By: Devon Johnson
Spring garden season is in full swing, and garden centers are packed with colorful, tempting plants. But how do you know which ones will thrive in your garden?
According to Eric Stallknecht, Virginia Cooperative Extension greenhouse specialist and assistant professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, there are some basic guidelines gardeners can follow to pick plants that will blossom at home.
When it comes to evaluating individual specimens, Stallknecht has one surprising tip: look at the roots.
“It’s OK to gently pull a plant out of its pot and look at its root system,” Stallknecht said. “When you buy a plant, you’re not just buying the foliage you see above ground you’re also buying the roots. You should evaluate those as well.”
For summer annuals such as petunias, marigolds, or vegetables, slide the plant out of its container and look for white roots visible around the outside of the root ball. A robust network of roots indicates a healthy plant that’s ready to be transplanted.
On the other hand, if the plant pulls entirely free of the soil or if the clump of soil feels like it could fall apart in your hand, it does not have a well-developed root system and is not an ideal candidate for purchase.
For woody plants, such as shrubs or trees, check for girdling roots, which grow in a circular pattern and can eventually restrict the plant’s natural function.
Discount plants can still thrive
“Don’t be afraid of discount plants,” Stallknecht said. “Garden centers at big-box stores are often supplied and maintained by local growers with the retailer simply selling the product.”
Garden centers aim to sell plants at the optimal time for transplanting. As new inventory arrives, older stock may be discounted — even if it’s still perfectly viable.
“Discounted plants are often fine to buy and transplant,” Stallknecht said. “Even plants with minor damage can recover. Plants are resilient and will grow out of damage if properly cared for.”
Regardless of price, always pay attention to timing. Most plants are sold when they’re appropriate to transplant, but unexpected weather, like late spring frosts, can still pose a risk. Be sure to check your local last frost date and U.S. Department of Agricutlure hardiness zone.
Choose plants with the future in mind
When selecting long-term plants such as perennials, trees, or shrubs, consider their mature size, not just how they look in the container.
“Ask yourself whether the space you have is compatible with the plant’s eventual size and shape,” Stallknecht said. “Thinking ahead can save you from having to remove a plant late and save you a lot of heartache.”
Most plants come with an informational tag that describes mature size and light requirements. Stallknecht said the light requirements are often intentionally vague, but homeowners can generally think of “part sun” as equivalent to a planting location east or west side of your house, with “shade” in the north and “full sun” at the south side of the house.
For help deciding if a particular plant is appropriate for your location, your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office or independent garden center can offer good advice.
“It’s great to support local, independent garden centers,” Stallknecht said. “But even if you’re shopping at a big-box store, there’s a good chance the plant was grown in Virginia. Your purchase is still supporting local nursery businesses. That’s a great reason to buy all the plants you can.”
For additional assistance and expert guidance on everything from soil testing to insect identification, gardeners are encouraged to reach out to their local Extension offices.
