July in the Garden

Fruits to harvest now:

There’s not much to harvest fruit-wise in cooler areas now. In warm areas, however, there should still be some tropical fruits to harvest – custard apples, carambola, breadfruit, avocados, guavas, paw paws (papayas) to name a few. Look for citrus fruits such as grapefruit, mandarins and tangelos.

What fruit to plant:

Evergreen fruiting plants such as passionfruit vines and citrus may still be planted in warm to tropical areas. Planting of deciduous fruit and nut trees should be completed by the end of July – while they are fully dormant and before their roots and shoots start growing. Choose from: 

• Fig 
• Apple
• Pear
• Cherry
• Plum
• Apricot
• Plumcot
• Nectarine
• Peach
• Persimmon
• Almond
• Walnut
• Mulberry
• Pomegranate
• Quince
• Raspberry
• Blackberry

What flowers to plant:

Bare-root roses are still available and, like fruit trees, should be in the ground before the end of the month. Make sure they are not planted deeper than they were in the nursery bed. Don’t be tempted to add any fertiliser until there are obvious signs of bud swell. Some further pruning after planting is recommended, despite having already been cut back. 

Plant annual seedlings in warmer climates only:

• Dianthus
• Gaillardia
• Geum
• Gypsophila
• Impatiens
• Polyanthus
• Snapdragon
• Viola

 Maintenance tips:

Winter is a great time to carry out some running repairs on your lawn mower. 

• If it’s a 4-stroke engine, change the oil.
• Check the spark plug and replace if necessary.
• Empty the petrol tank and refill with fresh fuel – make sure it is the correct fuel mix for the type of engine.
• Change or sharpen the blades and check they’re done up tight.
• Clean the “under-carriage”, scraping out any build-up of grass or mud.

Even in a southern winter, the lawn is still growing quite well.

• Check how well your lawn is draining after heavy rain. Install poly-piping if necessary.
• Control moss incursions with a solution of iron sulfate (30 grams in 4.5L of water) applied as a spray or with the watering will help control it. Re-apply if necessary.
• If you didn’t lime the lawn in June, do it now. A handful of garden lime per square metre is recommended.
• Eradicate broadleaf weeds with Lawn Builder Bindii, Clover & Broadleaf hose-on, safe to use on ALL lawns.

In the warmer north:  

• Water lawns deeply once a week if there’s no rain.
• Remove weeds either by hand or with Lawn Builder Bindii, Clover & Broadleaf hose-on.​​​​​

Tips for Indoor Plants:

Plants inside the home assist in purifying the air as well as lending a touch of greenery to your living areas. 

• Keep plants out of draughts and away from heaters and air conditioners that can dry the atmosphere.
• Place a saucer or bowl of water near your plants to humidify the air.
• Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
• Feed every few weeks with ready to use Osmocote Pour+Feed Indoor Plants – no mixing required.

 Things to look out for and do during the month:

• Keep flowering annuals and bulbs growing well with regular applications of Osmocote Boost+Feed All Plant Types.
• Mid-winter is the best time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs including roses, hydrangeas and fruiting trees. DO NOT prune blossom trees (Prunus, etc) or spring flowering shrubs – wait until after they have flowered. If you prune now, you will cut off all the flowering buds!
• If you’re not sure how to prune roses and other trees, book into one of the many pruning demonstrations/workshops run by rose societies, garden clubs and garden retailers.
• After pruning, apply a horticultural oil as directed on label to roses and fruit trees to kill over-wintering insect eggs.
• Cut stems from some trees and shrubs make excellent hardwood cuttings. Cut the base just below a node (stem joint) and the top just above a node, dip the base of each into rooting hormone or honey and set into pots of Osmocote Professional Seed Raising & Cutting Mix. Roots should form in about six to eight weeks.
• It’s not too late to sow a “green manure” crop of oats, peas and field lupins in empty vegetable beds; dig it in to add nitrogen to the soil when about 300-400mm in height.
• Keep checking those potential dry spots under the eaves or in other protected spots. If the soil’s very dry, water well. 

Pest Control:

• Watch for the caterpillars of the White Cabbage Butterfly on cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and other brassicas. Pyrethrum will assist or try a cabbage dust.
• Slugs and snails can be active over winter – Defender Snail & Slug Pellets in a bait trap will protect your plants and keep your pets safe.