Orange clock vine adds color to the winter garden. This specimen - pictured Dec. 5, 2024, at the Clovis Botanical Garden - was planted by UC Master Gardener Rodger Pachebel. (Photo: Jeannette Warnert)

Tasks

• Apply pre-emergent herbicide to lawns and beds later this month.
• Deep-water trees and native plants if rainfall has been light.

Pruning

• This is the time to work on dormant, deciduous plants - shrubs, vines, grapes, and roses, plus fruit and nut trees.
• Crepe myrtles and redbuds may be pruned now.
• Cut back and divide perennials.

Fertilizing

• No fertilization is recommended this month.
• When you do fertilize, always read labels carefully before application. Consult a plant expert at a nursery or a Master Gardener if you have questions.

Planting:

• This is the beginning of bare-root planting season. It is difficult to visualize the potential of bare-root plants, but they usually come with pictures to give you an idea.
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: canna and crocosmia.
• Fruits and vegetables: asparagus, cabbage, and bare-root berries.
• Trees, shrubs, vines: azalea and camellia.

Enjoy now:

• Annuals and perennials: snapdragon (Antirrhinum), calendula, and Chrysanthemum Paludosum, Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera).
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: crocus and cyclamen.
• Fruits and vegetables: beets, bok choy, chives, and mandarin oranges.

Things to ponder:

• This is a good time to look through seed catalogs.
• Wood ashes are not beneficial in the garden as they increase soil alkalinity.