Buying plants

It's time to stock up on new plants. Before going to your local garden centre or nursery, make a shopping list to avoid impulse buys and check plants carefully to ensure they are healthy.

Where to go shopping

• Garden centres are the department stores of the gardening world and stock every type of plant from bulbs to trees. However, prices are often high and you may not find more unusual varieties.
• Specialist nurseries are often run by plant enthusiasts and will generally specialise in a particular group of plants, such as shade-loving varieties, grasses or tropical plants.
• Mail-order/online nurseries make it easy for you to shop if you are looking for a particular plant that local suppliers don't have. The downside is you can't check the condition of the plant before you buy and there may be a minimum order charge.
• Car boot sales often have plant stalls selling items very cheaply. Check the quality of plants carefully.
• Plant fairs and gardening shows attract nurseries from around the country and are excellent places for finding rare and unusual plants.

• Like shopping for clothes, have a clear idea of what you want to buy or you'll end up spending more than you originally intended.
• Do some research on plants that would do well in your garden - this will avoid buying plants that will struggle to survive. Our plant finder can help you track down the best plants.
• Colourful displays and special offers are aimed at making you buy on impulse. Before parting with cash, check the plants are suited to your garden and that you have a gap for it.
• Save money by buying smaller plants. Many perennials or shrubs will grow quickly once planted out
• Look for plants bearing the cup symbol of the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM). These plants have all been rigorously tested for hardiness and pest and disease resistance.

• Knock the plant gently out of its pot and look at the roots. A good plant will fill the pot, but won't be pot bound. Avoid plants where the roots are circling or are so densely packed that no compost is visible.
• If the plant is in flower make sure it matches the picture on the label.
• Unless they're supposed to be coloured or variegated, leaves should be green and healthy. Check carefully for signs of pests and disease. Warning signs are holes, discolouration or ragged edges.
• When buying shrubs and trees from a big batch of plants, don't feel obliged to buy the closest one to hand. Search through until you find the best-shaped plant and avoid plants with broken stems or branches.