April is one of the most active months in the garden. The soil is warming, seedlings are beginning to establish, and there is a feeling of excitement as seedlings start to emerge from the soil!
Gardening is one of my real joys, it is such a wonderful feeling going outside ion a Spring morning to look at your beds or flower beds to see what shoots have emerged overnight.
If you are like me, you may be interested in the concept of lunar gardening. This is something I have become really interested and my gardening this year will be helped along by following the concept of lunar gardening which helps you to follow a rhythm, the same rhythm that has helped gardeners for centuries.
The below guide follows the UK moon phases for April 2026, helping you decide what to do, and when.
Does Lunar Gardening Really Work?
Plants, like animals, have biological rhythms, they have regular cycles in their behaviour and psychology, The most studied of these is the circadian rhythm, which is like our internal 24 hour clock, researched in the field of Chronobiology.
But, if like our ancestors, you don't need a scientific study in order to do something, then you may just want to give lunar gardening a go, and re-connect with the rhythms of nature.
It's a great way to plan your gardening in a non-stressful way, allowing you to space tasks naturally throughout a month, work with the soil conditions instead of against them, noticing patterns in growth and success.
At the very least, it brings a sense of rhythm to the garden and in a busy growing season, that’s often what’s needed most.
New Moon — 2 April
Best for: preparation and indoor sowing
At the new moon, energy is low and drawn downwards into the soil. It’s a good time to focus on groundwork and soil rather than growing.
Use this phase to prepare your beds by adding compost, mulch, and gently work the soil if conditions allow.
It’s also ideal for sowing indoors. Tender crops like tomatoes, courgettes and squash benefit from this, establishing roots before rapid growth begins.
Herbs such as chamomile, fennel and hyssop can also be started now.
Avoid transplanting or disturbing established plants at this stage.
Waxing Moon — 3 to 16 April
Best for: sowing leafy crops and encouraging growth above ground
As the moon begins to grow, so does upward energy in plants. This is one of the most productive windows of the month.
Focus on sowing crops that grow above the soil:
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Lettuce, spinach and rocket
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Chard and spring onions
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Soft herbs like parsley, dill and coriander
This is also the time to prick out seedlings and begin feeding lightly with compost tea or seaweed solution.
If you’re growing in containers or raised beds, this is when things will start to feel like they are properly underway.
Full Moon — 17 April
Best for: harvesting and observation
The full moon marks a peak in moisture and vitality. Plants are at their most active, with sap drawn fully upwards.
This is a good moment to:
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Harvest leafy greens (they’ll be at their most hydrated)
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Water deeply
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Check plant health and growth
Try to avoid pruning or disturbing roots here — plants can be more sensitive at this peak.
Waning Moon — 18 to 30 April
Best for: root crops, soil care, and maintenance
As the moon begins to wane, energy shifts back down into the soil. This is the ideal phase for anything involving roots.
Sow and plant:
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Carrots
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Beetroot
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Turnips
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Maincrop potatoes
It’s also an excellent time for:
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Weeding (regrowth is slower)
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Dividing perennials
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Pruning hardy herbs like thyme and sage
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Improving soil with compost or manure
This phase is less about visible growth and more about strengthening what’s happening beneath the surface.
What to Plant in April (Quick Guide)
Leafy crops (waxing moon):
Lettuce, spinach, rocket, chard
Root crops (waning moon):
Carrot, beetroot, parsnip, turnip
Fruiting crops (indoors, waxing):
Tomatoes, courgette, squash
Herbs:
Sow little and often through the waxing phase
Final Thoughts
April is a great time to take a breath and plan your month ahead, rather than trying to plant everything at once.
If you follow the phases of the moon, the work spreads itself out — preparation, sowing, tending, then supported growing.
will you be giving lunar growing a go this year? If you want more ways to connect with the changing seasons and nature, take a look at our monthly almanac subscription.
And over time, that rhythm becomes something you rely on.