Tips for buying plants online
Are you buying plants online? If so, remember that good mail order and online garden suppliers should be able to provide the following information:
Ordering and shipping dates and deadlines. Since plants and bulbs are live material, they are usually shipped in the spring or the fall when planting conditions are ideal.
An order form that's easy to navigate: Be careful to fill in the correct quantities and sizes.
Common and botanical names: Without this information it's difficult compare prices and shipping size with other suppliers. Some less than ideal companies promote ordinary everyday plants available everywhere with colorful names they've made up. Ever heard of a Blue Twinkle?
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Hardiness zone and growing information: You need to know if a plant can handle your climate and its growing requirements — whether the plant is happier in sun or shade or needs special soil conditions — and how big it will get.
Contact information: Look for a phone number and address and a returns policy. If you have questions, the seller should be happy to answer them. If you call them and they say they can only take orders, hang up.
Shipping information: Upfront shipping quotes and shipping dates appropriate to your climate. If your plants don't come within the time you specify, let the supplier know so that they can send out the plants before it's too late.
Ordering from outside the country: The plants must be shipped with a phytosanitary certificate, which is mandated
by government.
Gardening stores on the web
Gardens Alive: Offers a variety of environmentally responsible products for your garden and lawn, from sprays and fertilizers to garden gear. Ships to US addresses, including Alaska, but not Hawaii.
Gardener's Supply Company: Offers a wealth of tools and supplies for gardeners, from seed-starting to watering, fertilizing and weeding, even garden furniture and sheds. Good garden tips too. Ships to US only.
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Roses from Jackson & Perkins: Discover unusual and new roses. Also offers perennials, bulbs and garden gifts. Ships roses and perennials at the best time for planting in your area. US only, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Smith & Hawken: Offers stylish quality in garden tools, outdoor accents, garden decor, furnishing, indoor gardening goods, house plants and gifts. US only.
Gurney's - Save $20 off $40 Order: Seeds, plants and growing supplies. Ships to US, but not Alaska, Hawaii.
Richters Herbs: This Canadian company offers an excellent variety of culinary and other herb plants and seeds. They ship around the world and pride themselves on delivering herb plants to your door safely. I've often ordered plants from them and have been happy with their healthy green condition, even after shipping. Ships to Canada and US. All plant shipments to US are government inspected and come with a phytosanitary certificate free-of-charge.
For more information:
Go back to buying plants online
How grow plants shipped bare-root
Tips for choosing a good garden center
Online sources for garden tools
