By Gerry Hernandez, UCE Master Gardener
Fall is the best time to plant perennials.
The warm soil plus the cool air equals healthy plants. There is less insect and disease pressure because of the cool temperatures. The plants need less water. Let Mother Nature do the job. Planting is more pleasant for you. The soft soil is easy to dig. Plants have a head start for next spring. They have plenty of time to root into the soil. Deeper, better-established roots are a large factor in determining how well a plant tolerates drought.
Here are a few tips to purchasing a healthy plant:
Quality of garden center – Take an overview of the plant department. Look to see if the plants look healthy. Are there a lot of wilted or browned plants? Chances are good the rest of the plants are not being given great care.
Foliage – Evaluate the condition of your specific plant. Are the leaves green, shiny, and lush? Steer clear of any plants that are wilting or yellow. Stressed plants may not recover.
Shape – Consider the shape of the plant. Is it compact and full, with multiple stems? Taller is often not better.
Insects and disease – Inspect closely for signs of insects or disease. Check both sides of the leaves and the potting soil. Signs can include blackened areas, holes, spots, mushy areas, stickiness, and distortions.
Root system – Carefully, pull the plant out of the pot. A dense root ball means the plant has been in the container too long and may not do well. If there aren’t many roots, it was probably recently repotted and could use more time to become garden worthy.
Stem damage – If the plant has a thick or woody stem, make sure there are no cracks or scars. Even prior damage can weaken a plant.
Weeds – The last thing you want to do is introduce a new weed into your garden.
Buds and flowers – Although it’s tempting to buy a plant that is already covered in flowers, plants in bud will transplant and thrive better. You’ll get a longer bloom time at home if you purchase a plant that is in bud.
When all is said and done – Allow ample time when shopping for landscape garden or vegetable plants. Taking a little extra time to choose your new plants carefully is sure to result in you buying beautiful, healthy plants.
Source: University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources.
