Introducing the 2023 Celestial Planting Calendar!

The 9th edition of the Celestial Planting Calendar focuses on sustainability, with monthly charts based on the teachings of Maria Thun.  The exceptional artwork by Janick Lorion speaks to our theme and brings balance to the overall calendar.

The 2018 document titled “Climate Change and Food Systems” by Luca Mercalli, Alessandra Buffa and Gugliemo Ricciardi, clearly defines the link between agriculture and climate change. “... [T]he agricultural sector is ... the source of a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions, due both to the use of energy from fossil sources and synthetic chemical products and the methane emitted by cattle farming and soil management. What each of us chooses to put on our plates has a strong link to climate change and the environmental crisis.” 

Given the increase in extreme weather events, both globally and locally, it seems appropriate to present realilistic and practical ways to encourage the adoption of what some people call the Slow Food Movement. To quote from their website: “Slow Food believes food is tied to many aspects of life, including culture, politics, agriculture and the environment. Through our food choices we can collectively influence how food is cultivated, produced and distributed, and change the world as a result.” Each of the articles in this issue reflect this intention.

Rick Ketcheson’s articles on biochar and Bokashi composting bring new ways in improving soil quality. While to some of us these practices are new, they are based on ancient methods practiced for thousands of years.

Gilberte Doelle’s story of how she uses her greenhouse during both summers and winters lends an appreciation for the patience and preserverance it takes to grow salad greens during the colder, darker months of the year. Her tips are insightful and pragmatic.

Bernadette Goguen’s teachings on how to dehydrate veggies and fruits and even how to make powders from garlic cloves and onions makes these tasks seem easy and doable.

Cate Henderson’s seed saving article inspires confidence and understanding in ensuring seeds are preserved and stored properly for future use. Why purchase seeds from across the continent when you can gather your own seeds, which are attuned to the local climate conditions?

“Tips on Caring for Apple Trees” by Mike Janssens’ is an excellent overview of what needs to be researched and thought out before choosing and planting your trees, and what chores need to be done to care for them during each growing season.

Gary Caton’s overview of how the planets in front of different constellations along the Zodiac appear to affect our weather here on Earth is both convincing and plausible given the observational research he did to backup his explanations.

Many thanks to all the folks, including this year’s artist, Janick Lorion, for their engaging and worthwhile contributions.