QUESTION FROM READER:
I’m new to gardening and have planted a few flowers this year. I’ve had some success, but several plants have died or are suffering in the heat. I want to buy more plants for the fall, mainly perennials. But I spent a lot of money on these plants. They were pretty expensive. Is it worth buying plants at regular prices, or is it better to buy them on sale and clearance?
GL365 RESPONSE:
Dear Reader,
Great question! We understand your frustration because plants are expensive. And we must say, we love a deal, but plants bought at discounted prices are not always the best investment. There are a few things you should consider when buying plants.
First, are the plants in season? Nurseries sell plants based on what’s in season. Plants will cost more at the beginning of the season. Then, mid-to-later in the season, stores may offer discounts to move the products. Often this is because they know the plants will be out of season for planting soon. So, to minimize overstock, they offer a discount. Plants bought at a discount under these circumstances are okay. But ensure the plants are still healthy and you have enough time to plant.
This brings us to the second consideration. Are the plants healthy? Some stores offer plants at a discount if their appearance is no longer ideal (leggy plants) or if they are starting to struggle. Whatever the reason, you take a chance buying these plants because they may not survive. Usually, stores offer these items as a final sale, so you assume the risk.
Finally, are you buying from a reputable retailer? It’s been said that you get what you pay for, and typically this is true. Therefore, be cautious when nurseries offer cheaper-priced products. Be sure that you are not forgoing quality. You should consider if the nursery plants are in good condition and well-cared because you want to buy the healthiest plants possible. At a certain point, some plants are not salvageable after they’ve started to decline or if they are in poor health to start. Thus, an establishment should sell quality products and offer a warranty or guarantee with your purchase.
There are additional considerations when buying from retailers, particularly online. Most of the same rules apply when purchasing in-person and online. However, in person, you have an advantage because you can see how the nursery is maintained and what the plants look like before you purchase. Check out the upcoming post, the best guide to buying plants online. You can view this post on September 30th.
— Journée ❤️