This week in the garden: Nov. 24 - Dec. 1

Water citrus now to produce a good crop next year. Wait until spring to plant new citrus trees. (Photo: USDA)

Tasks

• Water citrus trees well now to produce a good crop next year
• Check and improve drainage around plants in low areas
• Monitor rainfall and adjust water accordingly to keep soil moist for new plantings

Pruning

• Cut back chrysanthemums to 6 inches
• Prune back spent wisteria canes
• Do not apply any treatments to pruning cuts or other plant wounds because these materials are ineffective and often detrimental

Fertilizing

• Fertilize cool-season annuals, perennials and vegetables with a light, high-nitrogen or organic fertilizer

Planting: 

• Bare-root planting season begins this month. Consider the hardiness of the rootstock when selecting bare-root fruit trees
• Citrus, avocado, and other frost-tender plants should be planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed
• Fruits and vegetables: asparagus (transplant), onions, parsley
• Annuals: toadflax (Linaria maroccana), stock (Matthiola incana)

When lots of rain is in the forecast, turn off the automatic sprinklers. But when it's dry, don't forget to provide water for new plantings. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

• Annuals and perennials: toadflax (Linaria maroccana)
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: paperwhite (Narcissus)
• Trees, shrubs, vines: holly (Ilex), Koreanspice (Viburnum carlesii)
• Fruits and vegetables: Brussels sprouts, citrus, sweet potatoes

Things to ponder

Use trimmings of magnolias, juniper, pine and redwoods for holiday greens. Deodar cedar, spruce and western hemlock lose needles quickly