Check out the Expert Tips for Gardening in Winter from Our Toowoomba Team

The days are getting shorter, the nights are longer and the temperature has dropped: it must be winter! This is traditionally a quiet time in the garden, although at The Springs Garden World in Toowoomba we believe there is still plenty to do. So get outside on these lovely brisk winter days and get moving! For more expert advice on gardening in winter, stop by and see our team today.

Don’t forget the Toowoomba Hospice Camellia and Winter Market festival will be happening on July 16th and 17th from 9a.m to 4p.m. at Tafe Horticulture Centre.

Windy Winter

Moisture levels are typically high during winter. It is important to avoid overwatering indoor plants to avoid root rot. Let them dry out between watering and try moving them to a sunnier position if possible.

You should be on the lookout for snails attacking your newly emerged bulbs and seedlings. You can collect them using a snail trap. Inspect your roses for white scale on the stems. This should be rubbed off with a toothbrush dipped in white oil. Camellia leaves showing brown patches may be infected with Camellia tea mite. Spray any affected foliage with horticultural oil.

Pruning, Planting and Maintaining

Pruning deciduous fruit trees into a vase shape will encourage vigorous spring growth. Delay pruning apricots until summer as they are susceptible to gummosis (a fungal disease). Overwintering pests and diseases on deciduous trees can be controlled by spraying with lime sulphur. Prune roses in July or August depending on the frost in your area. Wisteria should be cut back to 2 or 3 buds as these will produce next season’s flowers.

Winter is a good time to prepare new garden beds for spring planting by digging in some Activ8 and well-rotted animal manure, covering the bed with a thick layer of mulch to deter weeds and retain moisture in the soil then watering well to stimulate the worms, bacteria and fungi that will help break down the organic matter.

Camellias, new season roses and deciduous ornamental and fruit trees can all be found in the nursery during winter. For a spot of colour try pansies, violas, cornflower, delphinium, foxglove and larkspur either in the garden or in pots. Plant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, onion, peas and spinach, so you always have some home grown veggies on hand.