Planting your garden according to "the signs"

Excerpts taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" by Lucile Ellingwood Morrow,   April, 4, 1946.

 

"We've been slow about getting garden in, and for the first time that I can remember the garden it has lain, unplowed all winter. If we planted "in the moon instead of in the ground" it would be later than ever, awaiting the proper sign to roll around again;

Following are gleanings from an old fashioned gardener who plants "in the signs" and always has garden if anyone has.   "Plant crops that grow above ground like cucumbers, melons, lettuce in the "twins" or "arms".

Plant flowers in the "Virgin" or "flower woman" and most anything, especially corn, in "Scorpio" or "the secrets."

The "Balances" or "forearms" is a good sign for pulp and root products; and fair for grain. 
 

Potatoes should be planted in "dark moon" when the sign is in "Scorpio," or "the feet, Pisces."

(Since St. Patrick's Day came on Sunday this year, I wondered how people who always plant potatoes on that day, managed.)

 

The "Bowman" is a good time to plant beans and all crops that produce above ground.

Never plant in the "Lion" or "heart" nor in the "Waterman (Aquarius)" as the seeds will rot: Kill weeds then.

Dark moon is from full Moon to month's end as I understand it."

NOTE:  Supposedly the plants can be affected by the light of the moon and the gravitational pull of the moon which also affects water.  Many people believed that planting "by the moon" or "planting by the signs". 

"Plant flowers and vegetables that bear crops above ground during the light, or waxing, of the Moon: from the day the Moon is new to the day it is full. Plant flowering bulbs and vegetables that bear crops below ground during the dark, or waning, of the Moon: from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again,"  according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.  www.almanac.com

 

 

Never give up on "your" creative!

Excerpts taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman" April 4, 1946.

". . . ..At a recent meeting of a creative writing  workshop of the University, of Tulsa, the manuscript for that book I've been promising you for so long, came in for its share of criticism and discussion. After all the comments, both favorable and unfavorable, were voiced, I've thought it all over as I've done dishes, made beds, tended the baby chicks, and I am convinced that I shall have to follow my own essay style of telling my story; I do not know how to write dramatically. I've been told by good

authorities that no one writes essays anymore (except English composition classes) because no one reads them. 

Maybe so - but I find a good many people reading and enjoying "Plowman's Folly," "Talking To The 

Moon," and Louis Bromfield's "Pleasant Valley" - an appealing and delightful account of this noted writer's happy experiences as an Ohio farmer.

 In due time, I hope for even a small share of the interest enjoyed by these three friends of the land."

NOTE:  Mrs. Morrow continued her "creative" writing and enjoyed over thirty years as a noted columnist receiving comments, letters, accolades and criticisms from her many readers.  Creativity comes in all styles, sizes and forms.  Find yours!

Easter - a promise fulfilled

Excerpts taken from "Just Thoughts of a Plain Country Woman", The Collinsville News, April 7, 1949

  

"But what is Easter but Christmas fulfilled,
The Babe grown to The Man,
The Promise become the Fulfillment?

For Christmas, we work frantically for weeks getting our gifts

ready;    (It is said that The Wise Men, reading their stars all night, started a year or so early toward Bethlehem in order to arrive on time with their gifts) so why shouldn't we observe a like period of meditation and preparation (not altogether on new clothes) for the greatest of all Christian miracles and celebration?"