Where to buy good plants...

Scrambles1

Hey there,

I started making lists of everything that I want to plant in my garden last night, and it's a long one!!!

Does anybody know of a good place to buy plants from online, or would you suggest just going to my local Menard's or Home Depot when it's that time. I know how expensive it gets, so I was wondering where to find the best deals.

I wish it wasn't true, but I found out last year that I am horrible with trying to get seeds going so that's kind of out of the question. Otherwise, I would just do that.

hollymichael

I have ordered online in the past and not had much luck, but maybe I just ordered from the wrong place.  I have good luck at our local Home Depot for more common perennials. They are usually of good quality, but the selection isn't great. For more unusual plants, I go to a garden center, but they are expensive.  Sorry-I'm not much help.  Maybe others will have better ideas.

kylara111

I, personally, prefer buying from the local nurseries because the quality of their plants is better.  However, I know how it is when you're on a budget.  HD and Lowes are good if you want to get mature plants at a lower price.  I've used Gurneys and Spring Hill online and their plants have done very well for me.  They didn't look like much when I received them, but everything grew beautifully.  However, if you're looking for something like shrubs or trees they send a very, very small plant that will take years to even look significant so I stick with smaller plants.

CollegeGrrl219

What kind of plants are you looking to get?

If you are looking to save some money, I like to order online. For perennials, I order through directgardening.com. They have a wide selection, and they pull from a variety of different catalogs. The plants will be young and bare, so they might take awhile to look nice. They do come with a one year guarantee though if you save your shipping label.

If you want quality plants, or you want veggies that are already started, I'd shop at a local garden center. If you are looking to get any old tomato or pepper, I'd go to a big box store or home improvement store.They will have the common varieties.

If you're looking for a certain variety and a really high quality plant, I'd go to a local nursery and ask for advice on what grows well in your particular soil. Local nurseries are good if you need extra help or if you have concerns about what will do well in your area.

Scrambles1

I'm looking for vegetables mostly. Kohlrabi, tomatoes, onions (variety), peas, beans, cabbage....you get the picture. I was curious as to whether it's cheaper to order them from a place online, or to just get them locally.

 I wasn't sure on the condition of the plants when they arrive, or how they ship them.

Dr.Loretta

I actually prefer my local nursery. They often have good prices, they can help you pick out good plants, and some even have a TLC section where you can get not-so-perfect plants for yes.

Good luck.

Scrambles1

Thanks everyone!!! I can't wait to get started!!!

ditzydi_2000

I try and buy my plants from local nurseries to help support local business and because they know what they're talking about. 

CollegeGrrl219

With veggies, I think you're better off buying locally. I haven't seen too many plants online. I have seen many seeds available online, but it doesn't sound like you're interested in starting from seed.

Scrambles1

It's not really that I'm not interested in starting from seed, it's just that I'm awful at it.

I have no idea what I'm doing wrong, I'm just really bad at it, and I'm scared to spend all that money to try it again just to have nothing grow. Ya know?

renee

I get where you are coming from.....I personally buy my plants at local garden nurseries.  They have knowledgable people about OUR area and they guarantee all of their plants.  I have gotten replacements several times for plants that did not make it through the winter, etc.  I also have bought some herbs/veggies at local farmers' markets.

The thing I dislike about catalogs is that they are not specific about region--and as a beginner, I think that is something you can get hung up on, if you don't know what you are looking for or what will be best for your region. 

You can try buying some plants at a local HD or big box store...I am not sure how they would stack up in quality against a more specialized nursery.  So, I would recommend that you go and talk to someone this spring at a local nursery and explain to them what you want to do.....they will be glad to help you (tell them you are a beginner) and point you in the right direction.  Then, you can buy things wherever you want and see how they do!

CurlyGirlyGirl

I usually buy locally, but I bought a set of heirloom tomatoes from cottage farms online last year.  They grew to be over 6 feet tall and had tons of tomatoes on them!