There are two choices in starting your garden; seeds or purchasing a grown plant.  While both have their benefits, you need to look at how they will need to be cared for in order to make a good choice.  Planting seeds can be more risky as you may never see the plants germinate.  So let’s look choosing healthy plants to buy.

By purchasing a plant from a garden center you limit the amount of work required to start your garden and ensure it’s health.  I have seen plants destroyed in the garden centers because of inexperienced workers who pour every chemical known to man on the plants thinking that this will ensure a healthy plant.  I have learned how to discern healthy plants from those that are not as healthy.  Let’s discuss some things to look for in choosing healthy plants.

First you need to look plants that look nice.  The nicer the plant the healthier they are.  A healthy plant will show no signs of pests, diseases, or maltreatment.  Plants grown in proper soil have good solid stems and show no signs of bugs living in it.  Harmful bugs can and will destroy plants.  Steer clear from plants that are look infected and unhealthy.

Now if you are looking for your dream plant, stay away from those plants that are in bloom.  Plants do not go into as much shock from transplanting if they are not in bloom.  If the plant is budding or has no current blossoms they will do much better when transplanting.  But what about those that look so good right now with blossoms?  Well if you are set on that plant trim the flowers before transplanting.  It is for the health of the plant.

Now the next thing to be aware of is the roots.  The roots of a plant tell you the condition of the plant.  If they are mushy or rotting then you can be assured that the plant does not have long to live.  Roots will be solid and have a well formed system resembling your veins.  Big roots will branch out into smaller roots.  One thing to look at is how much soil to root there is.  If there is a lot of soil and hardly any root or if there is a root ball and hardly any soil they plants roots are before and past their prime.  So don’t buy that plant.

If you see any thing out of the normal with the plant, be it root shape or odd features on the leaves or branches, as a garden center worker.  Though they may be signs of a poor and unhealthy plant, there may be a reason the plant developed in that way.  Give the garden center a chance that they know what they are doing before you “fire them” as your plant source.  Normally they are experts in their fields having dealt with plants for several years.

Now if you decide to take the easier rout in purchasing your plant from a garden center, make sure you choose healthy plants by checking the plant out.  Use the tips given to determine the state of the plant and if you are in doubt as the garden center worker.  They will be an invaluable source of information on your plants and choosing healthy plants for your garden.