Welcome to the July garden notes. We're past the shortest day, which is always a good sign for me as it means we're starting the run towards spring.
Given the cold weather we've had so far, it may seem like wishful thinking, but spring will be here before we know it. In the meantime, there are plenty of tasks to tackle in the garden this month, when it's not raining.
Great Month to Tackle Pruning
July is a great month for tackling the pruning of deciduous trees and roses. Rose pruning is actually quite simple, and roses are very forgiving, so don't be afraid to give it a try. If you're unsure about how much to prune, you can apply what I call the 50/50 rule. For bush roses, this means removing half of the stems and reducing the remainder by half. It's not difficult at all. Remember, using clean and sharp tools will make the job much simpler and yield better results. You'll need a good pair of secateurs for the majority of the pruning, as well as loppers and/or a pruning saw for thicker stems. Thick leather gloves wouldn't hurt either, as they will protect you from thorns! After you've finished pruning, spraying with Lime Sulphur can help control any pests and diseases that overwinter in the bark. Additionally, be sure to rake up fallen leaves, as this will aid in disease control.
Fruit trees can also be pruned now, although it's best to 'summer prune' apricots in January/February to avoid disease issues from pruning cuts. When pruning fruit trees, focus on identifying crossing or rubbing branches and any that are damaged in some way. These can be removed, and other branches can be shortened. Before you begin, determine whether your trees fruit on new wood (such as peach and nectarine) or old wood and spurs (like apples and pears). Avoid pruning too aggressively, as it can result in excessive, leggy growth. Deciduous ornamental trees should not be pruned until after flowering to ensure the best possible display.
Plant your Fruit Trees
You can now plant out fruit trees (excluding citrus) and roses while they are dormant. Currently, we have a good selection of both as potted plants. We no longer offer bare root options as we believe that planting potted trees yields better results. If you need assistance in determining pollinators or other details for fruit trees, please feel free to ask our staff in-store.
Benefits of using Seasol Spray
While we are all aware of the benefits of using Seasol when planting to help plants 'settle in,' it's worth noting that applying Seasol during winter can also assist your plants in coping with cold temperatures. By applying Seasol as a foliage application fortnightly throughout winter, you can enhance the natural tolerance of your plants, both indoor and outdoor, including lawns, to low temperatures.
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Too Cold? Bring the Garden Inside
While it may be cold and less inviting in the garden outside, you can still bring the beauty of nature indoors. We currently have a wonderful selection of indoor foliage plants available in our stores, perfect for brightening up your home. Just remember to be cautious with watering during winter. Only water your plants when they are dry, which may mean they require watering only once every two weeks or even less frequently. Stratco is now a stockist of the 'Enliven' brand of indoor plants, offering a range of cold-hardy options at the moment. As the weather warms up, we will expand our variety, including their 'Collectable' range. Be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting additions during your next visit to our stores.
Watch those Insects!
Snails, slugs, and caterpillars remain active during this time and can quickly damage your plants if left unnoticed. Control them by manually removing them or using appropriate sprays and pellets when necessary. Additionally, it's important to continue dealing with weeds. Winter grass, in particular, can be troublesome for lawns at this time of year and should be sprayed before it sets seed or hand-weeded if the infestation is light. Utilize a specific winter grass spray and carefully follow the instructions to achieve the best results.
Camellias are in
Camellias are currently in bloom, making it a great time to visit and select one for yourself. By coming in, you can see the actual flowers and choose the variety you prefer. Keep in mind that Camellias are acid-loving plants, which means that in Adelaide, where our soil tends to be mostly alkaline, you'll need to make some adjustments. Either amend the pH of the soil to 5.5-6.5 by adding sulfur or consider growing them in pots using Camellia and Azalea potting mix. When selecting a spot for planting, aim for a location that receives morning sun ideally. However, it's worth noting that some varieties, like Sasanqua, are relatively sun-hardy and can tolerate a wider range of positions.
Final Notes
As you can see, there's still plenty to do when it's not raining. So, bundle up and head outside to make the most of the sunshine we do get.
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.