WATERING NEEDED IN DRY GARDEN.

Byline: JANE GATES Gardening

SANTA CLARITA - Even with the small storm earlier this month, this year has offered us a very dry winter.

That means that you might need to help out lawns and gardens with a little extra water now and again. Try not to turn sprinkler systems on to a daily regimen, but do give lawns a morning drink every three to five days if it is warm or windy. If we get some more real rain and the weather stays cool, lawns can usually go a week to 10 days without extra help.

All plants, including grass, tend to grow more slowly at this time of year, so there is less need for water - even when the heavens aren't offering much.

Newly planted lawns, trees and other plants do need extra watering, however. These cannot dry out without losing roots that are already stressed from being newly planted. Dry winds also cause plants to transpire more as the moisture on leaves evaporates quickly, causing roots to demand more water. Hopefully, the winter rains will catch up soon or we will all have to concern ourselves with the down side of a drought year.

Once again, I recommend checking out retail outlets for those bare-root roses, trees, fruits and shrubs that offer savings and great choices at this time of year. They're disappearing fast. And consider planting dahlias, gladioli and bare-root perennials such as hostas, day lilies, heuchera and many more while they are dormant.

If the weather is going to withhold rain, we might as well take advantage of the comfortable weather for working outside and plant all the good deals available in the stores right now.

Keep pruning roses, bushes and trees. And seed the last of the winter crops: peas, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Chinese greens, lettuce and the like. Although they will germinate slowly, they may still get enough time to grow to maturity before it gets too hot for them. Beets, carrots and radishes can also be planted from seed.

Check out the new introductions for flowers available in seed packets now, as well. This is the time to start planting them indoors so they will be big enough to move outdoors in the spring.

Don't overlook the cool weather opportunity to get projects done that will be less pleasant when it heats up. Dig in nutrients to your soil, build walls and fix hardscapes. This is the best time to fix or redo sprinkler systems so you are ready for when the first heat hits - which might be only a few months away.

This is also a fun time to pick up interesting decor for the garden. You might even find interesting pots, sculptures, figurines, birdbaths, wrought-iron creations, benches, fountains and other garden decor on sale before the big spring rush.