The bumps on oak tree foliage and branches are galls caused by minute cynipid wasps, and do not harm people or the trees.
Tasks:
• Cut warm-season grasses short and over-seed with cool season grasses — annual or perennial rye or fine fescue. Better yet, let them go dormant to save water and mowing.
• Check and improve drainage around plants in low areas.
• Add fallen leaves, chipping trimmings, and garden debris to compost.
• Remember that plants in containers or beds under covered areas may not receive adequate water from rainfall and may require supplemental irrigation in fall and winter.
• Use organic mulch around permanent plants and add organic matter to the soil to prepare beds for spring planting.
Pruning:
• Dispose of diseased wood by discarding in the trash.
Fertilizing:
• Feed cool-weather plants and vegetables.
• Add bulb fertilizer to planting holes before planting bulbs.
Planting:
• Tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilled for 6 weeks may be planted now.
• Sow wildflowers or grasses on hillsides to prevent erosion in heavy rains.
• Perennials: coral bells (Heuchera).
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: Hyacinthus orientalis.
• Fruits and vegetables: cabbage, peas, spinach (plant from seed).
• Annuals: toadflax (Linaria maroccana), stock (Matthiola incana).
• Trees, shrubs, vines: Indian hawthorne (Rhaphiolepsis).
Enjoy now:
• Annuals and perennials: stock (Matthiola) African daisy (Osteospermum).
• Fruit and vegetables: Asian pears, chard, nectarines, peas, peppers.
• Trees, shrubs, vines: holly (Ilex), Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum), Nandina.
• Fall color: crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), sweet gum (Liquidambar).
Things to ponder:
• Do not use lime sulfur spray on apricots or walnuts.
• • •
Source: Adapted from A Gardener’s Companion for the Central San Joaquin Valley, 3rd edition, currently available from Fresno County Master Gardeners for $30. These can be purchased at our demonstration garden — Garden of the Sun, 1750 N Winery (McKinley/Winery), open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, and via email at mgfresno@ucanr.edu. Gardening questions answered as well at mgfresno@ucanr.edu. Prepared by Terry Lewis, Master Gardener UCCE Fresno County.