Most people understand and accept that ocean tides are influenced by the huge gravitational pull of the moon, and the concept of this calendar is that these same forces also have a profound physical effect on growing plants.

An engaging introduction explains the principles and influence of the moon on our garden plants, with a detailed explanation of when and where eclipses will occur in 2013. Full instructions tell you the meaning of the various symbols on the calendar.

The calendar incorporates the influence of Saturn, the planet that controls the bony skeleton in humans and animals and the cell structure in both humans and plants.  As the moon moves around the earth on its monthly journey, it regularly forms good and bad aspects with this planet which in turn influence 'good' and 'bad' gardening days.

Each month has its own page, with symbols clearly advising the best days for sowing, planting and harvesting the four main plant groups: Leaves, Roots, Fruits and Flowers.