Be prepared to chill: Frosty mornings return to Sacramento forecast
December starts with damp days but good planting conditions
Freeze warning remains in effect through Monday morning; take frost precautions
Clear and cool conditions expected after Saturday's soaking
‘Atmospheric river’ could soak Sacramento with 1.5 inches of rain
Fall weather (including some rain) arrives as we 'fall back' to standard time; remember to reset your clocks
Pleasant planting weather returns after Sunday's expected (light) rain
Warm days return; make the most of planting weather
Much cooler temperatures coming soon; plant now!
Light rain, cool temperatures and warm soil create great conditions for planting fall garden.
Autumn starts on cool side – with a chance of rain coming soon
Final days of summer will be perfect for fall planting
Sunny, clear and not-too-hot days make for good planting weather
Make the most of this cool end of summer; start your fall garden
August ends on a warm note, but cooler days coming soon
Some rain possible from unusual storm system, but not a deluge
More triple-digit heat coming soon; plan accordingly
Our yo-yo weather continues; watch out for signs of plant stress
Last days of July seem normal before 'cool' start to August
After record heat, some cool relief is on its way
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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.