LANDSCAPING : The waxing gibbous moon bathes flower beds in growing light. Sweet peas can be sown in deep pots (10cm) with compost-rich soil now – the ascending moon enhances their vigorous climbing habit. My hands still smell of lavender from yesterday’s pruning; trim other woody herbs like rosemary and sage, cutting back by one-third to prevent legginess. / Early flowering bulbs like snowdrops and winter aconites benefit from a light application of liquid seaweed (20ml per 10L water) to support blooming. Check tree ties and loosen any that appear constrictive after winter winds.
ORCHARD : Before 19h25 (UTC), day flowers: Fruit tree buds sleep through winter’s chill while storing energy. Inspect dormant peach and nectarine trees for signs of peach leaf curl, removing any mummified fruits still hanging. Apply winter wash to apple and pear trees, thoroughly coating bark crevices where pests hibernate. / Prune blueberry bushes now, removing old wood (darker color) while retaining younger branches for maximum fruit production. In sheltered spots, early-flowering apricots might need protection from frost – have fleece ready for covering blossoms.
VEGETABLE PATCH : After 19h25 (UTC), day leaves: The soil awakens gradually beneath our feet. Winter lettuces like ‘Winter Gem’ and ‘Arctic King’ can be sown in modules under cover with gentle bottom heat (15°C). Prepare growing areas for spinach and chard by incorporating well-rotted manure (2kg per square meter) to fuel leafy growth. / Swiss chard, kale and perpetual spinach benefit from a nitrogen boost – apply diluted comfrey tea (1:10 ratio) around established plants. Check overwintering cabbage and remove any yellowing leaves to prevent disease spread.