Farm and Home
Be Wise to Plant's Health Before Purchasing
By Wade Parker County Extension Coordinator

I hope everyone has an enjoyable Independence Day! We are very lucky to get to live in a country with so many freedoms. Let's don't forget the troops that are stationed throughout the world fighting for the preservation of democracy.

As you pass through your local lawn and garden store, you may see plenty of bargains or what you may think is a bargain. The springtime plant-buying rush is over, hot weather has setin, people are not in the planting mode they were once in, and finally the overall health of the leftover plants has deteriorated. It is for these reasons that stores will discount their plants.

As you examine plants, pay close attention to the symptoms exhibited. Pay close attention to yellowed foliage, leggy stems, and pot-bound or undeveloped foliage. Many times, unhealthy plants attract insects, funguses, and other diseases including scales, spider mites, lacebugs, black spot, and sooty mold.

If a plant does not look healthy to you, don't buy it! During this time of year, many retailers will negotiate prices. Never pay full price for a substandard plant.

If you do purchase any plants, read labels to make sure you can give the plants the appropriate environment, such as adequate sunlight or shade, and that they can survive winter temperatures. You are safe buying ones marked for cold-hardiness zones 7 or warmer.

To summarize plant shopping this time of year, just remember to be extra observant to the symptoms explained above. With careful plant shopping, you may just end up with a bargain!

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