Protect citrus from frost with old-fashioned Christmas lights or other incandescent light under a frost cover. (Photo: Jeannette Warnert)

Tasks

• Check your sprinklers and turn them off when the amount of rain permits.
• Make sure trees are getting enough water. Avoid overhead irrigation if frost is expected.

Pruning

• Evergreens, shrubs such as pittosporum and podocarpus, and deciduous trees and fruit and nut trees - except apricot, oleander, and olive

Fertilizing

• Fertilize fall-planted annuals and perennials. Apply one-third of the needed annual amount of fertilizer to deciduous fruit and nut trees.

Planting

• Consider the needs of your plants before planting and put shade-loving and sun-loving plants in appropriate locations.
• Bare root planting season ends in early February.
• Fruits and vegetables: asparagus, cabbage, chard.

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials: snapdragon (Antirrhinum), calendula, Lenten rose (helleborus orientalis).
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: crocus.
• Trees, shrubs, vines: camellias.
• Fruits and vegetables: bok choy, cabbage, chard, grapefruit.

Things to ponder

• Be aware of the continuing threat of frost damage - almond blossoms, citrus, and avocados are at risk at 29 degrees or lower.