8 Tips for Buying Garden Plants Online
Visiting a nursery and buying plants can be costly, particularly for larger gardens. Are plants from a nursery superior to growing crops from seeds? What factors should you consider prior to purchasing nursery plants? In this guide, we’ll provide essential tips to help you maximize the value of buying plans online.
Tips for Gardeners by Buying Garden Plants Online
1 Check the leaves
When purchasing plants from a nursery, it is crucial to select the healthiest ones. Examine each plant’s foliage carefully for any signs of sickness or disease. Opt for plants with green, perky, and thick foliage as they indicate good health. Avoid selecting plants with yellow or brown leaves, as well as those with a bleached appearance. Wilted leaves may suggest thirst or disease. Additionally, plants with black leaves may be prone to fungal or bacterial infections, which should be avoided at all costs.
2 Read the label of the plants
For a successful online plant purchase, ensure you carefully read the labels of each plant, weed, and herb. Plant tags, as found on websites like Plantly, are packed with vital information such as the plant’s name, size, blooming period, and water habits. This data will guide you in making the best choices for your ideal plants. If you don’t have access to the site, please use this link to learn more about VeePN. It is a VPN service with many uses and advanced technology.
3 Check for pests
Pests and diseases are a common challenge when plants are grown closely together. It’s important to be vigilant for signs of pests, which are often hidden under leaves or in the roots. Avoid purchasing plants that show signs of disease or pest infestation, as these can quickly spread.
Some of the common pests include aphids, scales, and mites. Keep an eye out for blistered, distorted, sticky, or holey leaves, as they may indicate a pest problem.
4 Avoid leggy plants
Leggy plants are an indication of insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization. They characterize by unnaturally long stems and sparse foliage. Such plants are prone to diseases and may not survive transplanting due to their weakened state. Fragile and unable to grow vertically, they are susceptible to breakage in windy conditions. Opt for healthy plants with a well-branched structure and lush, green foliage, devoid of pests or disease.
5 Check for healthy roots
To determine a plant’s health, closely examine its roots. Request the sales rep at the nursery to display the partially exposed roots. Observe the color, texture, and resilience of the roots. If they appear soggy, soft, brown, or deteriorating, it is advisable to refrain from purchasing the plant. Root rot is detrimental to plant health and attracts pests.
Avoid plants with roots protruding from the drainage hole or those with roots creeping up on the topsoil. They may be root bound and too stressed to survive repotting. In the case of plants with delicate fine roots, handling them with care is crucial to prevent any trauma. Plants with fewer roots will require more time to grow and establish themselves.
6 Do not forget the proper planting time
Knowing the ideal time to purchase tomato plants in Minnesota is crucial for consumer success. Online stores and websites often label plants with their hardiness zones, ensuring suitability for planting. It’s important to note that outdoor plant shipments depend on the local climate and will only occur when conditions are favorable. Tender annuals and vegetable plants typically ship in spring after frost danger, while trees and hardy perennials may ship in early spring or fall.
7 Do read customer reviews
When researching sellers, Marino advises checking Google and Yelp for seller reviews, along with on-site customer reviews. This will help set realistic expectations based on previous experiences. Previous customers can provide valuable insights. On-site reviews, usually rated from one to five stars (with five being the best), indicate overall satisfaction with a specific plant. Additionally, reading company reviews on external sites reveals specific feedback on the transaction and shipping process.
8 Don’t skip the fine print
When purchasing plants online, it’s important to note that the image on the website serves as a representation of what your plant will eventually resemble. However, upon arrival, your plant may appear different. This is because you may receive potted plants, bare root plants, or even young cuttings. To avoid surprises, it’s recommended to carefully review the seller’s policies to understand what you can anticipate when your package arrives.
Conclusion
To create a stunning garden and elevate your outdoor space, consider purchasing plants from a nursery. With these valuable tips, you’ll acquire the ideal plants for your specific requirements while steering clear of unhealthy or unsuitable choices.
