LANDSCAPING : A flower day with the waxing crescent — good conditions for ornamental work. Bare-root roses go in well right now: dig a generous hole, mound soil in the centre, spread the roots and backfill firmly, spacing plants 80 cm to 1 m apart. Cyclamen tubers planted at the surface in cool shade will bring colour through the darkest weeks. Heather in acid soil adds texture and early nectar for pollinators.
ORCHARD : A pear tree or quince tree goes in now with minimal fuss — work a handful of well-rotted compost into the base of the hole, firm with your heel and water in gently. Hazel and walnut tree are worth considering for a wilder corner; both establish strongly when planted this month.
INDOORS : If you grow a lemon tree in a pot, water sparingly — just enough to prevent the root ball from drying out completely. Good ventilation matters more than warmth: still, damp air encourages grey mould on the lower leaves.