July 2026 Overview Mid-Winter

July is typically the coldest month across most of Australia. The days are short, the nights are long and cold, and for many gardeners this feels like the quietest time of year. But there's actually plenty happening if you look closely.

The big news is that day length is increasing again post-solstice. You can feel it by mid-month - those extra few minutes of light in the afternoon. This is when smart gardeners start their spring preparation. Late July is the time to start tomato and capsicum seedlings indoors for those who want an early spring crop.

For livestock, lambing and kidding season is approaching fast. Pregnant ewes and does need extra attention now as they enter late pregnancy. It's also time to prepare lambing paddocks and check all your supplies.