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'Wet and mild' winter could be ahead

Old Farmer's Almanac predicts rain, warm temperatures for Northern California

A bucketful of rain is a welcome sight -- and we'll be seeing more rain this winter, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

A bucketful of rain is a welcome sight -- and we'll be seeing more rain this winter, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Kathy Morrison

Happy winter solstice! The shortest day of the year, Wednesday marks the first day of winter and the start of what should be the coldest and wettest season of our gardening year. What can we expect in the months ahead?

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, California and much of the west should enjoy a “wet and mild” winter – rainy but relatively warm. Meanwhile, the Midwest and East will be “shivery and snowy.” (Where would you rather garden?)

Now in its 231st year, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has a knack for long-term seasonal forecasts and has been helping farmers – and gardeners – plan ahead for more than two centuries. Its publishers released its winter forecast in November, well before blizzard conditions started barreling across the Central U.S. A bomb cyclone definitely fits that shivery, snowy prediction.

For us Northern Californians, the Almanac foresees “above normal” precipitation coupled with “above average” temperatures. Fortunately, the forecast also predicts above average Sierra snow. But if temperatures drift too high, that snow pack may melt quickly.

Warmer than average temperatures may bring an early spring as trees and shrubs bud out early. Historically, Sacramento averages highs of 54 degrees and lows of 38 degrees in December and January. But too warm of overnight temperatures may have an impact on future fruit production; apples, pears, peaches and many other kinds of fruit need “chill hours” – time under 45 degrees – to successfully set a good crop.

Nothing grows without water and we may finally have a wet winter. The Almanac’s forecast for California predicts a much-needed end to our prolonged drought:

“Winter will be warmer and wetter than normal, with above-normal mountain snows. The coldest temperatures will occur in mid-November, mid-January, and early February. The stormiest periods will be in mid- to late December, early and late January, early and late February, and late March.”

Sacramento’s November was indeed cold, according to the National Weather Service, with the average daily temperature 3.4 degrees below normal. Some days were more than 8 degrees colder than average for those November dates. New record lows (34 degrees) were set on Nov. 21 and 30.

As for the storms, Sacramento has received 4.69 inches of rain so far this December; that’s double our average (2.17 inches) for this month’s first three weeks. And we may add to that December total soon; the National Weather Service sees “widespread precipitation possible” next week.

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Garden Checklist for week of Feb. 2

During this stormy week, let the rain soak in while making plans for all the things you’re going to plant soon:

* During rainy weather, turn off the sprinklers. After a good soaking from winter storms, lawns can go at least a week without sprinklers, according to irrigation experts. For an average California home, that week off from watering can save 800 gallons.

* February serves as a wake-up call to gardeners. 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.

* 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 (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.

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

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

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