VEGETABLE PATCH : Roots are the stars today — a root day on the waxing crescent calls for focused work in the vegetable patch. Sow turnip in place: 1 cm deep, seeds 3 cm apart, rows 25 cm; thin later to 10 cm. Salsify deserves a spot in well-loosened, stone-free soil: 2 cm deep, seeds 3 cm apart, rows 30 cm, thinning to 10 cm. Black salsify follows the same method and rewards patience with nutty-flavoured roots by autumn. Tuck in a short row of swede too: 1 cm deep, seeds 3 cm apart, rows 40 cm, thinning eventually to 25 cm. Water gently after sowing to settle the soil without crusting.
LANDSCAPING : Olive tree benefits from a light shaping prune now — remove crossing or inward-growing branches to open the canopy. Chrysanthemum planted from pots will establish well before summer heat; pinch the tips once plants reach 15 cm to encourage bushy growth.