Victoria’s winters will chill you to the bone, with frosty mornings, fog, and a general slowdown in garden growth. But just because the pace has eased doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! Winter is one of the most important times for Victorian gardeners — a season of preparation, protection, and planning that sets the stage for a thriving spring.
Here’s your winter gardening checklist tailored for Macedon Ranges gardens.
1. Prune Fruit Trees, Roses & Deciduous Shrubs
In Victoria, June to August is the perfect time to prune deciduous fruit trees like:
- Apples and pears
- Plums, apricots, nectarines, and peaches (stone fruit)
Winter pruning promotes strong growth, removes dead or diseased wood, and opens up the tree canopy for better airflow and fruiting in summer.
Also, July is prime time for rose pruning across most of Victoria, especially in cooler inland regions. Book into one of our rose pruning workshops if you're new to roses.
Top tip: Use sharp, clean secateurs and aim for an open “vase” shape in fruit trees. Always remove dead, crossing, or inward-facing branches.
2. Plant Cold, Hardy Winter Veggies
Victoria’s cooler winter soil is ideal for growing slow-maturing, cold-loving vegetables. Here’s what to plant now:
- Root crops: carrots, beetroot, parsnips, turnips
- Leafy greens: spinach, kale, silverbeet, rocket
- Brassicas: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
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Alliums: garlic (get it in by July!), onions, leeks
Garlic thrives in Victorian winters – plant individual cloves in well-drained soil, 10–15cm apart, pointy end up.
3. Weed, Mulch & Protect Bare Soil
Weeds might grow slowly in winter, but they’re easier to pull out when the soil is moist. After weeding:
- Add a good layer of organic mulch (e.g. straw, pea straw, lucerne, or bark chips) around garden beds and under trees.
- Avoid mulching right up against the stems to prevent rot.
- Mulch helps protect roots from frost, retain moisture, and keep your garden tidy through the off-season.
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Start applying “Garden Mate” to sweeten the soil and start to break up any clay in your soils
4. Lawn Maintenance – Light but Important
Victorian lawns don’t need heavy maintenance in winter, but a bit of care now will help them bounce back in spring.
- Rake up fallen leaves to allow light in and reduce fungal risk
- Avoid walking on wet or frosty grass, as this can damage the blades
- Apply a lawn food in late winter (August) to prepare for spring growth. See our staff for recommendations on the best one for your lawn.
5. Plant Winter Colour
Brighten up your garden with cold-hardy flowers that thrive in Victorian conditions:
- Pansies & violas
- Polyanthus & primulas
- Hellebores (winter rose)
- Camellias (sasanqua and japonica)
- Calendulas & snapdragons
- Winter-flowering grevilleas (great for native birdlife)
Plant in sheltered spots or pots for easy movement and frost protection.
6. Clean & Maintain Tools and Structures
Winter is ideal for doing jobs you may overlook during busy seasons:
- Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools
- Check and repair fences, beds, trellises, and irrigation
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Wash and store unused pots and trays
- Clean out gutters and compost bins
7. Check Indoor Plants & Greenhouses
With lower light and indoor heating, indoor plants need special attention in winter:
- Move plants to brighter positions, but avoid cold windowsills
- Reduce watering — check soil before watering to avoid root rot
- Wipe leaves clean to maximise photosynthesis
- For those with greenhouses, check for ventilation and mould buildup
8. Plan for Spring
Winter is the best time to plan and dream! Use this quieter season to:
- Order spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths) — if not already in, get them planted ASAP!
- Start seeds indoors for an early spring jumpstart
- Sketch out veggie crop rotations and garden redesigns
- Visit us for bare-rooted fruit trees, berries, and roses (July is peak season)
Winter in Victoria is about laying foundations. From pruning and planting to mulching and maintenance, every task you complete now helps set the garden up for success in spring and summer.
So, pull on a warm jacket, grab a pair of gloves, and embrace the rhythm of the Victorian winter garden. It’s quiet now — but growth is just around the corner.
Happy winter gardening!