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A trip to your local plant nursery or garden center can be a lot of fun. Whether you have a large yard or a small patio with potted plants, and whether you set out with a shopping list or you just want to see what’s new, you’re bound to find plenty of tempting plants. But before you go, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you shop smarter.
For example, which sale plants are worth rescuing? When is the best time shop? And is it OK to take a plant out of its pot? Get the answer to these questions and more plant shopping etiquette from a nursery expert so can shop nurseries with confidence, and save some time and money, too.
Meet Our Expert
Vanessa Kimling is the owner of Ravenna Gardens in Seattle, Washington.
1. Select the Healthiest Plants
Look for sturdy plants with full foliage that are pleasantly symmetrical all the way around,” says Vanessa Kimling, who owns the boutique nursery and gift shop Ravenna Gardens in Seattle, Washington. “They should be free from rips, wilt, chew marks, and discoloration from improper watering.”
2. Seek Out Small Specimens
Don’t reject the runts. “When buying plants, bigger is not always better,” says Kimling. “The larger the plant, the more time, care, and resources have gone into it, and that will be reflected in the price tag.” Smaller plants tend to be far more economical and establish faster than mature ones. However, watch out for plants that are outgrowing their pot and may need repotting into a larger container soon, which is an added expense.
3. Don’t Conduct Root Exams on the Fly
When considering a prospective plant to bring home, many “plant-fluencers” and experts recommend evaluating the plant’s roots to make sure the plant isn’t rootbound or, conversely, way underpotted (in a pot too big for its root ball). This is smart advice, yet if it’s done hastily, you’ll spray potting mix everywhere, or worse, behead the plant.
“The most courteous way to check the roots of a plant you’re interested in is by taking it to the counter, asking for a plant flat and removing the plastic pot over the box so that it catches any falling soil,” explains Kimling. She suggests letting staff members assist you in putting the plant, along with any dislodged soil, back into the pot.
4. Move Your Chosen Plants Out of the Way
It’s easy to get excited about creating a plant combination for your windowbox, but that Jenga-like pile in the aisle? Not the move.
Collect your plants in corners where other customers or staff won’t trip over them, Kimling advises. Just as you might ask a clothing store associate to put your choices in the dressing room, ask nursery staff where you can safely stash your collection.
5. Don’t Rearrange Displays
If you decide a plant isn’t for you, and you know where it goes, put it back. If you’re unsure, put it somewhere safe. Don’t just drop it anywhere – especially in the gift section, says Kimling.
Leaving a wet plant on the book table or placing it, even for a moment, on a linen tablecloth in the gift section makes items unsellable. If you can’t reach something, it’s better to ask for help rather than risk a cascade of soil spilling.
“Staff members are always happy to assist you with procuring products from displays on your behalf,” Kimling says, “especially if it is large, awkward, or could be messy.”
6. Keep Track of Your Stuff
It’s not unusual for customers to stroll through a nursery, latte in hand. When they see a plant they like, they put down their cup to check it out and–you guessed it–they forget all about the latte, which becomes a new part of the display.
Kimling reports that her staff has found water bottles, lattes, sunglasses, phones, car keys, and once even some fried chicken in an outdoor plant display. Part of plant etiquette is to keep track of all your belongings, including edibles, and not litter the plant displays.
7. Pick the Best Plants from the Sale Rack
“When shopping a sale rack, look for plants that are just shop-worn, which means torn leaves or broken stems. Stay away from plants that are diseased or improperly watered,” she says. Look for signs of new growth and lush foliage.
8. Shop at Prime Times
Plant shopping follows the seasons. Outdoor plants are usually offered in full bloom, and vegetable starts at the perfect time for planting. In February and March, you’ll find cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce. At many nurseries, this is a great time to find cost-effective bare-root plants as well as fruit trees and roses. The peak time to buy warm-season veggie transplants, like tomatoes and cucumbers, ranges from April to June, depending on your area’s last spring frost date.
Outdoor plants will see deepest discounts at the end of their season. Fall is a great time to find deals on perennials and shrubs if you purchase them early enough for fall planting.
To get the best plant quality, timing matters. Shopping at an understaffed big box store on a hot Sunday afternoon? You’re likely looking at stressed, underwatered plants that have been picked over. Most stores stock up for the weekend, so Fridays are often a sweet spot with fresh deliveries and fully stocked selections.
Signing up for email newsletters from your favorite nurseries, and/or following them on social media will keep you in the loop about their best events and hottest sales.
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens
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