Early watering and extra worries define these hot days
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Lincoln and Rancho Cordova also affected, and that's just the start
Sacramento could hit 111 degrees this week; remember to water
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July starts red hot; be prepared for record heat, high fire danger
Weather service declares 'Excessive Heat Watch' for Sacramento region
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El Dorado County master gardeners offer free workshop with strategies for bountiful success
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Shepard Center showcases art of Japanese flower arranging
Amador Flower Farm hosts annual Daylily Days with tram tours and barbecue
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Red Flag Warning signals dry conditions, high fire danger
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Garden Checklist for week of Oct. 27
It's still great weather for gardening. Grab a sweater – and an umbrella, just in case – then get to work:
* October is the best month to plant trees, shrubs and perennials.
* Harvest pumpkins and winter squash.
* Pick apples and persimmons. Remember to pick up fallen fruit, too; it attracts pests.
* Clean up the summer vegetable garden and compost disease-free foliage.
* 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.
* 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.