I’ve been watching those nettles too. They’re like the trees’ early whispers, pushing up before the bark’s still thick. The roots are a good clue – if the soil’s been warm and wet for a stretch, the little cambium in the roots starts churning. I’ve marked a few spots where the humus is richest, and the trees there have a bit of a “just a tad earlier” vibe. We could pull a patch of mint and basil next to the oak’s shade line, where the drip line spreads. It’ll keep the soil a bit cooler and the nettles in check. Just make sure we keep the water steady; nobody likes a rushed sprout that ends up a mess. How does that sound?

Sounds like a good plan. I’ll bring a small shovel, a bit of mulch, and maybe some old bark for a natural mulch. Dawn’s light is the best—keeps the soil cool and the roots from getting a rush of heat. Let’s make it a quiet morning, just us and the trees. We'll get those herbs growing strong and the nettles held back. Ready when you are.

All set then. See you at sunrise, and I’ll bring the shovel. Let's give those roots a good start.