Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Dec. 8
After several days of mild almost-winter weather, Sacramento can expect some rain soon, says the National Weather Service, which predicts a major shift in weather patterns starting Thursday (Dec. 12).
“A weather system may bring widespread precipitation to the region,” says the weather service. “Potential for gusty winds, moderate rain and moderate snow.”
But when and where? That’s still up in the air, adds the weather service. “What is uncertain? Timing, precipitation amounts and which locations will see the heaviest (or) lightest precipitation.”
This incoming weather system is expected to bring “above average” rainfall to most of Northern California from Thursday through next Monday, Dec. 16, adds the weather service. In the meantime, we could experience some gusty winds, topping out at about 20 mph in Sacramento.
Get weather updates here: https://www.weather.gov/sto/#
In the meantime, we’ll have a few more days in the lows 60s – above normal for early December – and some chilly nights. Patchy frost is possible in the wee hours of Tuesday morning with an expected low of 35 degrees. Comparatively warm days and cold nights also mean more patchy ground fog.
Make the most of dry weather while we have it. (There are leaves that need to be raked!)
* Rake leaves away from storm drains and gutters. Recycle those leaves as mulch or add to compost.
* It’s not too late to plant something. Seed wildflowers and plant such spring bloomers as sweet pea, sweet alyssum and bachelor buttons.
* Trees and shrubs can be planted now, especially bare-root varieties such as fruit trees or rose bushes. This gives them plenty of time for root development before spring growth. They also benefit from winter rains.
* Plant bare-root berries, kiwifruit, grapes, artichokes, horseradish and rhubarb.
* Set out cool-weather annuals such as pansies and snapdragons.
* Lettuce, cabbage and broccoli also can be planted now.
* Brighten the holidays with winter bloomers such as poinsettias, amaryllis, calendulas, Iceland poppies, pansies and primroses.
* Keep poinsettias in a sunny, warm location; bring them inside at night or if there’s rain.
* Plant garlic and onions.
* Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while they’re dormant.
* Clean and sharpen garden tools before storing for the winter.
* Mulch, water and cover tender plants to protect them during threat of frost. Succulent plants are at particular risk if temperatures drop below freezing. Make sure to remove coverings during the day.
* Rake and remove dead leaves and stems from dormant perennials.
