Garden-Center Shopping
Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-659 -- More Projects »
When spring arrives, everything is in bloom at the garden center, and gardeners buzz around, trying to pick the perfect plant. Here are some shopping secrets to keep you ahead of the game:
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Choose plants that are not in bloom, but check the tag to make sure you have the cultivar you want.
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Compact is good when it comes to healthy plants. Always choose short and bushy (left) rather than thin and leggy (right).
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If you're looking for ways to beat the crowd, take advantage of a rainy day. The aisles are empty then. Even if it's not raining, you can beat the crowds by doing your shopping during the week. If you have to come on the weekend, set your alarm clock so you can start early. If you're trying to choose between plants that are in bloom and those that aren't, go for the ones without blooms. They are younger plants and will transplant better into your garden. Just be sure to read the label on the plant before you leave; you don't want to walk away with a pink plant when you thought it was orange. Long legs might be great for models, but stout is what it's all about when it comes to plants. Make sure the plants are nice and compact. Leggy plants are a little stressed, and you'll have a better chance with the smaller ones. Here are some ideas on cutting garden costs. Every garden center has hanging baskets and containers filled with a variety of plants, and they can come with hefty price tags. But it's okay to cheat! Simply copy the idea--pick out the same flowers you see in a hanging basket or container, take them home and pot them up--you can save as much as 50 percent! And when it comes to buying single packets or flats, you can save $3 to $5 if you buy the flat. Another way to save money is to buy your lawn seed in bulk. Many garden centers offer specially mixed seed specific to your location with varying light conditions. It's a guarantee your grass will grow, even in the shadiest conditions. And finally, we've given you all of these ideas to save money and buy healthy plants. The key is to keep them healthy, so when you get them home, keep them watered and before you leave garden center, be sure to pick up some fertilizer. Your plants will appreciate a feeding every two to three weeks.
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