ORCHARD : Apogee today — the moon sits at its farthest point from Earth, making this a quieter moment in the lunar cycle. On a fruit day, turn your attention to the orchard with a steady hand and no rush. Walk the rows and check ties on young apple trees and pear trees; a winter storm can work a wire into bark before you notice. Raspberry canes planted this autumn deserve a look too — firm any that frost has lifted slightly back into the soil with your boot. If you have a walnut tree or chestnut tree, clear fallen leaves from around the base and pile them into a corner to break down over winter.
LANDSCAPING : Grapevines are fully dormant now — run your eye along each one and note where the framework needs reshaping before pruning begins in February. Currant bushes and blackcurrant plants benefit from a light mulch of well-rotted compost laid around the base, keeping roots insulated without touching the stems. Hellebore clumps starting to show buds can have their oldest, darkest leaves removed at the base — this opens the plant up and lets the flowers emerge cleanly. Camellia and rhododendron in acid beds will appreciate a top-up of ericaceous mulch now, before the coldest weeks settle in.
INDOORS : Lemon trees and oleander overwintering under cover need very little attention today — check soil moisture with a finger and water only if the top few centimetres feel completely dry. Wipe down shelves and trays, sharpen your secateurs, and take a few minutes to sketch out where you plan to place new fruit trees or berry bushes come spring.