As the days slowly stretch out and the wattles begin to bloom, it’s clear that winter is on its way out - but we’re not quite in the clear yet. Late July offers a golden window of opportunity: a chance to finish up key winter tasks that will set your garden up for a brilliant and blooming spring.
Here are five essential tasks to tackle before August rolls in:
1. Clean & Prep Your Greenhouse
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to give your greenhouse or polytunnel a thorough winter clean. Remove old pots, wipe down surfaces, and clean the inside of your panels to maximise light for early seedlings. Check for drafts or damage to shadecloths, greenhouse covers, and doors - especially after strong winter winds.
Pro tip: Refresh your shadecloth or install new netting to manage the light transition from winter to spring.
2. Start Prepping Your Soil
Although the soil is still cold, it’s not too early to start prepping garden beds. Clear out any lingering debris, add compost, and consider planting a green manure crop if you’re not sowing soon. This builds soil health in time for spring planting.
3. Prune Fruit Trees and Ornamentals
July is prime time to prune deciduous fruit trees like apples, pears, and stone fruit. Remove dead or crossing branches and shape the tree while it’s still dormant. You can also give roses and other ornamentals their annual cut-back.
Safety tip: Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease.
4. Plan Your Spring Seedlings
Browse seed catalogues or check your stash and start organising your spring sowing plan. Some early starters like tomatoes, capsicum, and eggplants can be sown indoors or in a greenhouse from late July, depending on your local frost risk.
5. Do a Tool & Gear Check
Check your gardening gear before the spring rush. Sharpen pruners, oil wooden handles, and replace anything that’s worn out. If you’re planning on installing raised beds, a polytunnel, or upgrading your irrigation - now’s the perfect time to do it.
Wrap-Up
Late July might feel like a gardening lull, but these final winter weeks are actually some of the most strategic. Ticking off these simple yet powerful tasks can set your garden up for a vibrant, productive spring.
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Check out our full collection of greenhouses and polytunnels, covers, and shadecloth - built for Aussie growers who plan ahead.
