Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Feb. 3

There's still time to get your tomato seeds planted. They'll sprout in six to 10 days, on average. (Photo: Kathy Morrison)

Sacramento feels ready for an early spring



Welcome to an early spring! That’s the prediction of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous Pennsylvania groundhog, as well as locally grown perennials, shrubs and bulbs.

Signs of spring are sprouting everywhere in Sacramento, getting our gardening fingers itching to dig. We feel the urge to plant, and plenty of possibilities are now available in local nurseries.

Weather-wise, February is usually among Sacramento’s rainiest months, averaging about 3.5 inches, according to the National Weather Service. In this wet first weekend, we already have a good start on that total.

Expect temperatures to remain cool; February highs average 60 degrees in Sacramento with overnight lows averaging 42. Any threat of frost is minimal. That means cool-weather plants will still be comfortable, but wait on setting out tomatoes and peppers.

When the sun comes out, make the most of that window of opportunity and get to work:

* This month, you can transplant or direct-seed several flowers, including snapdragon, candytuft, lilies, astilbe, larkspur, Shasta and painted daisies, stocks, bleeding heart and coral bells.

Transplant kale now for spring salads. (Photo: Debbie Arrington)

* In the vegetable garden, plant Jerusalem artichoke tubers, and strawberry and rhubarb roots. Transplant cabbage and its close cousins -- broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts -- as well as lettuce (both loose leaf and head).

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

* Plant artichokes, asparagus and horseradish from root divisions. Plant potatoes from tubers and onions from sets. 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.

* Annuals are showing up in nurseries, but wait until the weather warms up a bit before planting summer varieties. Instead, set out flowering perennials such as columbine and delphinium.