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Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Feb. 21

Sunny days ahead as spring arrives early

Several yellow daffodils
Daffodils can't help but add some cheer to any
landscape. It feels like spring, even though the
season doesn't change for another month.
(Photo: Kathy Morrison)






If you haven’t noticed, spring arrived early in Sacramento. Pear and peach trees already are nearing full bloom. Bright yellow daffodils seem scattered everywhere.

Spurred by warm temperatures, plants of all kinds are growing rapidly. And more warmth is on its way.

Our gardens certainly appreciated recent rain, but it was only a drop in our water-year bucket. Friday’s precipitation totaled less than 0.1 inch. According to the National Weather Service, that brings our February total to 0.85 inches – far below our February average of 3.5 inches. Overall, Sacramento has received 3.35 inches of rain in 2021 (2.7 inches below average) and 5.43 inches since Oct. 1, the start of our water year. That total is nearly 7 inches off where we should be by now.

Although it rained Friday, check soil moisture in your garden. Some plants may need more water (especially those in containers or under trees).

That may be it for our rain this month, too. The forecast for the week ahead is relentlessly sunny, with high temperatures flirting with 70 degrees and overnight lows in the 40s. In other words, it will continue to feel just like early spring.

Make the most of this beautiful weather with time outdoors well spent.

* Weed, weed, weed! Pull out unwanted invaders while they’re small.

* Feed spring-blooming shrubs and fall-planted perennials with slow-release fertilizer.

* Feed mature trees and shrubs after spring growth starts.

* Remove aphids from blooming bulbs with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.

* Transplant or direct-seed late spring and summer flowers, including snapdragon, candytuft, lilies, astilbe, larkspur, Shasta and painted daisies, stocks, bleeding heart and coral bells.

* In the vegetable garden, transplant cabbage, broccoli, kale and lettuce.

* Plant artichokes, asparagus, horseradish and strawberries from root divisions.

* Plant potatoes from tubers and onions from sets (small bulbs). The onions will sprout quickly and can be used as green onions in March.

* From seed, plant beets, chard, lettuce, mustard, peas, radishes and turnips.

* Plant summer-flowering bulbs including cannas, calla lilies and gladiolus.

* Indoors, start peppers, tomatoes and eggplant from seed.

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Dig In: Garden Checklist

For week of March 24:

In between cloud bursts, try to catch up with early spring chores. 

* Attack weeds now! Get them before they flower and go to seed. Take a hoe and whack them as soon as they sprout. Aim for 1 inch below the soil line.

* Start preparing vegetable beds. Spade in compost and other amendments.

* Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs after bloom.

* Feed camellias at the end of their bloom cycle. Pick up browned and fallen flowers to help corral blossom blight.

* Feed citrus trees, which are now in bloom and setting fruit. To prevent sunburn and borer problems on young trees, paint the exposed portion of the trunk with diluted white latex (water-based) interior paint. Dilute the paint with an equal amount of cold water before application.

* Feed roses with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available in that product).

* Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs and trees after they bloom. Try using well-composted manure, spread 1-inch thick under the tree. This serves as both fertilizer and mulch, retaining moisture while cutting down on weeds.

* Cut back and fertilize perennial herbs to encourage new growth.

* Seed and renovate the lawn (if you still have one). Feed cool-season grasses such as bent, blue, rye and fescue with a slow-release fertilizer. Check the irrigation system and perform maintenance. Make sure sprinkler heads are turned toward the lawn, not the sidewalk.

* In the vegetable garden, transplant lettuce and cole family plants, such as cabbage, broccoli, collards and kale.

* Seed chard and beets directly into the ground.

* Plant summer bulbs, including gladiolus, tuberous begonias and callas. Also plant dahlia tubers.

* Shop for perennials. Many varieties are available in local nurseries and at plant events. They can be transplanted now while the weather remains relatively cool.

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