VEGETABLE PATCH : Before the evening sign change, a fruit day sets the tone — the waxing crescent favours crops grown for their harvest. Sow cucumber under cover, 2 cm deep, seeds 5 cm apart, at 20–22 °C; bottom heat speeds germination significantly. Melon can go in alongside it, same depth and spacing, in individual modules to avoid disturbing the taproot later. Broad beans are worth starting too if you haven’t yet: press seeds 5 cm deep, 10 cm apart, directly in the ground or a deep tray. In heavy soils, add a little coarse grit to the base of each drill to prevent waterlogging around the seeds.
ORCHARD : Grapevines pruned last month will be showing the first signs of life — watch for the tiny green buds swelling at each node. If you grafted any fruit trees recently, check that the union is holding firm and hasn’t dried out. Raspberry canes planted this winter should be sending up new shoots now; give each plant a light mulch of well-rotted compost to retain moisture as spring warmth builds.
LANDSCAPING : After the evening sign change, the energy shifts toward root day — a quieter but productive end to the afternoon. Rose bushes planted bare-root over winter will benefit from a gentle firming around the base if frost has lifted the soil. Wisteria needs its support checked before new growth extends: secure any loose ties now, while stems are still manageable. Lavender appreciates a light trim of last year’s spent tips to encourage compact, bushy regrowth.