VEGETABLE PATCH : A sign change early this morning shifts the day from flower to leaf territory — and the afternoon’s long leaf window is where the real work happens. Swiss chard transplants go in at 35 cm apart, rows 40 cm wide; tuck the roots in firmly and water at the base. Cabbage seedlings started under cover can move to their final spots at 50 cm in the row, rows 60 cm — they appreciate the moist, cool soil of a descending moon. Lettuce plants set out at 25 cm, rows 30 cm, will establish quickly; in heavier soils, loosen the base of each planting hole first. Chives clumps planted at 15 cm, rows 25 cm, add a gentle freshness to salads and are wonderfully low-maintenance. Finish by mulching between rows with a 5 cm layer of straw to hold moisture and suppress weeds as temperatures climb.
LANDSCAPING : Dew still on the leaves — a fine moment to trim box hedging with clean, sharp shears. The descending moon suits foliage work well: cut hedges and topiary now and regrowth will be measured and tidy rather than rampant. Hydrangea foliage can be tidied too; remove any dead or crossing stems at the base. Rhododendrons benefit from a generous top-dressing of ericaceous compost around the root zone — avoid working it into the soil, just lay it on the surface and let it settle naturally.
ORCHARD : Spread a 6–8 cm layer of well-composted organic matter beneath raspberry canes and currant bushes, keeping it clear of the stems themselves. This feeds the roots gradually and keeps the soil cool and moist through the drier weeks ahead — both crops are shallow-rooted and grateful for it.