Your garden success or failure begins at the point of purchase when you are choosing your plants. Not all plants are created equal, so knowing what to look for can save you time and money, while ensuring you set the foundations for gardening success.
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A common mistake when buying trees is not choosing one with a single and straight trunk. Avoid buying trees that have developed two leading branches close to the ground. This is a weakness and can be damaged, split or broken off entirely.
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Always squeeze bulbs before you purchase them. Bulbs tend to be soft when they are not stored correctly, indicating rot has set in – so check the bulb is firm to touch. Use your finger and thumb for smaller bulbs and for the larger bulbs use your palm.
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Check for bugs and diseases by running your hands over the foliage, stems or trunk. If it feels sticky with scale then leave it.
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Seedling punnets can often be left on the store shelf too long and as a result they may not perform well. Left too long, the seedlings will outgrow the potting mix, which means they will be unable to retain water and will have exhausted the food supply. Check for premature flowering, leggy growth and few leaves, or for roots that are visible at the top of the punnet (squeeze the punnet, it should feel loose in your hand).
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Shrubs and trees can outgrow their bags and, while not as critical as seedlings, there is a point where the plant will become a poor-performing specimen. If you are unable to lift it, then leave it, as you will cause root damage just getting it to the checkout. If there is lichen growing on the branches then it has been there too long.
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Ask about the plant you are buying. How long has it been there? Is there fresh stock coming in? Most importantly, ask about their refund policy.
