Gardeners in California are advised to wait until after the last frost before planting frost-sensitive plants. In Zone 8, the last expected frost date is March 15, while in Zone 9 it is February 15. However, local weather forecasts should be monitored for specific conditions.
This week’s garden maintenance includes cleaning up drying grasses within 30 feet of buildings to reduce fire risk and promote spring growth. Fruit and nut trees should be watered deeply, with mature trees needing irrigation down to three feet. Aphids can be managed by spraying them off with water or using insecticidal soap.
For pruning, gardeners are encouraged to pinch back perennials and fast-growing annuals to encourage fuller growth and more blooms. Vegetable seedlings should be thinned by pinching or clipping instead of pulling, which can disturb nearby plants. After blooming, prune deciduous shrubs such as magnolia, dogwood, forsythia, lilac, azalea, spiraea, camellia and flowering quince.
Fertilization recommendations include applying slow-release fertilizer to roses, citrus trees, container plants and berries. Acid-loving plants like camellias and azaleas should be fertilized after they finish blooming.
Planting is best done while temperatures remain cool so that annuals and perennials can establish strong root systems before hotter weather arrives. Suitable annuals include floss flower (Ageratum), bachelor’s button (Centaurea) and bee balm (Monarda). Gladiolus bulbs can also be planted now. Gardeners may transplant cucumbers and peppers during this period. Recommended trees and vines for planting include cedar (Cedrus), desert willow (Chilopsis), rose of Sharon (Hibiscus) and trumpet vine (Clytostoma).
Currently blooming flowers include calendula, Leucanthemum paludosum, larkspur (Consolida) and delphinium. Iris bulbs are also in bloom. Among trees and shrubs showing seasonal color are almond, redbud, dogwood (Cornus), hawthorn (Crataegus), heather (Erica) and grevillea. Edible crops such as artichoke, lemon, lime, mandarin orange and peas are available for harvest.
Gardeners are reminded that mosquitos can breed in very small amounts of standing water; removing stagnant water from gardens helps prevent their spread. Developing a drought plan is recommended in case water restrictions become necessary.
UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis prepared these guidelines using information adapted from “A Gardener’s Companion for the Central San Joaquin Valley.” For gardening questions or problems in Fresno County, individuals can contact the Master Gardeners Helpline with a question or photo.
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