ORCHARD : The descending Waning Gibbous moon keeps energy flowing downward into root systems — a sound moment to focus on fruit trees and berry canes before December closes in. Plant bare-root gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) bushes now, spacing them 1.2–1.5 m apart in well-dug, compost-enriched soil; firm each one in with your heel to eliminate air pockets around the roots / Tie in new raspberry (Rubus idaeus) canes to their support wires at 10 cm intervals, removing any weak or diseased growth at ground level with clean, sharp secateurs — this channels the plant’s reserves into strong, productive wood / On quince (Cydonia oblonga) and medlar (Mespilus germanica), apply a dormant tar-oil wash to bark and major branches to smother overwintering scale insects and aphid eggs before they hatch in spring / In heavier clay soils, mulch the base of newly planted fruit trees with a 6–8 cm ring of composted wood chip, keeping a clear 10 cm collar around the trunk to prevent collar rot.
VEGETABLE PATCH : A grey, still end-of-November day suits methodical work rather than urgency. Sow broad beans (Vicia faba ‘Aquadulce Claudia’) directly into open ground at 20 cm spacings and 5 cm depth — their hardy constitution handles frost well and they’ll establish slowly but surely before the coldest weeks / Check overwintering garlic (Allium sativum) cloves planted last month: if shoots have reached 3–4 cm, draw a little soil up around them for extra frost protection / Thin rows of winter lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Winter Density’) and claytonia (Montia perfoliata) under a cold frame to 12 cm apart, giving each plant room to develop a solid rosette / Mediterranean gardeners can still sow a pinch of rocket (Eruca vesicaria) and land cress (Barbarea verna) under fleece — germination slows but these cold-hardy species reward patience.
INDOORS : The lunar node crossed at 03h30 (UTC) this morning marks a brief energetic shift — a good reason to redirect attention to houseplants and forced bulbs. Check stored amaryllis (Hippeastrum) bulbs in their dry, cool spot: if a firm green tip has appeared, move them into a bright room at 18–20 °C and begin light watering / Pot up a few more paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) bulbs into grit-rich compost for a staggered winter display — three bulbs in a 15 cm pot, tips just above the surface / Wipe the leaves of citrus plants (Citrus × limon, Citrus sinensis) with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption during these short days; check underneath for scale insect clusters and treat with a cotton-wool pad dipped in diluted neem oil.