Protect Tender Beauties

Lift dahlias, cannas, and gladiolus once frost blackens their foliage. Store them in paper bags or bins with barely‑damp peat or sawdust. Label everything — you’ll thank yourself in April.

Mulch for Winter Stability

A 2–4 inch layer of mulch around roses, young shrubs, and new perennials helps buffer the freeze–thaw swings that are so common here. Mulch isn’t just insulation — it’s protection from soil heaving.

Wrap Vulnerable Shrubs

Use burlap windbreaks for boxwood, young evergreens, and broadleaf shrubs. Winter winds can dry out foliage long before spring arrives.

Empty and Store Pots

Terracotta and ceramic pots crack easily in Kamloops winters. Empty, dry, and stack them under cover to keep them safe until spring.

Drain Hoses & Protect Taps

Disconnect hoses, drain them fully, and store indoors or in a shed. Outdoor taps benefit from insulated covers — a small step that prevents big headaches.

Clean & Oil Tools

Wash, sharpen, and lightly oil pruners, shovels, and secateurs. A little fall maintenance keeps tools in top shape and ready for spring.

Cut Back… Selectively

Leave seed heads of coneflowers, grasses, and rudbeckia for winter interest and hungry birds. Cut back mushy or disease‑prone plants to prevent problems next year.

Prep Raised Beds

Add compost, level soil, and cover with leaves or straw. This prevents erosion and gives soil biology a gentle winter blanket.

Check Irrigation Systems

If you have in‑ground irrigation, blow out the lines. Disconnect timers and drain drip systems to avoid cracked tubing.

Store Fertilizers Properly

Keep bags sealed and dry. Freezing can ruin some organic blends, so a shed or garage shelf is ideal.

Plan for Spring

Make quick notes about what thrived, what struggled, and what you want to divide or relocate next year. Fall reflections make spring decisions easier.