Much cooler temperatures coming soon; plant now!
This six-pack of baby pak choi (bok choy), grown from seed, is about ready to plant in its permanent spot. Kathy Morrison
Get ready for some much cooler weather. According to the National Weather Service, our current flashback to summer heat will end soon.
“Today’s warm temperatures are expected to stick around through the weekend,” tweeted the NWS Sacramento office on Saturday morning. “But by early next week, fall weather returns and our high temperatures drop 6-10 degrees below average!”
Saturday's forecast has a high of 94 degrees with 91 on Sunday. But by Sunday night, the ridge of high pressure holding in that warmth disappears, allowing clouds, wind and the possibility of rain to sweep across the Central Valley.
Monday’s forecast high: 69 degrees. That’s 25 degrees lower than Saturday’s expected high. Sacramento could also get damp on Monday afternoon with 0.13 inches of rain predicted by the weather service.
The remainder of the week will pleasantly be in the 70s – perfect planting weather! Overnight lows remain in the mid to high 50s, keeping soil warm and roots cozy. It’s the best combination for getting transplants off to a healthy start.
So, what are you waiting for? Plant something!
* Trees, shrubs and perennials planted now will develop deep, strong roots. This is the best time to transplant water-wise varieties.
* Divide and replant perennials. Add a little well-aged compost and bone meal to the planting hole, 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 gladioli, 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.
* Clean up the summer vegetable garden and compost disease-free foliage.
* Harvest pumpkins and winter squash.
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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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