ORCHARD : The morning light reveals fruit trees beginning to stir from winter dormancy. The waxing crescent moon enhances fruit-bearing energy today. Apply dormant oil spray to peach and nectarine trees before bud break, covering all bark surfaces thoroughly to smother overwintering pests. Prepare planting holes for new blueberry bushes by mixing in 2 parts acidic compost to 1 part native soil, creating 18-inch wide basins that retain moisture. / For those with established grape vines, complete final pruning cuts now, removing all but the strongest 2-3 canes and cutting these back to 8-12 buds each depending on vigor.
VEGETABLE PATCH : Cool soil temperatures persist, but underground activity accelerates. Early potato varieties like ‘Swift’ and ‘Rocket’ can be placed in egg cartons or shallow trays to chit (sprout) in a bright, frost-free location. The short, sturdy shoots that develop now will give your crop a head start when planted next month. / In sheltered spots, sow broad beans directly where they’ll grow, placing seeds 2 inches deep and 8 inches apart in double rows, then covering with protective fleece against hungry birds.
INDOORS : Seed starting season shifts into higher gear. Sweet peppers and chili varieties need a long growing season, so start them now in small pots of seed compost kept consistently at 70-75°F for optimal germination. Keep soil barely moist rather than wet to prevent damping off disease. / Early tomato varieties for greenhouse growing can join them, sowing seeds 1/4 inch deep in modular trays and covering with a clear humidity dome until germination.