VEGETABLE PATCH : A root day under the descending Last Quarter moon — steady, unhurried, perfect for underground work. If you have chinese artichoke in the ground, harvest now while the soil is workable: lift the small, segmented tubers carefully with a fork and store in damp sand / Check on stored jerusalem artichoke tubers: discard any that have softened or show signs of rot, and keep the rest in a cool, dark, airy spot / Leeks still standing in the bed benefit from a light earthing-up if frost is forecast — mound 5–8 cm of loose soil along the stems to protect the white shank and keep them tender.
ORCHARD : A quiet New Year’s start suits the orchard well. Plant bare-root quince and hazel while the ground remains unfrozen — dig a generous hole, loosen the base, and settle the roots without cramping them before backfilling and firming with your heel / Currant bushes and blackcurrants planted now at 1.2 m apart will establish steadily before spring growth kicks in.
LANDSCAPING : Snowdrop bulbs planted in autumn are now stirring just below the surface — resist the urge to dig and simply mark their positions so you can divide them in the green come February / Hellebore planted in light shade and moisture-retentive soil will reward you with blooms in weeks; avoid moving established clumps once settled.