Hello Friends,

Today I am sharing the article I wrote for the May issue for our local village newspaper, the Cameron Chronicle… “The Little Paper with Personality.”

Tips for When You Take a Trip to the Garden Center

By Carla TePaske of Cameron WI ~ The Little Garden That Could

Spring has sprung and we are ready to visit the Garden Center. Plants and seedlings can get expensive, the last thing you need is for your plants to die shortly after bringing them home from the Garden Center. Here are a few tips to help you pick out healthy plants.

1. What is your impression with the Garden Center. Overall, are the staff caring for the plants. Is the nursery clean? Do they take care in how they display the plants, hanging baskets and seedlings?

2. Inspect the leaves. Look under the leaves for eggs. Inspect curled leaves, indicating possible contamination. Look for pest damage on the leaves.

3. Check the potting soil, is it a well drained potting soil. Is the plant watered adequately? Check for fungus growing on the top layer of the potting soil.

4. Check the roots of the plant. Are they looking strong and healthy.

5. Do not purchase plants in full bloom. Look for plants with many flowering buds still to open.

6. Ask questions. Ask, ask ask.

Until next time happy gardening!