Garden calendar July 2019
Planting
- Cymbidium orchids are really hitting their flowering straps now so it’s the best time to start or add to a collection.
- The first buds of the earlier daffodils will show their beautiful heads this month. Don’t miss the show it promises to be outstanding.
- This is the best month to plant out deciduous trees, vines and shrubs as the dormancy helps the transplanting process. Make sure your soil is prepared well with Baileys Soil Improver Plus.
- July marks the earliest month to plant lilium bulbs particularly the Asiatic types.
- Plant flower seedlings and seeds for your spring show.
- Choose berry plants for winter colour such as nandina, cotoneaster, pyracantha, Rosa rugosa, cumquat, holly, Cape lilac and duranta (also known as golden dew drop).
- Now is the time to plant a winter vegetable garden. The choices are very wide; all of the seedlings in your local nursery are ready to plant now. If you are budget conscious, seeds are the most economical way to go; however you may need to get some tips from your nursery to ensure success.
- Plant asparagus, potatoes, rhubarb; globe artichokes, water chestnuts and taro. Many of these can be obtained as tubers at the markets.
SUGGESTED PRODUCTS
Feeding
Pruning and Maintenance
- July is the ideal month to prune your roses because by now the bushes will be dormant. Remember the “half by a half by a pencil’ as a principal of your winter pruning.
- Take cuttings of your favourite fuchsias.
- Go for a walk around your suburb or town to see what's in flower now. Make a note so you can plant some winter colour in your garden. If you can't identify the plant either ask the owner or take the sample to your local garden centre.
- Wait till fruit has been harvested to prune foliage of deciduous fruit trees such as peach apple and nectarines.
Lawn Care
- Spike your lawn if it is spongy and compacted through heavy wear.
