November in the Thompson Valley is the true shift into dormancy. Nights are cold, soils begin to freeze, and most outdoor work becomes about protecting what you’ve built through the growing season. Storage Vegetables & Winter Frames Check stored vegetables — Inspect potatoes, squash, apples, and other stored produce. Remove anything soft, moldy, or damaged to prevent spoilage spreading. Cold … Continue reading →
Fall cleanup is important, but timing matters. Cutting perennial plants back too early can reduce winter survival and may remove food reserves that plants need for next year’s growth. For gardeners in Kamloops and much of the Southern Interior, wait until a hard frost has blackened and collapsed foliage before cutting back most perennials. This typically occurs from late October … Continue reading →
When you move your tropical plants back inside for winter you don’t want to bring any unwanted pests along with them. A few smart steps – timed right and done carefully – will keep aphids, spiders mites, whiteflies, and other hitchhikers from settling into your indoor garden. Planning ahead will ensure your plants come in clean, healthy, and ready for … Continue reading →
We are grateful to Megan Blackwell from the Invasive Species Council of BC for providing us with an update on the Japanese beetle situation in the Kamloops area. While she cannot confirm any specific locations, she has confirmed that adult Japanese beetles are now emerging and active in Kamloops. We encourage residents to keep an eye out and report any … Continue reading →
