By Tamborine Mountain Gardening Club
Winter is here and what a wet run up to it, it has been.
We are happy that our tanks are full and our gardens are soaking up the rain so when our drier times arrive hopefully, we will be in a good position to keep our gardens happy.
What to plant in June
When planting in June, it’s advisable to prepare the soil by adding organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Mulching around the plants can help protect roots from cool temperatures and retain soil moisture.
Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is essential to maintain plant health during the winter season.
Colour in the garden in winter is beautiful.
Plant:
- Pansies and Violas – excellent cold tolerance and bright winter colour,
- Sweet Peas – thrive in cool soil; plant now for spring flowers,
- Calendula – tough, cheerful winter bloomer,
- Cornflower – happy in cool conditions, good for cottage gardens,
- Lobelia – ideal for borders and containers over winter,
- Alyssum – low‑growing, frost‑tolerant ground cover,
- Camellias – known for their exquisite beauty and elegance, camellias bloom in winter, offering vibrant colors,
- Hydrangea – they thrive in cooler climates, providing lush foliage and blooms.
In the vegie patch
June is ideal for cool-season vegetables in subtropical climates.
The soil still warm enough for root growth.
These vegies thrive in cool conditions and give quick harvests: broccoli, cabbage, peas, lettuce, spinach, onions, garlic, Asian greens (bok choy, pak choy, tatsoi), lettuce, silverbeet; herbs like coriander and rosemary.
Jobs to do
- Transplanting – Move shrubs or repot plants. Plants are relatively dormant, so transplant shock is reduced
- Pruning – Prune fruit trees (deciduous), grapes, and tidy plants; avoid pruning frost-damaged citrus
- Pests and disease – Remove fallen leaves (e.g. fungal issues) and monitor pests. This reduces overwintering pests and diseases. Always be on the lookout for fire ants.
- Soil and bed preparation – Improve soil, build new beds, add compost, mulch heavily. Growth is slower, making June ideal for preparation and long-term improvements.
Happy gardening.
