IN THE NURSERIES: There's a huge variety of blooming plants available right now. Try thinking about when you entertain. Is something blooming in your yard each summer month?

It's also a good time for planting citrus since nurseries are well-stocked and the trees will have time to get established before winter.

VEGETABLES: Plant lima beans, snap beans, cantaloupe, chard, chayote, sweet corn (repeat sow), cucumbers, eggplant, okra, parsnips, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, peppers and watermelon.

Check your local nursery for already started seedlings or, in the case of easily-sprouted corn, melons and squash, plant in place from seed.

More Resources:
Yearly Vegetable Planting Calendar
UC VRIC Table 2: Vegetable Gardening at a Glance: How to Plant and Store (pdf file, requires Adobe  Reader)

LANDSCAPE TREES: Now's an ok time to plant trees. Fall is usually considered the best time; spring runs a close 2nd. If you must plant now, be especially vigilant about watering. Visit the Sacramento Tree Foundation's website for the lowdown on Sacramento area trees. Also see my picks and the City of Sacramento's Tree Planting Guide. If you're a SMUD customer, you may qualify for free shade trees! Click here to see trees being offered the Sacramento Shade Program and how to get them.