VEGETABLE PATCH : The waning crescent is barely a sliver in the sky — and with the ascending moon drawing sap upward through stems and leaves, this is a strong leaf day to act on. Sow spinach (Spinacia oleracea ‘Matador’, ‘Medania’) directly into prepared drills 1–2 cm deep, spacing rows 25 cm apart and thinning later to 10 cm between plants — the ascending phase encourages vigorous germination and lush leafy growth / Transplant young lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa ‘Merveille des Quatre Saisons’, ‘Little Gem’, ‘Lollo Rossa’) into the open ground or raised beds, setting them 25–30 cm apart and watering in with a fine rose to settle roots without compacting the surface / Sow Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla ‘Bright Lights’) and pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) under a cloche or fleece if nights remain cool — a soil temperature above 10°C is the key trigger for reliable germination / In Mediterranean or sheltered gardens, direct-sow rocket (Eruca vesicaria) and lamb’s lettuce (Valerianella locusta) between existing rows to fill gaps and maximise bed productivity.
INDOORS : Seedlings started weeks ago are clamouring for space — check trays of basil (Ocimum basilicum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and celery (Apium graveolens) and prick out any that are touching their neighbours, potting on into 8 cm individual cells filled with a peat-free multipurpose compost / Give leafy houseplants — ferns, calathea, philodendron — a thorough wipe of their leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption, which directly supports photosynthesis as days lengthen / Check moisture levels by pressing a finger 2 cm into the compost of potted herbs: water only when dry at that depth, then drain fully to prevent stagnant water at the base.