Bargain Plants
By Ardis Neilsen UCCE Master Gardener
Five Ways to Save Money When Buying Plants
Do you want to add new plants to your garden but be as cost efficient as possible? Here are a few money-saving tips from a UC Master Gardener who can't resist adding one more plant to her garden.
Plant Clearance Sales
Check out store's clearance racks to find discounted plants. This is especially recommended if you enjoy the challenge of helping plants flourish again. Sale plants can vary from healthy such as overstock items to struggling which are declining plants due to incorrect water, light, or temperature conditions. Just provide some TLC by trimming dead growth, watering consistently, and fertilizing. You will soon see plants come back to life.
Plant Seeds/Bulbs
Seed and bulb propagation are inexpensive ways to grow flowers. Free seeds come from those flowers that you let go to seed. Collect and store them, or leave the seeds on the ground, and watch them grow again. Bulbs will repeatedly bloom by leaving them in the ground or store for later planting. Divide the bulbs every couple of years for more yield.
Plant Cuttings
Cuttings are free, fun, and easy to do, especially if you have friends who will share with you. Succulents are simple to propagate. Just cut a piece of the succulent, let it dry for several days, dip in growth hormone powder, and place in a succulent potting mix. You can also grow vegetables such as celery from a cutting. Cut off the plant's top growth to about two inches above the root bottom. Place in shallow water to root. Continue to grow in water or plant in soil once roots appear.
Look for Smaller Plants
Do you really need that five-gallon plant when a one- gallon will do? Yes, it takes a bit more time to grow, but you can save money with the smaller version, and won't have to worry about the new plant being rootbound.
Community Plant Sales
Watch for plant sales advertised by botanical gardens, master gardener programs, and horticulture clubs. These varied plants are typically sold at reasonable prices and selected to grow in your area. Another benefit is that volunteers can provide helpful information so you will become a more successful gardener.
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at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners”.
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