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Old Farmer's Almanac predicts rain, warm temperatures for Northern California
A bucketful of rain is a welcome sight -- and we'll be seeing more rain this winter, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Kathy Morrison
Happy winter solstice! The shortest day of the year, Wednesday marks the first day of winter and the start of what should be the coldest and wettest season of our gardening year. What can we expect in the months ahead?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, California and much of the west should enjoy a “wet and mild” winter – rainy but relatively warm. Meanwhile, the Midwest and East will be “shivery and snowy.” (Where would you rather garden?)
Now in its 231st year, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has a knack for long-term seasonal forecasts and has been helping farmers – and gardeners – plan ahead for more than two centuries. Its publishers released its winter forecast in November, well before blizzard conditions started barreling across the Central U.S. A bomb cyclone definitely fits that shivery, snowy prediction.
For us Northern Californians, the Almanac foresees “above normal” precipitation coupled with “above average” temperatures. Fortunately, the forecast also predicts above average Sierra snow. But if temperatures drift too high, that snow pack may melt quickly.
Warmer than average temperatures may bring an early spring as trees and shrubs bud out early. Historically, Sacramento averages highs of 54 degrees and lows of 38 degrees in December and January. But too warm of overnight temperatures may have an impact on future fruit production; apples, pears, peaches and many other kinds of fruit need “chill hours” – time under 45 degrees – to successfully set a good crop.
Nothing grows without water and we may finally have a wet winter. The Almanac’s forecast for California predicts a much-needed end to our prolonged drought:
“Winter will be warmer and wetter than normal, with above-normal mountain snows. The coldest temperatures will occur in mid-November, mid-January, and early February. The stormiest periods will be in mid- to late December, early and late January, early and late February, and late March.”
Sacramento’s November was indeed cold, according to the National Weather Service, with the average daily temperature 3.4 degrees below normal. Some days were more than 8 degrees colder than average for those November dates. New record lows (34 degrees) were set on Nov. 21 and 30.
As for the storms, Sacramento has received 4.69 inches of rain so far this December; that’s double our average (2.17 inches) for this month’s first three weeks. And we may add to that December total soon; the National Weather Service sees “widespread precipitation possible” next week.
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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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