It’s already spring in many areas of the country. In the colder areas, many of us are biting at the bit to get out buy some plants to put into the ground.
Early spring always brings out the madness in gardeners. Bound by winter, we’re itching to get out and do something.
We’ve already worn out our seed catalogues by now and some nurseries are already offering plants.
If the temperature and cold-hardiness zone warrants it, go ahead and tour your local nursery.
Here are some things you might want to look at before you buy that plant, though.
- Check the leaves and stem of the plant. Make sure they show no signs of wilt or disease.
- Try to resist your primal urge to purchase plants that are already in bloom. Bite the bit and purchase plants that have not yet come into bloom.
- This might sound a little weird, but you need to look at the root system before purchasing any plant. Simply turn the container on its side, and, grasping the leaves of the plant (not the stem), gently pull the plant from its container. You should be able to see roots along the edge of the container, and they should be white. If they go round and round, encircling the inside of the container, then they are probably root bound. Being root bound doesn’t necessarily mean that the plant won’t grow, but you’re going to have to slice through the roots before you plant it. It will also mean that it will probably take longer to reach maturity, because now, it needs to establish new roots.
