Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Oct. 2

October is usually a sweet spot for Sacramento-area gardeners: Not too hot, not too cold and just right for planting.

According to the National Weather Service, Sacramento will settle into a pleasant pattern during the first week of October. Afternoon highs are expected to top out in the low 80s with nights in the high 50s. That’s warmer than normal for October in Sacramento, which averages highs of 78 degrees and lows of 50 for this month.

October starts a new “water year,” the 12 months that gauge our rain (and drought) outlook. On average, October sees almost an inch of precipitation – just enough to get transplants off to a strong start and help roots grow deep.

Plan to make the most of this opportunity in your garden.

* October is the best month to plant trees and shrubs.

* October also is the best time to plant perennials in our area. Add a little well-aged compost and bone meal to planting holes or beds, but hold off on other fertilizers until spring. Keep the transplants well-watered (but not wet) for the first month as they become settled.

* Now is the time to plant seeds for many flowers directly into the garden, including cornflower, nasturtium, nigella, poppy, portulaca, sweet pea and stock.

* Plant seeds for radishes, bok choy, mustard, spinach and peas.

* Plant garlic and onions.

* Set out cool-weather bedding plants, including calendula, pansy, snapdragon, primrose and viola.

* Reseed and feed the lawn. Work on bare spots.

* Dig up corms and tubers of gladioluses, dahlias and tuberous begonias after the foliage dies. Clean and store in a cool, dry place.

* Treat azaleas, gardenias and camellias with chelated iron if leaves are yellowing between the veins.