Before the change (morning), root day :
VEGETABLE PATCH : The first hours carry a root influence — a quiet moment to work the soil around established plants. Loosen the ground gently between rows of artichokes with a hand fork, then lay 5–6 cm of straw mulch around each plant to lock in moisture as summer heat intensifies. If you have broccoli or cauliflower seedlings ready in trays, hold them back until after the shift; the afternoon will suit them far better.
After the change, flower day :
LANDSCAPING : Once the moon moves into its flower phase, the garden opens up beautifully. Sow cosmos directly where they will grow — draw a shallow furrow 0.5 cm deep, drop seeds 3 cm apart, and allow 40 cm between rows; they establish fast and reward you with weeks of colour. Zinnia seeds can go in the same way, thinned later to 25 cm in the row with 30 cm between rows. Check dahlia stems and tie any that have grown beyond their support, keeping them upright before summer storms arrive. Lavender in full flower deserves a light trim just above the woody base — this encourages a second flush and keeps the plant compact. Collect a few blooms of wisteria or cut cosmos stems for a fresh indoor bouquet; harvest in the cool of the morning for the longest vase life. On heavy soils, work a little sharp grit into the planting holes for cosmos and zinnia to improve drainage around the roots.