As June settles in across South Australia, there’s a definite shift in the garden. The pace slows, the air cools, and the light softens. While some might think of winter as a time to pack away the tools, seasoned gardeners know that this is one of the most important months of the year. It’s the time to prepare, to plant wisely, and to give your garden the care it needs to thrive in the seasons ahead.
Winter Gardening: A Slower, Smarter Approach
The cool weather doesn’t mean your garden stops growing—it just grows differently. This is a great time to turn your attention to maintenance and planting that suits the slower rhythm of winter. Deciduous trees like apples and plums are entering dormancy, making it the perfect time to prune them back. You can also tackle unruly wisteria now, giving it a hard prune to keep it tidy. As for roses, it's best to hold off pruning until the end of the month or even early July, but June is ideal for giving your tools some love—cleaning, sharpening, and getting everything ready for when the big winter prune comes around.
Soil, Mulch Maintenance And Pest Watch
Soil care is just as important as pruning. Now’s a good time to refresh your mulch, using materials like pea straw or lucerne. This will help regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and add organic matter as it breaks down. If you’re composting, keep feeding your pile with a good mix of green and brown materials to keep it balanced through the colder months.
Pests don’t take a break in winter, so stay alert—especially when it comes to snails and slugs, which thrive in the damp. Keep them under control with beer traps, crushed eggshells, or pet-friendly pellets. If you’ve got citrus trees, check the leaves and stems for signs of scale and sooty mould. A spray of horticultural oil on a clear day can work wonders.
What to Plant in June
Despite the chill, June is still a productive planting month. Broad beans are a top choice, as they love cold weather and are surprisingly tough. Garlic also goes in now—just separate the cloves and pop them into well-drained soil in a sunny spot. If you’ve been thinking of planting leafy greens like spinach or silverbeet, this is a good time. Onions and shallots can also go in, and don’t forget herbs like parsley, coriander and dill, which actually perform better in cooler weather and are less likely to bolt.
For those who crave colour in the garden, winter doesn’t have to be dull. Now’s a good time to plant pansies, violas, and calendulas for cheerful, cool-season blooms. Sweet peas can still go in if you haven’t planted them already—just make sure they’ve got something to climb. In shadier spots, primulas and polyanthus will thrive and brighten up the view.
Citrus Care and Harvest
Citrus trees are really in their prime right now. Whether you’ve got lemons, oranges, limes or mandarins, June is harvest time. Pick fruit regularly to keep your tree productive and looking tidy, and give it a feed with a slow-release citrus fertiliser to keep it healthy through the cooler months. Good drainage is vital—if water is sitting around the base of the tree, it could lead to root problems, so check after heavy rains.
If you’re thinking long-term, June is also prime time to plant bare-rooted fruit trees. Nurseries are stocking up on everything from apples and pears to nectarines, peaches and plums. These trees are dormant now, which makes transplanting less stressful for them. When planting, give their roots a soak, dig a wide hole, and backfill with care. Water them in well and you’ll be setting the stage for years of good harvests.
Make the Most of the Rain
This month’s rainfall is a gift. It’s worth checking that your garden is making the most of it. Clean out your gutters and rainwater tanks, and take a walk around after a downpour to see how your soil is draining. If you’re seeing puddles linger, it might be time to raise your garden beds or consider installing some basic drainage.
A Time to Reflect and Tend
Winter gardening might be quieter, but it’s no less meaningful. June is a time to nurture the garden in a different way—slower, more considered, and full of quiet promise. A little time spent in the garden now, even just a half hour here and there with a beanie and a hot cuppa nearby, will pay off beautifully come spring.
Happy gardening!
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.