At first glance, all the plants in the nursery look healthy, lush, and glorious. Usually, they are. However, there are times when a few quick checks can prevent you from bringing home a lemon. Take some time to look over your purchase before you introduce a problem to your garden. Here are some things to check for before you bring a plant home and plant it in your garden.
How to Spot a Healthy Plant at the Garden Center
Quality of the nursery or garden center
Take in an overview of the entire plant department. Look to see whether or not the majority of the plants seem healthy and well cared for. If there are a lot of wilted or browned plants in one section, chances are good the rest of the plants are not being given great care.
Foliage
Evaluate the condition of each specific plant that you are considering for purchase. Are the leaves green, shiny, and lush? Steer clear of any plants that are wilting or yellowing. Stressed plants may not recover. This is especially important if you are buying annuals and vegetables. These plants won’t have time to rally. They could spend a month or more recovering in your garden.
Shape
Consider the shape of the plant. Is it compact and full, with multiple stems? With plants, taller is often not better. It could mean the plant has been straining for light and has grown thin and spindly. Besides the stress it is undergoing, it may never branch properly and could flop in the garden, as well as produce fewer buds and flowers on its limited stems.
Insects and disease
Closely inspect both the plant and the container for signs of insects or disease. Check both sides of the leaves and the potting soil. Signs can include blackened areas, holes, spots, mushy areas, stickiness, webbing, and distortions.
Root system
Don’t neglect the roots. If the plant is pot-bound and the roots are growing out of the bottom, the plant may be so stunted or stressed it will never recover. If there aren’t many roots and the plant lifts out very easily, it was probably recently repotted and could use more time to become garden worthy.
Rootball
When buying a balled-and-burlapped tree or shrub, the root ball should feel solid. If it appears broken, there’s a good chance the roots have had a chance to dry out and the plant will suffer.
Stem damage
If the plant has a thick or woody stem, make sure there are no cracks or scars. Prior damage can weaken a plant or be an invitation for disease or insects.
Weeds
Weeds in the pot are competing with the plant for nutrients. They also signal some neglect on the part of the nursery staff. The last thing you want is to introduce a new weed into your garden.
Buds and flowers
Although it’s tempting to want to buy a plant that is already covered in flowers, plants in the bud stage will transplant and thrive better than plants in flower. Besides, the existing flowers will fade quickly. You’ll get a longer bloom time at home if you purchase a plant that is not yet flowering. While the above steps will help you find the heartiest plants if you’ve just got to have it, go ahead and buy the plant. With a little pampering, it just may defy the odds.
