ORCHARD : First Quarter energy today — the ascending waxing moon reaches its first quarter, then the day shifts from a fruit type to a root type around midday. Make the most of the fruit morning: plant a bare-root pear tree or apple tree while the soil is still workable, firming roots well into a generous planting hole and staking against lingering winter gusts / Raspberry canes planted now at 50 cm apart will establish quickly as the moon’s ascending energy encourages root activity — cut each cane back to 30 cm after planting to focus the plant’s effort on rooting / A currant bush or blackcurrant set in now at 1.2 m apart will benefit from a generous collar of compost mulch, 8–10 cm deep, to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay through the coming weeks.
VEGETABLE PATCH : After the sign change around midday, the day turns to a root type — a steadier moment for maintenance rather than new sowings. Firm up any recently planted bare-root stock that frost has lifted overnight, pressing gently around the base to re-establish soil contact / Spread a layer of well-rotted compost around the base of established fruit trees and currant bushes, working it lightly into the top 3–4 cm without disturbing the shallow feeder roots.
LANDSCAPING : A dry winter morning is a fine excuse to inspect bare-root roses still waiting in a heel-in trench — check roots for any blackened or mushy sections and trim cleanly before planting into their final position, spacing 60–80 cm apart. Firm the soil well around the crown and mulch with 8–10 cm of well-rotted compost to hold moisture and suppress early weeds / Winter jasmine stems that have finished flowering can be tied in now and lightly trimmed to keep the framework tidy ahead of spring growth.