Gardener's Lunar Calendar for July 13–19, 2026: What to Do in the Garden

UA NEWS 13 July 2026 07:00

Mid-July is a busy time for every gardener. The heat, moisture evaporation, and rapid plant growth all require constant attention. To achieve the best results, many gardeners combine traditional farming techniques with observing lunar cycles.

From July 13 to 19, the Moon is in its waxing phase (moving from the New Moon toward the First Quarter). It is believed that during this period, plant sap actively moves upward—from the roots to the stems, leaves, and fruits.

Moon Phases for the Week (July 13–19)

July 13–14 (Waxing Moon): The beginning of active upward sap flow. A favorable time for fertilizing and working with the above-ground parts of plants.
July 15–16 (First Quarter): Energetically active days. Plants absorb moisture and nutrients to the maximum extent.
July 17–19 (Waxing Moon): An ideal period for harvesting and sowing greens that grow rapidly upward.

Main Garden Tasks According to the Lunar and Agronomic Calendars

Sowing and Planting (Above-Ground Crops)

Traditionally, during the waxing moon, people sow everything that produces an edible crop above ground.

What to sow: A new batch of greens (dill, lettuce, spinach, arugula), as well as napa cabbage, daikon, and early varieties of zucchini for an autumn harvest.
Green manure: Sow mustard or phacelia in empty beds after harvesting early onions or garlic. During the waxing moon, green growth increases at an accelerated rate.

Watering and Fertilizing

Since moisture actively rises to the stems and fruits during this period, the plants need thorough watering and potassium fertilization.

Watering schedule: Water only in the morning or evening using warm, settled water (+20…+22 °C).
Fertilization: Switch from nitrogen to potassium and phosphorus. Applying wood ash or potassium monophosphate will help tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers produce juicy and sweet fruits.

Plant Training and Care

During the waxing moon phase, plants are sensitive to damage, so any pruning should be done carefully.

Siding-off tomatoes: Remove side shoots and lower leaves up to the first flower clusters only in the morning during dry weather so that the wounds heal quickly.
Pinching: To limit growth and direct energy toward the fruit, pinch the tips of eggplants and melons.

Harvesting and Pest Control

Harvesting: It is believed that fruits (tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, berries) harvested during the waxing moon contain the most vitamins and have the best flavor. It is best to harvest them in the morning.
Disease prevention: To prevent late blight and powdery mildew, use biological control agents (based on Trichoderma or Bacillus subtilis) that are safe for ripening crops.

This is reported by UA.News.