Midwinter is one of the most useful planting windows of the year in the Adelaide Hills. With cool temperatures and steady moisture, this is the season to get plenty in the ground so it is ready to thrive come spring.
PLANT IN JULY
What roots now, thrives later
1. Bare-root fruit trees
If you are planting fruit trees, now is the time. July is ideal for bare-root apples, pears, plums, cherries and quinces, along with berries like raspberries and currants. Soak the roots before planting, add compost, and stake where needed. For blueberries, prep acidic soil or use large pots. You can often grab a bare-root bargain from local nurseries at this time of year.
2. Native planting, with fire risk in mind
Winter is also perfect for native planting. With cool temps and steady moisture, natives establish deep roots before the summer heat. Choose low-flammability species like Correa reflexa (common correa), hop goodenia, silver banksia, and lomandra and dianella for understorey and borders. These thrive locally, reduce fire risk and support local wildlife.
3. Ornamentals and garden jobs
For ornamentals, go for hellebores, foxgloves, calendula, Iceland poppies and bare-root roses. All plant well in cold soil and bloom beautifully come spring. You can also divide perennials like daylilies or agapanthus, prune deciduous trees, and refresh garden beds with aged compost and mulch.
DO NOT DELAY
Warmer winters can shorten dormancy, so it pays not to wait. Whether you are growing for food, habitat or colour, July is the month to plant. What roots now, thrives later.
Header photo: Cleveland Nursery, Stirling. Body photo: Acabashi via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.