VEGETABLE PATCH : A root day in late July — everything underground is quietly at work. Sow a short row of black radish, seeds 1 cm deep and 3 cm apart, rows 30 cm apart; they’ll be ready to harvest in autumn when their peppery bite is most welcome. Follow with a row of turnips at the same depth, seeds 3 cm apart, rows 25 cm — they establish quickly in summer warmth. Thin any carrot seedlings sown earlier to 5 cm apart in the row, giving roots room to swell without competition.
ORCHARD : The grapevine deserves attention today. Walk along the rows and pinch out lateral shoots that have pushed beyond five leaves — this keeps the canopy open and helps bunches ripen evenly as August approaches. Check the base of each vine for suckers and remove them cleanly with a sharp knife before they draw energy from the fruiting wood.
LANDSCAPING : Wisteria has put on a strong flush of growth through July. Take a moment to identify which long whippy shoots to shorten back to five or six leaves — the work will feel manageable when you pick up the secateurs next week for the traditional August pruning.