It is the second month of winter, and our gardens might seem a bit sleepy, but as your garden takes some respite there is still lots happening.
Tamborine Mountain has mild winters with cool nights and lower humidity and the elevation allows growing both subtropical and some cool‑climate plants.
What to plant in July
- Primula (Primrose) – good for shaded garden areas and winter planting
- Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) – provide vertical colour and suit cooler weather
- Stock (Matthiola) – fragrant winter flowers
- Dianthus (Sweet William) – performs well in cool conditions
- Additional subtropical winter annuals are Nemesia, Phlox, Statice/strawflower
- Longer-season flowering plants – annuals and perennials suitable to plant in July so they establish over winter and flower into spring:
- Petunias – suitable across subtropical zones for extended flowering
- Sweet pea (climber) – prefers cool planting conditions
- Lavender – perennial shrub suited to our climate
- Salvia – long-season flowering perennial.
In the vegie patch
Before planting prepare the soil adding compost and organic matter. Once planted mulch garden beds with sugarcane, straw, and leaf matter to protect roots and improve the soil. Feed winter vegetables and fruit trees to support growth.
Kale, carrot beetroot, radish, potatoes, cauliflower, peas (including snow/sugar snap), broad beans, onions and spring onions, leeks. Add some herbs around your vegetables: parsley, coriander, dill, thyme and rosemary.
Jobs to do
- Cooler temperatures make gardening more enjoyable:
- Prune roses and selected shrubs
- Plant winter vegetables and citrus
- Mulch and fertilise
- Weed and control
- Clean up garden beds
- Protect new plantings
July is still part of the growing season so planting now sets you up for spring harvests.
Buy your plants and seeds locally at nurseries, markets and roadside stalls or share amongst other gardeners.
