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Writer's pictureAmanda

New Moon Gardening: Letting Go of Summer and Preparing Your Garden (and yourself) for the New Season

As the new moon rises, we are invited to reflect, release, and set new intentions.


Just as this lunar phase signals a fresh start, the transition from summer to fall offers us a natural opportunity to let go and prepare for a new chapter. This time of year is perfect for re-evaluating what serves us and what no longer does—both in our gardens and in our lives.


Phases of the moon.
Phases of the moon.


What's in this article:





 

New Moon Gardening: Clearing Out What No Longer Serves

In many ways, tending to a garden is like tending to our inner lives —removing dead plants, pruning, and preparing the soil for the next season. Just as we clear away what no longer serves our garden, we can take this time to release outdated habits, thoughts, or feelings that might be "cluttering" our path forward.


Think about your garden for a moment: the weeds that have taken root, the plants that have reached the end of their life cycle. Removing these elements creates space for new growth. The same is true for our personal growth. Letting go of what no longer serves us allows us to prepare fertile ground for new experiences and opportunities.


 
Zinnias growing in my backyard.
Zinnias growing in my backyard.


Practical Tips for Garden Transition

Here are some actionable tips for transitioning your summer garden to fall:


  1. Remove Weeds and Dead Plants: Just like clearing out emotional clutter, start by pulling out any weeds and removing dead plants from your garden. This makes room for new growth and prevents pests and diseases from overwintering.

  2. Compost Summer Debris: If you can, use the organic matter from your summer garden to nourish your soil. Composting reduces waste but also returns vital nutrients to your garden, enriching the soil for future planting.

  3. Prepare Soil for Fall Planting: After clearing your garden, give the soil a good turn. Add compost or organic matter to replenish nutrients. This is also an excellent time to test your soil and adjust its pH as needed.

  4. Plant Autumn Crops or Bulbs for Spring: Depending on your region, consider planting cool-weather crops like kale, broccoli, or carrots. In Zone 9A, where I live, fall is a great time to sow wildflower seeds and plant bulbs like daffodils and tulips, which will bloom beautifully in the spring.

  5. Mindful Gardening Practices: As you work in your garden, take a moment to be present and intentional with each step. Feel the earth in your hands, admire the pollinators, and appreciate the transition happening in nature—and within yourself.


Here is a beautiful guide to transition your garden from summer to fall created by the Gardenary.


To find a planting calendar that is specific to the zone you live in, visit Almanac.com and enter your zip code.


Dead remains of my summer wildflowers.
Dead remains of my summer wildflowers.

Overgrown Zinnias that my dog walks through and digs behind.
Overgrown Zinnias that my dog walks through and digs behind.


The previously mentioned digging dog. She's too cute to be mad at, though.
The previously mentioned digging dog. She's too cute to be mad at, though.


 

Seeds to Plant in Fall (Texas Zone 9A)

  1. Cool-Weather Vegetables:

    • Lettuce (varieties like Butterhead, Romaine, and Leaf): Plant in late September to October for a continuous harvest throughout fall and early winter.

    • Spinach: Best planted in October for harvest in late fall and winter.

    • Kale (Curly, Lacinato, Red Russian): Plant seeds from mid-September to October for a winter harvest.

    • Broccoli: Sow seeds indoors in late August to early September and transplant seedlings in October.

    • Cauliflower: Start seeds indoors in August and transplant to the garden in October.

    • Carrots: Direct sow seeds from September to November for harvest in late fall and winter.

    • Beets: Plant seeds from September to November for a winter harvest.

    • Radishes: Sow seeds from September to November for a quick harvest in about a month.

    • Brussels Sprouts: Start seeds indoors in late August and transplant seedlings in October.

  2. Herbs:

    • Cilantro: Sow seeds directly into the ground in October for a fall and winter harvest.

    • Parsley: Plant seeds or transplants from September to November.

    • Chives and Thyme: Best planted in early fall (September to October).

  3. Bulbs for Spring Bloom:

    • Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths, and Irises: Plant bulbs in late October to November to enjoy spring blooms. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent rotting during the winter months.

  4. Cover Crops:

    • Clover, Rye, and Vetch: Plant in October to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion during the winter months.



 

Pruning in Fall (Texas Zone 9A)

Fall is also the time to prune certain plants to promote healthy growth and prepare for the next growing season. Here are some general pruning guidelines:


  1. Perennials:

    • Chrysanthemums, Salvias, and Perennial Herbs (like oregano and thyme): Cut back in late fall (November to early December) after they have finished blooming to encourage healthy growth in spring.

  2. Roses:

    • Perform light pruning in late fall (November) to remove dead or diseased wood and shape the plant. Major pruning should wait until late winter (February) before new growth begins.

  3. Deciduous Trees and Shrubs:

    • Lightly prune trees such as oak, maple, and crape myrtle in late fall (after leaves have fallen) to remove dead or damaged branches. More significant pruning should be delayed until winter.

  4. Fruit Trees:

    • Peach, Plum, and Pear trees: Wait until late winter (January to February) to do more significant pruning to avoid encouraging growth during a potential freeze.

  5. Shrubs:

    • Boxwood, Holly, and Yew: Prune in late fall (November to December) to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.



 

Best Months for Planting and Pruning in Zone 9A (Texas)

  • September to October: Ideal for planting cool-weather vegetables, herbs, and leafy greens.

  • October to November: Perfect for planting spring-blooming bulbs and cover crops.

  • November: Best for light pruning of shrubs and perennials after the first frost when plants are dormant.

  • December: Finish pruning and prepare your garden for winter. Remove any dead or diseased wood.


 

Additional Tips for Fall Gardening

  • Mulching: After planting, apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.

  • Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve fertility before planting new seeds or bulbs.

  • Watering: Fall is typically a cooler, wetter season, but make sure new plantings receive consistent moisture until they are established.


Here is a link to a Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide for Texas. This guide was created by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.


My overgrown and unruly tomato plant and another hole courtesy of my dog.
My overgrown and unruly tomato plant and another hole courtesy of my dog.
 


Red zinnias growing in my backyard. Zinnias have, by far, been the most resilient flowering plant. It stands up well to the Texas heat.
Red zinnias growing in my backyard. Zinnias have, by far, been the most resilient flowering plant. It stands up well to the Texas heat.

Personal Reflection: What Are You Letting Go of this season?

As summer ends, I find myself reflecting on what I need to release. Over the season, I've struggled with feelings of being stuck and a persistent fear that I won't earn money fast enough to support my family while I grow and develop my business. A lack of clarity has clouded my vision, and I've lost count of how many dreams I've had lately that involve me chasing something just out of reach or feeling exposed, like being naked in public. Just last week, I woke up in tears, apologizing to my husband for quitting my high-paying job to start my own business. This outburst was entirely unprovoked; my husband has been incredibly supportive, championing my efforts from the very beginning. But sometimes, fear takes over and gets the best of me.


Much like the dead plants cluttering my garden beds, these fears and uncertainties have occupied space in my mind, infiltrating my dreams, and leaving little room for rejuvenation and new growth. Rather than dwelling on these fears, I am choosing to be kinder to myself, to cut myself some slack, to gain clarity, and to silence the negative self-talk. I’m making a conscious effort to shift my mindset: listening to uplifting podcasts, taking walks in nature, meditating, expressing gratitude, and praying. Some days are better than others, but I know that our thoughts create our reality, and I certainly don't want to manifest the negativity that’s been floating around in my head. Sometimes, just remembering that is enough to motivate me. Over the past week, I've made a focused effort to gain clarity by reevaluating my values, strengths, vision, and mission for my business—which includes this blog, my freelance marketing services, and my Etsy shop where I sell original landscape photography. I've reassessed my goals and made adjustments where needed. As a result, I feel a little less stuck and more optimistic. Being self-employed isn’t for the faint of heart, but when everything clicks, it's an amazing experience of growth and a powerful exercise in self-trust.


What about you? What are you ready to let go of? Maybe it’s an old habit, a lingering grudge, or even a mindset that no longer serves you. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what you want to release as we transition into the new season. This is an excellent time to clear out what no longer serves you, making way for fresh energy, renewed focus, and new possibilities.


 

Visual Characteristics of the New Moon

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the new moon is a lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. During this time, the side of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun is facing away from the Earth, making the Moon appear nearly invisible to us.


The new moon is:

  • Dark and Invisible: The new moon is essentially invisible in the night sky because the side of the Moon facing the Earth is not illuminated by the Sun. It appears completely dark or is entirely absent from view.

  • No Crescent: Unlike the crescent phases, the new moon has no visible sliver of light. It’s not until the Moon moves slightly away from this alignment that a thin crescent begins to appear, marking the start of the waxing crescent phase.

  • Occurs During the Day: The new moon rises and sets with the Sun, so it is generally in the sky during the day and not visible at night.


The new moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle and is often associated with new beginnings, reflection, and setting intentions, which aligns with many gardening and personal growth practices.

 


Phases of the moon.
Phases of the moon.

New Moon Ritual: Setting Intentions for the New Season

Harness the energy of the new moon to set your intentions for the fall. This helps you align with your higher purpose, nurture your authentic self, and set the stage for a more fulfilling and compassionate season ahead. Here’re a few techniques you can try:


  1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a calming spot where you feel comfortable and at ease, whether it’s in your garden, a cozy corner of your home, or your favorite chair.

  2. Journal and Set Intentions: Reflect on what you want to release and what you wish to invite into your life. Write down your specific intentions and goals for the new season. Visualize the outcomes as if they have already come to fruition. How does it feel? What do you see? Who is with you? Think of this process as planting seeds in a garden—you are preparing for future growth and abundance.

  3. Express Gratitude: Take a moment to focus on what you are grateful for. Gratitude can be calming and transformative, shifting your perspective from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. For example, when I find myself grumbling about taking my dog for a walk because it's hot and humid, I remind myself that I’m grateful to have a healthy body that can move, a safe neighborhood to walk in, and a loving dog that gets me outdoors. This practice can be done through prayer, meditation, or simply writing a list.

  4. Meditation and Prayer: Spend a few minutes in meditation or prayer to center yourself. Even just five minutes can make a difference; some days, you may feel inclined to meditate longer. Play soothing music and visualize releasing old habits or thoughts while opening yourself to new possibilities. I often imagine a white light streaming from the heavens, entering through the top of my head, and radiating out through my fingers and toes, enveloping me in a protective, calming bubble of energy. This visualization helps me feel at peace and connected to my higher power.

  5. Create a Vision Board: Channel your creativity by crafting a vision board that represents your intentions and goals for the upcoming months. Gather magazines, photos, or printouts, or create a Pinterest board to visually capture what you want to manifest.

  6. Declutter: Decluttering is a powerful way to release stagnant energy and create room for new opportunities. Clear out items that no longer serve you—donate those clothes you’ve been meaning to give away, shred and recycle old paperwork, tidy up your living space. By clearing your surroundings, you also clear your mind, helping you feel more centered and calm.

  7. Affirmations: Write down positive affirmations to reinforce your intentions, such as, “I release what no longer serves me and welcome new growth and opportunities.” Keep a list of affirmations where you can see them daily, and recite them aloud to affirm your commitment to your goals and aspirations.

  8. Move Your Body: Engage in physical activity that suits your fitness level—stretch, go for a walk, lift weights, dance in your kitchen- whatever works for you and your level of physical fitness. The point is to move your body to release tension and raise your energy levels. Gardening is another way to be active while also creating space for self-reflection.

  9. Be Creative: After leaving my full-time job, I made it a point to engage in a creative activity every day. Whether painting, baking, gardening, or jewelry making, I found that doing something with my hands eased my anxiety and grounded me in the present moment. The key is not to focus on the outcome but to enjoy the process of creation.


 


"It's a really good time to be on the lookout for those inner voices that curb your ability to thrive and grow. Mistakes are good to make. They're not bad. They're excellent. We need to make them, and we need to actually become experts at making mistakes and learning from our lessons because that's how we'll grow. That's how we will move into a sense of expertise, and that's how we develop confidence." - Chani Nicholas


 

Conclusion: Embracing Change with Grace and Gratitude

As we move from the warmth of summer into the crisp embrace of fall, let’s do so with gratitude for the beauty and lessons of the past season and excitement for the new possibilities ahead. Change can be challenging, but it is also a natural and necessary part of life. Just as our gardens go through cycles of growth and renewal, so do we. Embrace this new season with grace and remember that every ending is simply a new beginning in disguise.

Happy new moon gardening, and may your fall be filled with growth and renewal!


Let me know in the comments below if this article is helpful. I'd love to hear from you.

 

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