Dig In: Garden checklist for week of Nov. 8

After they bloom, chrysanthemums should be

trimmed to 6 to 8 inches from the ground. If 

they're in pots, like the ones above, keep them

in the containers until next spring. (Photo:

Kathy Morrison)

Get chores done during cooler weather

By Debbie Arrington

This week’s cool-down may feel outright chilly, but this is average for November in Sacramento.

According to the National Weather Service, Sacramento will see several days in the 60s with overnight lows in the 40s. Average for November: Highs of 64 and lows of 43.

This week, we may actually get our first rain of this new water year, too. But don’t count on it, says the weather service. Most of this cloud cover will blow over to the Sierra. (Some areas around Sacramento did get a smattering of rain this morning.) 

So, keep the sprinklers on (for now) and take care of some chores:

* Rake and compost leaves, but dispose of any diseased plant material. For example, if peach and nectarine trees showed signs of leaf curl this year, clean up under trees and dispose of those leaves instead of composting.

* If you haven't already, it's time to clean up the remains of summer. Pull faded annuals and vegetables.

* Prune dead or broken branches from trees.

* Prune non-flowering trees and shrubs while dormant.

* Give your azaleas, gardenias and camellias a boost with chelated iron.

* After they bloom, chrysanthemums should be trimmed to 6 to 8 inches above the ground. If in pots, keep the mums in their containers until next spring. Then they can be planted in the ground, if desired, or repotted.

* To help prevent leaf curl, apply a copper fungicide spray to peach and nectarine trees after they lose their leaves this month. Leaf curl, which shows up in the spring, is caused by a fungus that winters as spores on the limbs and around the tree in fallen leaves. Sprays are most effective now.

* Now is the best time to plant most trees and shrubs. This gives them plenty of time for root development before spring growth. They also benefit from fall and winter rains.

* Keep planting bulbs to spread out your spring bloom, including daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, tulips, anemones and scillas.

* Plant seed for wildflowers and popular spring bloomers such as sweet pea, sweet alyssum and bachelor buttons.

* Set out cool-weather annuals such as pansies and snapdragons.

* Plant lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, peas, fava beans, garlic and onions.