Farmers’ Almanac Planting Calendar

Gardening by the Moon (according to the phases of the Moon) is an ancient concept and a fundamental part of the Farmers’ Almanac philosophy. For over 200 years, our print editions have included a Planting Calendar that uses phases and position of the Moon to predict the best times to perform specific gardening tasks. FA readers have long sworn by this method of managing their gardens and crops.

The dates listed below are consistent across all growing zones. Please consider your regional weather and climate before following our suggestions. We also recommend that you talk with a local greenhouse or your agricultural extension office to discover optimal windows of time within which you may use the dates below.

Be sure to check out your frost dates and learn more about your plant hardiness zone (which may have changed a bit when the zones were updated in 2024).

Almanac Gardening Calendar Terms Explained

Above ground crops: Crops that produce their yield above the soil (corn, peppers, squash, etc.)

Root Crops: Crops that produce their yield below the soil (potatoes, radishes, carrots, etc.)

Seedbeds: A bed of soil cultivated for planting seeds or seedlings before being transplanted.

Seedlings: Young plants—especially ones that grow from seeds (rather than from a cutting).

Transplanting: To uproot and replant a growing plant or an already well-established plant. (Transplanting suggestions are true for houseplants as well.)

The terms “Favorable,” “Good,” and “Best” are all considered beneficial days for planting. “Favorable” and  “Good” mean the same thing. However, “Best” is considered the optimal day for planting seeds. Learn about the associations between zodiac signs and planting in our Zodiac Calendar.

🌙 How Does the Moon Affect Plants on Earth?

Gardeners have looked to the Moon for planting guidance for thousands of years, long before modern calendars or weather forecasts existed. Those who practice gardening by the Moon believe that the same gravitational forces that move the oceans also influence moisture in the soil and within plants themselves.

Just as the Moon’s gravity causes ocean tides to rise and fall, lunar gardeners say it also subtly affects groundwater levels and sap flow in plants. When the Moon’s pull is strongest—during the New Moon and Full Moon—moisture is believed to be drawn upward, closer to the soil surface and into plant tissues.

🌊 Water, Gravity, and Growth

This theory suggests that seeds absorb the most water during the New and Full Moon phases, when gravitational forces are strongest. Because water is essential for seed swelling, cracking, and sprouting, these phases are considered especially favorable for germination.

RELATED: Full Moon Calendar

• New Moon → First Quarter:
  Moisture rises, encouraging leaf and stem growth. This is considered the best time to plant above-ground crops like lettuce, tomatoes, beans, and squash.
• Full Moon:
  Moisture remains high, and energy peaks. Seeds tend to germinate quickly, making this a powerful window for planting, transplanting, and encouraging vigorous growth.
• After the Full Moon (Waning Phase):
  Moisture slowly recedes downward. This period is traditionally favored for root crops, pruning, harvesting, and soil work.

🌱 Why Gardeners Still Follow It

While modern science hasn’t definitively proven lunar gardening effects in controlled studies, many gardeners swear by it—pointing to stronger seedlings, improved yields, and healthier plants over decades of observation.

Moon gardening doesn’t replace good soil, proper timing, or climate awareness—but instead acts as a natural rhythm, helping gardeners decide when to plant, not what to plant.

For many, it’s less about strict rules and more about working in harmony with natural cycles, slowing down, observing patterns, and trusting the long relationship between the Moon, the Earth, and growing things .

Learn more about Gardening by the Moon.

RELATED: Moon Phases Timeline — 2026

🌱 February Gardening To-Do List

As winter lingers, February is all about preparation and patience. While much of the garden may still be dormant, this is the perfect time to plan, inspect, and get a jump on the growing season ahead.

Planning & Prep 📓✨

• Review last year’s garden notes and photos. What worked well? What struggled? Make adjustments to plant spacing, varieties, and layouts for the coming season.
• Order seeds early to ensure the best selection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Don’t forget pollinator-friendly plants 🐝
• Sketch out your garden plan, including crop rotation for vegetable beds to reduce pests and disease.

Indoor Gardening 🌿🏡

• Start seeds indoors for slow-growing plants like onions, leeks, celery, and some perennials. Use grow lights or a bright south-facing window.
• Continue caring for indoor herbs and houseplants. Rotate pots for even light and water sparingly.
• Check overwintering plants (such as dahlias, cannas, or geraniums) for mold or rot and remove any damaged material.

Maintenance & Winter Checks 🧤❄️

• Inspect trees and shrubs for storm damage. Gently remove broken or hanging branches when conditions are dry.
• Brush heavy snow off shrubs and evergreens to prevent branch breakage.
• Check mulch levels around perennials and shrubs and replenish if needed to protect roots from freeze–thaw cycles.
• Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools so they’re ready for spring action.

Soil & Compost ♻️🌍

• Turn compost piles on mild days to keep decomposition active.
• Begin collecting kitchen scraps and shredded paper or cardboard to build spring-ready compost.

🌷 March Gardening To-Do List

As days lengthen and temperatures slowly rise, March signals the start of the gardening season. Early action now sets the stage for a productive and beautiful spring.

Early Planting 🌱🌞

• Start more seeds indoors: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, broccoli, cabbage, and herbs like basil and parsley.
• Direct-sow cold-hardy crops as soon as the soil can be worked: peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, carrots, and beets.
• Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and roses while they’re still dormant.

Garden Cleanup 🧹🍂

• Gradually remove winter mulch from beds as the ground thaws, leaving some in place to suppress weeds.
• Cut back dead perennial growth, ornamental grasses, and spent flower stalks.
• Remove debris and fallen leaves to reduce hiding spots for pests and disease.

Lawn & Bed Care 🌾🌼

• Rake lawns gently to remove winter debris and allow grass to breathe.
• Edge garden beds and refresh pathways for a clean, defined look.
• Test your soil and amend with compost, lime, or other nutrients as recommended.

Pruning & Protection ✂️🌳

• Prune summer-flowering shrubs and fruit trees before new growth begins.
• Watch for early-emerging pests and address issues promptly.
• Keep row covers or frost cloths handy for surprise cold snaps.

Final Prep & Planning 📦🌸

• Organize seeds, labels, and trays so everything is ready for planting.
• Plan succession planting to keep harvests going all season long.
• Take time to enjoy the first signs of spring—buds swelling, birds returning, and soil waking up 🌷🐦

Fun Garden Folklore

Have you ever heard any of these expressions? Know any others you’d like to add? What do you believe? Tell us in the comments!

• Never plant vegetables that sound alike together. For example: potatoes and tomatoes. According to our Companion Planting Chart, potatoes and tomatoes are not good companions. Both in the nightshade family, they covet the same soil nutrients, and are susceptible to the same diseases. So, it’s better to plant tomatoes and potatoes away from each other. Can you think of any others? Let us know in the comments!
• It’s time to plant when you can sit on your garden soil without pants on and not get cold. This seems to make sense (albeit we recommend sitting on the ground with pants on). Many plants need warm soil temperatures before they germinate and survive outside so if you can sit on the ground comfortably it might be time to plant.
• Planting peppers when you’re mad will make the peppers hotter. This is a curious notion, one that tempts us to head out to the garden, pepper plants in hand, after an argument!
• Never say “thank you” for a plant. If you do, some believe bad luck will come to you or that the plant will die. Instead, say something that compliments the gift – “Oh, this flower will look great in my garden.” 
• Don’t wear perfume in the garden unless you want to be pollinated by bees. Bees and mosquitoes are attracted to sweet smelling scents, so this one may be sound advice. 
• Always plant your potatoes and green beans on Good Friday. This really depends on where you live and when Good Friday lands – anywhere between March 20 and April 23. For many areas of the country, these dates are too early to put anything in the ground. Yet for warmer areas, Good Friday does align with the start of spring and could be a good reminder to go outside and plant. 

Join The Discussion!

What are your gardening plans this season?

Do you have any tips, tricks, or garden folklore from your family to pass down?

What questions do you have for the Farmers’ Almanac?

Share your thoughts, experiences, and challenges in the comments here!