Michael Womack
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Saturday, February 26, 2000

Buy only vigorous plants

Signs: dark green leaves, healthy roots

 

Spring fever has struck many Coastal Bend gardeners. The garden centers, supermarkets and discount stores are full of customers looking for plants to spruce up their yard, replacing plants that have suffered in previous years of drought conditions.
   Most consumers just want to get a good plant at a good price. There are many good quality, bargain plants out there. There are also a lot of plants that are a bargain for good reason.
   When looking for plant material, inspect the plant for general health. Look for strong, vigorous growth. Leaves should have dark, rich color, a sign of good nutrition. Weak plants are difficult for the average homeowner to bring back to health. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, a sign of nutritional deficiency. Another warning sign is weak, spindly growth - often the result of over-fertilization, over-watering or insufficient light.
   Next, inspect the root system. A healthy plant should have a full complement of roots for the pot size. A strong root system can be tested by simply removing the pot and inspecting the roots. Roots should be healthy and white, expanding to the edge of the container. A pungent, rotting smell in the root system should be avoided.
   Also be cautious when purchasing a plant with limited soil in the container. That plant is stressed and is more susceptible to insects and disease.
   Avoid plants that are obviously overgrown for their respective containers. If you do consider their purchase, check the root system. Often, overgrown plants are root-bound, having a thick mass of twisted roots that are circling the pot or that have large roots emerging from the pot seeking water from the soil. Think twice about buying that plant!
   Roots that are circling the pot will often continue to grow in the circular motion unless the roots are encouraged to break the cycle through scoring, using a knife to cutting through the outside mass of encircling roots.
   Sun and insect damage
   Another warning sign is sun scald. Scalding is damage due to exposing plants grown in the shade to full sun without an adjustment period. Some plants only perform well in the shade. Others can grow in the shade or sun. If a plant is grown at a nursery under shade and is exposed to full sun by the retailer, sun-scalding may occur.
   This condition is most apparent when large cement or asphalt areas are temporarily converted to nursery sites, exposing plants to not only full sun, but also reflected heat from the surface area. Damaged leaves will not recover from sun-scalding, but new leaves will often replace them. In the meantime, plants will be weakened, being more susceptible to insects or disease.
   Another area of concern is insect damage. When you take home an insect-infested plant, you are essentially introducing the pests to your garden, giving them an all-you-can-eat salad bar in your garden.
   Also, if plants do not have living insects on them but have insect damage to leaves, flowers, or growing tips, BEWARE! Insect eggs may be present even if the adults were killed. Eggs may take 1-2 weeks to hatch! Ask questions about the damage, when it occurred as well as how and when it was treated. If the staff is unsure, walk away from it.
   Consider the source
   Plants are available at a variety of locations from full-service garden centers to discount stores and supermarkets. Each merchandiser has its advantages and disadvantages.
   Full-service nurseries may have higher prices to cover overhead; however, they generally have a more knowledgeable sales staff, a wide selection of plant materials year-round and the option of installation. Mass markets such as supermarkets and discount stores generally have lower prices than full-service garden centers. Their selection often varies with season and may or may not have horticulturists on staff.
   Wherever you decide to purchase your plants, look for healthy plants. If you have questions, ask the sales staff. Finally, always do you homework before you go out to purchase plants, to make sure you are selecting the right plants for your environmental conditions. Many heat- and/or drought-tolerant plants are available and should be used in our harsh gardening conditions whenever possible.
   The Nueces County Extension Office (767-5217) can provide you with information to help you select the right plant for the right place.
  
  

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