What, where and when to buy plants? Trees, shrubs and perennials are all reduced on sale towards the end of the growing season in late August and September. You can also check your local for sale web sites like Kijiji to find plants. Also by getting to know local plant lovers at garden clubs you can trade plants.
1. Wait for sales late in June or July at seasonal garden centers such as grocery stores. Often the plants on sale are pot bound and have already bloomed but you can get them half off or buy 2 get one free. The plants in large pots are usually a good deal because you can divide the roots into two or four smaller plants. Visit local farmers markets to buy from people who grow extra trees and shrubs. Many gardeners grow and sell online so check your area on Marketplace sites too.
2. Buy the hardy tough plants that will do well in your location. Check the stems and leaves for disease and make sure they are healthy. Pull the whole plant up to check the root system. Often the roots are growing out of the bottom of the pots. A full pot of roots can still be cut into multiple divisions and planted. Use scissors and trim the long roots as well as the longest stems and spent blooms. This will allow the plant to rest and use its energy just on sending out some new roots. If the roots are very tight and dense tease them apart gently trying not to break them.
3. Spring time sales are a good time to buy more peat moss, mulch, manure or triple mix if required. Add these as soon as you have done some clean up in April and May. Another option is to trade with neighbors, friends or family who might be digging out and dividing plants so ask around.
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