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Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Nov. 8

Get chores done during cooler weather


Chrysanthemums in a pot
After they bloom, chrysanthemums should be
trimmed to 6 to 8 inches from the ground. If
they're in pots, like the ones above, keep them
in the containers until next spring. (Photo:
Kathy Morrison)




This week’s cool-down may feel outright chilly, but this is average for November in Sacramento.

According to the National Weather Service, Sacramento will see several days in the 60s with overnight lows in the 40s. Average for November: Highs of 64 and lows of 43.

This week, we may actually get our first rain of this new water year, too. But don’t count on it, says the weather service. Most of this cloud cover will blow over to the Sierra. (Some areas around Sacramento did get a smattering of rain this morning.)

So, keep the sprinklers on (for now) and take care of some chores:

* 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.

* If you haven't already, it's time to clean up the remains of summer. Pull faded annuals and vegetables.

* Prune dead or broken branches from trees.

* Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while dormant.

* Give your azaleas, gardenias and camellias a boost with chelated iron.

* 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.

* To help prevent leaf curl, apply a copper fungicide spray to peach and nectarine trees after they lose their leaves this month. Leaf curl, which shows up in the spring, is caused by a fungus that winters as spores on the limbs and around the tree in fallen leaves. Sprays are most effective now.

* 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.

* Keep planting bulbs to spread out your spring bloom, including daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, tulips, anemones and scillas.

* Plant seed for wildflowers and popular spring bloomers such as sweet pea, sweet alyssum and bachelor buttons.

* Set out cool-weather annuals such as pansies and snapdragons.

* Plant lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, peas, fava beans, garlic and onions.

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Dig In: Garden Checklist

For week of March 19:

Spring will start a bit soggy, but there’s still plenty to do between showers:

* Fertilize roses, annual flowers and berries as spring growth begins to appear.

* Watch out for aphids. Wash off plants with strong blast from the hose.

* Pull weeds now! Don’t let them get started. Take a hoe and whack them as soon as they sprout.

* Prepare summer 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 fight blossom blight.

* Feed citrus trees as they start to blossom.

* 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 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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