# Tips & Tricks **URL:** https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/c/tips-tricks/12.md [Latest](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/categories.md) --- ## [About the Tips & Tricks category](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/about-the-tips-tricks-category/55)
**Author:** [@jono](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/jono)\ **Replies:** 0
Are you a soil expert? Discovered an effective slug deterrent? Know how to make kale taste better? Share your secrets here! --- ## [October 18, 2026 Linda's list: Effects of a warm fall, October tasks](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/october-18-2026-lindas-list-effects-of-a-warm-fall-october-tasks/2133)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2026, 11:34pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/october-18-2026-lindas-list-effects-of-a-warm-fall-october-tasks/2133 "2026-10-18T23:34:50Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: With the very warm fall weather, thanks to an unusually strong El Niño, even vegetables that were planted late have been able to grow to a good size. I still have zucchini flowers setting fruit in m… --- ## [Sept. 10, 2026 Linda's list: September tasks, late sowing](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/sept-10-2026-lindas-list-september-tasks-late-sowing/2127)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 2:59pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/sept-10-2026-lindas-list-september-tasks-late-sowing/2127 "2026-09-11T14:59:53Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: As planting winds down and harvesting continues, here are some things to do this month: Tomato pruning: It is time to prune off new shoots and flower clusters on indeterminate (vining) varieties of… --- ## [August 13, 2026 Linda’s List: Sow winter green, Spinach day, edit the garden](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/august-13-2026-linda-s-list-sow-winter-green-spinach-day-edit-the-garden/2119)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 6:00pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/august-13-2026-linda-s-list-sow-winter-green-spinach-day-edit-the-garden/2119 "2026-08-14T18:00:35Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: With harvesting and preserving vegetables and fruit in full swing now, don’t forget to sow more seeds to keep the harvest going all winter. And also remember that seedbeds need careful attention to … --- ## [July 19, 2026 Linda’s List: Bird woes; July sowing; buying winter veggie starts](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/july-19-2026-linda-s-list-bird-woes-july-sowing-buying-winter-veggie-starts/2109)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2026, 2:25pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/july-19-2026-linda-s-list-bird-woes-july-sowing-buying-winter-veggie-starts/2109 "2026-07-20T14:25:18Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: A higher than usual population of Purple Finches this year, at least in the Gulf Islands and Victoria area, is making the birds unpopular with gardeners. These finches have a taste for tender veget… --- ## [June 22, 2026: Carrot day is coming; Powdery mildew: Tomato pruning](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/june-22-2026-carrot-day-is-coming-powdery-mildew-tomato-pruning/2093)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 2:11am UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/june-22-2026-carrot-day-is-coming-powdery-mildew-tomato-pruning/2093 "2026-06-24T02:11:59Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: We are moving into the season when we start planting in earnest for winter harvests. If you are growing your own winter broccoli and winter cauliflower from seed, sow this week if you haven’t alread… --- ## [May 21, 2026: Adapting to drought and heat; Planting for winter](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/may-21-2026-adapting-to-drought-and-heat-planting-for-winter/2072)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2026, 8:29pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/may-21-2026-adapting-to-drought-and-heat-planting-for-winter/2072 "2026-05-21T20:29:02Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: The news of this spring continues to be the extremely dry conditions early in the season and the looming forecast of a hotter and drier than average summer due to the effects of a strong El Niño. Af… --- ## [May 1, 2026: Heat, drought alert](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/may-1-2026-heat-drought-alert/2057)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/may-1-2026-heat-drought-alert/2057 "2026-05-01T16:41:57Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: A quick note to alert you that this spell of warm weather may bring unseasonably hot weather to some gardens over the weekend, especially inland, away from the cooling influence of water bodies. For… --- ## [April 20, 2026: Spring planting, watering new fruit trees, upcoming webinar](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/april-20-2026-spring-planting-watering-new-fruit-trees-upcoming-webinar/2052)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2026, 1:31am UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/april-20-2026-spring-planting-watering-new-fruit-trees-upcoming-webinar/2052 "2026-04-21T01:31:30Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: Finally! Warm days without freezing nights are forecast for the next 10 days—after what has been a pretty chilly April. It seems like garden centres are bringing in vegetable starts earlier every ye… --- ## [March 16, 2026: March planting, simplified crop rotation](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/march-16-2026-march-planting-simplified-crop-rotation/2035)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2026, 8:18pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/march-16-2026-march-planting-simplified-crop-rotation/2035 "2026-03-16T20:18:35Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: Everyone is eager to plant, despite the occasional waft of winter-like weather (it snowed all yesterday evening at my place). So what can you do right now? The soil is going to be too wet to work wi… --- ## [How to start seeds indoors (and the mistakes most beginners make) - great article from CBC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/how-to-start-seeds-indoors-and-the-mistakes-most-beginners-make-great-article-from-cbc/2027)
**Author:** [@lorna.doucette](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/lorna.doucette)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 3:55pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/how-to-start-seeds-indoors-and-the-mistakes-most-beginners-make-great-article-from-cbc/2027 "2026-03-06T15:55:55Z")
This article just posted to CBC’s website. It’s very comprehensive and well worth a read if you are starting your own plants from seed this year (the timing is perfect to brush up on ‘how to’). And if you do, please c… --- ## [Feb 17, 2026: Frosty night alert, starting seeds](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/feb-17-2026-frosty-night-alert-starting-seeds/2019)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/feb-17-2026-frosty-night-alert-starting-seeds/2019 "2026-02-17T16:54:21Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: The weather forecast this morning continues to show a few cold nights this week—ranging from -2 to -5oC \[23-28oF\] in some south coast areas for Wednesday and Thursday. While in mid-winter such tempe… --- ## [January 20, 2026: Pruning fruit trees, gardening resources, Seedy Saturdays](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/january-20-2026-pruning-fruit-trees-gardening-resources-seedy-saturdays/2000)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 9:23pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/january-20-2026-pruning-fruit-trees-gardening-resources-seedy-saturdays/2000 "2026-01-20T21:23:34Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: I was suddenly prodded into action last week to get going on fruit tree pruning after I noticed that buds on my peach tree were swelling. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise given the warm winter w… --- ## [Dec.15, 2025: Waterlogging; winter pests; enjoy 2 garden videos](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/dec-15-2025-waterlogging-winter-pests-enjoy-2-garden-videos/1987)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 1:51am UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/dec-15-2025-waterlogging-winter-pests-enjoy-2-garden-videos/1987 "2025-12-15T01:51:57Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: With hardly anything to do in the garden at this time of year, the gardener’s main job is to harvest vegetables when needed—and, of course, to be vigilant in case of cold weather. So far it has been… --- ## [November 13, 2025: Last tasks, try late seeding, ABC of Gardening resources](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/november-13-2025-last-tasks-try-late-seeding-abc-of-gardening-resources/1976)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2025, 9:13pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/november-13-2025-last-tasks-try-late-seeding-abc-of-gardening-resources/1976 "2025-11-13T21:13:20Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: With the mild weather this fall, hardy vegetables have continued to do a little more growing—a good thing too, as a couple of my cabbages were rather small (now a much better size) and I missed pinc… --- ## [October 17, 2025: What to do and what NOT do this month; fall pests](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/october-17-2025-what-to-do-and-what-not-do-this-month-fall-pests/1956)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2025, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/october-17-2025-what-to-do-and-what-not-do-this-month-fall-pests/1956 "2025-10-18T14:24:13Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: Fortunately for gardeners that might have planted their winter vegetables a bit late, it has been warm and wet enough this fall to stimulate a good burst of growth in root crops, cabbage family plan… --- ## [Sept. 6, 2025: Surplus fruit, pruning, pinching, late sowing; 2 webinars](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/sept-6-2025-surplus-fruit-pruning-pinching-late-sowing-2-webinars/1938)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2025, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/sept-6-2025-surplus-fruit-pruning-pinching-late-sowing-2-webinars/1938 "2025-09-07T14:23:28Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: Many gardeners are handling a big crop of fruit this year due to the mainly dry, sunny weather we had during the spring pollination period. If your crops of pears, apples, plums, etc. are getting ou… --- ## [Aug. 10, 2025: Heat wave warning](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/aug-10-2025-heat-wave-warning/1933)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2025, 5:07pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/aug-10-2025-heat-wave-warning/1933 "2025-08-10T17:07:25Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: Yikes! Every time I check the weather, the forecast high temperatures for the next few days gets higher and lasts longer so here is a quick reminder to shade seedbeds, young plants, Brassica/cabbage… --- ## [August 8, 2025: Last sowing, summer pruning, food preserving webinar](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/august-8-2025-last-sowing-summer-pruning-food-preserving-webinar/1932)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2025, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/august-8-2025-last-sowing-summer-pruning-food-preserving-webinar/1932 "2025-08-09T14:24:35Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: The rain a few days ago was certainly a welcome relief to gardeners—and to firefighters, of course, battling fires in the region and to people evacuated or on fire alert. With spaces opening up in … --- ## [July 12, 2025: July planting, Heat wave reminder](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/july-12-2025-july-planting-heat-wave-reminder/1924)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2025, 10:58pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/july-12-2025-july-planting-heat-wave-reminder/1924 "2025-07-12T22:58:22Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: From now until early August, there are a lot of vegetables that can be started from seed to produce crops in time for winter harvests. BUT the next few days promise to be pretty hot so take special … --- ## [June 16, 2025: Winter crops to sow now](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/june-16-2025-winter-crops-to-sow-now/1912)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2025, 1:39am UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/june-16-2025-winter-crops-to-sow-now/1912 "2025-06-17T01:39:27Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: Some of your plants may be showing sunscald damage on the leaves from the very hot weather 10 days ago. It takes awhile for injury to show up, usually appearing as dry, biscuit-coloured or dark brow… --- ## [June 6, 2025: Early heat wave alert](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/june-6-2025-early-heat-wave-alert/1903)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2025, 11:36pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/june-6-2025-early-heat-wave-alert/1903 "2025-06-06T23:36:11Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: With a heat wave forecast for this weekend, don’t forget to protect young vegetables from excessive heat. Depending where you are on the coast, temperatures might range as high as 26-30oC \[79-86oF\] … --- ## [Seed Saving - bagging](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/seed-saving-bagging/1890)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Hill](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/Greg_Hill)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2025, 10:20pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/seed-saving-bagging/1890 "2025-05-25T22:20:53Z")
Hello. I plan on bagging some of my tomato plants to save the seed this year. Is there a good local source to find small muslin bags ( or other type bags that will work for this purpose) ? --- ## [May 23, 2025: Bees return, 3 common vegetable pests](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/may-23-2025-bees-return-3-common-vegetable-pests/1889)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2025, 8:40pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/may-23-2025-bees-return-3-common-vegetable-pests/1889 "2025-05-23T20:40:16Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: With the return of bees over the last week or two I am relieved to see them once again working garden flowers. Every year I get concerned inquiries in May asking where the bees are. While insect pop… --- ## [April 20, 2025: Planting onions, buying seedlings, free webinars](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/april-20-2025-planting-onions-buying-seedlings-free-webinars/1846)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2025, 2:20pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/april-20-2025-planting-onions-buying-seedlings-free-webinars/1846 "2025-04-21T14:20:10Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: With the recent warm up, the cool tolerant vegetables can be seeded or set out any time: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, salad greens, radishes, peas, potatoes. But if you haven’t planted t… --- ## [Should I Trim My Ferns?](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/should-i-trim-my-ferns/1843)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2025, 4:30pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/should-i-trim-my-ferns/1843 "2025-04-15T16:30:16Z")
Should I Trim My Ferns? Polystichum munitum, or Western Sword Fern, is a classic example of an evergreen fern that’s appearance will be improved from a spring trim. Pruning is absolutely not necessary, but by cutting of… --- ## [20 Slug Proof Plants - Outwit the slugs in your garden by growing the plants they don't like to eat](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/20-slug-proof-plants-outwit-the-slugs-in-your-garden-by-growing-the-plants-they-dont-like-to-eat/1834)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2025, 7:31pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/20-slug-proof-plants-outwit-the-slugs-in-your-garden-by-growing-the-plants-they-dont-like-to-eat/1834 "2025-03-30T19:31:09Z")
Slug-Proof Plants? An interesting article from BBC Gardeners World. If you have an abundance of slugs in your yard, growing these plants (ornamentals) may make your life a little easier! --- ## [March 18, 2025: Spring planting; parthenocarpic squash; pollinating squash](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/march-18-2025-spring-planting-parthenocarpic-squash-pollinating-squash/1819)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2025, 1:18am UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/march-18-2025-spring-planting-parthenocarpic-squash-pollinating-squash/1819 "2025-03-19T01:18:58Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: Spring is moving along slowly but surely, and although recent cold nights and rainy days have slowed down spring flowers, gardeners are fidgety, itching to plant something. With overwintered crops h… --- ## [Dahlia Gall - What to Look For](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/dahlia-gall-what-to-look-for/1795)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2025, 1:32am UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/dahlia-gall-what-to-look-for/1795 "2025-02-23T01:32:01Z")
Cathrine Featherby, from the Victoria Dahlia Society (and speaker at one of our past meetings) has provided us with this excellent write up, with lots of photos, to help education growers on dahlia gall diseases. This i… --- ## [Feb. 8, 2025: Starting seeds, dormant sprays](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/feb-8-2025-starting-seeds-dormant-sprays/1785)
**Author:** [@CVHS](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/u/CVHS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2025, 10:57pm UTC](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/t/feb-8-2025-starting-seeds-dormant-sprays/1785 "2025-02-08T22:57:27Z")
From Linda Gilkeson: Despite the nuisance of dealing with snow over the last week or two around the coast, the storms have been very good for vegetables in the garden (and for the shoots of garlic and spring flower bulb… [Next page](https://forum.comoxvalleyhortsociety.ca/c/tips-tricks/12.md?page=1)