Dig In: Garden checklist for the week of Feb. 22

Don’t be fooled by that bright sunshine; it’s still mighty chilly outdoors.

Sacramento will get another taste of winter temperatures (and possible frost) before another storm arrives. Then, temperatures are expected to quickly warm back into springlike conditions.

At least that’s the current forecast from the National Weather Service, which foresees an “unsettled weather pattern” for Northern California over the coming days. That can lead to roller-coaster temperatures with extremes from one week – or day – to another.

The last week in February starts on the cold side for Sacramento with overnight lows in the 30s and sunny but chilly days in the 50s, says the weather service. A new storm and “definite rain” arrives late Monday or early Tuesday with up to an inch of precipitation.

The threat of rain continues through Friday but how much is still unclear, say the forecasters. Unlike the last atmospheric river (which brought feet of snow to the Sierra), this will be warmer rain with warmer daytime temperatures. Thursday and Friday are expected to be in the upper 60s. By next weekend, Sacramento could see 70 degrees again, the weather service notes.

That warm weather will bring another burst of growth in our gardens. Be ready; get to work now!

* Soil may seem soggy now, but make sure new transplants and seedlings stay irrigated. Check plants under eaves and trees where rain doesn’t reach. Apply mulch.

* Soak roots of bare-root plants overnight before planting in the garden.

* Ground too wet to dig big holes? Plant bare-root shrubs and trees in large plastic pots, then transplant – new roots and all – into the garden in April.

* Start your spring (and summer) garden. Transplant or direct-seed several flowers, including snapdragon, candytuft, lilies, astilbe, larkspur, Shasta and painted daisies, stocks, bleeding heart and coral bells.

* In the vegetable garden, plant Jerusalem artichoke tubers, and strawberry and rhubarb roots. Transplant cabbage and its close cousins – broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts – as well as lettuce (both loose leaf and head).

* Indoors, start peppers, tomatoes and eggplant from seed.

* Plant artichokes, asparagus and horseradish from root divisions.

* Plant potatoes from tubers and onions from sets (small bulbs). The onions will sprout quickly and can be used as green onions in March.

* From seed, plant beets, chard, lettuce, mustard, peas, radishes and turnips.

* Annuals are showing up in nurseries, but wait until the weather warms up a bit before planting. Instead, set out flowering perennials such as columbine and delphinium.

* Plant summer-flowering bulbs including cannas, calla lilies and gladiolus.

* Feed spring-blooming shrubs and fall-planted perennials with slow-release fertilizer. Feed mature trees and shrubs after spring growth starts.

* Remove aphids from blooming bulbs with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.

* Fertilize strawberries and asparagus.