Fresno Gardening Green

As cooler temperatures begin to settle in, some gardeners believe their gardening season is over. But the conclusion of scorching summer heat often reaching 115F in Fresno County does not signal the end of your gardening activities. In fact, it is an ideal time for planting cool-season vegetables.

Cultivate planting beds lightly to prevent weed germination. Tasks Monitor rainfall and adjust automatic sprinklers accordingly. If rainfall is adequate, warm-season grasses require no supplemental irrigation. Spray stone-fruit, apple, pear, nut and flowering trees and roses with dormant oil spray.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, the sale of neonicotinoid pesticides will no longer be allowed in retail nurseries and garden centers, and may only be used or possessed in urban settings by licensed applicators under a new law enacted by the California legislature.

Wood ashes are not beneficial in the garden. They have no nutrient value and only a limited value as a deterrent to slugs and snails. Tasks Water citrus trees well now to produce a good crop next year. Check and improve drainage around plants in low areas.

When perusing online seed shops this winter for plants to add to the garden, consider buying some aromatic native specimens to boost the restorative capacity of nature in your own backyard.