Stink bugs and leaf-footed bugs like August weather and ripening fruit
Using basil, growing beets to be topics of Yolo master gardeners' workshop
Master gardeners offer two free workshops on fall and winter vegetables
The Secret Garden hosts hands-on 'Aromatic Escapes' workshop
Elk Grove store offers curated collection, advice
Recipe: Easy fig compote with orange and vanilla
Our yo-yo weather continues; watch out for signs of plant stress
Popular podcast host shares keynote speaker duties at Harvest Day
'Habitat Gardening' is the theme for the latest publication
Sunflowers can be planted in late summer for autumn blooms
Select local vendors, clubs and organizations bring wide range of specialties
Weather roller-coaster continues; triple-digit temperatures return this weekend
Recipe: Chunky or smooth, it's the fresh flavor of summer
Last days of July seem normal before 'cool' start to August
Possible varieties matched up with mislabeled jalapeños and purple bells; listen to podcast with Farmer Fred
Registration required for free event Aug. 6
Learn how to make your own 'garden gold'
Cycle and soak method is the best way to irrigate lawns in summer, especially in clay soil
Start seeds for fall, winter favorites for transplanting after Labor Day
Recipe: Cocktail features just-squeezed tomato juice
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Garden Checklist for week of Nov. 10
Make the most of gaps between raindrops this week and get stuff done:
* Rake and compost leaves, but dispose of any diseased plant material. For example, if peach and nectarine trees showed signs of leaf curl this year, clean up under trees and dispose of those leaves instead of composting.
* Give your azaleas, gardenias and camellias a boost with chelated iron.
* For larger blooms, pinch off some camellia buds.
* After they bloom, chrysanthemums should be trimmed to 6 to 8 inches above the ground. If in pots, keep the mums in their containers until next spring. Then, they can be planted in the ground, if desired, or repotted.
* Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while dormant.
* Pull faded annuals and vegetables.
* Prune dead or broken branches from trees.
* Keep planting bulbs to spread out your spring bloom. Some possible suggestions: daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, tulips, anemones and scillas.
* This is also a good time to seed wildflowers and plant such spring bloomers as sweet pea, sweet alyssum and bachelor buttons.
* Now is the best time to plant most trees and shrubs. This gives them plenty of time for root development before spring growth. They also benefit from fall and winter rains.
* Set out cool-weather annuals such as pansies and snapdragons.
* Lettuce, cabbage and broccoli also can be planted now.
* Plant garlic and onions.