❄️ Gardening in July – The Quiet Work of Winter

July might be the coldest month of the year, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden. It’s a great time for quiet preparation, replenishing the soil, and planting crops that thrive in cooler weather. Every little effort now lays the foundation for a vibrant spring garden.

🌱 Sowing in July

While growth slows above the ground, now’s the perfect time to sow hardy crops and beneficial flowers.

Direct Sow:

• Green crops: Mustard and lupins — perfect for improving soil and suppressing weeds

• Spring nectar flowers: Poppy, calendula, borage, and other wildflowers to feed bees and bumblebees come spring

• Veggies: Broad beans, spinach, coriander, bok choy, beetroot, salad greens, and rocket

Tray Sow:

• Broccoli, cabbage

• Spring onions, red onions, brown onions

• Peas

• Miner’s lettuce

• Parsley

Tip: Sow trays in a protected spot — a greenhouse, cold frame, or even a sunny windowsill can give seeds the warmth they need to germinate.

🌿 Planting Out

Winter planting continues with cold-hardy favourites that thrive in cool soil.

• Veggies: Broad beans, peas, brassicas, onions (bulbs and spring), shallots, beetroot, perpetual spinach, silverbeet, salad greens, bok choy, potatoes

• Perennials: Asparagus crowns

• Fruit: Strawberries — plant now for sweet rewards in spring and summer!

Mulch new plantings to protect roots and conserve moisture during dry, windy days.

🍊 Fruit & Tree Care

• Plant new fruit trees: It’s a great time to get citrus and stone fruit in the ground while they’re dormant.

• Finish winter pruning: Make sure pruning is complete this month to avoid damaging spring growth.

• Mulch: Lay a thick layer of mulch under trees and add a few handfuls of sheep pellets for slow-release nutrition.

Don’t forget to collect fallen citrus fruit — rotting fruit attracts pests. If you have excess, pop it on the Katikati Community Centre produce shelf or bring it to the next Crop Swap to share.

🧹 Garden Chores

• Clean seed trays with warm, soapy water so they’re ready for spring sowing.

  

• Sort through your seed collection — check dates, make a list, and stock up on summer favourites now, ready for the August sowing rush.

• Tidy the glasshouse: Wash walls inside and out to maximise sunlight and remove any lurking mould or mildew from the damp weather. Your seedlings will thank you!

🌸 Looking Ahead

July is about setting the stage. It may not feel like much is happening, but under the soil and in your planning, you’re preparing for the burst of life to come.

Take it slow, breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy the rhythm of winter gardening. We’ll see you soon — and don’t forget to stop by the Shed or a Crop Swap for seeds, seedlings, and great gardening chats.