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Tips for Shopping Smart for the Garden
Tips for Shopping Smart for the Garden
The garden, whether it is a flower garden or a vegetable garden,
is an important part of the landscape. And, like all features
present on a property, it can be frustrating to do your shopping
for the plants you need to make your landscape look great. By
following a few tips, you can eliminate much of the frustrations
associated with shopping for plants, and you can learn a lot
about what you are doing, as well as find great deals and even
save a little money. When you shop smarter your entire home
environment benefits from the good choices that you make.
Do research beforehand. This research is not necessarily just
sitting in your house reading. It can also include talking to
your neighbors about what have that you like and even visiting
garden centers to see what it available. This will help you get
an idea of what you think is attractive. Make sure that you
understand what tools and soil conditions the plants need before
you buy. You should also understand your own climate and what
plants grow well in your region. It is surprising how many
garden centers sell plants that are not necessarily suited for
their area.
Read the labels. This is closely related to research. Before you
buy, read the labels on the plants to make sure that the site in
your landscape that you have chosen for a particular plant
answers its needs. Labels include information on things like
amount of sunlight needed, moisture needed, and sometimes even
soil requirements. The label will also tell you how far from
other plants your current interest should be planted, and also
tell you how fast it grows. When you know what the plant needs,
you can make sure that you have it before you spend the money.
Talk to the staff. Garden center staff members should be
knowledgeable about what you need, and should be able to give
you tips and advice. If you run into someone who doesn't know
what to do with a garden or landscape, leave and go to a nursery
or find a garden center with experienced help. You can even
bring in a picture of your landscape to show. Try to be specific
as you explain your needs.
Choose centers that offer guarantees. Many nurseries and garden
centers now offer guarantees on their plants. The time period
ranges from six months to a year. It is good idea to make sure
that you are purchasing from a place that guarantees its plants
so that if you happen to get one that is not particularly
healthy, you can get a newer plant for free. Be sure to save the
receipt, however. Keep a garden folder and tuck all such
receipts away so that you know exactly where they are if you
need them.
Shop during off hours. If you go on a beautiful Saturday, you
will never get good personal attention and service from garden
center or nursery staff members. This is because there is just
too much for them to do with all of the people. Additionally,
you will not be able to relax as you search out for exactly what
you need. Go in during the week, and you will find a much better
experience and a more attentive staff. Most centers get fresh
shipments Fridays, so if you go in on a Friday afternoon you are
likely to see the newest, best selection of plants and
experience smaller crowds.
Comparison shop. Look for deals at different shops. Do not be
afraid of looking around a little, or of letting an owner know
that you saw a better deal elsewhere. You also need to find out
how many plants come in cell packs. Make sure that you are
comparing apples and apples and not apples and oranges. If you
notice that one place charges a little more, it may be because
its plants come four to a pack instead of three. Pay attention
to those details. Also, compare hardiness and health. Make sure
that you choose the best-looking plants in a group, to ensure
that you get the best possible quality. While comparing, check
out different sales, especially end of season sales where plants
are marked down dramatically (don't buy annuals at this time
however; they will not be blooming again).
About the author:
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Written by: Stephen cox
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