For centuries, across diverse cultures, gardeners and farmers have looked to the sky for guidance, observing the moon's phases to inform their planting and harvesting schedules. This ancient practice, often called "lunar gardening" or "moon planting," is rooted in the belief that the moon's gravitational pull and varying light levels influence plant growth, much like they affect the ocean's tides. At Vital Garden Supply, we embrace holistic approaches to organic gardening, recognizing that aligning with natural rhythms can enhance your efforts and lead to a more vibrant, productive garden.

The Science (and Tradition) Behind Lunar Gardening

The core principle of lunar gardening suggests that the moon's gravitational pull influences the moisture in the soil and the sap flow within plants. During certain phases, moisture is believed to be drawn closer to the soil's surface, promoting better seed germination and root development. As the moon waxes and wanes, it's thought to guide energy towards either above-ground growth or root development.

While modern scientific consensus on the direct and significant impact of lunar phases on plant growth is still a subject of ongoing research and debate, some studies have explored subtle effects. For instance, research on Brassica juncea has indicated that short exposure to full moonlight can have a long-term impact on cell activity and growth (PubMed, 2024). Many experienced organic gardeners and farmers, relying on generations of anecdotal evidence and observation, swear by the effectiveness of lunar planting calendars (The Old Farmer's Almanac, 2025; The Spruce, 2024).

Regardless of the precise scientific mechanism, incorporating lunar rhythms into your organic gardening practices can serve as a valuable framework for mindful cultivation. It encourages consistent engagement with your garden, ensuring that tasks are performed at opportune times, complementing essential factors like soil quality, sunlight, and proper watering.

Understanding the Moon Phases for Optimal Gardening

The moon completes a full cycle approximately every 29.5 days, moving through four primary phases. Each phase is traditionally associated with different gardening activities:

1. The Waxing Moon (New Moon to Full Moon): Focus on Above-Ground Growth As the moon grows from a sliver to a full circle, its light increases, and its gravitational pull is thought to draw moisture upwards, encouraging strong leaf and stem development. This period is ideal for planting crops that produce above the ground.

• New Moon to First Quarter: This is considered the best time for planting leafy annuals (like lettuce, spinach, cabbage, celery) and transplanting seedlings. The increasing light and upward moisture are believed to promote robust germination and lush vegetative growth.

• First Quarter to Full Moon: As the moon continues to wax, energy is still directed upwards. This phase is traditionally favored for planting fruiting annuals (such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, melons, corn) and flowering plants. It's also a good time for applying liquid fertilizers, as plants are thought to be actively absorbing nutrients.

2. The Waning Moon (Full Moon to New Moon): Focus on Root Growth and Rest As the moon shrinks from full to new, its light decreases, and the energy is believed to be drawn downwards, favoring root development and underground growth.

• Full Moon to Third Quarter: This period is ideal for planting root crops (like carrots, potatoes, beets, onions, parsnips) and perennials, bulbs, and tubers. The downward energy encourages strong root establishment. It's also a good time for taking cuttings and dividing plants.

• Third Quarter to New Moon: This is considered a resting period for the garden. While not ideal for planting, it's excellent for garden maintenance. Focus on soil improvement (adding compost and mulch), weeding, pest control, pruning dormant plants, and harvesting crops for storage (as sap flow is lower).

Your Upcoming Lunar Gardening Guide (July - September 2025)

Let's look at the key moon phases coming up and how you can align your organic gardening tasks for optimal results:

• First Quarter: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

  • Action: This is a prime time to plant your leafy greens (think a fresh batch of lettuce or spinach) and get those fruiting annuals like tomatoes, peppers, and beans into the ground or transplant your existing seedlings. The increasing light will encourage strong stem and leaf development.

• Full Moon (Buck Moon): Thursday, July 10, 2025

  • Action: With the moon at its fullest, focus on your root crops! Plant carrots, beets, and potatoes, or establish new perennials and bulbs. The energy is drawing downwards, promoting robust root growth. This is also a great time for taking cuttings or dividing established plants.

• New Moon: Friday, July 25, 2025

  • Action: The New Moon is a period of rest and renewal for the garden. Avoid planting for a few days around this phase. Instead, focus on enriching your organic soil by adding Vital Compost or mulch. It's also an excellent time for weeding, pest control, and general garden cleanup, preparing your beds for the next cycle of growth.

By tuning into these lunar rhythms, you can deepen your connection to the natural world and potentially enhance the vitality and productivity of your organic garden. While the moon's influence may be subtle, the consistent attention and mindful practices encouraged by lunar gardening are undoubtedly beneficial.

For all your organic growing needs, from premium organic inputs to expert advice, visit vitalgardensupply.com.

References:

• Algoplus Natural Liquid Fertilizers. (n.d.). Happy Summer Solstice! Garden Tips for June. Retrieved from https://www.algoplus.net/garden-blog/June_garden_tips.html

• Canadale Nurseries. (n.d.). Embrace the Summer Solstice. Retrieved from https://canadale.ca/embrace-the-summer-solstice/

• Earth.com. (2025, June 11). Summer solstice guides plant growth - but climate change is interfering. Retrieved from https://www.earth.com/news/summer-solstice-guides-plant-growth-but-climate-change-is-interfering/

• Epic Gardening. (2024, June 21). The Gardener's Guide to Celebrating Summer Solstice. Retrieved from https://www.epicgardening.com/gardener-summer-solstice/

• EurekAlert!. (2025, June 10). Summer solstice is an optimal day for plants — but climate change could disrupt this timing. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1087004

• Farms.com. (2025, June 12). Summer Solstice is an Optimal Day for Plants — But Climate Change Could Disrupt This Timing. Retrieved from https://www.farms.com/news/summer-solstice-is-an-optimal-day-for-plants-but-climate-change-could-disrupt-this-timing-228420.aspx

• Gardening Know How. (n.d.). Summer Solstice Plants. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/summer-solstice-plants.htm

• KUNC. (2014, June 21). For Summer Solstice, Balance Garden Work With Relaxation. Retrieved from https://www.kunc.org/arts-life/2014-06-21/for-summer-solstice-balance-garden-work-with-relaxation

• The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2025, March 18). Planting by the Moon Phase: How It Works. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/planting-by-the-moon

• PNAS. (2025, June 2). Summer solstice optimizes the thermal growing season. Retrieved from https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2506796122

• PubMed. (2024, December 16). Short Exposure to Full Moonlight Has a Long-Term Impact on Brassica juncea Cell Activity and Growth. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39679718/

• The Spruce. (2024, June 4). Planting by the Moon: What Is Moon Phase Gardening?. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/moon-phase-gardening-5219263

Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that play a vital role in plant health and overall soil fertility. While these minerals may be present in your water or garden beds, they aren't always readily available for your plants to absorb. That's where Vital Cal Mag comes in, offering a unique solution to enhance soil microbiology and boost plant growth.

Vital Cal Mag is a vegetable-based hydrolyzate that effectively nourishes the soil's microbial community, which is crucial for the success of any organic gardening endeavor. Soil microbes are the unsung heroes of the garden, and Vital Cal Mag is specifically designed to support their activity, leading to healthier, more vibrant plants.

A key advantage of Vital Cal Mag lies in its formulation. Unlike other calcium sources that may use calcium chloride (which can harm beneficial soil microbes), Vital Cal Mag utilizes calcium carbonate. This thoughtful choice ensures that your plants receive the calcium and magnesium they need without compromising the delicate balance of your soil's ecosystem. This makes Vital Cal Mag an ideal choice for gardeners who prioritize organic practices and the long-term health of their soil.

Vital Garden Supply offers a comprehensive liquid line, including Cal Mag Baseline Liquid, Vital Veg, and Vital Bloom, all of which are low in salts. This low-salt content allows for more frequent feeding, providing your plants with a continuous supply of nutrients. This consistent nourishment promotes vigorous growth, abundant flowers, and fruitful harvests. By mimicking the natural foraging behavior of plants, this approach ensures that your garden receives the steady nutritional support it needs to thrive.

Key Benefits of Vital Cal Mag:

• Supports Soil Microbes: Vital Cal Mag's vegetable-based hydrolyzate nourishes the soil's microbial community, which is essential for healthy plant growth.

• Readily Available Nutrients: Provides calcium and magnesium in a form that plants can easily absorb.

• Microbe-Friendly Formulation: Uses calcium carbonate instead of calcium chloride to protect beneficial soil microbes.

• Versatile Usage: Suitable for a wide range of cultivation scenarios, supporting both home gardens and commercial agriculture.

• Low Salt Content: Enables more frequent feeding for continuous nutrient availability.

• Promotes Vigorous Growth: Supports the development of vibrant flowers and abundant fruits.

As the long, sun-drenched days of summer progress, outdoor gardens across California begin a magnificent transformation. The vigorous vegetative growth of spring and early summer gives way to the highly anticipated bloom and flowering phase. This shift is a pivotal moment for your plants, demanding a precise change in nutritional strategy to ensure a bountiful harvest of flowers and fruits. At Vital Garden Supply, we're here to guide you through this critical transition with expert insights and premium organic inputs.

Understanding the Bloom/Flowering Phase

Flowering is the reproductive crescendo of a plant's life cycle. It marks a fundamental shift from focusing energy on producing leaves and stems (vegetative growth) to developing flowers, which will eventually lead to fruits and seeds. This transition is often triggered by environmental cues like day length (photoperiodism) and accumulated warmth, signaling to the plant that it's time to reproduce.

During this phase, a plant's nutritional needs change dramatically. While nitrogen is crucial for early leafy growth, the demands for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) escalate significantly. Phosphorus is vital for energy transfer within the plant, fueling flower bud formation, fruit set, and seed development. Potassium plays a key role in overall plant vigor, water regulation, and the quality of fruits and flowers, including their size, color, and flavor (Taiz et al., 2014; Havlin et al., 2016). Adequate calcium and magnesium are also essential for strong cell walls and preventing common issues like blossom end rot.

Vital Garden Supply's Strategy for a Flourishing Bloom

As we head into August and peak summer growth, it’s the perfect time to give your plants the extra support they need for maximum bloom potential. Our approach combines targeted feeding methods to ensure your plants receive precisely what they need, when they need it, all while nurturing your organic soil.

1. The Pre-Bloom Boost: Foliar Feeding for Immediate Vitality

Foliar feeding is an incredibly effective way to deliver nutrients directly to your plants through their leaves, offering rapid uptake and helping to mitigate stress before the intensive flowering period. A well-balanced foliar spray can both nourish and protect your plants.

We recommend the following mix per gallon for a powerful pre-bloom foliar application:

• Kelp – 5ml: Kelp extracts are rich in trace minerals, amino acids, and natural plant hormones like cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins. These compounds stimulate cell division, enhance nutrient uptake, and significantly improve a plant's resilience to environmental stresses, making them more robust as they enter the flowering phase (Khan et al., 2011).

• CalMag – 10ml: Essential for building strong cell walls, calcium and magnesium prevent structural weaknesses and common deficiencies that can arise during rapid growth and fruit development. This ensures firm, healthy blooms and fruits.

• Flower Powder – 10–20ml: Our Flower Powder is specifically formulated with early bloom nutrition in mind, providing the necessary energy and building blocks for vigorous flower initiation.

• Vital Defender – add as directed: As plants transition, they can sometimes be more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Vital Defender provides an organic layer of protection, helping your plants defend themselves naturally.

Application Tip: Always apply foliar sprays during the early morning or evening hours. This prevents leaf burn from the sun and allows the plant to absorb the nutrients most effectively before the solution dries.

2. The Seamless Transition: Layering Your Base Feed

At this point in the season, it’s also smart to begin layering your high-nitrogen Vital Veg feed with high-phosphorus Vital Bloom to ease the transition into flower. This gradual shift in nutrient ratios supports continued vegetative growth while initiating the signals for bloom.

A great transitional feed per gallon looks like this:

• 5ml Baseline: Provides foundational micronutrients and supports overall plant health.

• 10ml CalMag: Continues to support strong cellular structure throughout the plant.

• 10ml Vital Veg: Maintains a healthy level of nitrogen for the plant's structural needs as it continues to grow.

• 10ml Vital Bloom: Delivers the crucial phosphorus and potassium needed to kickstart flower development and energy transfer.

3. The Microbial Advantage: Brewing a "Bloom Tea"

To boost microbial activity and nutrient availability even further, consider brewing a specialized “bloom tea.” This living solution introduces a diverse array of beneficial microorganisms directly to your organic soil, enhancing nutrient cycling and improving plant access to vital elements (Ingham, 2009).

For every 50 gallons of water, use this powerful bloom tea recipe:

• 1–3 lbs Vital Tea: Our specially formulated compost tea provides a rich source of beneficial bacteria and fungi, essential for a thriving Soil Food Web.

• 1–3 lbs Cuft Catalyst Bioamendment: This bioamendment acts as a microbial stimulant and soil conditioner, further enhancing the activity of beneficial microorganisms and improving nutrient availability in the root zone.

• 3 cups Vital Fish Hydrolysate: A cold-processed fish product, it provides readily available nitrogen, amino acids, and trace minerals, acting as a powerful food source for soil microbes and directly nourishing your plants as they enter bloom.

• 1-2 cups Vital Flower Powder: Adding more bloom-specific nutrition directly into your tea ensures that these crucial elements are immediately available to your plants and the microbial community.

Cultivating Abundance the Organic Way

The transition into the bloom and flowering phase is a testament to the incredible life cycle of your plants. By understanding their changing needs and providing targeted, organic inputs from Vital Garden Supply, you empower them to reach their maximum potential. This holistic approach not only leads to more robust flowers and abundant fruits but also cultivates a healthier, more resilient organic garden ecosystem.

For all your organic growing needs and to explore our full range of certified organic products, visit vitalgardensupply.com.

References:

• Havlin, J. L., Tisdale, S. L., Beaton, J. D., & Nelson, W. L. (2016). Soil fertility and fertilizers: An introduction to nutrient management. Pearson Education.

• Ingham, E. R. (2009). The Soil Foodweb: Its Importance in Ecosystem Health. The Soil Foodweb Inc. (General reference for compost tea benefits and microbial activity).

• Khan, W., Rayirath, U. P., Subhas, N., Jithesh, M. N., Bijo, P. B., & Craigie, J. S. (2011). Seaweed extracts as biostimulants of plant growth and development. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 30(4), 395-402.

• Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I. M., & Murphy, A. (2014). Plant physiology and development. Sinauer Associates Incorporated.

• Vital Garden Supply. (n.d.). Products. Retrieved from https://vitalgardensupply.com/ (General reference for product availability and names).

• Vital Garden Supply. (n.d.). YouTube Channel. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/@vitalgardensupply (General reference for video content, specific video not directly cited as content was provided).

In the world of wellness, sea moss has emerged as a celebrated superfood, lauded for its impressive nutritional profile and myriad health benefits. But what if we told you that the very principles that make sea moss so beneficial for your body are the same ones we champion for your garden's health? At Vital Garden Supply, we believe in the profound connection between a healthy body and thriving plants, built on the foundation of clean, natural inputs.

What is Sea Moss? A Nutritional Powerhouse

Sea moss, often referred to as Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), is a type of red seaweed found along the Atlantic coasts. It's gaining popularity for its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

For your body, sea moss offers a spectrum of potential benefits:

• Thyroid Health: Sea moss is a natural source of iodine, a crucial mineral for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy, and mood. Adequate iodine intake is essential for proper thyroid function (GoodRx, 2025; Medical News Today, 2021).

• Gut Health and Digestion: Rich in fiber, particularly carrageenan, sea moss acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, immune function, and reduced inflammation (GoodRx, 2025; Resident Magazine, 2025; PubMed, 2015).

• Immune System Support: Sea moss contains vitamins (like C and D), minerals (iron, zinc), and antioxidants that contribute to a robust immune system. Lab and animal studies suggest its sulfated polysaccharides may have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, helping to fight off pathogens (Health.com, 2025; Rupa Health, n.d.).

• Skin Health: Topically and internally, sea moss is lauded for its hydrating properties. Its vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds may help soothe irritated skin, promote collagen production, and strengthen the skin's natural barrier (Times of India, 2025; Healthline, 2021).

• Energy and Recovery: With amino acids like taurine and a range of minerals, sea moss is believed to support muscle recovery and sustained energy levels (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).

The Parallel: Nurturing Your Garden with Vitality

The philosophy behind the benefits of sea moss for your body mirrors our approach to organic gardening at Vital Garden Supply: healthy inputs lead to healthy systems. Just as sea moss provides a holistic blend of nutrients for your internal ecosystem, our products offer comprehensive support for your garden's living soil.

• Diverse Mineral & Nutrient Profile (for You & Your Plants): Sea moss delivers a wide array of essential minerals to your body. Similarly, our organic inputs like Vital Soil Builder and Vital Cal Mag provide a broad spectrum of readily available nutrients and trace minerals crucial for robust plant growth, from strong roots to vibrant blooms and abundant fruits.

• Nourishing the Microbiome (Gut Health & Soil Health): Sea moss acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This directly parallels our commitment to the Soil Food Web. Products like Vital Compost and Vital Plus Biological Inoculant introduce and feed the beneficial bacteria and fungi in your soil, fostering a thriving microbial community that breaks down organic matter, cycles nutrients, and suppresses disease. A healthy soil microbiome is the "gut" of your garden!

• Boosting Resilience (Immunity & Plant Defense): Just as sea moss can bolster your immune system, a well-nourished plant in healthy, biologically active soil is naturally more resilient. Our organic growing practices and products help plants develop stronger natural defenses against pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

• Sustained Energy & Vigor (for You & Your Crops): The sustained energy you might feel from sea moss reflects the continuous, balanced nutrition our products provide for plants. This leads to vigorous growth, optimal energy transfer (like phosphorus for ATP production), and ultimately, higher quality and more abundant yields.

• The Power of Clean Inputs: The appeal of sea moss often lies in its natural, unadulterated form. This aligns perfectly with Vital Garden Supply's core mission: providing 100% natural and organic inputs. We believe that what you put into your body, and what you put into your soil, should be clean, safe, and free from harmful chemicals.

Discover Rising Moon Organics Sea Moss at Vital Garden Supply

We are thrilled to extend this philosophy of holistic well-being by offering Rising Moon Organics sea moss products right here in our store! Just as you nourish your body with the best, you can nourish your garden with Vital Garden Supply's premium organic inputs. Come visit us to explore the benefits of Rising Moon Organics sea moss for your personal health journey.

By choosing organic growing for your garden and incorporating natural superfoods like sea moss into your diet, you embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes health, sustainability, and vitality – for yourself and for the planet.

To explore our full range of certified organic gardening products and discover Rising Moon Organics sea moss, visit us in Nevada City or online at vitalgardensupply.com.

References:

• Cleveland Clinic. (2025, January 6). 8 Potential Health Benefits of Sea Moss. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sea-moss-benefits

• GoodRx. (2025, July 1). Is Sea Moss Good for You? Nutritional Benefits to Consider. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/is-sea-moss-good-for-you

• Health.com. (2025, March 24). 7 Benefits of Sea Moss, Plus Nutrition and Risks. Retrieved from https://www.health.com/food/sea-moss-benefits

• Healthline. (2021, August 13). Can Sea Moss Help Your Skin Harness the Healing Powers of the Ocean?. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skincare/sea-moss-benefits-for-skin

• Medical News Today. (2021, June 30). What are the benefits of sea moss?. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sea-moss

• PubMed. (2015, August 14). Prebiotic effects of diet supplemented with the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus or with fructo-oligo-saccharide on host immunity, colonic microbiota and gut microbial metabolites. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26271359/

• Resident Magazine. (2025, March 14). How Is Sea Moss Good For Gut Health According To Science?. Retrieved from https://resident.com/resource-guide/2025/03/14/how-is-sea-moss-good-for-gut-health-according-to-science

• Rupa Health. (n.d.). Sea Moss Gel: Benefits, Uses, and Nutritional Value. Retrieved from https://www.rupahealth.com/post/sea-moss-gel-benefits-uses-and-nutritional-value

• Times of India. (2025, June 24). Sea Moss Skin Benefits you didn't even know existed. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/sea-moss-skin-benefits-you-didnt-even-know-existed/articleshow/121569605.cms