July gardening jobs

Enjoy cool colour

Australian gardeners are fortunate: we can have plenty of colour in the garden, even in the depths of winter. Flowering plants such as primroses, polyanthus and pansies bloom happily through the cold months. Natives such as hakeas (below), thryptomene, banksias and correas can also put on a good show in winter. Camellias are continuing their floral display, and early blossom trees such as flowering apricots burst into flower. In addition, foliage plants often produce stronger leaf colour in the cool months. Good examples are the nandinas, cordylines and crotons that do well in the subtropics and tropics. Seek out named cultivars, which often perform better and are less likely to produce weedy seeds. Always check your local weed list and remove plants at risk of becoming weeds, or prune immediately after flowering to prevent seed formation.

Clean out the shed

Cold or wet winter days are perfect for cleaning out the shed or garage. Start by looking critically at all the bits and pieces you have accumulated and decide whether they’re still of any use. Try to find homes for unwanted tools or other items that are in good condition. Wipe down shelves, then sweep the floor. Check for mould and leaks and arrange repairs. Most importantly, inspect all your garden chemicals. While most don’t have use-by dates, if they’re a few years old they are unlikely to be e ective. Make sure you dispose of them appropriately. Contact your local council to find the date of the next chemical clean-out, if they have one. Sustainability Victoria has a Detox Your Home program and the NSW Environment Protection Authority lists clean-out events across the state. Other states have similar programs. An internet search will help you find your closest disposal options and Planet Ark has some suggestions at recyclingnearyou.com.au/chemicals.

Tidy climbers

Winter is a good season to give climbers a general tidy. Don’t be too vigorous with climbers like wisteria that bloom in spring. But most will appreciate a trim to prepare them for their new spring growth. Thin overcrowded foliage and shorten long shoots and tendrils. Identify the strongest remaining stems and tie them to the climbing frame or support. Remove any weeds from the base of the plant, water thoroughly (especially if it’s been dry), sprinkle slow releasing blood and bone over the root area, and cover with a layer of mulch.

Grow food indoors in winter

Growth can slow right down in the winter vegie patch, but why not grow and harvest quick edibles indoors while you’re waiting for crops to develop outside? A mushroom kit will start producing a crop within a couple of weeks, and you could be harvesting mushrooms for up to three months. After harvest, the contents of the kit can be spread as mulch in the garden. Sprouts can be even faster. Soak some organic seeds in a jar of water, then strain them and leave them in the jar on its side. Re-soak briefly and strain at least once a day. You can easily grow microgreens from seed sown into small pots on the windowsill. Start with a special microgreen seed mix that comes with instructions, then experiment with other varieties as you gain confidence. Harvest with scissors when they’re big enough to use in salads, soups or stir-fries.

Words by Judy Horton