Winter is an excellent time for northern gardening. The heat and humidity has passed, and this is a pleasant time to be outdoors and enjoying this season planting and growth.

The Flower Garden

• Hellebores or winter rose are just some of the many plants that bring colour and life to the winter landscape
• Lift and divide large clumps of summer flowering perennials such as cannas, asters, phlox. Plant smaller fresh new pieces – these will quickly grow into large plants in spring and summer.
• The first of the new season’s roses will appear in store this month. Remember good soil preparation is the key to healthy roses. Dig in plenty of compost and a measure of slow release plant food around the roots of each plant.
• Deciduous ornamental also begin to arrive this month. To purchase these bare root before they are potted is a great value way to add colourful feature trees to your garden.
• This is a good month to shift any shrubs or small trees which you think are growing in the wrong place. Prune back first to keep top growth in proportion to the root ball. Firm in well in the new position and stake as necessary.
• Roses and hydrangeas can be pruned now. There is still time to plant lily bulbs for summer flowers.
• Plant seedlings of alyssum, pansy, poppy, polyanthus, primula, mini cyclamen, lobelia, stocks and violas

The Edible Garden

• June is the month for planting garlic. Plant on the shortest day and harvest on the longest day of the year
• Cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and other crops that are nearly ready for harvest will benefit from an application of Thrive soluble plant food now to ensure strong healthy vegetables.
• Continue to sow Broad Bean seeds.
• Shallots can also be planted out this month.
• This is still a good time to plant out bare rooted strawberry plants if you haven’t already done so.
• Keep planting cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, silverbeet seedlings for continual late winter / early spring cropping.
• In well drained soils Asparagus crowns can now be planted now.
• This is a good month to plant citrus trees in warmer more temperate areas.
• Deciduous fruiting trees are arriving this month to be planted for a harvest of fresh and healthy home grown goodness.
• Prior to planting newly purchased fruit trees, soak in a diluted solution of a product such as seasol to maximise root development and reduce transplant shock.
• Spray existing fruit trees with a copper spray and all-season oil to clean up any overwintering bugs and diseases so that spring growth will come out clean and healthy.
• If resting an area in your veggie garden, it’s a great time to add green manure crop. Green manuring will help your soil in many ways. Planting a green crop for a season to give back some much-needed nutrients.
• Watch out for slugs and snails.