VEGETABLE PATCH : A solid leaf day with the waxing gibbous moon — conditions favour leafy crops under cover. Sow lettuce 0.5 cm deep, seeds 2 cm apart in trays; germination holds well when indoor temperatures stay above 8 °C. Leek seeds go in at 1 cm deep, 2 cm apart in modules — they’ll be sturdy transplants by late winter. Harvest any overwintering sorrel or chicory leaves this morning; cut leaves keep their texture far better on a leaf day.
INDOORS : Parsley sown in a deep pot at 1 cm deep, seeds 2 cm apart, will give you a steady supply through the darkest months — place it on the brightest windowsill you have. A foliar spray of diluted horsetail decoction on your lemon tree overwintering under cover strengthens cell walls and helps ward off fungal issues in low-light conditions. Keep watering to a minimum, checking that the compost is almost dry before you water again.
LANDSCAPING : Watercress thrives in cool, moist conditions — sow 0.5 cm deep, seeds 2 cm apart in a shallow tray kept consistently wet near a bright window or cold frame. Hellebore planted now in light shade and moist soil will reward you with elegant winter blooms in just a few weeks; avoid moving it once established.