LANDSCAPING : Before 02h20 (UTC), root energy dominates the garden scene. Divide dormant ornamental grasses like Miscanthus and Pennisetum while they’re still sleepy, cutting back old foliage to 4 inches before lifting and splitting the rootball with a sharp spade. Prepare new planting holes 18 inches wide and deep, incorporating leaf mold to improve drainage. / For alpine gardens, reposition small rocks that frost may have lifted, ensuring they’re firmly bedded with northern exposure to prevent premature growth of shade-loving saxifrages and sedums.
VEGETABLE PATCH : After 02h20 (UTC), flower energy takes over as we reach First Quarter moon at 12h30 (UTC). The strengthening lunar light encourages sowing sweet peas in deep root trainers filled with quality compost, soaking seeds overnight for better germination. Plant summer-flowering bulbs like gladioli and dahlias in trays of barely-moist compost, keeping them in a frost-free place until shoots appear. / In Mediterranean regions, direct-sow calendula and nasturtium seeds in well-prepared beds where they’ll attract beneficial insects to your vegetable crops later.
INDOORS : Winter windowsills become perfect nurseries today. Start snapdragons, petunias and lobelia in seed trays using fine seed compost, pressing seeds gently onto the surface without covering as they need light to germinate. Mist with a spray bottle rather than watering from above. / Check flowering houseplants like African violets and cyclamen, removing spent blooms by twisting them gently at the base to redirect energy to new flower production.