VEGETABLE PATCH : Morning light is strengthening and the soil is warming — a root day with a waning gibbous moon is well suited to planting and bed preparation. Set out onion sets 10 cm apart in rows 25 cm wide, pressing each one firmly so the tip sits just at soil level. Celeriac transplants started under cover can go out now, spaced 35 cm apart in rows 40 cm wide — work a little compost into each planting hole to give those slow-developing roots a head start. In heavier ground, incorporate sharp sand along with compost to prevent forking roots.
ORCHARD : Artichoke offsets can go into a sunny, sheltered corner now — set them 1 m apart each way and water in generously. Mulch the base of currant bushes with a 5 cm layer of well-rotted compost to retain spring moisture and suppress early weeds.
LANDSCAPING : Roses benefit from a generous mulch of compost around the base now — keep it clear of the main stem to avoid rot. Clematis newly planted this season will settle in faster if you shade the root zone with a flat stone or tile while letting the top reach for the light.