eco-Restore, we embrace regenerative practices that build fertility, enhance soil health, and restore balance to the land. Whether you need guidance on crop rotation, composting strategies, or integrating permaculture principles, we are here to help.
As the Last Quarter Moon wanes, we invite you to pause and reflect: What can be cleared away? What nourishment does your garden need? What foundations will you strengthen? In tending to the earth with intention, we set the stage for a season of abundance.
The moon’s rhythms remind us that gardening is not just an act of production but one of care, observation, and deep connection. As we move from winter’s rest into the active season ahead, let’s take this time to prepare, renew, and restore—both our gardens and ourselves.
May your hands be in the soil, your heart in the cycle, and your garden in harmony with the moon.
