VEGETABLE PATCH : A root day with the ascending moon — the ground feels firm underfoot and the conditions are well suited to working with what grows below the surface. Direct-sow beetroot (Beta vulgaris ‘Chioggia’, ‘Boltardy’) in drills 2 cm deep, spacing seeds 8–10 cm apart in rows 25 cm wide; soak seeds for an hour beforehand to soften the corky coat and speed germination / Sow turnip (Brassica rapa ‘Purple Top Milan’) and kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes ‘Kolibri’) in a prepared bed, 1 cm deep, thinning later to 15 cm apart — both develop their swollen bases quickly in spring warmth and reward early sowing / Draw a hoe through the surface between established carrot (Daucus carota ‘Nantes’, ‘Chantenay’) rows to break any crust that might resist emerging seedlings; a light, open tilth at surface level makes all the difference to uniformity / In Mediterranean gardens or on sandy soils, consider sowing black radish (Raphanus sativus var. niger) now at 1.5 cm depth — its deep taproot handles dry spells better than summer varieties
INDOORS : Seedlings started under cover a few weeks ago deserve a closer look today. Pot on celery root (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) and kohlrabi plugs into 9 cm pots using a mix of two-thirds compost and one-third sharp sand to keep drainage sharp around young crowns / Check the base of chicory (Cichorium intybus) and endive (Cichorium endivia) trays for roots emerging through drainage holes — a clear sign they need moving on before they become pot-bound and check their growth / Harden off leek (Allium porrum ‘Bleu de Solaise’) seedlings by setting trays outside in a sheltered spot for two to three hours this afternoon, bringing them back in before evening chill sets in; gradual exposure now means stronger, stockier plants at planting time
LANDSCAPING : Ornamental grasses and clump-forming perennials respond well to root-zone attention at this stage of spring. Work a 3–4 cm layer of well-rotted compost around the base of established Miscanthus sinensis, Pennisetum alopecuroides and Stipa tenuissima clumps, keeping it clear of emerging shoots by 5 cm — feeding the root zone now supports the dense, arching growth that makes these plants so rewarding through summer / Fork over compacted patches between perennial beds at 10–12 cm depth to improve drainage and give roots room to spread; on heavy clay soils, incorporate a handful of horticultural grit per square metre as you go