ORCHARD : A fruit day on a descending moon — the right moment for winter orchard work. Bare-root apple trees and pear trees can go in while the ground is workable; dig a wide hole, spread the roots carefully, and firm the soil in stages. Space apple trees at least 4 m apart for standard forms. Raspberry canes planted 50 cm apart along a prepared row will reward you come summer — add a bucket of well-rotted compost to each hole.
LANDSCAPING : Camellia and rhododendron both benefit from a top-dressing of ericaceous compost applied now — spread a 5 cm layer around the root zone, keeping it clear of the stem. If you have a lemon tree spending the winter under glass, water sparingly but do not let the rootball dry out completely.
INDOORS : Strawberry runners kept in a cool but frost-free spot will be ahead of the game come spring. Check that pots are draining freely — waterlogged roots in winter are the main cause of losses.