April 2026 Farmers Almanac
Climate, garden and farm outlook for the Dayboro valley
Climate Overview
| Zone | Max | Min | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayboro (subtropical) | 25-27°C | 16-18°C | 75-110mm | Ideal conditions. Mild, lower humidity. Dry season starting. |
How Did We Do in April?
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 | 75-110mm | 45.4mm | Below range |
| Average daily max | 25-27°C | 28.7°C | Above range |
| Average daily min | 16-18°C | 14.0°C | Below range |
| Hottest day | not forecast | 35.0°C | Recorded |
| Coldest night | not forecast | 10.0°C | Recorded |
| Wet days (1mm or more) | not forecast | 9 | Recorded |
| Frost nights (min 2°C or below) | not forecast | 0 | Recorded |
0 of 3 forecast metrics landed inside the promised range for April.
Forecast figures are the Subtropical zone row above. Recorded figures are Dayboro station daily summaries over 30 days, rainfall as the calendar month total.
Astronomical Events
Moon Phases
Sunrise / Sunset
Daylight saving ends April 5, clocks go BACK one hour. Days continue shortening toward winter:
| City | 1st | Last | Daylight change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane (AEST) | 5:51am - 5:51pm (12h 00m) | 6:11am - 5:27pm (11h 16m) | -44 min |
| Sydney (AEDT→AEST) | 7:00am - 6:56pm (11h 56m) | 6:27am - 5:22pm (10h 55m)* | -61 min |
| Melbourne (AEDT→AEST) | 7:29am - 7:13pm (11h 44m) | 7:04am - 5:31pm (10h 27m)* | -77 min |
| Perth (AWST) | 6:10am - 6:28pm (12h 18m) | 6:31am - 6:01pm (11h 30m) | -48 min |
*Apr 30 times in AEST after DST ends. Apparent change includes clock adjustment, actual daylight loss ~17 min less.
Planting Guide
This is still good planting weather for cool season crops. Most zones can plant all the winter vegetables. If you haven't got garlic in yet, do it now, you're running out of time.
Dayboro valley
- Broad beans, peas, snow peas
- All leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, kale)
- Brassicas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
- Root vegetables, beetroot, carrots, radish, turnip, parsnip
- Onions, garlic (last chance many zones), leeks, shallots
- Coriander, parsley, dill, chervil
- Bare root fruit trees, season begins
- Apples, pears, quinces
- Persimmons, feijoas
- Olives
- Winter squash, pumpkins
- Passionfruit
- First brassicas from early plantings
Moon Planting Calendar
| Phase | Dates | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Waxing to Full | Apr 1-2 | Last plantings of fruiting crops. Harvest. |
| Waning (Full to Last Quarter) | Apr 2-10 | Root vegetables, garlic, onions. Tree planting. Pruning. |
| Waning to New | Apr 10-17 | Composting, soil building. Control pests. Rest. |
| Waxing (New to First Quarter) | Apr 17-24 | Leafy greens, herbs. Good root development. |
| Waxing to Full | Apr 24-30 | Peas, beans, brassica transplants. |
Livestock Guide
Breeding season is on. Cooler weather is putting condition back on animals and fertility is at its best.
Cattle
- Autumn joining underway
- Bull management important
- Condition improving with cooler weather
- Pasture monitoring
- Worm treatment if needed
Sheep & Goats
- Joining period
- Flush feeding continuing
- Ram/buck management
- Pregnancy may be confirmed (if AI used)
Poultry
- Peak egg production conditions
- Coop weatherproofing
- Reduce ventilation for warmth
- Stock up on winter feed
Bees
- Check winter stores
- Combine weak hives
- Reduce entrance
- Final mite treatment
Self-Sufficiency Focus
Food Preservation
Apple and pear season is at peak. If you've got trees or access to bulk fruit, this is the time to process them. Bottling, drying, juice, cider, whatever takes your fancy. Winter squash and pumpkins are curing nicely and will store for months.
Energy & Water
This is the cheapest energy month of the year for most. Minimal heating or cooling needed. Solar output still reasonable. If you need to do battery maintenance or system upgrades, now's the time before winter demand kicks in.
Key Takeaways
- Daylight saving ends: April 5, clocks go back one hour
- Bare root season: Order fruit trees NOW, good varieties sell out
- Last garlic window: If you haven't planted yet, do it immediately
- Peak autumn planting: Nearly everything can go in
- Lyrids meteor shower: April 22, decent viewing after midnight
- Cheapest energy month: Minimal heating/cooling, do maintenance now