When to plant garlic in April 2026
According to Maria Thun's biodynamic lunar calendar
Lunar planting is a traditional agricultural practice. Its effectiveness is not confirmed by modern science. For best results, also consider weather, soil, and local climate conditions.
3
Best days
4
Good days
8
Neutral
15
Avoid
Unfavorable days
1
2
3
15
16
17
18
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
30
Why these days?
Garlic belongs to the root day category in Maria Thun's biodynamic calendar. This means it's best to sow and tend this crop when the Moon is in earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). Additionally, the waning Moon directs sap downward to the roots, which is essential for this crop.
Upcoming Moon phases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lunar calendar?
A lunar calendar is a traditional system for planning garden tasks based on the phases of the Moon and its position in the zodiac signs. The methodology is grounded in Rudolf Steiner's biodynamic school (1924) and Maria Thun's calendar (since 1963).
Is it scientifically proven?
No. A peer-reviewed review (Mayoral et al., Agronomy, 2020) found no reliable evidence that lunar phases affect plant physiology. This is folk and biodynamic tradition, not proven agronomy. Recent studies (2023–2025) show moonlight may act as a cellular signal in plants, but this does not confirm classical calendar rules.
Why use it then?
The lunar calendar is a time-tested planning system — it helps organize garden tasks according to nature's rhythm. Many gardeners use it alongside modern agronomy as a supplementary guide, not the sole rule. Weather, soil, and local conditions remain primary.
What is Maria Thun's biodynamic method?
Maria Thun (1922–2012) developed a system in which each day is classified as a fruit, leaf, root, or flower day — depending on which zodiac sign the Moon is in. The method is based on 60 years of field experiments and has been published annually since 1963.
Why doesn't the zodiac sign match my birthday?
The lunar calendar shows the sign where the Moon is currently located, not the Sun. Your birth sign is determined by the Sun's position (1 year = full zodiac cycle). The Moon travels through the entire zodiac in ~27 days, spending 2-3 days in each sign. That's why the day's sign changes every 2-3 days — this matters for garden work according to Maria Thun's biodynamic method.
What do "fruit day", "root day", "leaf day", and "flower day" mean?
These are four categories from Maria Thun's biodynamic calendar, determined by the element of the zodiac sign the Moon is currently in. Fruit day (fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) favors tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, beans. Root day (earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) — carrots, potatoes, beets, onions. Leaf day (water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) — lettuce, cabbage, spinach, herbs. Flower day (air signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) — flowers, broccoli, cauliflower.
What's the difference between a waxing and waning Moon?
Waxing Moon (new → full) — tradition says sap rises, favoring above-ground growth. Time for sowing fruiting and leafy crops, transplanting, grafting, watering. Waning Moon (full → new) — sap descends to the roots. Good for sowing root crops, pruning trees, harvesting for storage, weeding, and pest control.
Can I still plant on an "unfavorable" day?
Of course! The lunar calendar is a guide, not a prohibition. Weather, soil moisture, and local conditions always take priority. If the forecast says rain next week and today is dry — plant today, even if it's an "unfavorable" day. Experienced gardeners treat this calendar as one factor among many, not the only one.
What should I avoid during new moon and full moon?
New Moon — rest day. Tradition advises against sowing and transplanting, as plants root poorly. Good for planning, organizing tools, composting. Full Moon — transition phase. Not ideal for sowing, but excellent for harvesting for fresh eating (peak juiciness). Also a good time for collecting medicinal herbs.
How often should I check the lunar calendar?
The Moon changes zodiac signs every 2-3 days, so the day type (fruit/root/leaf/flower) shifts roughly that often. If you plan garden work — check every 2-3 days or once at the start of the week. The most important dates are new and full moons — worth memorizing for the whole month.
What sources are used?
Rules follow widely-cited traditional sources: The Old Farmer's Almanac (US, since 1792), Llewellyn's Moon Sign Book (US, since 1905), Maria Thun Biodynamic Sowing and Planting Calendar (Germany, since 1963), and Rudolf Steiner's original 1924 Agriculture Course.
Methodology based on traditional biodynamic gardening:
Rudolf Steiner, 1924;
Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar (published since 1963).
Scientific review: Mayoral et al., Agronomy 2020.