Master rosarian shares tips with Farmer Fred on spring rose care basics, propagation
Gardens' best finery on display in fundraisers and free events
Stories on Stage Davis hosts special event with literary, gardening flair
El Dorado County master gardeners offer free workshop
Master gardeners to unveil water-wise showcase at Loomis Library
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Spring gets off to rainy start, keeps temperatures cool
Global initiative leads to local landscapes and ways to save
Elk Grove, Orangevale each host information events
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Plenty of sunshine and flowers welcome start of new season
Sacramento Valley Cymbidium Society hosts annual show and sale
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Make the most of warm weather; tackle weeds and other spring chores.
Wait until April before putting tender summer transplants in the ground
Patricia Carpenter opens her property for the Early Spring Ramble
Find three days of inspiration, vendors and deals
Preparing for spring and summer, Sacramento County master gardeners host free event
Clubs to offer their expertise, plants and wares; volunteers needed for McKinley Park beautification event
Recipe: Mom’s chili and beans with grated cheese and onions
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Garden Checklist for week of July 7
Take care of garden chores early in the morning, concentrating on watering. We’re still in survival mode until this heat wave breaks.
* Keep your vegetable garden watered, mulched and weeded. Water before 8 a.m. to conserve moisture.
* Prevent sunburn; provide temporary shade for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons, squash and other crops with “sensitive” skin.
* Hold off on feeding plants until temperatures cool back down to “normal” range. That means daytime highs in the low to mid 90s.
* Don’t let tomatoes wilt or dry out completely. Give tomatoes a deep watering two to three times a week. Harvest vegetables promptly to encourage plants to produce more.
* Squash especially tends to grow rapidly in hot weather. Keep an eye on zucchini.
* Some weeds thrive in hot weather. Whack them before they go to seed.
* Pinch back chrysanthemums for bushy plants and more flowers in September.
* Harvest tomatoes, squash, peppers and eggplant. Prompt picking will help keep plants producing.
* Remove spent flowers from roses, daylilies and other bloomers as they finish flowering.
* Pinch off blooms from basil so the plant will grow more leaves.
* Cut back lavender after flowering to promote a second bloom.
* One good thing about hot days: Most lawns stop growing when temperatures top 95 degrees. Keep mower blades set on high.
* Once the weather cools down a little, it’s not too late to add a splash of color. Plant petunias, snapdragons, zinnias and marigolds.
* After the heat wave, plant corn, pumpkins, radishes, winter squash and sunflowers. Make sure the seeds stay hydrated.