ORCHARD : Winter’s dormancy holds fruit trees in its quiet embrace, but beneath the surface, energy builds. The descending moon enhances fruit tree care now – perfect timing to apply dormant oil spray to apple, pear, and plum trees (1:40 dilution) to smother overwintering pests. Inspect peach and apricot for signs of leaf curl; remove affected buds with sharp secateurs. / For container-grown figs, move to a sheltered position if hard frost threatens; protect roots with straw mulch 3 inches deep. Bramble fruits like blackberries benefit from thinning now – remove old canes at ground level to improve air circulation.
VEGETABLE PATCH : Soil preparation takes center stage during these cold days. The descending moon favors underground work – double-dig heavy clay plots, incorporating coarse sand (2 inches per square yard) to improve drainage. Early potato varieties like ‘Swift’ and ‘Rocket’ can be set out in egg cartons for chitting in a cool, bright spot. / Hardy broad beans sown in autumn need checking – firm soil around any that frost has lifted and protect with cloches if severe cold is forecast. Consider warming soil with black plastic sheets (2-3 weeks before sowing) for earlier spring plantings.
INDOORS : Windowsill gardens offer growing satisfaction while winter persists outside. The waxing gibbous moon lends energy to seed starting – sow sweet peppers and eggplants in seed trays with fine compost (5mm depth), maintaining 18-21°C for optimal germination. Tomato ‘Tumbler’ and ‘Tiny Tim’ varieties work wonderfully in hanging baskets – start them now for earlier fruiting. / Herbs like basil, parsley and chives thrive when sown indoors now; use 10cm pots with well-draining seed compost and mist regularly to maintain humidity during germination.