Roses are more popular than ever, but what do they mean?
Wild Boar Farms breeder will be at Green Acres in Auburn and Sacramento
Volunteer birdwatchers of all ages can take part in four-day census
Trees got a good, deep soaking from recent 'atmospheric rivers'
Calendar is packed with gardening and related events
Recipient can make a birdhouse with a succulent roof or a living centerpiece
Placer County master gardeners offer free workshop
Sacramento master gardeners will be on hand to offer advice and tips
After heart surgery, popular garden expert changed his life with homegrown vegetables, fruit
Enjoy winter fruit and vegetables with these home-grown recipes
Control district sees spike in calls -- but winter storms this week will bring relief
Green Acres offers free seed-starting workshop at all seven locations
Huge three-day show features designer landscapes and free seminars
Warm days and early blooms belie true weather conditions
Sign up for a free winter ramble Sunday near Davis
In-street pick-up service wraps up for another winter
California Rare Fruit Growers host popular event Feb. 4
Citrus Heights location offers three workshops, curated collection and expert advice
Sacramento expects 2.3 inches of rain (or more) in the next three days
These slimy pests are particularly active after rain
Sacramento Digs Gardening to your inbox.
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Garden Checklist for week of May 5
Survey your garden after the May 4 rainstorm. Heavy rain and gusty winds can break the neck of large flowers such as roses. Also:
* Keep an eye on new transplants or seedlings; they could take a pounding from the rain.
* Watch out for powdery mildew. Warmth following moist conditions can cause this fungal disease to “bloom,” too. If you see a leaf that looks like it’s dusted with powdered sugar, snip it off.
* After the storm, start setting out tomato transplants, but wait on the peppers and eggplants (they want warmer nights). Pinch off any flowers on new transplants to make them concentrate on establishing roots instead of setting premature fruit.
* Trim dead flowers but not leaves from spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. Those leaves gather energy to create next year's flowers. Also, give the bulbs a fertilizer boost after bloom.
* Pinch chrysanthemums back to 12 inches for fall flowers. Cut old stems to the ground.
* Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and control weeds.
* From seed, plant beans, beets, cantaloupes, carrots, corn, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, radishes and squash.
* Plant onion sets.
* In the flower garden, plant seeds for asters, cosmos, celosia, marigolds, salvia, sunflowers and zinnias. Transplant petunias, zinnias, geraniums and other summer bloomers.
* Plant perennials and dahlia tubers for summer bloom.
* Don’t wait; plant summer bulbs, such as gladiolus and tuberous begonias.
* Harvest cabbage, lettuce, peas and green onions.