Now that we are all well entrenched as third millennium gardeners, the thought of planting the garden by the phases of the moon probably seems like ancient superstition more suited for simple peasantry. However, you don't have to go too far out in the country to find farmers who still start their plants according to lunar cycles.

Just as the moon affects the tides of the earth's oceans, so too does it have an influence on plants, although not as noticeable as an extra two feet of tidal surge!

According to theories, after the new moon and before the full moon, the gravitational pull of the lunar orb is at its greatest for the month. Because of this, the Earth's gravity is lessened slightly, but still enough to make it easier for above-ground vegetables, such as tomatoes, broccoli and lettuce, and flowering annuals to stretch upward in the garden.

After the full moon, though, the lunar gravitational influence lessens until the next new moon. This causes an increase in the Earth's gravity during this period, which, in turn, helps root crops to grow deeper into the ground. So delectable underground edibles as carrots, radishes and onions, as well as ornamental bulbs, planted during this period are pulled down and thus grow faster.

Since this gravitational tug-of-war is very, very slight, if you are raising your eyebrows right now, read on because it is time to introduce electricity into the garden.

According to scientists at Yale University, when the gravitational influence of the moon increases, so does the electrical voltage in plants. Yes, plants carry electric charges, as do all living things. (But it's a very slight charge.) In humans, the charge stimulates muscles to make bodily functions possible. In plants, among other things, it promotes growth.

Experiments in plant electroculture have shown that plants grow faster if subjected to a slight external electrical charge -- not a 110-jolt, mind you, but a very light current such as what the moon can create. This is also true with seed germination: A slight tingle wakes seeds up faster. Toss in the gravity factor, and the period of the waxing moon is prime planting time for seeds and above-ground plants.

With the spring planting season soon starting, why not give this bit of "moon madness" a try? Quirky things like this make gardening fun! Besides, if you mention your experiment to just about any farmer, they won't think you are a little crazy -- just a little bit country.