Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Oct. 22

Rain in October? It’s not as rare as we may think. In Sacramento, this month averages nearly an inch (0.95) of precipitation.

But after several days of sunny, summer-like weather, this weekend’s drizzly rain feels like a shock to our system.

According to the National Weather Service, Sacramento is likely to see less than a tenth of an inch from this storm system on Sunday – just enough to get things damp and cool down temperatures. The forecast calls for a 50% chance of rain, peaking in mid morning Sunday.

Those clouds will noticeably cool temperatures, too. After a high of 85 on Friday, Sunday’s expected high is only 69 – 10 degrees below normal for mid October.

After Sunday, sunny and dry weather returns with highs in the 70s – perfect for planting. Take advantage of this opportunity.

* October is the best month to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. Make the most of warm weather this week with damp soil.

* Did your garden get enough rain? Test soil moisture, then consider deep watering shrubs and trees. Likely, they still need a drink.

* 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.