What to do when it is just too Darn hot to Garden?

It has been a very hot summer everywhere. From what I have been told it is normal to get 100 plus days from the months here from  May to October. It is just too hot to garden.  so I have come up with some alternative projects. This post is written with regional information for the Sacramento area, but you can do a google search to find similar events.

 You can attend some of the events and festivals that are happening in Sacramento in August. There are many options for different interests and tastes, such as music, food, culture, art, comedy, and more. For example, you can check out the Sacramento Banana Festival, the Festival del Mole, the Sacramento Black Womxn’s Festival, or the Second Sunday Brunch Market. You can also see some of your favorite artists perform live, such as Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers, Bastille, or Tab Benoit.

 

 You can also improve your gardening skills by taking some classes or workshops that are offered in Sacramento. You can learn about different topics, such as organic gardening, composting, irrigation, pest control, pruning, harvesting, and more. You can also get some inspiration and ideas from other gardeners and experts. For example, you can join the Sacramento Master Gardeners program, which provides free gardening advice and education to the public. You can also visit some of the public gardens in Sacramento, such as the McKinley Park Rose Garden, the WPA Rock Garden, or the Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden.

• You can also start planning for the fall season by preparing your soil, planting some seeds, and choosing your crops. You can grow some of the vegetables and herbs that thrive in cooler weather, such as lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro, and more. You can also plant some of the flowers that bloom in autumn, such as chrysanthemums, asters, marigolds, pansies, violas, and more. You can also add some color and interest to your garden by planting some of the ornamental grasses that look great in fall, such as fountain grass, switch grass, feather reed grass, or blue oat grass.

I hope these suggestions help you find some fun and rewarding projects to do in August in Sacramento.😊

June in Bloom: Gardening Tips for Sacramento, CA

June is a time of growth and abundance in the garden in Sacramento, CA. With the weather warming up and the soil moist from spring rains, it's the perfect time to plant, prune, and prepare your garden for the summer months.

Here are some tips on what to do in your garden in Sacramento, CA in June:

1. Fertilize rhododendrons and azaleas: Give your rhododendrons and azaleas a boost with an acid-based fertilizer if needed . This will help them produce an abundance of beautiful blooms.

2. Plant warm-season vegetables: If soil temperature is above 70 degrees, it's time to plant eggplants, melons, tomatoes, squash, and peppers . Choose a variety of colors and shapes to create a visually stunning vegetable garden.

3. Manage weeds: Keep on top of weeds while they are small and still growing . Use natural weed control methods such as mulching or hand weeding to keep your garden weed-free.

4. Watch out for pests: Keep an eye out for pests in the garden. Trap moles and gophers as new mounds appear . Use natural pest control methods such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects to keep pests at bay.

5. Apply mulch: When the soil is warm, apply a layer of mulch around your plants as long as there are no weeds. Mulch discourages weeds and helps to conserve moisture . Choose an organic mulch such as shredded leaves or straw to add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

6. Mow your lawn regularly: Keep your lawn looking neat and tidy by mowing it regularly . Leave the clippings on the lawn to add nutrients back into the soil.

7. Conserve water: Lay soaker hoses or drip lines on garden beds to conserve water . This will help keep your plants hydrated while using less water.

8. Plant bedding flowers: Add a pop of color to your garden by planting bedding flowers in moist soil . Remember to keep them well watered to ensure they thrive.

9. Prune flower shrubs: Keep your flower shrubs looking their best by pruning them after they have finished blooming—azaleas, forsythia, lilacs, and rhododendrons . You can also prune evergreens once new growth appears .

10. Sow hardy annual seeds: Add some instant color to your garden by sowing hardy annual seeds such as calendula, cosmos, and sweet peas . These flowers will bloom quickly and provide a beautiful display throughout the summer months.

By following these tips and taking good care of your garden in June, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful and productive garden throughout the summer months.