THINGS TO DO IN JULY

COOL & TEMPERATE

VEGIES

• In very cold areas when the soil temperature falls below 15°C, among the few things that can be planted from seed are English spinach and two easy-to-grow vegetables, broad beans and spring onions. Broad beans do best with a climbing trellis or stakes for support.• Also plant silverbeet and peas (podding and snow peas).• Keep greens coming by sowing seeds or planting seedlings every few weeks.• Every 7–10 days, apply organic liquid fertiliser to cabbages and tasty greens such as rocket and soft-hearted lettuce• There’s still time to plant perennials like asparagus and rhubarb, which grow from crowns and do best in wellprepared beds with added organic matter dug in well.• Continue to inspect all brassicas for snails and slugs on winter crops, especially new plantings. Use an ironbased bait that’s harmless to pets and wildlife. Handpick pests daily and check the backs of leaves for eggs and newly hatched green caterpillars.