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Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Jan. 13

Sacramento Digs Gardening
BY Debbie Arrington PUBLISHED JAN 12, 2019

Some patio plants may need more moisture;
others caught enough rain.
(Photo: Debbie Arrington)

Work around storms; plan for spring

Rain dictates our garden activity this week as Sacramento continues to get a good January soaking.

According to the National Weather Service , Sacramento Executive Airport has received 1.64 inches so far this month, slightly ahead of normal (1.28) for that 12-day period. That brings us up to 6.52 inches for the rain season, which started Oct. 1. That’s still an inch below average, but closing the gap.

More storms are forecast Monday through Thursday, so take advantage of this weekend’s break in the weather for any outdoor tasks:

* Where is rain water flowing? Make sure it doesn’t accumulate near foundations. Direct rain to flow away from structures. Are low spots draining?

* Clear out any debris that may have clogged storm drains, gutters or downspouts.

* Dump water that may have accumulated in saucers under potted plants or in pots themselves. Containers can become over-saturated, drowning roots.

* Not everything got watered by rain. Check plants under eaves, on patios or under large evergreens. They may still need a drink.

* Jot some notes on your garden calendar. How much rain did your garden get? Consider getting a rain gauge.

* Prune, prune prune. Tackle roses now.

* All this moisture has weeds sprouting. Whack them while they’re young.

* Plant bare-root roses, fruit trees, ornamental shrubs and berries.

* Compile a list of what to grow this spring and summer.

* Inventory your leftover seed packets. Most seeds remain viable two to three years after their suggested planting date. Many stay viable much longer.

* Browse seed catalogs or seed company websites; order early for best selection.

* Start tomato and pepper seeds indoors.

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CHECKLIST FOR THE WEEK

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Sacramento garden chores garden January weather gardening National Weather Service pruning seed catalogs rainfall checklist rain weeds

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Garden Checklist for week of May 19

Temperatures will be a bit higher than normal in the afternoons this week. Take care of chores early in the day – then enjoy the afternoon. It’s time to smell the roses.

* Plant, plant, plant! It’s prime planting season in the Sacramento area. If you haven’t already, it’s time to set out those tomato transplants along with peppers and eggplants. Pinch off any flowers on new transplants to make them concentrate on establishing roots instead of setting premature fruit.

* Direct-seed melons, cucumbers, summer squash, corn, radishes, pumpkins and annual herbs such as basil.

* Harvest cabbage, lettuce, peas and green onions.

* In the flower garden, direct-seed sunflowers, cosmos, salvia, zinnias, marigolds, celosia and asters.

* Plant dahlia tubers. Other perennials to set out include verbena, coreopsis, coneflower and astilbe.

* Transplant petunias, marigolds and perennial flowers such as astilbe, columbine, coneflowers, coreopsis, dahlias, rudbeckia and verbena.

* Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, earwigs and aphids that want to dine on tender new growth.

* Feed summer bloomers with a balanced fertilizer.

* For continued bloom, cut off spent flowers on roses as well as other flowering plants.

* Don’t forget to water. Seedlings need moisture. Deep watering will help build strong roots and healthy plants.

* Add mulch to the garden to help keep that precious water from evaporating. Mulch also cuts down on weeds. But don’t let it mound around the stems or trunks of trees or shrubs. Leave about a 6-inch to 1-foot circle to avoid crown rot or other problems.

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