Earth Day, on April 22nd, has been celebrated internationally with organized and coordinated events focused on environmental issues and protection since 1970. Although known for more scandalous things, President Nixon planted a tree with his wife, First Lady Pat Nixon, at the White House for the inaugural Earth Day. What might you plant according to the “plantstrology” for Earth Day that may prove in alignment with if not beneficial to those who share your astrological sign?
Plantstrology for Earth Day by the astrological elements
Whether we’re discussing edibles or ornamentals, certain fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers can be associated with an astrological sign, planet, or element. And Earth Day seems like the perfect time to plant something that may brighten or purify the environment and even prove to be of benefit to your mental and physical health. In our plantstrological breakdown of potentials to grow in or around your home, suggestions according to the elements—earth, fire, air, and water—are below.
Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn)
Read More »Edibles. Root vegetable take time and patience, but they are definitely worth the wait once roasted, never mind their richness in vitamins. Earth signs should consider planting beets, carrots, ginger, parsnips, and potatoes. These edibles enjoy growing in cool weather but direct sunlight. Consider planting in raised beds to create the ideal conditions in which your edibles will flourish. If you opt to plant into the ground, do the work to prepare the soil. Also note the reliability of these staples, in part due to their long storage lives.
Herbs. Lavender and sage love warm conditions, well-draining soil, and full sun. St. John’s wort may be a tad more touchy, but its benefits as “nature’s antidepressant” can go without explanation. Like St. John’s wort, valerian does well being grown from seed, and it is powerful in its medicinal qualities, especially as they pertain to stress, insomnia, and the digestive system. Any or all of these herbs may be of some particular health benefit to earth signs, but at least they promote calm and resonate with an earthy astrological vibe.
Flowers and non-edibles. Directly sow in columbine seeds and enjoy their bi-colored blooms. Also appreciate columbine’s earthy inclination toward self-seeding volunteers. Lilacs may be planted in most garden areas so long as there is decent drainage. Violets, like earth signs, are easygoing (and as such, they serve as excellent ground cover). Being deliberate in your choice of grasses may actively prevent soil erosion, which scores an earth sign bonus points on Earth Day.
Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius)
Locate your plants in full sunlight with southern exposure, and place right out front, at your door in giant pots. Think bold and spicy when selecting ornamentals and edibles plantstrologically for fire signs. Lean toward red and orange fruits and flowers. For plantstrological health benefits, choose plants that purify blood and regulate blood pressure and promote a positive frame of mind.
Fruits and vegetables. For fire signs, choosing edibles to plant and grow should seem like an obvious thing. Good choices, should your climate accommodate them, would be chili peppers (give them space); grapefruit (try planting in containers); red peppers (water frequently and add soil nutrients); oranges (protect from ants, aphids, and other pests); radishes (both fast-growing and heat- and cold-tolerant); and tomatoes (provide with plenty of sun and heat). It seems fitting that these edibles would be associated with the astrological element of fire given that all of these foods crops can withstand the heat.
Herbs. Cilantro is easy to grow, highly adaptable to various conditions, and one of the most versatile herbs in its culinary uses. Nutmeg grows on trees that should be planted in a hot, moist climate with partial shade. Saffron, a perennial, could be prone to rot if not in well-drained soil, but fire signs who grow their your own will save money given its price in stores. Sarsaparilla needs some shade, as it is accustomed to a forest environment with plenty of tree canopy.
Flowers and non-edibles. The timing of dahlias is in line with tomatoes, making them a fine ornamental for fire signs. That said, these flowers need to be fertilized and planted in deeply dug soil potted in large enough vessels for the would-be roots and the required drainage. Marigolds are simple to plant, grow, and maintain and offer bursts of orange color. Passion flowers are vibrant, but they need afternoon shade and winter weather protection to thrive. Peonies and sunflowers seem to be apt plantstrological associations: Like fire signs, these flowers are proper show-offs with receipts, and everyone loves them.
Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius)
Locate plants in an eastern facing direction for best results, air sign. Think of hanging plants, free-flowing plants, and flowers with split personalities, perhaps demonstrated by a tall, thin stem with a bold-colored flower with layers of blooms for a sense of the plantstrological vibe. Plants that aide the respiratory and nervous systems are of particular benefit to those who resonate with the element of air.
Fruits and vegetables. Artichokes need a ton of space and choose it wisely: These plants will be taking up shop for several years. Figs are easy to grow in large pots filled with well-drained soil. Grapes need full soil and for you to ovoid overwatering their vines. Peas and strawberries make fine planting companions, as the peas can grow vertically, leaving plenty of room for the strawberries. Both may need protection from birds, and this way they can be netted together.
Herbs. Chamomile, brewed in relaxing teas, can be planted in full sun or partial shade and is drought tolerant. Cinnamon and cloves need a hot and humid climate; both grow on trees that can be potted. Hops will grow up—literally, to 20-feet tall—and become too heavy without proper trellis support. Mint can thrive anywhere and is incredibly versatile in its medicinal and culinary benefits. Cultivating it in any form would be a great plantstrological activity on Earth Day.
Flowers and non-edibles. Air signs will need to create a warm, humid environment for their bird of paradise plants to survive, but their potential for year-round flowering will be limited if they are not grown in a tropical climate. Ferns, which like moist soil and partial shade, resemble air sign qualities in their growth and freedom of movement. The contrasts inherent in the aesthetic of poppies make them quintessential air sign ornamentals.
Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces)
Locate plants in an eastern direction and in moist or humid conditions, perhaps in your bathroom. The plantstrological vibe is moody; think of plants found in extreme conditions or that grow deep below the surface or near water. They may actively hold water, have sharp edges, or be thorny. Lean toward plants that soothe, balance hormones, and aide the stomach to achieve the greatest plantstrological benefit.
Fruits and vegetables. Bananas and watermelon are associated with water signs, but few people live in the climate to successfully grow them. Both crops needs tons of space, sun, and water to flourish. Cabbage, cucumbers, mushrooms, pears, seaweed, and sweet potatoes are also considered to be edibles aligned with the energy of those with an astrological sign ruled by the element of water.
Herbs. Water signs wanting to start a garden for Earth Day should consider Echinacea, a beautiful low-maintenance choice with great health benefits as an herb. For more ambitious water signs, ginseng, one of the most well-known Chinese medicinal herbs, has been cultivated for considerable profit, relatively.
Flowers and non-edibles. Aloe literally holds water, and while it has its sharp points, this plant can heal. Holly is easy to grow and offers pops of colorful berries for a traditional holiday ornamental. Perhaps the flower most associated with the romantic water signs is a rose. Roses need fertile soil and at least six hours of sun daily, but once your bush is established, it will be the fragrant gift that keeps on giving and a classic symbol of romance for a water sign’s garden.
Planting edibles, ornamentals, and medicinal herbs would be a fun and beneficial activity for kids and adults who celebrate Earth Day, and growing by the plantstrology may enhance one’s environment in both concrete and esoteric ways.
