How to Buy Plants

Though in the contemporary world, not many people enjoy the hobby of gardening, it still exists in the form of small kitchen gardens. If you are somebody who likes gardening, then you should definitely know how to buy healthy plants. This is the prime requirement for a flourishing and bounteous garden. Though there isn't any special requirement that needs to be fulfilled, you just have to make some general observations, closely. In effect, buying plants just requires an eye for detail. Check out the tips given in the lines below and know how to buy healthy plants.

Buying Healthy Plants

Make sure that there are no yellowing leaves on the plant. Such leaves can be an indicator of possible pest or disease problems or a nutrient deficiency.
There should be no wilted leaves. This can be an indication of the plant being temporarily stressed out by very little water. It can also be an indicator that the plant has been neglected by the nursery and may not grow out as it should.
Choose plants that have thick, stocky stems and that seem strong and vibrant. If the plant looks frail or weak or has a very thin stem, chances are it will not beautify your garden for a long time.
Look out for any signs of insects and diseases, such as chewed leaves, sticky residues, webs, leaf or crown distortion, spots and mushy foliage. Immediately put any of such plant down.
Beware of scars or nicks in branches of woody plants. This implies that the branches or stems of the specific plant have been damaged at some point. Scars and nicks can lead to diseases or plant weakness in future.
Instead of buying plants with a few, tall stems, select ones that have many short stems. Plants with spindly growth indicate poor light conditions. It conveys that the plant has outgrown its pot or has not been pinched or pruned properly. Choose stocky, full growth plants, no matter what variety they are - annuals, perennials, vegetables, or woody plants.
Avoid plants with poor overall color. For this, one should know what a healthy plant looks like, which can be determined by comparing the plant to others of the same variety, at the nursery.
Choose plants in the not quite blooming stage over ones which are already in full bloom. Though full bloom plants look colorful and attractive, they do not handle transplantation well. These plants are likely to get weakened with time.
At the time of selecting the plant, it is utmost necessary to poke your fingers in the soil of the plant, to check whether it is moist or dry. Even if the pot is dry, the plant roots are likely to be already damaged, despite the plant foliage appearing fine.
Avoid shopping for plants on weekend, especially in the morning. This is when the whole world is out to get beautiful plants for their gardens. Instead, it is advisable to go during ‘off’ hours, like weekdays, noontime, or night. This is when the market is empty and you get a chance to look at the new plants just when they emerge.

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