LANDSCAPING : A flower day with the waxing moon approaching its First Quarter — good conditions for ornamental work. Sow pansy seeds under cover, 0.3 cm deep, seeds 2 cm apart in trays; they’ll plant out later at 20 cm spacing. Camellia planted in ericaceous soil in light shade will reward patience with late-winter blooms — firm the root ball well and mulch with pine bark to protect from frost heave.
ORCHARD : Bare-root raspberry canes go in cleanly now — space them 50 cm apart and firm with your heel. Currant bush and blackcurrant both establish strongly this season: plant 1.2 m apart with a handful of well-rotted compost in each hole.
INDOORS : Check your lemon tree and olive tree overwintering under cover — water sparingly and ensure good airflow to prevent grey mould. Cut any faded cyclamen flowers cleanly at the base to encourage fresh buds through the darkest weeks.