There’s something lovely about that moment when the last of the holiday sparkle settles and the mind shifts toward soil, seeds, and the quiet promise of spring. Early January is actually the perfect time to dream big about your 2026 garden—before the rush of pruning, sowing, and transplanting begins.

Here are a few ways you can start to prepare for the upcoming growing season:

Clean and organize gardening tools: Ensure all tools are in good condition and ready for the season ahead – End of Season Tool Care – Kamloops Garden Club (link).

Check your storage areas: Sort through the collection of miscellaneous pots and unused odds and ends. Clean any pots you want to use for seedlings or spring transplanting. Donate or recycle the extras.

Get rid of old and unwanted pesticides: Use this link to find the disposal location nearest you – Hazardous Waste Disposal | City of Kamloops (link).

Begin planning this year’s garden: Create a garden layout and plan what to plant for the upcoming season.  Consider planting drought-tolerant flowers, such as coneflowers, iris, and sedums.  For more ideas check out this site – Okanagan Xeriscape (link).

Check on winter storage: Inspect and care for winter-stored plants, bulbs, and tubers like dahlias and cannas.

Take inventory of seeds: Check for any expired seeds and make a list of what needs to be ordered.

Start seeds indoors: This can include onions and a few flowers and herbs that require a longer germination period.

Remove heavy snow from your shrubs to prevent branches from breaking.

Here are some helpful links for more information:

• • Your January Garden Checklist and To-Do List by Region
  • Blog – Gardening january-garden-checklist-zones- 4 – 5 – kellogggarden
  • January Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects — Empress of Dirt
  • Your January Garden Checklist and To-Do List by Region

These tasks may vary slightly depending on local weather conditions, location within the city (Brocklehurst is much different from Aberdeen) and personal gardening preferences. It’s important to adapt these tasks to your specific gardening situation and local climate.  You can refer to the following map to locate your garden zone.

Kamloops Plant Hardiness Zones

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