While Winter might seem like a time to hibernate, your garden still has plenty on the go this July.
It’s the perfect month to prep for Spring, prune for healthy growth, and keep things ticking over in your veggie beds.
Here’s a simple and seasonal guide to what your garden needs this month, whether you’re in the Western Cape or Gauteng.
Time to prune
July is all about winter pruning. With most plants taking a rest, now’s the ideal moment to do a little garden shaping and clean-up without stressing them out.
Pruning now will set your plants up for a beautiful burst of growth when the warmer weather returns.
Roses: Give them a solid cutback between mid-July and early August. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or thin stems. Shape for airflow and structure.
Fruit trees: Tidy up deciduous varieties like peaches, plums, and apricots by clearing out old or crossing branches. This helps with light and air flow come Spring.
Hydrangeas: Snip above thick buds and clear out any weak or spent growth.
Climbers and shrubs: Trim back summer and autumn bloomers like golden shower and ribbon bush.
Ferns: Cut off old fronds to make space for fresh ones.
Tip: Always use clean, sharp tools and seal larger cuts if needed. Your local garden centre will have everything you need.
Plant and sow
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t plant! A few colourful and edible options thrive in winter.
Western Cape gardeners, try:
Flowers: Pansies, violas, alyssum, impatiens, poppies, and vygies
Veggies: Carrots, cabbage, leeks, broccoli, Swiss chard, beans, and peas
Bulbs: Get those lilium bulbs in before month-end
In Gauteng, focus on:
Flowers: Primulas, gazanias, snapdragons, calendulas, and violas
Veggies: Spinach, lettuce, carrots, peas, and cabbage
Ferns: Add some greenery with easy indoor and outdoor varieties
Feed your garden
Even in winter, your plants need a little nourishment to stay healthy:
- Use a 3:1:5 fertiliser for flowering plants and cool-season lawns
- Feed azaleas, camellias, and hydrangeas to support bud development
- Give orchids and citrus trees the right food to prep them for blooming
- Add mulch around your plants to keep roots warm and reduce water loss
Watch for pests
- Pests don’t take a winter break, so keep an eye out.
- Aphids can be a problem on veggies and roses—use a natural spray if needed
- Scale and mites on aloes and citrus can be treated with Efekto products or copper-based solutions
- Spotting black spots? An organic spray will help manage fungal issues
Plant indigenous fynbos while the rains are around. They’ll establish well and be ready for the dry months ahead.
Attract birds with aloes, flowering shrubs, or a homemade feeder strung with dried fruit or peanut butter-covered pinecones.
Bring the green inside. Indoor plants like ferns and peace lilies help purify the air and add a touch of life to your home during the colder months.
Winter might not be the flashiest time in the garden, but it’s a season full of quiet preparation.
With the right care this July, your garden will reward you with lush growth, colourful blooms, and a head start on spring.
Compiled by: Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
First published on Garden & Home
