Knowing a few things about plant selection beforehand is better if you plan to buy plants from a garden centre. You can’t bring any plant home and plant it in your garden just because it looks good, there are some things to consider.

For example, you have to make sure the plants you get are compatible with the type of soil in your garden. Plus, knowing about the suitable conditions for a particular plant’s growth is also necessary before buying it.

In saying that, here are five tips to help your next garden centre trip be a success.

It Is Good To Go With a Plan In Mind

Not all plants will sit well with the soil in your garden. Plants, if not planted in suitable soil, may wilt or sulk. Furthermore, you need to pick plants that are suitable for the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Some plants may like less sunlight while some may be sun-lovers.

With too many varieties of plants before your eyes, it will be hard to make a good decision on the spot. This state of confusion may cause you to buy the wrong plant. So it is a better practice to do research and make a list of your needs and preferences.

Examine the Condition Of the Plant Right On the Spot

The second thing to look for is the health of the plant. Evaluate the condition of the most visible part of the plant, the foliage. It’s a good idea to avoid wilting and shrivelling plants. Instead, look for plants with bright and lush leaves since they are likely healthier.

Be Smart With Money

Save money by making a list beforehand. Evaluate what’s needed and add it to the list. This way, you won’t overbuy or bring home something unnecessary from the garden centre.

It’s a good idea to buy perennials, annuals, and achilleas as they are reseeding plants. Another option is to buy seeds that have a high success rate, i.e., are more likely to grow. The easiest plants to grow from seeds include zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, cucumbers, and pumpkins.

Avoid Pest-Infested and Diseased Plants

Another vital thing to look for is pests and diseases. The underside of the leaves, stems and leaf joints are the favourite spots for pests such as aphids.

The last thing to have in your garden is a pest-harbouring plant since it can infect your current plants.

Look for signs of diseases on plant surfaces. Yellow leaves might be a result of aphids sucking on the plant. Other symptoms include holes, black spots and blisters on plant surfaces. If leaves feel sticky, then odds are it is honeydew (aphid excretions).

Weed out the weeds

Pots having weeds mean they are using nutrients intended for the plant. Weeds in pots also signal poor maintenance on the part of the garden centre. And planting them in the garden may result in weeds taking over your garden.

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