Be prepared for lots of rain, wind and frost
The strong winds and rain are knocking down lots of tree debris. Keep storm drains clear to prevent street flooding. Kathy Morrison
It’s not quite winter, but you can’t tell that from this week’s forecast. A series of storms will drench the greater Sacramento area accompanied by strong gusty winds.
Between rainy days, overnight lows will plunge into the low 30s, bringing frost danger as well as possible fog.
On Saturday morning, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for an area stretching from the Sierra foothills to Fairfield. “Periods of moderate to locally heavy rain may bring localized roadway flooding and rises to small streams,” tweeted the NWS Sacramento office.
More than an inch of rain is expected this weekend before clearing Monday. But that’s when nights get cold with lows of 32 degrees forecast for Monday and Tuesday.
Daytime highs will be on the cold side, too, with low 50s through next weekend.
Keep umbrellas handy; more showers are expected next Saturday, too.
In between storms, assess what needs to be done to help your garden cope:
* Prune broken limbs. Also tend to non-flowering trees and shrubs while they're dormant.
* Got a leaning tree? Wind and rain can push over evergreens and other trees, especially if their roots have been weakened by drought. Call an arborist and bring in expert help immediately before the tree falls completely.
* After so much rain, succulent plants are at particular risk if temperatures drop below freezing. Protect from cold when frost is in the forecast. Make sure to remove coverings during the day.
* Start pruning roses. Remove all foliage and rake up leaves under bushes.
* Brighten the holidays with winter bloomers such as calendulas, Iceland poppies, pansies and primroses. Plant in pots for instant color.
* Keep poinsettias in a sunny, warm location – most likely indoors. Don’t leave poinsettias outside in rain and cold.
* Rake and remove dead leaves and stems from dormant perennials.
* Pick up debris knocked down by wind and rain. Keep storm drains clear.
* Just because it rained doesn't mean every plant got watered. Give a drink to plants that the rain didn't reach, such as under eaves.
* Bare-root season has begun. Plant bare-root berries, kiwifruit, grapes, artichokes, horseradish and rhubarb. Beware of soggy soil. It can rot bare-root plants.
* It’s not too late to plant spring bulbs, especially in pots.
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Garden Checklist for week of Dec. 8
Make the most of dry weather while we have it this week. Rain is returning.
* Rake leaves away from storm drains and gutters. Recycle those leaves as mulch or add to compost.
* It’s not too late to plant something. Seed wildflowers and plant such spring bloomers as sweet pea, sweet alyssum and bachelor buttons.
* Trees and shrubs can be planted now, especially bare-root varieties such as fruit trees or rose bushes. This gives them plenty of time for root development before spring growth. They also benefit from winter rains.
* Plant bare-root berries, kiwifruit, grapes, artichokes, horseradish and rhubarb.
* Set out cool-weather annuals such as pansies and snapdragons.
* Lettuce, cabbage and broccoli also can be planted now.
* Brighten the holidays with winter bloomers such as poinsettias, amaryllis, calendulas, Iceland poppies, pansies and primroses.
* Keep poinsettias in a sunny, warm location; bring them inside at night or if there’s rain.
* Plant garlic and onions.
* Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while they’re dormant.
* Clean and sharpen garden tools before storing for the winter.
* Mulch, water and cover tender plants to protect them during threat of frost. Succulent plants are at particular risk if temperatures drop below freezing. Make sure to remove coverings during the day.
* Rake and remove dead leaves and stems from dormant perennials.
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