VEGETABLE PATCH : A root day under the descending waning gibbous moon — the soil draws energy downward, which works in favour of underground crops. Sow beetroot (‘Chioggia’ or ‘Detroit 2’) in deep module trays filled with pre-moistened seed compost, pressing two seeds per cell at 15 mm depth and thinning to one seedling once established. Turnip (‘Purple Top Milan’) and kohlrabi can be started under a cold frame now, spacing rows 20 cm apart with seeds 1 cm deep; germination will be slow but steady in these temperatures. If you have radishes overwintering under cover, check for slugs at soil level and remove any yellowing foliage to improve air circulation. On heavier soils, fork over a prepared bed lightly to break surface crust before any frost returns.
INDOORS : Amaryllis bulbs that have finished flowering deserve some attention right now — cut the spent stem back to 5 cm above the bulb, but leave all foliage intact so the plant can rebuild its energy reserves for next year. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser (half the recommended dose) every two weeks. Cyclamen kept on a cool windowsill will appreciate a bottom-watering session: set the pot in 2–3 cm of tepid water for 20 minutes, then drain fully to avoid crown rot. Check the compost of any dormant tuberous begonias stored in trays — if it feels bone dry, mist lightly with a hand sprayer to prevent the tubers from shrivelling.
LANDSCAPING : The descending moon makes this a thoughtful moment for root-zone work in ornamental beds. Mulch the base of hellebores and epimediums with a 5 cm layer of well-rotted leaf mould, keeping it clear of the crown by at least 3 cm to prevent rot. On established clumps of ornamental grasses such as miscanthus or pennisetum, delay cutting back until late February if frost is still forecast — the old stems offer genuine frost protection to the crown. In Mediterranean-climate gardens or sheltered spots, hardy cyclamen hederifolium can be top-dressed now with a thin layer of grit to improve drainage around the corms.