Gardening calendar July 2020
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 Matters Clay & Compost.
Planting
Natives
- Early winter is the perfect time to plant natives in our Mediterranean climate because the cool, mild conditions and regular rains give the perfect chance to get a good start before the long, hot, dry summer arrives. If growing in pots, use a quality mix, formulated for phosphorus sensitive plants, such as Baileys Native Premium Potting Mix.
Flowers & Ornamentals
- 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.
- Prepare planting soil and plant out roses. Use Baileys Soil Matters Clay & Compost o prepare beds.
- July marks the earliest month to plant lilium bulbs particularly the Asiatic types.
- Plant flower seedlings and seeds for your spring show.
- 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.
Vegetables & Herbs
- Now is the time to plant a winter vegetable garden using Baileys Veg & Herb Planting Mix. 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.
Trees & Shrubs
- This is the best month to plant out ornamental deciduous trees and shrubs as the dormancy helps the transplanting process. Make sure your soil is prepared well with
Fruits
- 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)
- Deciduous fruit and nut trees and vines are now available at nurseries and weather conditions make this the ideal time to plant them in your garden. Try nectarine, peach, plum, cherries or almond trees.
Pot Plants
- If the cold weather and rain is putting you off the great outdoors, stay inside and get your dose of plant power from some new indoor pots instead. There is an abundance of choice in stores nowdays. Use Baileys Indoor Premium Potting Mix for best results.
Feeding
Pruning and Maintenance
Flowers
- 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. Watch our video on How to Prune Roses or read our Gardening Blog Top tips for pruning roses .
- Take cuttings of your favourite fuchsias.
Fruits
- 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.