Before 00h05 (UTC), day fruits: ORCHARD: Morning frost creates a magical sparkle on fruit trees! Take advantage of these calm winter days to check tree stakes and ties, loosening any that are cutting into bark while securing those that have become too slack. / Inspect quince and persimmon trees for damaged branches that could break under snow weight, removing them with clean pruning cuts. / Apply winter wash to dormant cherry trees, thoroughly covering bark crevices where pests might be hibernating.
After 00h05 (UTC), day roots: VEGETABLE PATCH: The soil rests but planning continues! Dig over vacant beds to expose pest larvae to hungry birds, incorporating well-rotted manure at 2kg per square meter to improve structure for spring root crops. / Check stored carrots, parsnips and beetroots, removing any showing soft spots to prevent spread of rot. / If soil isn’t frozen, harvest Jerusalem artichokes as needed by carefully digging around the clumps to avoid damaging tubers. / Winter turnips benefit from a light 3cm straw mulch to protect from severe frost.
INDOORS : Houseplants respond well to the waxing moon energy! Repot root-bound peace lilies and spider plants using fresh compost with added perlite for drainage. / Reduce watering for dormant cyclamen and amaryllis bulbs, keeping soil barely moist until new growth appears. / Clean dust from plant leaves with a damp cloth to improve photosynthesis during these low-light months.