Be Wary of Flowers
You can take this first tip with a pinch of salt, but be suspicious of flowers. It may sound counterintuitive, but a plant in full bloom will have often already spent lots of energy in producing them and you might find that it’s approaching the end of its flowering cycle. There is also the risk that, on planting, the change in habitat will shock your plant into finishing up for the year. With that in mind, instead look for quieter plants packed with promise… plants with plenty of tight, green buds and healthy foliage are more likely to give you longer enjoyment. Use the flowering examples to choose the plant you want, but look for a neighbour that hasn’t yet put on a full display.
The ‘Once-Over’
Before committing and adding a plant to your trolley, give it a quick physical. Gently lift the plant from its pot (if not too large, obviously) to check the roots. Ideally, you want to see healthy, white tips, not a tangled, woody mess circling the base like a bird’s nest. This isn’t a deal breaker but a “pot-bound” plant is one that has been sitting on a shelf for far too long and might struggle to establish itself. If you can find one with fresher, newer roots, that’s the one to go for. Similarly, scan leaves for hitchhikers or yellowing edges. We’re looking for vibrant, uniform growth; if you see moss or weeds growing on the surface of the compost, it’s a sign the plant hasn’t seen much TLC lately.
Learn your labels
When it comes to the plant label, treat it like a CV. The side with diagrams and instructions is the more critical side. Usually on the back of the label, you’ll find important pieces of information about light requirements and ultimate height. Many is the budding gardener that’s bought a neat little shrub that eventually reaches five metres and blocks out your kitchen window. This label will also tell you what conditions a plant prefers – including things like ‘full sun’ or ‘partial shade’. Follow this advice and you’ll, hopefully, avoid planting something in the wrong spot and see it only last a season or, worse still, wither within weeks.
Multiply!
To make your money work harder, think about multiplication. Perennials like Geraniums or Hostas can often be split. Look for a pot that seems to have several distinct clumps of stems rather than one single sprout; then, with a sharp spade and a bit of bravery, you can often turn one £10 purchase into two or three separate plants for your borders. This is a quick and easy way to get a full look without the hefty price tag.
Naturally, all of these problems are solved for you with a Dig Instant Bed… but you didn’t hear that from us.
