Australian Farmers Almanac: March 2026
Autumn begins - prime planting season, lunar eclipse, and the gardener's favourite month
Welcome to March 2026 Early Autumn
Now we're talking. March is hands-down my favourite month in the garden. The worst of the summer heat is behind us, the soil's still warm enough for germination, and you can actually work outside without melting. This is when serious gardeners get serious.
We've got a spectacular total lunar eclipse on March 3 - fully visible from eastern Australia at a civilised hour. The Autumn Equinox falls on March 20, marking equal day and night. For those following Gann cycles, this is one of the four major dates of the year.
For the garden, this month is prime time. You can plant almost anything for the cool season. Garlic goes in this month in most zones. It's the start of what many call the "second spring" for Australian gardeners.
March 2026 Climate Overview
| Zone | Max Temp | Min Temp | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subtropical | 27-29°C | 19-21°C | 130-180mm | Wet season easing. Humid but cooling. Perfect planting weather. |
| Tropical | 31-33°C | 23-25°C | 410-555mm | Late wet season. Cyclone risk diminishing. Still humid. |
| Arid | 30-36°C | 17-22°C | 25-35mm | Cooling but still warm. Summer storms possible. Fire risk easing. |
| Mediterranean | 24-28°C | 14-17°C | 20-30mm | Autumn arriving. First rain late month. Fire danger diminishing. |
| Warm Temperate | 24-27°C | 17-20°C | 125-175mm | Perfect autumn. Warm days, cooling nights. Ideal gardening. |
| Cool Temperate | 20-24°C | 11-14°C | 50-70mm | Beautiful autumn. Cool nights. First frost possible late month in valleys. |
March 2026 Astronomical Events
Moon Phases
Total Lunar Eclipse - March 3, 2026
This is a total lunar eclipse, meaning the Moon passes completely into Earth's shadow. Unlike solar eclipses, these are completely safe to watch with naked eyes - no special equipment needed. The Moon turns that distinctive reddish colour, sometimes called a "blood moon."
| Event | Time (AEDT) | Time (AEST) |
|---|---|---|
| Penumbral eclipse begins | 7:50pm | 6:50pm |
| Partial eclipse begins | 8:45pm | 7:45pm |
| Totality begins | 9:45pm | 8:45pm |
| Maximum eclipse | 10:07pm | 9:07pm |
| Totality ends | 10:30pm | 9:30pm |
| Partial eclipse ends | 11:30pm | 10:30pm |
Autumn Equinox - March 21 (AEST)
Day and night are approximately equal length. This is one of the four major Gann cycle dates and often marks turning points in commodity and energy markets. For gardeners, it's traditionally a powerful planting time.
Sunrise & Sunset
The equinox (March 21 AEST) brings roughly equal day and night. Here's how daylight changes across the month:
| City | Mar 1 | Mar 31 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane (AEST) | 5:31am - 6:18pm (12h 47m) | 5:50am - 5:52pm (12h 02m) | -45 min |
| Sydney (AEDT) | 6:37am - 7:38pm (13h 01m) | 6:59am - 6:58pm (11h 59m) | -62 min |
| Melbourne (AEDT) | 7:00am - 8:02pm (13h 02m) | 7:27am - 7:16pm (11h 49m) | -73 min |
| Perth (AWST) | 5:49am - 6:58pm (13h 09m) | 6:09am - 6:30pm (12h 21m) | -48 min |
Trend: Significant shortening - Melbourne loses over an hour. Autumn is well underway.
March 2026 Planting Guide
This is it — the month I've been waiting for. Nearly everything for the cool season can go in now. Get the soil ready, beds mulched, and get planting.
All Zones - Plant Now
Subtropical Zone (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern Rivers)
- Garlic - prime time
- Broad beans, peas, snow peas
- All leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, silverbeet)
- Brassicas - broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale
- Beetroot, carrots, radish, turnip
- Onion seedlings, leeks
- Coriander, parsley, dill
- Last tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant
- Passionfruit
- Apples and pears beginning
- Figs, grapes finishing
- Sweet potatoes
Tropical Zone
- Dry season vegetables starting
- Beans (bush and climbing)
- Asian greens, lettuce (shade)
- Tomatoes, capsicum (transplants)
- Cucurbits (cucumber, zucchini)
- Last mangoes
- Bananas ongoing
- Sweet potatoes
- Tropical fruits
Mediterranean, Warm Temperate & Cool Temperate Zones
- Garlic - essential planting
- Broad beans, peas, snow peas
- All leafy greens
- Brassicas (full range)
- Root vegetables
- Onions, leeks, shallots
- Cool-season herbs
- Apples, pears, quinces
- Olives beginning (Mediterranean)
- Last summer vegetables
- Pomegranates
- Winter squash maturing
March Moon Planting Calendar
The lunar eclipse on March 3 adds extra significance for traditional moon planters. Many believe eclipse energy amplifies planting success.
| Period | Moon Phase | Best Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 1-3 | Waxing to Full + Eclipse | Powerful planting energy. Above-ground crops. Harvest at peak. |
| Mar 3-11 | Waning (Full to Last Quarter) | Root vegetables, garlic, onions, bulbs. Pruning. |
| Mar 11-19 | Waning to New | Soil preparation, composting, pest control. |
| Mar 19-26 | Waxing (New to First Quarter) | Leafy greens, herbs. Equinox (Mar 21) powerful day. |
| Mar 26-31 | Waxing to Full | Peas, beans, fruiting vegetables. |
March 2026 Livestock Guide
Autumn is joining season for most stock. Conditions are mending after summer and it's time to get animals in shape for the ram or bull.
Cattle
- Autumn joining begins
- Bulls in with cows
- Condition improving with cooler weather
- Parasite treatment
- Wean late calves
Sheep & Goats
- Pre-joining preparation
- Flushing begins
- Condition assessment
- Ram/buck soundness testing
- Joining commences late month
Poultry
- Egg production improving
- Moult finishing in older birds
- Coop deep clean
- Breeding program planning
Bees
- Autumn honey harvest
- Check winter stores
- Mite treatment window
- Reduce entrances if robbing occurs
March Self-Sufficiency Focus
Water Management
Tank levels should be healthy after the wet season in eastern zones. Mediterranean and arid zones are waiting for the autumn break - first significant rain often comes late March to early April. If you're relying on rainwater, now's the time to check your collection systems before winter.
Food Preservation
Apple and pear season is here. These store well, but if you've got a glut, think about bottling, drying, or cider making. Olive harvest starts in Mediterranean zones - if you've got a tree, get them processed promptly.
Energy Planning
The shoulder season is here - minimal heating or cooling needed for most. This is the cheapest energy month of the year. Solar output is still strong but declining. Good time for system maintenance and battery checks before winter.
March 2026 Key Takeaways
- Watch the eclipse: March 3 - don't miss the total lunar eclipse. Grab a chair, settle in around 9:30pm.
- Plant garlic: This is the month. Get it in the ground. Your future self will thank you.
- Autumn planting bonanza: Nearly everything for cool season can go in now.
- Breeding season: Livestock breeding kicks off - get animals in condition.
- Equinox energy: March 21 (AEST) is a major cycle date - watch markets and make the most of planting.
- Order bare root trees: Fruit tree planting season approaches - order now.
Get Dayboro weather delivered to your inbox every morning — forecasts, garden tips, and local updates. Subscribe free →
