VEGETABLE PATCH : Dig over any bed earmarked for autumn root crops — the descending moon favours root development right now. Loosen the soil to 25 cm with a fork, then work in a generous layer of mature compost; roots need a fine, stone-free run to swell cleanly. If you have celeriac plants in modules waiting for a permanent spot, settle them in at 35 cm in the row with 40 cm between rows, firming gently around the collar. Turnip and black radish transplants can also go in today if you have young plants ready — firm contact with the soil is key.
LANDSCAPING : Wisteria has put out long summer shoots that need attention in August — pinch lateral growths back to five or six leaves from the base to keep the framework tidy and encourage next year’s flower buds to form. Strawberry runners are ready to plant out now; set each one 30 cm apart with the crown sitting exactly at soil level, neither buried nor raised, in a bed enriched with compost.