Get growing with more pleasure and fun
New! Lemon verbena shortbread, lavender lemonade from the Herb Team
After ‘cool’ Labor Day, triple-digit heat returns to Sacramento
Master gardener uses rebates to create her dream outdoor space
Training program starts in winter; deadline to apply is Oct. 10
El Dorado County master gardeners present free workshop
Elk Grove nursery offers big discounts on succulents, cacti, pottery and fountains
How did this Sacramento family spend their summer? Inspiring others on local billboards
New! Shopska salad makes most of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumber
After unusual storm system, summer warmth returns
Green Acres hosts special event at its Auburn location
Arborist to conduct free lunchtime session on tree selection
Rare August rain could arrive Friday; be ready for a 25-degree swing in high temperatures.
Summer Strong Yard winner makes wildlife a priority
El Dorado County master gardeners offer free workshop on cool-season crops
New! Summery bread delicious for brunch or dinner
Below-average temperatures could prolong season for tomatoes, other summer vegetables
Nursery manager Taylor Lewis, who died Aug. 8, made a lasting impact on landscapes and people
This info-packed calendar is like having a master gardener in your back pocket
Elk Grove store hosts three workshops plus huge sale
Sacramento Digs Gardening to your inbox.
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Garden Checklist for week of Nov. 17
Expect the coming storms to knock down an enormous amount of leaves. Grab a rake and get to work!
* 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.
* Use some of those nice fall leaves as mulch around shrubs and trees or in the vegetable garden.
* Save dry stalks and seedpods from poppies and coneflowers for fall bouquets and holiday decorating.
* For holiday blooms indoors, plant paperwhite narcissus bulbs now. Fill a shallow bowl or dish with 2 inches of rocks or pebbles. Place bulbs in the dish with the root end nestled in the rocks. Add water until it just touches the bottom of the bulbs. Place the dish in a sunny window. Add water as needed.
* 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.
* Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while dormant.
* Keep planting bulbs to spread out your spring bloom. Some possible suggestions: daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, tulips, anemones and scillas.
* This is also a good time to seed wildflowers and plant such spring bloomers as sweet pea, sweet alyssum and bachelor buttons.
* 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.
* Set out cool-weather annuals such as pansies and snapdragons.
* Lettuce, cabbage and broccoli also can be planted now.
* Plant garlic and onions.