VEGETABLE PATCH : Last Quarter arrives this morning, and the descending moon keeps the energy flowing downward — perfect for root work. Plant garlic cloves 3 cm deep, tip pointing up, spaced 12 cm apart in rows; firm the soil gently around each one. Shallots can go in alongside: set bulbs at soil level, 15 cm apart in rows 25 cm across. If you have a bed free, add a layer of compost 3–4 cm thick and work it in lightly before planting — roots will thank you for it come harvest. Swede seedlings already in the ground deserve attention too: thin them to 25 cm in the row so each plant has room to swell properly.
ORCHARD : Autumn is the right season to plant a quince tree or hazel in a spot that has been sitting empty. Dig a generous hole, loosen the base without inverting the layers, and settle the root ball so the union sits just above soil level. Mulch the base with a 5 cm ring of compost, keeping it clear of the trunk. Walnut trees can go in now too — choose a sheltered position and leave them plenty of space; they dislike being moved once established.
LANDSCAPING : In the evening, the day shifts toward a flower influence — a good cue to plan where spring bulbs will brighten borders. Crocus corms can go in 8 cm deep, 8–10 cm apart in informal clusters. Daffodil bulbs follow the same logic: 15 cm deep, dotted through the lawn or under deciduous trees for a naturalistic effect. Strawberry runners planted now at 30 cm apart, crown level with the soil, will establish well before the cold sets in.