The weather profile remains dry, and dry conditions may continue through the fall.
Monitor rainfall and adjust water accordingly to keep soil moist for new plantings.Put organic mulch around permanent plants to conserve water and prevent weeds.Trees need to be deeply watered as they enter dormancy.Mushrooms often appear in the lawn in the fall as growing conditions are favorable. If you do not like them, rake or pull them out and discard.Prune shrubs and trees to shape. Pruning junipers during cool weather prevents sunburn.Deadhead and shape rose bushes to promote final fall bloom.Feed cool-season lawns with time-release granular fertilizer.Fertilize flowering annuals and perennials to promote fall growth.Continue staggered planting of cool-weather vegetables such as chard and spinach.Perennials: agave, dianthus.Bulbs, corms, tubers: brodiaea, crocus, freesia.Fruits and vegetables: onions, parsley, radish.Annuals: larkspur (Consolida), flowering kale, Primrose (Primula).Trees, shrubs, vines: Goldenchain tree (Laburnum), pomegranate (Punica).Annuals and perennials: dianthus, alyssum (Lobularia).Fruits and vegetables: artichokes, cauliflower, figs, grapes, kale, limes.Trees, shrubs, vines: crape myrtle, bayberry (Berberis), beautyberry (Callicarpa).Fall color: maidenhair (Ginkgo biloba), goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria).Store unused fertilizers and pesticides in a dry, warm place. Pesticides should be stored in a separate, locked cabinet or container.Postpone unnecessary fall planting until rainfall replenishes soil moisture and supplemental watering is no longer needed.
Source: Adapted from A Gardener’s Companion for the Central San Joaquin Valley, 3rd edition, currently available from Fresno County Master Gardeners for $30. These can be purchased at our demonstration garden – Garden of the Sun (1750 N Winery (McKinley/Winery), open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 am to Noon, and via email at mgfresno@ucanr.edu. Gardening questions answered as well at mgfresno@ucanr.edu. Prepared by Terry Lewis, Master Gardener UCCE Fresno County.