What is a root, leaf, flower or fruit day?

In lunar gardening tradition, each day is associated with a plant organ through: root days (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), leaf days (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), flower days (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), and seed/fruit days (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).

What is the difference between an ascending and a descending moon?

It is the moon's declination, not its phase. During an ascending moon (about 13 days), tradition favours sowing and grafting; during a descending moon, planting out, pruning and harvests for storage.

Is gardening by the moon scientifically proven?

No. It is a gardening tradition without scientific consensus. Our calendars give the real astronomical instants and present recommendations as belonging to that tradition.

Why are some days discouraged in lunar calendars?

Traditional calendars avoid the moon's node passages, as well as perigee and apogee: periods considered unfavourable for gardening in that tradition.

Do I have to garden at the exact time shown?

The published times are the real astronomical instants (local time). In practice, the tradition uses the day type to guide tasks, not the exact minute.

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Blog Moon gardening Gardening with the Moon: The Complete Lunar Planting Guide

Gardening with the Moon: The Complete Lunar Planting Guide

Published by Germie in Moon gardening the 04/10/2026 at 23:26

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Gardening with the moon: the vegetable-garden lunar calendar, October 2026 to September 2027

Lunar gardening means timing sowing, planting, pruning and harvesting to the rhythm of the Moon: its four phases, its path across the sky, and the constellations it passes through. Here you will find the complete garden calendar from October 2026 to September 2027 — astronomically computed phase dates, root, leaf, flower and fruit days month by month — plus the method for using it in practice in the vegetable garden.

The Moon phases and their role
Root, leaf, flower and fruit days
Ascending and descending moon
Lunar calendar Oct 2026 – Sept 2027
Using the calendar well
Frequently asked questions

The Moon phases and their role

The Moon completes its cycle in about 29.5 days. Gardening tradition marks four moments:

New moon — the Moon is invisible: a rest period for the garden, better for soil work than for sowing.
First quarter — waxing moon: light grows, sap is said to rise; practitioners sow and graft.
Full moon — maximum brightness: tradition sees it as the peak of underground and leaf activity; fruits and vegetables are harvested full of flavour.
Last quarter — waning moon: a return to calm, time for pruning, maintenance and weeding.

These markers structure the working rhythm — they do not replace the weather, the gardener's common sense, or each vegetable's own sowing calendar.

Root, leaf, flower and fruit days: the "elements" calendar

Besides its phases, the Moon moves through the twelve zodiac constellations in turn. Lunar-calendar tradition groups them by 'element' and derives four day types:

Root days (Moon in Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) — sowing and caring for root vegetables: carrot, beet, radish, turnip, potato.
Leaf days (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) — leaf vegetables: lettuce, spinach, cabbage, leek, herbs.
Flower days (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) — flowers and ornamentals, but also artichoke and broccoli.
Fruit & seed days (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) — tomato, squash, bean, pea, strawberry: sowings and harvests.

Each day below is coloured by its type — read the date, note the day, plan the corresponding job.

Ascending and descending moon: sow or plant?

A second rhythm, distinct from the phases: the Moon stands a little higher in the sky each night for about two weeks (ascending moon), then sinks back (descending moon). Tradition holds that during the ascending moon, sap 'rises' into the aerial parts: time to sow and graft. During the descending moon, sap would flow back to the roots: time to plant, transplant, prune and take cuttings.

In practice: sow your lettuces on a leaf day in the ascending moon, prune your trees on a fruit day in the descending moon.

All times shown are the real astronomical instants, in Paris time. Published calendars may display different times: each uses its own convention for rounding unfavourable periods.

Lunar calendar October 2026

Moon phases in October : Last quarter 3 (3:24 pm)·New moon 10 (5:50 pm)·First quarter 18 (6:12 pm)·Full moon 26 (5:11 am).

Do not garden in October 2026 :

1 — Perigee, after 10:47 pm.
7 — Descending node, before 3:17 am.
17 — Apogee, before 12:54 am.
21 — Ascending node, before 10:50 am.
28 — Perigee, after 7:00 pm.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
1 before 10:47 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow radishes under a cold frame or tunnel; plant garlic, grey shallots and white onions.
1 after 10:47 pm	Perigee	after 10:47 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
2 before 1:26 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest beetroot, carrots, celeriac and parsnips; store root vegetables in a clamp.
2 after 1:26 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Sow radishes under a cold frame or tunnel; plant garlic, grey shallots and white onions.
From 3 to 4	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant pansies, violas, daisies and perennials; set out spring-flowering bulbs.
From 5 to 6 before 8:08 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Plant winter lettuces; sow lamb's lettuce and spinach under cover.
6 after 8:08 am	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; sow broad beans and round-seeded peas in mild areas.
7 before 3:17 am	Descending node	before 3:17 am	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
From 7 after 3:17 am to 8	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest keeping apples and pears, medlars and kakis; sow peach stones in pots.
From 9 to 12 before 12:03 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Harvest beetroot, carrots, celeriac and parsnips; store root vegetables in a clamp.
From 12 after 12:03 pm to 13	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant flowering shrubs sold in pots; lift tuberous begonias, dahlias, cannas and gladioli for winter.
From 14 to 15	Descending moon	Leaf day	Harvest leeks, Brussels sprouts, cardoons and self-blanching celery.
16 before 8:28 am	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Plant winter lettuces; sow lamb's lettuce and spinach under cover.
16 after 8:28 am	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; sow broad beans and round-seeded peas in mild areas.
17 before 12:54 am	Apogee	before 12:54 am	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
From 17 after 12:54 am to 18	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest keeping apples and pears, medlars and kakis; sow peach stones in pots.
From 19 to 20	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow radishes under a cold frame or tunnel; plant garlic, grey shallots and white onions.
21 before 10:50 am	Ascending node	before 10:50 am	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
From 21 after 10:50 am to 22	Ascending moon	Flower day	Plant pansies, violas, daisies and perennials; set out spring-flowering bulbs.
From 23 to 25	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Harvest leeks, Brussels sprouts, cardoons and self-blanching celery.
From 26 to 27 before 8:03 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; sow broad beans and round-seeded peas in mild areas.
From 27 after 8:03 pm to 28 before 7:00 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest beetroot, carrots, celeriac and parsnips; store root vegetables in a clamp.
28 after 7:00 pm	Perigee	after 7:00 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
29 before 6:30 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow radishes under a cold frame or tunnel; plant garlic, grey shallots and white onions.
29 after 6:30 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Harvest beetroot, carrots, celeriac and parsnips; store root vegetables in a clamp.
From 30 to 31	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant flowering shrubs sold in pots; lift tuberous begonias, dahlias, cannas and gladioli for winter.

This month in the garden : Autumn settles in: last sowings under cover, planting fruit trees and bulbs, storing harvests and wintering tender plants.

Lunar calendar November 2026

Moon phases in November : Last quarter 1 (9:28 pm)·New moon 9 (8:02 am)·First quarter 17 (12:47 pm)·Full moon 24 (3:53 pm).

Do not garden in November 2026 :

3 — Descending node, before 4:00 am.
13 — Apogee, before 6:45 pm.
17 — Ascending node, before 12:45 pm.
25 — Perigee, after 9:53 pm.
30 — Descending node, before 4:30 am.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
From 1 to 2 before 12:39 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Harvest lamb's lettuce, spinach, leeks and winter cabbages; bring in chicory roots for forcing.
2 after 12:39 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes.
3 before 4:00 am	Descending node	before 4:00 am	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
From 3 after 4:00 am to 5 before 6:56 am	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest the last keeping fruit; sow broad beans in mild climates.
From 5 after 6:56 am to 8 before 6:30 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Plant garlic, shallots and bulb onions; mulch carrots and parsnips left in the ground.
From 8 after 6:30 pm to 10 before 10:43 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant roses, shrubs and bare-root ornamental trees.
From 10 after 10:43 am to 12 before 10:31 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Mulch artichokes and cardoons; plant spring cabbages in mild areas.
12 after 10:31 am before 2:58 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Harvest lamb's lettuce, spinach, leeks and winter cabbages; bring in chicory roots for forcing.
12 after 2:58 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes.
13 before 6:45 pm	Apogee	before 6:45 pm	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
From 13 after 6:45 pm to 15 before 9:34 am	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest the last keeping fruit; sow broad beans in mild climates.
From 15 after 9:34 am to 16	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest the last root vegetables; lift and store non-hardy tubers.
17 before 12:45 pm	Ascending node	before 12:45 pm	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
17 after 12:45 pm before 6:19 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant garlic, shallots and bulb onions; mulch carrots and parsnips left in the ground.
From 17 after 6:19 pm to 19 before 7:47 am	Ascending moon	Flower day	Plant the last biennials; protect tender plants from frost.
From 19 after 7:47 am to 22 before 12:33 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Mulch artichokes and cardoons; plant spring cabbages in mild areas.
From 22 after 12:33 pm to 24 before 6:17 am	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes.
From 24 after 6:17 am to 25 before 9:53 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest the last root vegetables; lift and store non-hardy tubers.
25 after 9:53 pm	Perigee	after 9:53 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
26 before 12:45 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Plant garlic, shallots and bulb onions; mulch carrots and parsnips left in the ground.
From 26 after 12:45 pm to 28 before 8:57 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant roses, shrubs and bare-root ornamental trees.
From 28 after 8:57 am to 29 before 6:57 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Harvest lamb's lettuce, spinach, leeks and winter cabbages; bring in chicory roots for forcing.
29 after 6:57 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest the last keeping fruit; sow broad beans in mild climates.
30 before 4:30 am	Descending node	before 4:30 am	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
30 after 4:30 am	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes.

This month in the garden : Bare-root planting time; protect, mulch, and bring in the last harvests and tubers.

Lunar calendar December 2026

Moon phases in December : Last quarter 1 (7:08 am)·New moon 9 (1:51 am)·First quarter 17 (6:42 am)·Full moon 24 (2:28 am).

Do not garden in December 2026 :

11 — Apogee, before 7:33 am.
14 — Ascending node, before 2:00 pm.
24 — Perigee, after 9:29 am.
27 — Descending node, before 8:52 am.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
From 1 to 2 before 12:33 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant fruit trees outside frost periods; start gentle pruning of apples and pears.
From 2 after 12:33 pm to 5	Descending moon	Root day	Harvest salsify, scorzonera and parsnips as needed; mulch winter vegetables.
From 6 to 7 before 5:14 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant shrubs and bare-root roses in mild, frost-free weather.
From 7 after 5:14 pm to 9 before 4:18 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Harvest lamb's lettuce, Brussels sprouts and leeks; force chicory in the dark.
9 after 4:18 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Protect leafy vegetables with fleece or a tunnel.
10	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest the last medlars; check stored fruit.
11 before 7:33 am	Apogee	before 7:33 am	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
From 11 after 7:33 am to 12 before 4:21 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant fruit trees outside frost periods; start gentle pruning of apples and pears.
From 12 after 4:21 pm to 13	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant garlic in unfrozen soil; prepare next season's sowing calendar.
14 before 2:00 pm	Ascending node	before 2:00 pm	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
14 after 2:00 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest salsify, scorzonera and parsnips as needed; mulch winter vegetables.
From 15 to 16 before 2:47 pm	Ascending moon	Flower day	Prune roses lightly before hard frosts; check forced bulbs.
From 16 after 2:47 pm to 19	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Harvest lamb's lettuce, Brussels sprouts and leeks; force chicory in the dark.
From 20 to 21 before 5:33 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest the last medlars; check stored fruit.
From 21 after 5:33 pm to 23 before 1:25 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant garlic in unfrozen soil; prepare next season's sowing calendar.
23 after 1:25 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Harvest salsify, scorzonera and parsnips as needed; mulch winter vegetables.
24 before 9:29 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant shrubs and bare-root roses in mild, frost-free weather.
24 after 9:29 am	Perigee	after 9:29 am	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
25 before 6:58 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Prune roses lightly before hard frosts; check forced bulbs.
From 25 after 6:58 pm to 26	Descending moon	Leaf day	Protect leafy vegetables with fleece or a tunnel.
27 before 8:52 am	Descending node	before 8:52 am	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
From 27 after 8:52 am to 29 before 7:19 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant fruit trees outside frost periods; start gentle pruning of apples and pears.
From 29 after 7:19 pm to 31	Descending moon	Root day	Plant garlic in unfrozen soil; prepare next season's sowing calendar.

This month in the garden : The garden rests: winter harvests as needed, frost protection, first gentle pruning.

Lunar calendar January 2027

Moon phases in January : New moon 7 (9:24 pm)·First quarter 15 (9:34 pm)·Full moon 22 (1:17 pm)·Last quarter 29 (11:55 am).

Do not garden in January 2027 :

7 — Apogee, before 8:56 am.
10 — Ascending node, before 4:54 pm.
21 — Perigee, after 10:40 pm.
23 — Descending node, before 6:23 pm.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
From 1 to 2 before 6:30 am	Descending moon	Root day	Plant garlic and shallots in unfrozen soil; sow radishes under a frame.
From 2 after 6:30 am to 3	Descending moon	Flower day	Prune repeat-flowering roses; plant bare-root shrubs in frost-free spells.
From 4 to 5	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow lamb's lettuce and spinach under cover; sow first peas and broad beans in a cold frame.
6	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Prune apple and pear trees; plant bare-root fruit trees in frost-free spells.
7 before 8:56 am	Apogee	before 8:56 am	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
From 7 after 8:56 am to 8	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Cleft-graft; sow aubergines and peppers with heat for the season.
9	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest parsnips, salsify and scorzonera; check stored beetroot.
10 before 4:54 pm	Ascending node	before 4:54 pm	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
From 10 after 4:54 pm to 11 before 7:49 am	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant garlic and shallots in unfrozen soil; sow radishes under a frame.
From 11 after 7:49 am to 12 before 8:20 pm	Ascending moon	Flower day	Take winter-shrub cuttings; sow hardy annuals with heat.
From 12 after 8:20 pm to 16 before 7:28 am	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Harvest lamb's lettuce and winter cabbages; watch crops under the tunnel.
From 16 after 7:28 am to 17	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Prune apple and pear trees; plant bare-root fruit trees in frost-free spells.
From 18 to 19	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest parsnips, salsify and scorzonera; check stored beetroot.
20 before 11:15 am	Descending moon	Root day	Plant garlic and shallots in unfrozen soil; sow radishes under a frame.
From 20 after 11:15 am to 21 before 10:40 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Prune repeat-flowering roses; plant bare-root shrubs in frost-free spells.
21 after 10:40 pm	Perigee	after 10:40 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
22 before 6:34 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Take winter-shrub cuttings; sow hardy annuals with heat.
22 after 6:34 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow lamb's lettuce and spinach under cover; sow first peas and broad beans in a cold frame.
23 before 6:23 pm	Descending node	before 6:23 pm	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
From 23 after 6:23 pm to 25	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Cleft-graft; sow aubergines and peppers with heat for the season.
From 26 to 29 before 1:18 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Harvest parsnips, salsify and scorzonera; check stored beetroot.
From 29 after 1:18 pm to 30	Descending moon	Flower day	Prune repeat-flowering roses; plant bare-root shrubs in frost-free spells.
31	Descending moon	Leaf day	Harvest lamb's lettuce and winter cabbages; watch crops under the tunnel.

This month in the garden : Frost permitting: garlic and shallot planting, fruit-tree pruning, preparing heated sowings.

Lunar calendar February 2027

Moon phases in February : New moon 6 (4:56 pm)·First quarter 14 (8:58 am)·Full moon 21 (12:23 am)·Last quarter 28 (6:16 am).

Do not garden in February 2027 :

3 — Apogee, before 2:19 pm.
6 — Ascending node, before 10:40 pm.
19 — Perigee, after 8:26 am.
20 — Descending node, before 5:38 am.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
1	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow spinach, lamb's lettuce and lettuces under cover; transplant spring cabbages.
2 before 10:02 am	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow celery and summer leeks with heat; blanch chicory.
2 after 10:02 am	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Sow tomatoes, aubergines and peppers with heat; plant raspberries, currants and gooseberries.
3 before 2:19 pm	Apogee	before 2:19 pm	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
From 3 after 2:19 pm to 4	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Finish pruning fruit trees and vines; plant strawberries.
5	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow early carrots and radishes under a frame; plant pink garlic and onion sets.
6 before 10:40 pm	Ascending node	before 10:40 pm	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
From 6 after 10:40 pm to 7 before 1:48 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Prepare seedbeds; harvest the last winter vegetables.
From 7 after 1:48 pm to 8	Ascending moon	Flower day	Sow biennials and perennials with heat; plant spring-flowering shrubs.
From 9 to 12 before 1:33 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow spinach, lamb's lettuce and lettuces under cover; transplant spring cabbages.
From 12 after 1:33 pm to 14 before 10:44 am	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Sow tomatoes, aubergines and peppers with heat; plant raspberries, currants and gooseberries.
From 14 after 10:44 am to 16 before 8:58 am	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow early carrots and radishes under a frame; plant pink garlic and onion sets.
16 after 8:58 am before 8:35 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Prepare seedbeds; harvest the last winter vegetables.
From 16 after 8:35 pm to 18 before 5:15 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Finish pruning hedges and roses before growth resumes; take cuttings.
From 18 after 5:15 pm to 19 before 8:26 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow celery and summer leeks with heat; blanch chicory.
19 after 8:26 am	Perigee	after 8:26 am	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
20 before 5:38 am	Descending node	before 5:38 am	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
From 20 after 5:38 am to 22 before 3:11 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Finish pruning fruit trees and vines; plant strawberries.
From 22 after 3:11 pm to 25	Descending moon	Root day	Sow early carrots and radishes under a frame; plant pink garlic and onion sets.
From 26 to 27 before 1:05 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Sow biennials and perennials with heat; plant spring-flowering shrubs.
From 27 after 1:05 pm to 28	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow spinach, lamb's lettuce and lettuces under cover; transplant spring cabbages.

This month in the garden : Early sowings under cover, end of pruning, first soft-fruit plantings.

Lunar calendar March 2027

Moon phases in March : New moon 8 (10:29 am)·First quarter 15 (5:25 pm)·Full moon 22 (11:43 am)·Last quarter 30 (2:53 am).

Do not garden in March 2027 :

3 — Apogee, before 6:36 am.
6 — Ascending node, before 5:37 am.
19 — Descending node, before 2:03 pm.
31 — Apogee, before 3:33 am.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
1 before 10:36 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow spinach, lettuces, cabbages and herbs in place or under cover; transplant summer leeks.
1 after 10:36 am before 5:06 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Plant artichokes and cardoons; mow the lawn as growth resumes.
From 1 after 5:06 pm to 2	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; sow peas, broad beans and sweet peas.
3 before 6:36 am	Apogee	before 6:36 am	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
From 3 after 6:36 am to 4 before 11:50 am	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant the last fruit trees; sow tomatoes and squashes with heat.
From 4 after 11:50 am to 5	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, radishes, early beetroot and turnips under cover; sow parsnips in place.
6 before 5:37 am	Ascending node	before 5:37 am	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
6 after 5:37 am before 8:43 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant early potatoes in mild areas, asparagus crowns and rhubarb.
From 6 after 8:43 pm to 8 before 8:32 am	Ascending moon	Flower day	Sow hardy annuals in place; plant biennials and perennials.
From 8 after 8:32 am to 11 before 7:01 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow spinach, lettuces, cabbages and herbs in place or under cover; transplant summer leeks.
From 11 after 7:01 pm to 13 before 4:10 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; sow peas, broad beans and sweet peas.
From 13 after 4:10 pm to 15 before 3:14 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, radishes, early beetroot and turnips under cover; sow parsnips in place.
15 after 3:14 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Plant early potatoes in mild areas, asparagus crowns and rhubarb.
From 16 to 17	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant roses and flowering shrubs; sow summer annuals under cover.
18	Descending moon	Leaf day	Plant artichokes and cardoons; mow the lawn as growth resumes.
19 before 2:03 pm	Descending node	before 2:03 pm	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
From 20 to 21	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant the last fruit trees; sow tomatoes and squashes with heat.
From 22 to 25 before 7:20 am	Descending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, radishes, early beetroot and turnips under cover; sow parsnips in place.
From 25 after 7:20 am to 26	Descending moon	Flower day	Sow hardy annuals in place; plant biennials and perennials.
From 27 to 28 before 7:38 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow spinach, lettuces, cabbages and herbs in place or under cover; transplant summer leeks.
28 after 7:38 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Plant artichokes and cardoons; mow the lawn as growth resumes.
From 29 to 30	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; sow peas, broad beans and sweet peas.
31 before 3:33 am	Apogee	before 3:33 am	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
31 after 3:33 am before 8:41 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant the last fruit trees; sow tomatoes and squashes with heat.
31 after 8:41 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant early potatoes in mild areas, asparagus crowns and rhubarb.

This month in the garden : Spring arrives: sowing in place and under cover, strawberry planting, last call for fruit trees.

Lunar calendar April 2027

Moon phases in April : New moon 7 (1:51 am)·First quarter 14 (12:56 am)·Full moon 21 (12:27 am)·Last quarter 28 (10:17 pm).

Do not garden in April 2027 :

2 — Ascending node, before 12:13 pm.
14 — Perigee, after 2:24 am.
15 — Descending node, before 6:28 pm.
27 — Apogee, before 11:12 pm.
29 — Ascending node, before 3:20 pm.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
1	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, beetroot, turnips and radishes in open ground; plant potatoes.
2 before 12:13 pm	Ascending node	before 12:13 pm	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
2 after 12:13 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Thin root-vegetable seedlings; plant spring onions and shallots.
From 3 to 4 before 5:20 pm	Ascending moon	Flower day	Sow annuals in place and under cover; plant perennials and flowering shrubs.
From 4 after 5:20 pm to 7	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow lettuces, spinach, herbs and cabbages in place; transplant young plants.
From 8 to 9	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Sow squashes, beans and peas; plant out tomatoes under cover.
From 10 to 11	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, beetroot, turnips and radishes in open ground; plant potatoes.
12 before 9:29 am	Descending moon	Root day	Thin root-vegetable seedlings; plant spring onions and shallots.
From 12 after 9:29 am to 14 before 2:24 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Divide perennials; plant summer bulbs and tubers.
14 after 2:24 am	Perigee	after 2:24 am	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
15 before 6:28 pm	Descending node	before 6:28 pm	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
15 after 6:28 pm before 6:52 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Mow and scarify the lawn; plant out lettuces and cabbages.
From 15 after 6:52 pm to 18 before 10:38 am	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Watch fruit-tree blossom; protect it from late frosts.
From 18 after 10:38 am to 21 before 5:21 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, beetroot, turnips and radishes in open ground; plant potatoes.
From 21 after 5:21 pm to 23 before 7:40 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Sow annuals in place and under cover; plant perennials and flowering shrubs.
From 23 after 7:40 am to 24	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow lettuces, spinach, herbs and cabbages in place; transplant young plants.
25 before 10:28 am	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Mow and scarify the lawn; plant out lettuces and cabbages.
From 25 after 10:28 am to 26	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Sow squashes, beans and peas; plant out tomatoes under cover.
27 before 11:12 pm	Apogee	before 11:12 pm	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
27 after 11:12 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Watch fruit-tree blossom; protect it from late frosts.
28	Ascending moon	Root day	Thin root-vegetable seedlings; plant spring onions and shallots.
29 before 3:20 pm	Ascending node	before 3:20 pm	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
From 29 after 3:20 pm to 30 before 2:21 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, beetroot, turnips and radishes in open ground; plant potatoes.
30 after 2:21 pm	Ascending moon	Flower day	Divide perennials; plant summer bulbs and tubers.

This month in the garden : Sowing in open ground, potatoes, transplanting; beware late frosts.

Lunar calendar May 2027

Moon phases in May : New moon 6 (12:58 pm)·First quarter 13 (6:43 am)·Full moon 20 (12:58 pm)·Last quarter 28 (3:57 pm).

Do not garden in May 2027 :

9 — Perigee, after 10:02 pm.
12 — Descending node, before 7:00 pm.
25 — Apogee, before 5:04 pm.
26 — Ascending node, before 5:16 pm.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
1	Ascending moon	Flower day	Plant annuals, perennials and summer bulbs; sow cosmos and zinnias in place.
From 2 to 5 before 11:31 am	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow and transplant lettuces, summer cabbages and herbs; mulch generously.
From 5 after 11:31 am to 7 before 6:55 am	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant tomatoes, squashes and beans after the Ice Saints; sow melons and cucumbers.
From 7 after 6:55 am to 8	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, beetroot and radishes; thin and mulch the beds.
9 before 3:55 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Plant the last potatoes; harvest earlies.
9 after 3:55 pm before 10:02 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant roses and clematis; move tender plants outside.
9 after 10:02 pm	Perigee	after 10:02 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
From 10 to 11 before 1:47 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant annuals, perennials and summer bulbs; sow cosmos and zinnias in place.
11 after 1:47 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Plant out all transplants after the Ice Saints; mow regularly.
12 before 7:00 pm	Descending node	before 7:00 pm	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
12 after 7:00 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow and transplant lettuces, summer cabbages and herbs; mulch generously.
From 13 to 15 before 4:50 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Tie in raspberries; watch fruit set and aphids on fruit trees.
From 15 after 4:50 pm to 18	Descending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, beetroot and radishes; thin and mulch the beds.
From 19 to 20 before 3:29 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant roses and clematis; move tender plants outside.
From 20 after 3:29 pm to 22 before 10:47 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Plant out all transplants after the Ice Saints; mow regularly.
22 after 10:47 am before 6:20 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow and transplant lettuces, summer cabbages and herbs; mulch generously.
From 22 after 6:20 pm to 24	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant tomatoes, squashes and beans after the Ice Saints; sow melons and cucumbers.
25 before 5:04 pm	Apogee	before 5:04 pm	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
25 after 5:04 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant the last potatoes; harvest earlies.
26 before 5:16 pm	Ascending node	before 5:16 pm	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
From 26 after 5:16 pm to 27	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots, beetroot and radishes; thin and mulch the beds.
From 28 to 29 before 8:58 am	Ascending moon	Flower day	Plant annuals, perennials and summer bulbs; sow cosmos and zinnias in place.
From 29 after 8:58 am to 31	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Plant out all transplants after the Ice Saints; mow regularly.

This month in the garden : After the Ice Saints: tomatoes, squashes, beans and tender plants go out; sowings multiply.

Lunar calendar June 2027

Moon phases in June : New moon 4 (9:40 pm)·First quarter 11 (12:56 pm)·Full moon 19 (2:44 am)·Last quarter 27 (6:54 am).

Do not garden in June 2027 :

6 — Perigee, after 4:46 pm.
8 — Descending node, before 9:20 pm.
22 — Apogee, before 7:06 am.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
1	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow autumn lettuces and spinach; harvest and snip herbs.
From 2 to 3 before 4:36 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest strawberries, cherries and first soft fruit; thin laden fruit trees.
From 3 after 4:36 pm to 5 before 11:53 am	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots and storing beetroot; harvest garlic and shallots when foliage yellows.
5 after 11:53 am	Descending moon	Root day	Lift early potatoes; hoe and earth up the beds.
6 before 4:46 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Sow biennials for next year; pinch and stake perennials.
6 after 4:46 pm	Perigee	after 4:46 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
7	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant the last annuals; deadhead roses.
8 before 9:20 pm	Descending node	before 9:20 pm	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
From 8 after 9:20 pm to 9 before 6:50 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Harvest spring cabbages; mulch and mow high.
From 9 after 6:50 am to 11	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Stake tomatoes and squashes; pick peas and broad beans as they ripen.
From 12 to 15 before 6:53 am	Descending moon	Root day	Sow carrots and storing beetroot; harvest garlic and shallots when foliage yellows.
From 15 after 6:53 am to 16	Descending moon	Flower day	Sow biennials for next year; pinch and stake perennials.
From 17 to 18 before 4:50 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow autumn lettuces and spinach; harvest and snip herbs.
18 after 4:50 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Harvest spring cabbages; mulch and mow high.
From 19 to 21 before 7:38 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest strawberries, cherries and first soft fruit; thin laden fruit trees.
21 after 7:38 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Lift early potatoes; hoe and earth up the beds.
22 before 7:06 am	Apogee	before 7:06 am	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
From 22 after 8:21 pm to 23 before 11:36 am	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow carrots and storing beetroot; harvest garlic and shallots when foliage yellows.
23 after 11:36 am before 12:33 pm	Ascending moon	Flower day	Plant the last annuals; deadhead roses.
23 after 12:33 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Lift early potatoes; hoe and earth up the beds.
From 24 to 25 before 3:35 pm	Ascending moon	Flower day	Sow biennials for next year; pinch and stake perennials.
From 25 after 3:35 pm to 29 before 6:40 am	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow autumn lettuces and spinach; harvest and snip herbs.
From 29 after 6:40 am to 30	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Stake tomatoes and squashes; pick peas and broad beans as they ripen.

This month in the garden : First fruit harvests, autumn sowings, staking and crop care.

Lunar calendar July 2027

Moon phases in July : New moon 4 (5:01 am)·First quarter 10 (8:38 pm)·Full moon 18 (5:44 pm)·Last quarter 26 (6:54 pm).

Do not garden in July 2027 :

4 — Perigee, after 10:50 pm.
6 — Descending node, before 4:12 am.
19 — Apogee, before 1:43 pm.
20 — Ascending node, before 1:29 am.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
From 1 to 2	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow turnips and autumn carrots; harvest potatoes and onions.
3 before 10:53 am	Descending moon	Root day	Harvest garlic; sow storing beetroot.
From 3 after 10:53 am to 4 before 10:50 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Take rose and shrub cuttings; remove faded blooms; sow the last biennials.
4 after 10:50 pm	Perigee	after 10:50 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
5 before 6:43 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Harvest lavender; water pots and planters at the base.
5 after 6:43 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow chicories, lamb's lettuce and autumn spinach; pick lettuces and herbs regularly.
6 before 4:12 am	Descending node	before 4:12 am	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
6 after 4:12 am before 3:27 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Mulch and water at the base in the evening; mow high in dry spells.
From 6 after 3:27 pm to 8	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest raspberries, currants, apricots and tomatoes; sow autumn beans.
From 9 to 12 before 12:32 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Sow turnips and autumn carrots; harvest potatoes and onions.
From 12 after 12:32 pm to 13	Descending moon	Flower day	Take rose and shrub cuttings; remove faded blooms; sow the last biennials.
From 14 to 15	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow chicories, lamb's lettuce and autumn spinach; pick lettuces and herbs regularly.
16 before 7:12 am	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Mulch and water at the base in the evening; mow high in dry spells.
From 16 after 7:12 am to 18	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Summer-prune fruit trees after harvest; thin apple trees.
19 before 1:43 pm	Apogee	before 1:43 pm	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
19 after 1:43 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest garlic; sow storing beetroot.
20 before 1:29 am	Ascending node	before 1:29 am	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
20 after 1:29 am before 5:31 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow turnips and autumn carrots; harvest potatoes and onions.
20 after 5:31 pm before 6:49 pm	Ascending moon	Flower day	Harvest lavender; water pots and planters at the base.
From 20 after 6:49 pm to 21 before 12:03 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Harvest garlic; sow storing beetroot.
From 21 after 12:03 pm to 22	Ascending moon	Flower day	Take rose and shrub cuttings; remove faded blooms; sow the last biennials.
From 23 to 26 before 2:29 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow chicories, lamb's lettuce and autumn spinach; pick lettuces and herbs regularly.
From 26 after 2:29 pm to 28 before 11:52 am	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest raspberries, currants, apricots and tomatoes; sow autumn beans.
From 28 after 11:52 am to 30 before 7:43 am	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow turnips and autumn carrots; harvest potatoes and onions.
30 after 7:43 am	Descending moon	Root day	Harvest garlic; sow storing beetroot.
31	Descending moon	Flower day	Harvest lavender; water pots and planters at the base.

This month in the garden : Peak production: harvesting, autumn sowings, cuttings and watering at the base.

Lunar calendar August 2027

Moon phases in August : New moon 2 (12:05 pm)·First quarter 9 (6:54 am)·Full moon 17 (9:28 am)·Last quarter 25 (4:27 am).

Do not garden in August 2027 :

2 — Descending node, before 2:31 pm.
15 — Apogee, before 4:10 pm.
16 — Ascending node, before 7:45 am.
30 — Descending node, before 12:58 am.
30 — Perigee, after 5:38 pm.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
1 before 5:28 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Sow perennials and biennials; plant autumn bulbs: colchicums, cyclamen, crocuses.
1 after 5:28 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow lamb's lettuce, spinach, winter lettuces and herbs; transplant autumn and winter cabbages.
2 before 2:31 pm	Descending node	before 2:31 pm	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
From 3 to 5 before 1:57 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest apples, pears, plums, raspberries and tomatoes; sow early broad beans in mild climates.
From 5 after 1:57 pm to 8 before 7:08 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Sow radishes, turnips and autumn carrots; harvest and dry onions and garlic.
From 8 after 7:08 pm to 10 before 9:43 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Take cuttings; divide irises and daylilies after flowering.
From 10 after 9:43 am to 11	Descending moon	Leaf day	Harvest herbs for drying; water salads in the evening.
12 before 1:07 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow lamb's lettuce, spinach, winter lettuces and herbs; transplant autumn and winter cabbages.
From 12 after 1:07 pm to 14	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Sow seed strawberries; prepare fruit preserves and drying.
15 before 4:10 pm	Apogee	before 4:10 pm	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
15 after 4:10 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Transplant strawberries; sow green manures on cleared beds.
16 before 7:45 am	Ascending node	before 7:45 am	Avoid gardening (Ascending node)
From 16 after 7:45 am to 17 before 6:01 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow radishes, turnips and autumn carrots; harvest and dry onions and garlic.
From 17 after 6:01 pm to 18	Ascending moon	Flower day	Sow perennials and biennials; plant autumn bulbs: colchicums, cyclamen, crocuses.
From 19 to 22 before 8:34 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Harvest herbs for drying; water salads in the evening.
From 22 after 8:34 pm to 24 before 6:57 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest apples, pears, plums, raspberries and tomatoes; sow early broad beans in mild climates.
From 24 after 6:57 pm to 26 before 4:15 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Transplant strawberries; sow green manures on cleared beds.
From 26 after 4:15 pm to 27 before 6:18 am	Descending moon	Root day	Sow radishes, turnips and autumn carrots; harvest and dry onions and garlic.
From 27 after 6:18 am to 28	Descending moon	Flower day	Take cuttings; divide irises and daylilies after flowering.
29	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow lamb's lettuce, spinach, winter lettuces and herbs; transplant autumn and winter cabbages.
30 before 12:58 am	Descending node	before 12:58 am	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
30 after 12:58 am before 12:35 pm	Descending moon	Leaf day	Harvest herbs for drying; water salads in the evening.
30 after 12:35 pm before 5:38 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Sow seed strawberries; prepare fruit preserves and drying.
30 after 5:38 pm	Perigee	after 5:38 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
31	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Harvest apples, pears, plums, raspberries and tomatoes; sow early broad beans in mild climates.

This month in the garden : Harvests and preserves; sow for autumn and winter, green manures on cleared beds.

Lunar calendar September 2027

Moon phases in September : First quarter 7 (8:31 pm)·Full moon 16 (1:03 am)·Last quarter 23 (12:20 pm)·New moon 30 (4:35 am).

Do not garden in September 2027 :

12 — Apogee, before 1:28 am.
26 — Descending node, before 8:00 am.
27 — Perigee, after 10:02 pm.

Date	Moon	Day	What to do in the garden
1	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; harvest apples, pears, grapes and tomatoes.
From 2 to 4	Descending moon	Root day	Sow radishes and round carrots; harvest beetroot, carrots and celeriac.
From 5 to 6 before 5:05 pm	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant biennials, spring bulbs and perennials; sow flowering green manures.
From 6 after 5:05 pm to 8 before 10:54 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow lamb's lettuce, spinach and winter lettuces; harvest herbs and cabbages.
8 after 10:54 am before 7:47 pm	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Plant out lettuces; sow green manures on empty plots.
From 8 after 7:47 pm to 11 before 2:30 pm	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Sow peas and broad beans in mild areas; store keeping fruit under cover.
11 after 2:30 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant garlic and white onions late in the month; lift the last potatoes.
12 before 1:28 am	Apogee	before 1:28 am	Avoid gardening (Apogee)
12 after 1:21 pm	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow radishes and round carrots; harvest beetroot, carrots and celeriac.
13 before 7:22 am	Ascending moon	Flower day	Plant flowering shrubs in containers; take rose cuttings.
13 after 7:22 am	Ascending moon	Root day	Plant garlic and white onions late in the month; lift the last potatoes.
From 14 to 15 before 9:47 am	Ascending moon	Flower day	Plant biennials, spring bulbs and perennials; sow flowering green manures.
From 15 after 9:47 am to 18	Ascending moon	Leaf day	Sow lamb's lettuce, spinach and winter lettuces; harvest herbs and cabbages.
From 19 to 20	Ascending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; harvest apples, pears, grapes and tomatoes.
From 21 to 22	Ascending moon	Root day	Sow radishes and round carrots; harvest beetroot, carrots and celeriac.
23 before 1:01 pm	Descending moon	Root day	Plant garlic and white onions late in the month; lift the last potatoes.
From 23 after 1:01 pm to 25 before 11:57 am	Descending moon	Flower day	Plant flowering shrubs in containers; take rose cuttings.
25 after 11:57 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Plant out lettuces; sow green manures on empty plots.
26 before 8:00 am	Descending node	before 8:00 am	Avoid gardening (Descending node)
26 after 8:00 am	Descending moon	Leaf day	Sow lamb's lettuce, spinach and winter lettuces; harvest herbs and cabbages.
27 before 10:02 pm	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Sow peas and broad beans in mild areas; store keeping fruit under cover.
27 after 10:02 pm	Perigee	after 10:02 pm	Avoid gardening (Perigee)
From 28 to 29 before 10:37 am	Descending moon	Fruit and seed day	Plant strawberries and soft fruit; harvest apples, pears, grapes and tomatoes.
From 29 after 10:37 am to 30	Descending moon	Root day	Sow radishes and round carrots; harvest beetroot, carrots and celeriac.

This month in the garden : Transition time: storing harvests, winter sowings, bulb and strawberry planting.

Using the lunar calendar well

Weather first. An ideal root day on paper will not sow anything under snow: the lunar calendar arbitrates between two possible weather windows, it does not create them.
Cross with the sowing calendar. The month says whether the season is right; the lunar day refines the moment.
No guilt. Sowing on a 'wrong' day has never failed a garden: the tradition is a planning comfort, not an obligation.
Look ahead. Days come in blocks of 2 to 3: spot the next suitable slot for your vegetable in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Does lunar gardening actually work?

It is a very old gardening tradition (biodynamics, farmers' almanacs): no solid scientific evidence validates the Moon's effect on sowing. On the other hand, it is an excellent framework for organising garden jobs and observing your plot regularly — many gardeners find it a real planning comfort.

What is the difference between waxing and ascending moon?

Waxing/waning describes illumination (from first quarter to full moon, then back). Ascending/descending describes the Moon's height in the sky, which rises then falls over about 27 days. Both cycles combine in lunar calendars.

Which days for sowing carrots?

Pick a root day (Moon in Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn), ideally in the ascending moon, during carrot's proper sowing season — see our vegetable sowing calendar for the period.

And for pruning fruit trees?

Tradition recommends fruit days in the descending moon, during the tree's winter pruning — avoid hard frosts, which remain the real limiting factor.

What do perigee, apogee and lunar nodes mean?

These are the traditional markers of unfavourable days. Perigee is when the Moon is closest to Earth, apogee the furthest; nodes are where its path crosses the ecliptic. Lunar-calendar tradition considers these periods disturbed and advises postponing work — our tables flag them day by day with the real astronomical time (Paris time).

Fancy a rhythmic vegetable garden? Our germination kits start your sowings on the right dates — and the Gardiscan reads your soil before every planting.