People plant by the phases of the moon, a practice known as lunar or moon gardening, because it is believed the moon's gravitational pull affects moisture levels in the soil and within the plant itself. This ancient practice suggests that planting during specific phases can optimise growth, with the belief that a waxing moon (from new moon to full moon) is best for above-ground crops, while a waning moon (from full moon to new moon) is better for root vegetables. While scientific evidence is limited, many traditional and modern gardeners swear by its effectiveness.
🌕 April 1–9 (Full Moon → Waning Gibbous)
Focus: Planting & transplanting (leafy + fruiting crops). Soil moisture is high just after the full moon—great for establishment.
Best to plant:
- Lettuce, spinach, Asian greens
- Tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant (last chance for warm crops)
- Cucumbers, zucchini
Good for:
- Transplanting seedlings
- Fertilising (liquid feeds)
🌗 April 10–16 (Last Quarter → Waning Crescent)
Focus: Root crops + maintenance
Best to plant:
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Radish
- Turnips
- Sweet potato (Bundaberg still warm enough)
Good for:
- Pruning, weeding
- Composting
- Soil improvement (mulch, minerals)
🌑 April 17–23 (New Moon phase)
Focus: Rest + preparation
Avoid major planting (traditionally low vitality)
Do instead:
- Prepare beds
- Add compost/manure
- Repair irrigation
- Plan winter crops
🌓 April 24–30 (First Quarter → Waxing)
Focus: Above-ground crops (leafy + climbing)
Best to plant:
- Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
- Silverbeet, kale
- Herbs (parsley, coriander)
- Beans, peas (excellent timing)
Good for:
- Seed sowing
- Grafting/propagation
🌡️ Climate reality
- Soil temp: still warm (~20–25°C)
- Rainfall: easing
- Humidity: dropping
👉 This means:
- Germination is fast right now
- But watering is still essential
🌱 Best-performing crops this month (ranked)
- Leafy greens (fast + forgiving)
- Beans & peas (excellent success rate)
- Brassicas (plant now for winter harvest)
- Root crops (mid-month window only)
⚠️ Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- ❌ Planting brassicas too early (they bolt in heat)→ ✔ Best in the 24–30 April window
- ❌ Transplanting root crops→ ✔ Always direct sow
- ❌ Ignoring soil moisture cycles→ ✔ Water more during waxing moon, less during waning