While gardening by the moon isn't for everyone, it is an age-old technique that is growing increasingly popular.

Gardeners who practice this technique track the lunar orbit and believe the moon effects the flow of moisture in soil and plants, and to a lesser degree, that moonlight effects seed germination.

RELATED: Phases Of The Moon

Research conducted at Northwestern University over a ten-year period shows that plants absorb more water at the time of the full moon. And others believe that as moonlight increases in the lunar orbit, leaf growth accelerates in plants. Conversely, as the moon begins to wane and less light is displayed in the second half of the lunar orbit, leaf growth slows down.

SLIDESHOW: The Lunar Orbit

Ready to see if gardening by the moon benefits your garden? Click here to access a lunar orbit calendar created by the U.S. Naval Observatory.