VEGETABLE PATCH : The sign change happened in the very early hours, so the day is almost entirely a root day — a long, generous window for root crops. Thin carrot seedlings to 5 cm apart in the row, rows 25 cm wide, pulling the weakest plants cleanly so you don’t disturb neighbours. Beetroot can be thinned to 10 cm in the row (rows 30 cm) and the thinnings dropped straight into a salad bowl — they’re tender at this size. If you have a row of black radish coming along, thin to 15 cm in the row, rows 30 cm, and water in well after. In sandy soils, add a light dressing of mature compost along the rows before hilling up to keep moisture near the roots.
ORCHARD : A root day suits the base of fruit trees too. Spread a 5 cm layer of wood chips around the drip line of apple, plum and quince trees — keep the mulch clear of the trunk itself to avoid collar rot. This keeps the root zone cool during summer heat and reduces how often you need to water. Check the soil at the base of fig trees; if it feels dry 5 cm down, give each tree a slow, deep soak rather than a light daily sprinkle.
LANDSCAPING : Lavender that has just finished its first flush can be lightly trimmed now — remove spent spikes without cutting into old woody stems. Hedge bases benefit from fresh mulch too; a 6–8 cm layer of wood chips smothers weeds and holds moisture through July heat.