VEGETABLE PATCH : First Quarter moon arriving this evening — root day energy is strong through the whole day, so focus on underground crops. Thin turnip seedlings to 10 cm apart in the row, rows 25 cm wide, and water in straight after to settle the soil. Parsnip rows can be thinned to 10 cm in the row, rows 30 cm — loosen the soil gently with a hand fork before pulling so you don’t snap neighbouring roots. Check fennel plants and thin or plant out to 25 cm in the row, rows 40 cm wide; they reward a little extra space with thick, flavourful bulbs. In sandy or light soils, add a thin layer of mature compost along the rows after thinning to hold moisture through summer heat.
ORCHARD : Raspberry canes that have finished their summer flush can be cut cleanly to the base now — this opens the row and lets the young replacement canes breathe and ripen wood before autumn. Lay the cut material on the compost heap rather than leaving it on the ground. Around fig tree and kiwi bases, a handful of balanced compost worked lightly into the surface will support the developing fruits without disturbing the roots.
LANDSCAPING : Check the base of lavender plants — a light dressing of grit or fine compost improves drainage around the crown and reduces the risk of rot during summer storms. Wisteria side shoots that have grown since the last pass can be shortened to five or six leaves now, keeping the framework tidy and directing energy into the wood.