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.
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.