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 →
Heat Management, Harvest Abundance, and Preparing for Fall August in Kamloops is hot, dry, and often smoky. Gardens need steady care to stay productive and healthy. This is the month to keep watering consistent, harvest generously, and begin subtle transitions toward fall. Fruits & Vegetables Water deeply and consistently — Continue long soakings every 3–4 days. Drip irrigation or soaker … Continue reading →
Keeping Blooms Coming in a Hot, Dry Climate Deadheading — removing spent flowers — is one of the easiest ways to keep your garden blooming beautifully. In Kamloops’ dry heat, intense sun, and fast-draining soils, deadheading becomes even more valuable. It helps plants conserve energy, stay tidy, and continue producing fresh flowers through long summer stretches. Quick tip: Deadhead in … Continue reading →
We recently had the opportunity to learn how to successfully lift and divide irises from local expert gardener Anne Ritcey. Thank you so much for walking us through the entire process and generously sharing your expertise with us. We truly appreciate your time and guidance. Here are the step by step instructions: A MESS!!. A clump that is very overdue … Continue reading →
What To Do With Overgrown or Root‑Bound Containers By mid‑summer, even the healthiest hanging baskets and planters can start to look tired. When plants are growing in the ground, they have endless soil and space to expand. But in containers, roots eventually run out of room — and that’s when baskets begin to decline. The good news? Overgrown containers are … Continue reading →
Keep Summer Containers Blooming Hanging baskets and planters bring instant colour to patios and entryways, but they also dry out quickly and burn through nutrients faster than garden beds. With a little steady care, you can keep them lush, full, and blooming beautifully all summer long even in Kamloops’ 30–40°C heat. Watering: The Most Important Task Containers dry out far … Continue reading →
A shade cover for heat sensitive plants can reduce UV rays by 70%. Photo: Lee Valley Tools It’s a well-known secret that Kamloops gardeners have a gambling problem. One variety refuses to accept the conventional wisdom that you shouldn’t plant tomatoes before the May long weekend. “But it’s so hot already. A couple of weeks won’t matter,” … Continue reading →
Heat, Harvests, and Keeping Plants Thriving July in Kamloops brings long, hot days, warm nights, and the first big flush of summer harvests. Watering wisely, keeping plants tidy, and staying ahead of pests will help your garden sail through the heat. Here’s what to focus on this month. Fruits & Vegetables Water deeply every 3–4 days — Aim for long … Continue reading →
Peonies are one of the most beloved perennials in Kamloops gardens, and their lush June blooms are worth every bit of care. Once the flowers fade, the plant shifts into a critical phase: storing energy for next year’s blossoms. What you do in the weeks and months after blooming has a direct impact on how well your peonies flower next … Continue reading →
A Simple June Trick for Better, Later, Tidier Blooms What the Chelsea Chop Is — and Why It Works The Chelsea chop is a pruning technique used in late May to early June to control height, improve structure, and delay bloom time on certain herbaceous perennials. It’s named after the Chelsea Flower Show in London, which happens to fall at … Continue reading →
