Victoria Master Gardener Association

10/13/2026

For all of you on Salt Spring (or those of you looking for a great excuse to head over …) the SSI Garden Club Fall Plant Sale is coming up this Saturday (10/17 from 1-3 pm) at the Farmers Institute on SSI.

Always a popular event, this year there will be an even bigger selection of native plants thanks to our Master Gardener Native Plants project.

So if that is interesting to you (hint: less watering, easier care, good for pollinators and an act of restoration), come on over and pick up some great plants! And of course there will be a full selection of edible and ornamental plants and starts as well.

Fall is the perfect planting time in the PNW so come on out!

10/11/2026

Plants for a sensory garden: when looking for intense leaf fragrance consider these 5 plants:

1. Sweet lemon candy: Lemon Verbena - Aloysia citrodora

2. Concentrated old rose: Attar of roses geranium - Pelargonium ‘Attar or Roses’

3. Warm, earthy, spices: curry plant - Helichrysum italicum

4. Sweet and fruity: Salvia ‘hot lips’

5. Sweet, floral, woody and warm: Sweet Marjoram - Origanum majorana

- from MG Intern Michelle

10/05/2026

Always a useful resource. Sometimes a good fall prune of your roses is smart.

10/03/2026

Fall is garlic planting season in Victoria and the Southern Gulf islands! 🧄✨

For large, healthy bulbs next summer, separate your cloves just before planting, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and plant them point-side up about 2 inches deep. Don't forget a thick layer of mulch to protect them through the winter.

Are you planting softneck or hardneck garlic this year? Let us know in the comments!

10/02/2026

Five specific plants to get in the ground right now. You will be so happy next spring. And so will your tummy. And maybe sooner. Winter greens like spinach (and I love chard) will grow for a surprisingly long time and be up sooner than you think.

https://www.ruralsprout.com/plant-vegetables-in-fall/?fbclid=IwRlRTSAUoxEtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAWZkaWQWUPUFot3soG9HA2EAz1ceLLtSuLLtTnNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4HxT7pNKkdWbUZZDHFKyeJoOwnFITgQdenQ7xhw1HlNNAUvoUgwfvYf0ejzQ_aem_0btD565mHz1VnK43a3DOEQ

Make the time to plant these five vegetables this fall, and you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor well into next summer.

09/30/2026

🌿 Growing Great Figs in Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands

Want to grow figs around Victoria and the SGI? Choose an early ripening variety and give it a warm, sunny spot. Our Victoria Master Gardeners Association guide explains the **breba crop**—figs that grow on last year’s wood—and how to care for your tree without pruning away your harvest.

As you read, see if you can answer:

🟣 How should you prune for a good breba crop?
🟣 How can you tell when a fig is ripe?
🟣 How can you protect figs from birds and wasps?

Check it out (and many other great guides): https://mgabc.org/2024/04/11/clinic-reference-materials/

And who is going to be the first to answer the questions?? 💪💪💪

09/30/2026

🍎 A is for Apple!

Dreaming of apples from your own garden? A good harvest starts with the right variety, a pollination partner, and a sunny spot. Our Victoria Master Gardener Pacific Northwest growing guide also covers pruning, watering, and common pests.

As you read, see if you can answer:
🍏 How do you choose the right tree?
🍏 Why and when should you thin young apples?
🍏 How can you tell coddling moth damage from apple maggot damage?

Let’s see who can answer the questions above! 💪🍎💪

Check it out:

Many fruit trees thrive for West Coast home gardeners to plant, pick and enjoy – apple, apricot, avocado, cherry, citrus (lemon, lime, orange), fig, pear, persimmon, plum, peach, and quince as well as some nut-bearing trees such as hazelnuts and walnuts. All trees that flower produce ‘fruit’ b...

09/29/2026

A sunny September day is the perfect time to collect some seed.

The seed pods of this Licorice Plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are dry and ready to be popped into this paper bag for saving to plant more next spring.

- Master Gardener Moe

09/28/2026

Wrapping up your tomato harvest in Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands? 🍅 Don't let your best varieties end with the season!

To save seeds for next spring:

1. Scoop seeds and their surrounding gel from a fully ripe tomato into a small jar (pro tip: choose one of the best examples of your preferred tomato). Add a splash of water and label the variety.

2. Leave the jar loosely covered at room temperature for 2–3 days, stirring once a day. A film may form on top.

3. Add water, stir, and pour off the floating pulp. Repeat until the seeds at the bottom are fairly clean.

4. Spread them on a coffee filter or plate to dry for 1–2 weeks. Once completely dry, store them in a labelled paper envelope somewhere cool and dry.

Which tomato variety performed best in your garden this year? Tell us in the comments!

09/27/2026

The Horticulture Center of the Pacific Fall Plant Sale is On!

The Fall Plant Sale is on through October 31, open daily from 10:00am until 4:00pm.

Fall is the best time for planting. Warm soil, cooler temperatures, and increased rainfall help plants establish strong roots before winter and support healthy growth next spring.

We have lots of new plants propagated over the spring and ready for your garden.

All plants will be reduced by 25%, with 50% discounts available in our Bargain Bin.

Victoria Master Gardeners, HCP staff, volunteers, and Pacific Horticulture College students will be available to answer your questions and help with plant choices.

Admission to the gardens is free during plant sales, so take some time to enjoy the Gardens while you’re here.

Come early for the best selection!

All proceeds raised from the plant sale support the development and maintenance of our not-for-profit teaching gardens.

Plant availability list is here: https://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/4wWlNKHwBQH8UYlHkMm-Llxmo_qgV_e8XQByNa8EvwU=/X0dUQ6GCAIpl_3Q4-HVWEqIUw1E8XwpSAZfmv5J-m4k=