March 2026 Farmers Almanac
Climate, garden and farm outlook for the Dayboro valley
Climate Overview
| Zone | Max | Min | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayboro (subtropical) | 27-29°C | 19-21°C | 130-180mm | Wet season easing. Humid but cooling. Perfect planting weather. |
How Did We Do in March?
Once a month is done we grade the almanac against what the Dayboro weather station actually recorded. The numbers below are straight from the station, no fudging.
| Metric | We said | Station recorded | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainfall total | 130-180mm | 251.9mm | Above range |
| Average daily max | 27-29°C | 30.0°C | Above range |
| Average daily min | 19-21°C | 17.2°C | Below range |
| Hottest day | not forecast | 35.4°C | Recorded |
| Coldest night | not forecast | 10.0°C | Recorded |
| Wet days (1mm or more) | not forecast | 11 | Recorded |
| Frost nights (min 2°C or below) | not forecast | 0 | Recorded |
0 of 3 forecast metrics landed inside the promised range for March.
Forecast figures are the Subtropical zone row above. Recorded figures are Dayboro station daily summaries over 31 days, rainfall as the calendar month total.
Astronomical Events
| 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 |
Moon Phases
Sunrise / Sunset
The equinox (March 21 AEST) brings roughly equal day and night. Here's how daylight changes across the month:
| City | 1st | Last | Daylight 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: days getting shorter. Brisbane drops 45 minutes over the month, so the afternoon jobs need an earlier start.
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.
Dayboro valley
Garlic Month: March is prime garlic planting time for most of Australia. Plant cloves pointy end up, 5cm deep, 15cm apart. Don't use supermarket garlic, get proper seed garlic from a nursery or online supplier. You'll thank me come summer harvest.
- 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
Moon Planting Calendar
The lunar eclipse on March 3 adds extra significance for traditional moon planters. Many believe eclipse energy amplifies planting success.
| Phase | Dates | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Waxing to Full + Eclipse | Mar 1-3 | Powerful planting energy. Above ground crops. Harvest at peak. |
| Waning (Full to Last Quarter) | Mar 3-11 | Root vegetables, garlic, onions, bulbs. Pruning. |
| Waning to New | Mar 11-19 | Soil preparation, composting, pest control. |
| Waxing (New to First Quarter) | Mar 19-26 | Leafy greens, herbs. Equinox (Mar 21) powerful day. |
| Waxing to Full | Mar 26-31 | Peas, beans, fruiting vegetables. |
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
- Before joining preparation
- Flushing begins
- Condition assessment
- Ram/buck soundness testing
- Joining commences late month
Poultry
- Egg production tapering as days shorten
- 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
Self-Sufficiency Focus
Water Management
Tank levels should be healthy after the wet season. 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. If you've got an olive tree, harvest starts about now. 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.
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.