Why Plant By The Moon Phases?

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.

Planting by the Moon – January 2026

(Full Moon to ¼ Moon) 3 – 10 January:  

Gravitational pull decreases and moonlight decreases, so leaf growth reduces and root growth increases. Plant root crops now.

(Last ¼ to New Moon) 11 – 18 January: 

The waning moon is good for balanced growth. No sowing or planting during this phase. Harvest vegetables, weeding, digging, pruning and cultivating. Apply mulch.

(New Moon to ¼ Moon) 19 – 26 January:

Influences balanced growth; a lower gravitational pull decreases, which stimulates root growth—the best time to sow or transplant leafy vegetables.

(First ¼ to Full Moon) 27 – 4 February:

Increased light from the waxing moon benefits leaf growth, and root growth slows down. Best time to sow/transplant fruiting annuals.

What to plant in  January - February:

Bundaberg's January weather is hot, humid, and often wet. The focus this month is on heat-tolerant crops, protecting your soil from the harsh sun, and managing moisture to prevent fungal issues.

Vegetables & Herbs

You want quick-growing crops or plants that love the sub-tropical heat.

Best Performers: Sweet Corn, Snake Beans, Sweet Potato (runners), Capsicum, Chillies, Eggplant, Rosella.

Leafy Greens: Basil (loves the heat), Lemongrass, Mint (keep in pots), Rocket and Lettuce (only if grown under shade cloth and watered daily).

Root Veg: Radish (quick harvest), Beetroot, Carrots (sow deep to keep cool).

Vines: Cucumber, Zucchini, Pumpkin, Watermelon, Rockmelon.

Tip: Lift melons off the moist soil using straw or an overturned saucer to prevent rot.

January Garden Jobs in Bundaberg

Mulch Heavily: The sun is your soil's enemy right now. Apply sugar cane mulch or lucerne to a depth of 5-7cm to keep roots cool and retain moisture.

Watering: Water early in the morning (before 9 AM) to prevent evaporation. Avoid watering late in the evening to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which thrives in Bundaberg's humidity.

Shade: Young seedlings will burn. Use shade cloth or old white sheets to protect new plants during the hottest part of the day (11 AM - 3 PM).

Pests: Watch out for lawn grubs (armyworm) after heavy rains.