Seed Starting – January to April A seasonal workflow for Kamloops gardeners Get ready for gardening with our seed starting guide and prepare for a great growing season. January: Review, Prepare, and Set Up Garden Planning Review your 2025 notes: What worked well What didn’t What you ran out of What you want more of in 2026 Sketch a rough … Continue reading →
As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip, our indoor plants face a season of subtle stress that often goes unnoticed. Winter brings lower light, drier air, and cooler nights—conditions that can challenge even the hardiest houseplants. With a few thoughtful adjustments, though, you can help your green companions not just survive the colder months but stay vibrant and healthy … Continue reading →
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 … Continue reading →
The Christmas cactus has become one of the most beloved holiday houseplants—and for good reason. It’s one of the few indoor plants that produces large, vibrant blooms right in the heart of the season. With varieties that display stunning shades of red, pink, orange, and white, these plants make festive decorating effortless. Even better, a healthy Christmas cactus can stay … Continue reading →
The following article from Gardening Know How provides lots of guidance on how to help you safely transition your tropical house plants back indoors from their summer outdoor location. “Figuring out how to bring an outdoor plant inside without bugs is easy and keeps your house from turning into a pest party. Nobody wants aphids or spider mites all over … Continue reading →
The end of the growing season can be bittersweet. You worked hard to create a beautiful garden. You may have also grown vegetables, herbs, and fruit that you look forward to enjoying in the months ahead. With winter is approaching, it’s a good idea to prepare your gardening tools for the next season. Prepping your tools now ensures a smoother … Continue reading →
Planting peas (or other legumes like clover or vetch) in the fall is a great way to naturally restore soil health. Here’s why they work so well: 🌾 Cover Crops Recharge Raised Beds Nutrient Boost: Peas are nitrogen-fixers, meaning they pull nitrogen from the air and deposit it into the soil—giving next season’s plants a head start. Soil Structure: Their … Continue reading →
Although in our area gardeners treat geraniums as annuals, they’re actually perennials in warmer climates. With just a little extra effort you can bring your geraniums indoors for the winter and enjoy their vibrant blooms again next season. You can successfully overwinter geraniums no matter where they are growing—small containers, large pots, hanging baskets, or directly in garden beds. With … Continue reading →
Many thanks to Judy V. for sharing this article from Simple Garden Life Two Reasons Not to Leave Old Hydrangea Blooms on in Late Fall & Winter “Although deer, squirrels and other animals don’t typically bother most varieties of hydrangeas, that always isn’t the case in areas that have more severe winters. When heavy snows and inclement weather persist, it … Continue reading →
Creating A Potting Soil Compost Pile –from Simple Garden Life “So, what is the easiest way to create a potting soil compost pile? For starters, choose a small dedicated space in your garden or yard that has good drainage. If you don’t have space, you can also use a large drum or trash barrel with drainage holes. By creating a … Continue reading →
