Planting on Good Friday: Folklore, Faith, and Garden Truths
According to folklore, plants grow better and bear more fruit when planted on Good Friday. It’s a long-standing belief, especially among gardeners in the southern U.S., that this holy day holds a touch of divine favor for new beginnings in the soil. But is there any truth to this tradition — or is it just a charming superstition?
Rooted in Tradition
This belief has been passed down through generations, especially in rural communities where faith and farming often went hand in hand. For many, Good Friday symbolized a time of hope, renewal, and quiet reverence — the perfect setting to place seeds in the earth.
Gardeners in warmer zones, particularly throughout the Southeast, still swear by the idea that planting on Good Friday — or sometime during Holy Week — brings good fortune to your garden. Some even say seeds planted on this day will resist pests and yield a more abundant harvest.
But What Does Science Say?
While the symbolism is beautiful, the truth is that plants don’t follow the liturgical calendar — they follow nature’s cues. What really matters is:
Soil temperature: Most vegetables need the soil to be at least 50°F to germinate well.
Frost dates: If you plant too early and a frost hits, your seedlings could suffer or die.
Soil moisture: Working wet soil can compact it, making it harder for roots to grow.
In warmer zones, like much of the Southeast and parts of the West, Good Friday often aligns with ideal planting conditions, which is likely why the tradition stuck around. In cooler climates, however, the soil may still be too cold or wet for reliable planting.
A Beautiful Blend of Belief and Biology
At the end of the day, there’s no harm in planting on Good Friday if conditions are right. In fact, it can be a lovely ritual — a moment of peace, purpose, and connection with nature. Whether you follow the old wisdom for faith, tradition, or just because the timing works out, the most important part is simply getting your hands in the dirt.
So if the sun is shining, the soil is warming, and your gardening spirit is stirring — maybe planting on Good Friday is the perfect start to your season after all.
