VEGETABLE PATCH : A leaf day under a descending waxing crescent — the ground is receptive, so settle your leafy transplants in now. Chicory goes in at 30 cm in the row, rows 35 cm apart; firm each plant gently to close any air gaps. Swiss chard planted out at 35 cm in the row, rows 40 cm wide, will hold through the cooler weeks ahead. Lettuce transplants settle well at 25 cm in the row, rows 30 cm apart; in colder areas, protect with a fleece tunnel overnight.
LANDSCAPING : Bare-root roses can go in the ground today — dig a wide hole, work in a handful of compost, and set the bud union at soil level. Hellebores and camellias planted in light, moist shade will establish quietly through winter. A light hedge trim now, outside the nesting season, keeps lines sharp without stressing the plants.
ORCHARD : Bare-root currant bushes and blackcurrants go in now, spaced 1.2 m apart; a shovelful of compost in the planting hole will reward you next summer. Hazel and quince trees planted this week will anchor their roots with minimal fuss — stake each one loosely to allow gentle movement that strengthens the trunk.