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Checklist for the Week Articles

Sat, Dec 09, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Dec. 10

Be prepared to chill: Frosty mornings return to Sacramento forecast

Sat, Dec 02, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Dec. 3

December starts with damp days but good planting conditions

Sat, Nov 25, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Nov. 26

Freeze warning remains in effect through Monday morning; take frost precautions

Sat, Nov 18, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Nov. 19

Clear and cool conditions expected after Saturday's soaking

Sat, Nov 11, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Nov. 12

‘Atmospheric river’ could soak Sacramento with 1.5 inches of rain

Sat, Nov 04, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Nov. 5

Fall weather (including some rain) arrives as we 'fall back' to standard time; remember to reset your clocks

Sat, Oct 21, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Oct. 22

Pleasant planting weather returns after Sunday's expected (light) rain

Sat, Oct 14, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Oct. 15

Warm days return; make the most of planting weather

Sat, Oct 07, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Oct. 8

Much cooler temperatures coming soon; plant now!

Sat, Sep 30, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Oct. 1

Light rain, cool temperatures and warm soil create great conditions for planting fall garden.

Sat, Sep 23, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Sept. 24

Autumn starts on cool side – with a chance of rain coming soon

Sat, Sep 16, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Sept. 17

Final days of summer will be perfect for fall planting

Sat, Sep 09, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Sept. 10

Sunny, clear and not-too-hot days make for good planting weather

Sat, Sep 02, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Sept. 3

Make the most of this cool end of summer; start your fall garden

Sat, Aug 26, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Aug. 27

August ends on a warm note, but cooler days coming soon

Sat, Aug 19, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Aug. 20

Some rain possible from unusual storm system, but not a deluge

Sat, Aug 12, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Aug. 13

More triple-digit heat coming soon; plan accordingly

Sat, Aug 05, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Aug. 6

Our yo-yo weather continues; watch out for signs of plant stress

Sat, Jul 29, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of July 30

Last days of July seem normal before 'cool' start to August

Sat, Jul 22, 2023

Dig In: Garden checklist for week of July 23

After record heat, some cool relief is on its way

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Taste Fall! E-cookbook

Muffins and pumpkin

Find our fall recipes here!

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Dig In: Garden Checklist

For week of Dec. 10:

Take advantage of these dry but crisp conditions. It’s time to get out the rake!

* Rake leaves away from storm drains and keep gutters clear.

* Fallen leaves can be used for mulch and compost. Chop up large leaves with a couple of passes with a lawn mower.

* Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while they’re dormant. Without their foliage, trees are easier to prune.

* Rake and remove dead leaves and stems from dormant perennials.

* Make sure to take frost precautions with new transplants and sensitive plants. Mulch, water and cover tender plants in the late afternoon to retain warmth.

* Succulent plants are at particular risk if temperatures drop below freezing. Don’t water succulents before frost; cover instead. Use cloth sheets, not plastic. Make sure to remove coverings during the day.

* Clean and sharpen garden tools before storing for the winter.

* Brighten the holidays with winter bloomers such as poinsettias, amaryllis, calendulas, Iceland poppies, pansies and primroses.

* Keep poinsettias in a sunny, warm location. Water thoroughly. After the holidays, feed your plants monthly so they'll bloom again next December.

* Just because it rained doesn't mean every plant got watered. Give a drink to plants that the rain didn't reach, such as under eaves or under evergreen trees. Also, well-watered plants hold up better to frost than thirsty plants.

* Plant garlic (December's the last chance -- the ground is getting cold!) and onions for harvest in summer.

* Bare-root season begins. Plant bare-root berries, kiwifruit, grapes, artichokes, horseradish and rhubarb. Beware of soggy soil. It can rot bare-root plants.

Taste Spring! E-cookbook

Strawberries

Find our spring recipes here!

Taste Summer! E-cookbook

square-tomatoes-plate.jpg

Find our summer recipes here!