ORCHARD : Bare-root planting conditions are excellent on this fruit day with the waxing gibbous moon. Set in a pear tree or quince tree now — dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots fully, work in a handful of well-rotted compost, and firm the soil gently. Raspberry canes planted 50 cm apart will establish quietly over winter. Currant bushes and blackcurrants go in at 1.2 m apart; a mulch of bark or straw over the root zone protects against hard frost.
LANDSCAPING : Winter jasmine is flowering on bare stems right now — check that new shoots are tied in loosely so they don’t whip in winter winds. Hellebores planted in light shade and moist soil will settle in well before their late-winter display begins.
INDOORS : Lemon trees overwintering under cover need very little water this month — check the compost and water only when the top 3 cm feel dry. Check stored apples and pears too, removing any soft or blemished fruits before rot spreads to healthy ones.