July

We're in mid-winter, and they're generally perfect days to be out and about in the garden. Most vegetables are in active growth, and so good to see tomatoes unaffected by fruit flies.

Less watering frees up some time for the less interesting jobs like weeding.

The forecast is for little to no rain, which isn't necessarily a hassle if you have access to town or tank water. Forecast temperatures are quite high, so you can expect some active growth of plants and potential pests.

If you haven't started yet, grab some seedlings to plant as a succession crop. Bok choy can be harvested as cut and come again. But if you're taking the whole plant, it'd be great to have a follow-up crop to keep up your supply.

You might like to get some seeds started to get a jump on Spring planting. We need to get in early to beat high temperatures and pests, especially with tomatoes. S0 start some in July and repot up to a 150mm pot so that you can have a plant raring to go late winter or early Spring. You can see why Days to Maturity are important in a 4-bed rotation. If we want to plant tomatoes in August, you'll need to make space in this season's leafy greens bed.

Use the comments to ask a question or ask for advice or seek some help. There'll always be someone willing to help you down the track to success!

Feeding

Plants and the soil will benefit from regular feeds. Use seaweed, compost tea, weed tea or worm tea, sprayed over any foliage or the soil early in the morning. It will get your soil life pumping for winter growth. Use a watering can or hose-on applicator.

Be aware of plant requirements - leafy greens need more nitrogen than root, fruit or legume crops.

Tomatoes can be boosted with a Powerfeed of Seasol that has a higher potash content - https://bit.ly/40sDwKp. Like garlic, they'll need a feed about every 4 weeks.

Pushing crops along with homemade brews shouldn't compromise the nutrient value you get from your vegetables.

A healthy soil will ensure a healthy, nutrient dense food - https://bit.ly/3XOw7Ud

Planting

I'm still planting out plants I've propagated. I find that plants establish well now, because they don't have to battle high daytime temperatures. But I don't get frost. YMV! This week I've planted curry leaf plant, nutmeg bush, silverbeet, pumpkin and ammi majus

I add compost to the planting hole, and water in with seasol.

And I can very quickly back off my watering regime to allow the plants to thrive on their own.

Propagating

It's still warm enough to get some cuttings to strike.

I've been taking cuttings of basil, westringia, cat's whiskers, nutmeg bush, grevillea, myoporum and lemon balm.

I've been pleasantly surprised to see most striking readily.

I have a very warm spot, that stays warmish through the night, but a window sill might be all you need. Get in before it gets too cool. Then you'll need to wait till spring.

Succession planting

Succession planting is about having regular small quantities of produce pickable, rather than a glut of produce that you either pickle , donate to Food Relief or take to the monthly Produce Swap.

This spreadsheet might be useful if you're a bit geeky. Otherwise, the aim is to plant smaller quantities more regularly. https://bit.ly/3xGlfxd

Check out the guide below to work out when to plant different seeds for succession planting.
https://bit.ly/3IHRthQ

Seed Saving

Save seeds as you go. Brassicas, rocket, tomatoes will all be in fruit/flower so there's an opportunity to save seeds. Allowing individual plants to go to flower also encourages pollinators. Make sure you store seeds in a labelled brown paper bag until their fully dry. Then put into a zip-lock bag or lidded container.

Harvesting

It's likely your galangal, ginger and turmeric will have all died down by now. That means you can dig up the tubers for storage.

Storing in the freezer means you can keep it for months. Share your techniques for storing excess produce.

Legumes

Peas

Beans Bush

Leafy greens

Lettuce

Spinach

Kale

Brassicas

Asian greens

Coriander

Silverbeet

Rocket

Mustard greens

Fruiting

Tomatoes

Capsicum

Chilli

Okra

Zucchini

Root

Leeks

Onions

Shallots

Carrots

Beetroot

Garlic

Radish

Turnip

The list above is for Winter planting in the subtropics.

Root vegetables (especially carrots) should be sown directly into the ground. Here's a pretty good guide to help you plan the sowing of seeds in punnets or trays, so they're ready for planting out when you're ready - https://www.boondieseeds.com.au/blogs/news/plantingguide Read seed packets to check which seed should be soaked prior to planting.

Again, with the exception of some of the root vegetables, I'd be sowing from punnets to get plants established quickly and producing quickly.