Cyclamen offer a pop of color in Fresno winter gardens. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Tasks

• Rainfall may not reach areas under eaves and overhangs. Check soil moisture and apply supplemental water if needed.
• Apply preemergent herbicide to lawns and beds in the latter part of the month to control crabgrass and other early germinating weeds.

Pruning

• Finish pruning roses and deciduous fruit trees by the end of the month.
• At bud swell spray deciduous fruit, almond trees and roses with dormant oil to prevent and control over-wintering insects.
• Prune out fire blight infections. Remove the infected shoot or branch at its point of origin.

Fertilizing

• Fertilize spring-flowering perennials, annuals, bulbs and shrubs.
• Yellow foliage, particularly the youngest leaves, may be attributed to iron deficiency. Yellowing in older leaves may be attributed to nitrogen deficiency.

Planting

• Group plants with similar water needs together.
• This is a good time to move perennials, shrubs or small trees.
• Spring planting season begins next month. Work on your garden plans and be ready to start next month.

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials: feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), toadflax (Linaria maroccana), cyclamen.
• Citrus fruits are abundant now - use them to brighten up the winter menu.

Things to ponder

• Leave frost-damaged growth on tender plants as protection until the danger of frost is past. Begin pruning as new growth emerges.