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
Intense heat will challenge midsummer garden
Make most of mild weather before triple-digit heat returns Friday, opening day of the State Fair.
Red-hot start could make July challenging
June ends with a warming trend; triple digits coming soon
Windy conditions will keep temperatures below average during last days of spring.
Coolish June weather continues but watch out for threat of thunderstorms.
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For week of March 24:
In between cloud bursts, try to catch up with early spring chores.
* Attack weeds now! Get them before they flower and go to seed. Take a hoe and whack them as soon as they sprout. Aim for 1 inch below the soil line.
* Start preparing vegetable beds. Spade in compost and other amendments.
* Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs after bloom.
* Feed camellias at the end of their bloom cycle. Pick up browned and fallen flowers to help corral blossom blight.
* Feed citrus trees, which are now in bloom and setting fruit. To prevent sunburn and borer problems on young trees, paint the exposed portion of the trunk with diluted white latex (water-based) interior paint. Dilute the paint with an equal amount of cold water before application.
* Feed roses with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available in that product).
* Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs and trees after they bloom. Try using well-composted manure, spread 1-inch thick under the tree. This serves as both fertilizer and mulch, retaining moisture while cutting down on weeds.
* Cut back and fertilize perennial herbs to encourage new growth.
* Seed and renovate the lawn (if you still have one). Feed cool-season grasses such as bent, blue, rye and fescue with a slow-release fertilizer. Check the irrigation system and perform maintenance. Make sure sprinkler heads are turned toward the lawn, not the sidewalk.
* In the vegetable garden, transplant lettuce and cole family plants, such as cabbage, broccoli, collards and kale.
* Seed chard and beets directly into the ground.
* Plant summer bulbs, including gladiolus, tuberous begonias and callas. Also plant dahlia tubers.
* Shop for perennials. Many varieties are available in local nurseries and at plant events. They can be transplanted now while the weather remains relatively cool.