Reading

Books worth keeping on the shelf

West Coast-focused growing guides

Regional planting guides beat generic ones every time — look for anything written specifically for coastal BC or the Pacific Northwest.

A good soil science primer

Understanding clay, drainage, and organic matter explains more garden problems than any pest guide will.

A pruning reference

Worth having on hand every winter when the fruit trees are dormant and it's time to shape them.

In the Shed

Tools that earn their space

A hori-hori knife

Weeding, dividing, planting bulbs — one tool covers most hand jobs in the garden.

A simple timer for the drip line

The single upgrade that made summer watering a non-issue.

Bypass pruners, kept sharp

A cheap pair that's actually sharp beats an expensive pair that isn't.

Online

Recommended websites

Regional extension & horticultural sites

Provincial and university extension resources for BC give planting and pest advice actually calibrated to our climate.

Local native plant societies

Great source for pollinator-friendly species that are genuinely suited to the Fraser Valley.

Community garden & seed swap groups

Local growers are the best source for what actually performs in your specific microclimate.