VEGETABLE PATCH : Morning dew still on the leaves — a leaf day on a descending moon rewards careful transplanting. Move lettuce seedlings from modules at 25 cm in the row, rows 30 cm apart, pressing soil firmly around each crown. Chicory transplants go in at 30 cm in the row, rows 35 cm apart; water in gently and shade for a day if the sun is fierce. Basil plants raised under cover can join the outdoor bed at 25 cm in the row, rows 30 cm apart — pinch any flower buds to keep the leaves generous. Tuck a 5 cm straw mulch between rows to hold moisture through the August heat.
LANDSCAPING : Wisteria is pushing out late-summer shoots — trim them back to five or six leaves to keep the framework tidy and encourage flowering buds for next spring. Lavender benefits from a light clip now: remove spent flower stems without cutting into old wood, then mulch the base with fine gravel to reflect heat and improve drainage.
ORCHARD : Strawberry runners in small pots are ready to go out — prepare the bed with compost, then settle each plant 30 cm apart with the crown exactly at soil level. Raspberry canes that have finished fruiting can be cut back to the ground; tie in the new green canes at 50 cm spacing for good airflow.