ORCHARD : Before the evening sign change, the waning gibbous moon holds the day in fruit territory — a fine window to walk your orchard and harvest any ripe strawberries for the table. Check grapevines for shoots that have grown unevenly since last week and gently loosen any ties that are starting to bite into young wood. Fig trees benefit from a quick check of their ties too, and a handful of well-rotted compost spread around the base will thank you come summer. Raspberry canes can be assessed now — remove any that look weak or damaged at ground level, directing the plant’s energy to the strongest three or four.
LANDSCAPING : A calm moment to assess your roses before the season accelerates — check that ties on climbing varieties are still secure and not cutting into new growth. Wisteria’s young lateral shoots can be pinched back to encourage next year’s flowering spurs; do this with clean fingers or sharp secateurs. Hydrangea beds benefit from a fresh layer of mulch spread 5–7 cm deep around the base, keeping surface roots cool as temperatures climb. If you have lavender in a sunny border, now is a good moment to clear any winter debris from around the crown without disturbing the roots.
INDOORS : After the evening sign change, the day shifts into root territory — a quieter end to the day suited to checking potted lemon trees and olive trees overwintering under cover. Inspect the compost for moisture and loosen the top centimetre with a small fork to improve aeration without disturbing roots. A light watering of oleander pots kept under glass will prepare them for their move outdoors once nights are reliably mild.