10 Tips to Know Before Buying Plants From a Nursery

Buying plants from a nursery can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, to ensure that your new plants thrive, it's essential to make informed decisions. Here are ten tips to know before buying plants from a nursery. These tips will help you choose healthy plants and provide them with the best possible care.

Research the Plants You Want

Before heading to the nursery, research the types of plants that will thrive in your local climate and the conditions of your garden. Consider factors such as:

• Soil type
• Sun exposure
• Water requirements

Example Table: Plant Hardiness Zones

Zone	Minimum Temperature (°F)	Plant Examples
3	-40 to -30	Siberian Iris, Peony, Coneflower
5	-20 to -10	Black-Eyed Susan, Lavender, Clematis
7	0 to 10	Butterfly Bush, Hydrangea, Hostas
9	20 to 30	Bougainvillea, Bird of Paradise, Agave

Understanding your plant hardiness zone can prevent you from buying plants that may not survive in your area.

Inspect Plants Thoroughly

When you're at the nursery, inspect plants thoroughly for signs of health. Look for:

• Vibrant, green foliage
• Absence of pests and diseases
• Healthy root systems

Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, spots, or wilting. Healthy plants are more likely to adapt well to your garden and thrive.

Check for Root Health

The roots are a vital indicator of a plant's health. Ask the nursery staff if you can gently remove a plant from its pot to check the roots. Healthy roots should be:

• White or light tan
• Firm and numerous
• Not circling the pot

Avoid plants with brown, mushy, or circling roots, as these could indicate poor health or root-bound plants.

Consider Plant Size and Growth Rate

Understand the mature size and growth rate of the plants you're interested in. This will help you plan for adequate space in your garden and ensure that you're not overcrowding your plants. Overcrowding can lead to:

• Poor air circulation
• Increased susceptibility to diseases
• Competition for nutrients

Choose plants that will fit well in your garden's layout both now and in the future.

Seasonal Availability

Nurseries stock different plants at different times of the year. Knowing the seasonal availability of plants can help you plan your purchase. For example, it's best to buy and plant perennials in the fall or spring, while annuals are typically available in the spring and summer.

Example Table: Seasonal Planting Guide

Month	Activity
January	Plan garden layout
March – April	Plant perennials
May – June	Plant annuals
September – October	Plant perennials
November	Mulch and protect plants

Ask About the Plant's History

Understanding a plant's history can give you insights into its care requirements and potential issues. Ask the nursery staff:

• How long the plant has been at the nursery
• What care it has received (e.g., watering schedule, fertilization)
• If the plant has been treated for pests or diseases

This information can help you continue the plant's care routine and address any ongoing issues.

Understand the Nursery's Return Policy

It's important to know the return policy of the nursery in case you encounter any problems with your plants after purchase. A good return policy can give you peace of mind and ensure that you're not stuck with unhealthy plants.

Example Table: Sample Return Policy

Nursery	Return Period	Conditions
Green Thumb	30 days	Original receipt required
Blooming Gardens	14 days	Plants must be in original condition
Plant Paradise	No returns	N/A

Transporting Your Plants Safely

After purchasing your plants, ensure they are transported safely to your home. Tips for transporting plants include:

• Using protective coverings to prevent wind damage
• Securing pots to prevent tipping
• Avoiding leaving plants in a hot car for extended periods

Proper transportation can prevent damage and stress to your new plants, helping them adjust more easily to their new environment.

Quarantine New Plants

Before adding new plants to your garden, it's wise to quarantine them for a few weeks. This helps prevent the introduction of pests and diseases to your existing plants. During the quarantine period:

• Monitor for signs of pests or diseases
• Keep the new plants separate from other plants
• Treat any issues promptly before integrating them into your garden

Understand the Plant's Care Requirements

Finally, ensure you understand the specific care requirements of each plant. This includes:

• Watering needs
• Fertilization schedule
• Pruning requirements

Example Table: Plant Care Requirements

Plant	Watering	Fertilization	Pruning
Rose	Weekly, deep soak	Monthly, balanced	After flowering
Lavender	Bi-weekly, dry soil	Rare, organic	After blooming
Tomato	Regular, moist soil	Bi-weekly, high N	Pinch suckers frequently

Knowing how to care for your plants properly will help them thrive and keep your garden looking beautiful.

Conclusion

By following these ten tips, you can make informed decisions when buying plants from a nursery. This will not only ensure that you select healthy, suitable plants for your garden but also help you provide the best possible care for them. Happy gardening!

Summary Table: 10 Tips for Buying Plants from a Nursery

Tip	Description
Research the Plants You Want	Understand climate, soil, sun, and water needs
Inspect Plants Thoroughly	Check for healthy foliage and absence of pests
Check for Root Health	Look for white, firm roots without circling
Consider Plant Size and Growth Rate	Plan for space and avoid overcrowding
Seasonal Availability	Buy plants at the right time of year
Ask About the Plant's History	Learn about care routines and potential issues
Understand the Nursery's Return Policy	Know if you can return unhealthy plants
Transporting Your Plants Safely	Use protective coverings and secure pots
Quarantine New Plants	Prevent the spread of pests and diseases
Understand the Plant's Care Requirements	Follow specific watering, feeding, and pruning guidelines

Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate nurseries and build a thriving, beautiful garden.