Bish-I advises farmers to observe the seasons for planting and reaping

Agriculturalist and farmer, Clive ‘Bish-I’ Bishop, has highlighted the importance of farmers observing the various phases of the moon to guide the planting of their crops.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Thursday,March 12, 2026, at the Bush Tea exhibition held on the grounds of the National Public Library and Documentation Center, Kingstown, Bishop said, “what I do is that I practice a form of agriculture which is very close to nature…I don’t plant any and any time, I don’t prepare the land in any and any way”.

The Campden Park resident said that with the knowledge of his ancestors and grandparents with whom he grew up, he learnt to plant crops guided by the phases of the moon since he was a little boy.

“I realize that is the type of agricultural system that our people use where it is based on the alignment of the planets,” he stated.

Bishop spoke about a lunar month having 28 days with different phases. The first phase starts from the new moon which is called the “waxing crescent phase”. He advised that during this phase, leafy plants such as cabbage, spinach and lettuce should be planted.

“This is the time that you would be setting the seeds,” he remarked, adding that germination could take place during other phases, but because of the “astrological alignment of the planets, they would have more life force in them and the food would be more resistant to pests and diseases while growing” if planting is aligned with the moon.

Bishop added that the second phase of the moon would be the day after the first quarter up until the full moon also known as the “waxing gibbous” where the moon gets more round. “This is when you plant your tomatoes, melons, and sweet peppers, but corn and flowers may be also planted in this phase.

Bishop said the next phase of the moon is after the full moon called the “waning gibbous’’, noting that this is the best time to plant tubers.

“It is also a good time to harvest crops, to fertilize and to transplant.”

Additionally advised about improvements seen in the plants once they are planted in the recommended phases. “You would notice an increase in the yield, and also…when you consume them you notice an improvement in the nutrient density, and the shelf life is longer.”

Bishop said in the final phase which is the “waning crescent phase” people should not set seeds, however, seedlings could be transplanted. He also recommended this as the best time to clean the land.

“I do not use any chemical inputs in my farming…what I use is basically biological and organic.”

Bishop said since he has been practising this type of farming he receives excellent quality in whatever he grows. He surmises that fewer than 5% of people use this technique to farm but he is trying to spread the word.

“Right now I am writing up a programme to get some international funding to train some youths in…each agricultural district, Bishop stated, adding, “we have to produce as much clean food as possible” to prevent non- communicable diseases and be more self reliant.