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17 September 2014
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Choosing healthy plants

Here is a check list of what to look out for:

Flowers

Should match the picture or description the label. If not, and you like the plant, ask staff to identify it for you.

Leaves

Should be unblemished and undamaged.
Check for signs of pests or diseases.
Check the colour 鈥� should be a rich green (unless they are meant to be golden or variegated.)

Stems and branches

Compost in the pot

Pots covered with liverworts and moss may indicate overwatering or nutrient shortage.
Avoid pots filled with weeds 鈥� they're a freebie you don't want. But don't reject a great plant just on account of a few weeds and bits of moss.
Avoid plants where the compost has dried out.

Roots

Knock off the pot 鈥� gently! And take a look. A good plant will fill its pot with roots.
If you can't knock off the pot, its 鈥榩ot-bound', but if it's healthy, buy it, it's obviously a good grower! Though you might have to cut the pot off.
If a whole heap of compost falls it's too small 鈥� put it back.

Why not print this page and save it as a checklist next time you're buying plants.

Introduction
Preparing the ground
Buying plants
听Choosing healthy plants
听How to read the label
Planting
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