As winter tightens its grip on South Australia, the garden slows down but doesn’t sleep. July may bring frosty mornings and shortened days, but it also opens up opportunities for those keen to get their hands dirty. Whether you're working the soil in a backyard veggie patch or caring for potted plants on a sunny veranda, this mid-winter period is ideal for essential garden jobs that will set you up beautifully for the vibrant spring months ahead.
Laying the Groundwork: Winter Pruning, Soil Prep, and Bare-Root Planting
One of the most important tasks this time of year is pruning. Deciduous fruit trees such as apples, pears, plums, and peaches benefit greatly from a good winter prune. With the leaves gone, it's easier to see the tree’s structure, allowing you to remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the tree to allow better airflow and light. The goal is to create an open framework that encourages strong new growth in the warmer months. Roses also thrive with a hard winter prune. Cutting them back by about a third helps promote vigorous flowering in spring. After pruning, give your plants a slow-release organic feed and apply a layer of mulch to keep the soil warm and weed-free.
Soil preparation is another rewarding winter task. With the pace of plant growth slowing, now is the time to improve your garden beds. Turning over the soil and working in compost or well-rotted manure will enrich the ground and help it recover from the demands of last season. In areas with heavy clay, like parts of suburban Adelaide, mixing in gypsum can improve structure and drainage. Once prepared, covering the beds with mulch not only retains warmth but also slowly feeds the soil as it breaks down.
July is also the height of bare-root planting season. Nurseries are brimming with bare-root fruit trees, roses, and ornamentals that are not only more cost-effective than potted plants but also settle in well when planted during the cooler months. Before planting, it’s a good idea to soak the roots in a diluted seaweed solution for an hour to reduce transplant shock. Once in the ground, water thoroughly—even on a cold day—so the soil can settle firmly around the roots.
Tending Indoors, Sowing Ahead, and Celebrating Winter Blooms
While the outdoor garden rests, attention naturally turns indoors. Winter is a great time to check in with your houseplants. With less light and warmth, many will go into a semi-dormant state, so it’s important to adjust care routines accordingly. Reduce watering frequency, as the risk of overwatering increases in cooler weather. Indoor plants should be checked for dust buildup on their leaves, which can interfere with photosynthesis; a gentle wipe with a damp cloth helps them breathe and absorb light. If any of your plants are root-bound or looking tired, this is a good time to repot them using fresh indoor potting mix, giving them a boost before spring growth kicks in.
July also offers a head start for those dreaming of summer harvests. While it’s still too cold to plant warm-season crops outside, you can begin sowing seeds indoors for tomatoes, chillies, capsicums, and eggplants. Place seed trays on a warm windowsill with good natural light or use a heat mat if you have one. This way, your seedlings will be strong and ready to plant out when the weather warms.
While the winter garden might not be bursting with colour, there’s still room for beauty. Winter-flowering favourites like camellias, hellebores, primulas, and pansies bring welcome splashes of brightness to borders, pots, and shady corners. Plants with silver foliage, such as lamb’s ear or dusty miller, add texture and contrast, catching the soft winter light in a way that draws the eye and lifts the spirit.
So while July might seem like a time for gardeners to take a break, it’s actually full of promise. It’s the month of quiet progress, of preparation and care. By tending to your plants—both inside and out—you’re laying the groundwork for a flourishing season ahead. Embrace the cool air, enjoy the slower pace, and remember: even in the stillness of winter, the garden is growing.
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.