Shopping Smart at the Garden Center

A small tutorial on how to prep for a trip to the garden center, spot healthy plants and slect the right tools.

Don't go without a Plan

Survey your garden site. Determine how much space is available, how much sun it gets and whether it is dry or moist.  

Take pictures.  Are you growing along the foundation? Bring a photo for reference that shows utility connections, window locations and existing plants.

Measure, take photos or even bring along any containers you want to fill.  Garden center staff can be helpful with choosing plants to go together and in the right size container.

Make a list of plants you want, use the internet catalogs to gaze at photos and get spread requirements.  Make your wish list based on space and don't let it get too long.

Plan your visit for a weekday if you can, staff will be less harried and better able to assist you.

What to Look at in Plants

Admire plants in full bloom, but buy those that are just budding.  They will last longer and give you the best show.

Grab a wagon, pick out the plants that catch your eye. You will see how they go together and begin to formulate a detailed plan.

• ·         Generally plants are organized by style: Perennials, Annuals, shrubs, and trees.  Herbs can fall into multiple categories, so sometimes and Herb section, but also among the annuals and perennials, especially if they are pollinator friendly or have showy flowers.
• ·         Be aware perennials may be organized by scientific name (like Echinacea for Purple Cone Flower) ask for help or use google to translate as needed.
• ·         Annuals are usually separated by shade and sun, so look for shade plants to be kept in a separate area.  
• ·         Pay attention to the tags provided look for details like "sunny/dry," "shade tolerant," and the climate zone so you can plan for their use and survival in your garden. 

Decide the size you wish to start with .  Individual plants in 4 inch pots are generally larger and have a headstart on seedlings in packs.  However seedling annuals will grow very fast and spread nicely so may be worth the savings when buying in pack multiples.

Pick Healthy Plants

The most important thing you can do to insure a great garden is pick healthy viable plants.  Take a moment and look at them. Scrutinize the leaves and stems.  Compare different pots of the same variety. Are the bushy?  Do they have any stems?  Are the stems green and firm?  Avoid any with dark spotting or a mushy feel or look.  Is the plant tall and spindly?  This is a sign of overcrowding and lack of care in the greenhouse.  Do not buy a pack with missing cells.  Look for lush green (unless the plant it purposefully variegated.)

Root bound vs. Good root growth

Check the roots. Roots are essential for successful transplant from nursery pot to your garden soil.  Gently tip the plant to one side and slide it out.  If the roots are cramped or curling around  and around the plant is root bound which can cause problems down the line.  However, if there is a large amount of soil and not many roots, the plant is underdeveloped and will probably not flourish.  If you have a great balance of soil and roots, grab that and put it in your wagon.

Never Buy Plants with --

    1. Brown, crispy leaf edges

    2. Yellowing leaves

    3. Papery, bleached leaves

    4. Holes or cut edges that can indicate insect damage

    5. Too many broken stems

    6. Dark scars or trails on the underside of leaves, indicates insect infestation

    7. Wilted, brown or spotted leaves, indicator of fungal disease that can spread

    8. Webbing or time dark spots on stems and leaves, indicates active insect infestation

Use the Right Tools

Where I live, I have enough room to make compost and we save food scraps, leaves and grass clippings to use in the compost piles and bins.  When I am filling containers or raised beds, I mix this compost with a healthy amount of topsoil and some other mulch.  I buy bags of topsoil or in some cases have a truck deliver unbagged soil to my garden.  

To calculate the cubic feet of soil needed for a project, use this formula -- 

•  Measure the length, width, and depth of the area in feet.
• Multiply the length by the width to find the area in square feet.
• Multiply the area by the depth to find the volume in cubic feet.
•  If the area is irregular, break it into smaller rectangles, calculate each volume, and sum them up.
• Consider adding extra soil for settling or compaction, typically around 10-15%.
• Use the formula: Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft).
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You get what you pay for is true in garden tools. A hand-forged trowel may cost more, but it will outlive a more cheaply made one.  I have a cast aluminum hand trowel that will not bend and has an edge I can sharpen to help cut the soil nicely, even it the soil is not worked.

You will need your basic arsenal of long handled tools.  A spade (pointy shovel), a rake, a fork, a flat end shovel, are the basics.  You may need edging tools and others once you get involved.  I like a handled weeder too.  There are many kinds of these, so shop around for the best for you.  I have a Cobrahead https://www.cobrahead.com/ that I just love.  I can stand and weed and don't have to kneel as much.

You need watering cans and hoses.  Drip irrigation hoses help save water and do require some preplanning, so think about if you want to use them before you start planting. Get a watering can with a rose (the sprinkle head with the little holes.) You do not want to water a stream of water if the plants are young or if you planted seed, as it can dislodge everything from the soil.  The sprinkle effect of the rose helps spread the water and keep if from rutting the soil. You need a hose of the right length.  Measure the distance from the faucet to the garden area and purchase accordingly.  You may also want a hose attachment (trigger sprayer.) My favorite are the wands because they give me the versatility to water hanging baskets as well as fill watering cans or water beds and containers.

What about Containers

There is a great deal of information on containers and their uses and what works best. I will say that I choose based on an aesthetic of terra cotta, but I use a mixture of real clay pots and plastic painted terra cotta for those herbs that need more water during the day.

my scented geraniums near the door.

Here are two articles that I feel will help you choose the right containers for your garden.

Firs,t from just last year, on LivetoPlant.com help you choose. 

This article is from Epic gardening with lots of details. 

Choosing your container is just as important as selecting the plants themselves. It needs to be functional as well as beautiful. Consider all the pros and cons of each container before purchasing one. Take your time to decide.

So you have your plan, follow the steps and get ready for a great growing season, whether it is just a few pots or a grand garden bed.