13 Tips for Buying Outdoor Plants Online Like a Pro

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@dora59 5 ай бұрын

I’ve ordered many many starter plants and plugs from several different Etsy shops. Yes, the plants are small but within a year or two they will be a decent size. If you have a large garden to fill and you are a patient person, it’s a thrifty way. I’ve never had a bad experience with the sellers or the post office. I’ve ordered in both winter and summer. You do have to realize that what you are ordering will not look like the picture for a few years.

@GardenSanity 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience with Etsy, Dora! I’ve not (yet) ordered via Etsy so I appreciate your sharing. 😀 I’ve noticed some plant companies now adding “These photos show mature plants” or similar wording on their plant photos. I love that as a good reminder to be patient. 🌱

@AndreaHartman-l5g 4 ай бұрын

great advice, just what I was looking for! I'm in central Florida and recently ordered from Creekside Nursery in South Carolina, close to home. Happy with the quality of the plants, but I need to do more research!

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful Andrea! I love Creekside Nursery's KZbin channel, so I'm happy to hear that the plants you received were good quality! 😃 🪴

@chrismarchetti-olson6632 5 ай бұрын

This was outstanding!!! I have also learned that, when buying a tree, smaller sizes acclimate better. My redbud that was just 3 feet tall was $100 cheaper than my 5’ tall one and and has not struggled once as opposed to the larger one. Companies want to sell you the more expensive ones for instant gratification but it’s well worth the wait. And btw, your redbud is gorgeous!!! Even at a smaller size, it will grow you’ll see 🌸🌸🌸🌸

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Chris! 😊 You’re correct about smaller sized trees acclimating better. 👍 I recently ordered 3 Blue Arrow Junipers in a smaller size, knowing they will catch up and do well compared to (almost) mature specimens. Definitely worth the wait plus I enjoy watching them grow and mature! (And the $$ was much better too! ❤️

@chrismarchetti-olson6632 4 ай бұрын

@@GardenSanity yes definitely!!! I bought some junipers as well. Taylor junipers because they are narrow and my gardens are so jam packed I’ll be surprised if they can breathe 😂😂😂. Great minds think alike 😂🌸🌸🌸

@DzejlanJaylaHadziefendic 5 ай бұрын

Thank you! I love online shopping for plants and this is very informative video. You also helped me find Rare Roots - wonderful online nursery and I live in Virginia, so shipping time is short. I appreciate it

@GardenSanity 5 ай бұрын

My pleasure! I’m so glad you shop with Rare Roots! Their plants are always great quality! I love short shipping times too. 📦👍🌱

@NobzLovesOutdoors 5 ай бұрын

I haven’t watched this yet but all your previous videos have been super helpful!

@GardenSanity 5 ай бұрын

Why thank you! I appreciate your feedback! 🌱

@clematis1212 5 ай бұрын

Such a helpful video! Thank you for all the time and thought you put into sharing this information. I’m sorry I missed the survey. I agree Bluestone Perennials is fantastic. I’ve ordered many plants online and now have started growing more from seed. The big box stores are my last resort because I usually don’t like to grow the same stuff that everybody else bought at Home Depot.

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for your feedback! 😊 I just received my latest order from Bluestone Perennials this afternoon! 🌱 I agree that it’s fun to grow plants different from what everyone is buying at the big box stores. 👍 😀

@HouseOnTheCorner_ 5 ай бұрын

This was so well done. I think you should do a video of you ordering online then unboxing and then a follow up one month later to see how it has progressed. Many people don’t understand how online plants are cut back short to ship easier but they look great in 4-5 weeks after.

@GardenSanity 5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊 And I like your suggestion! I’m adding it to my list. 🎬👍 Also I think if a newer gardener is unfamiliar with perennials, it can be disappointing if they might expect first-year flowers similar to the full and lush blooming season of annuals. Great suggestion! 🩷

@susanbartone1347 4 ай бұрын

I love this video. I live in Raleigh NC (zone 7b) and love succulents - and sedum. I found a company with gorgeous plants in this category and it is so tempting to purchase from them. But they grow in Calif. so for me, that is not the best idea. !

@Otiliastodolist 5 ай бұрын

I ordered and it was expensive and the plant was SMALL. 🙄

@GardenSanity 5 ай бұрын

Yes, those are two common issues ☹️ but I hope you found solutions to both in my video! 😃

@richbishop7896 5 ай бұрын

When I was young and naive and new to gardening I ordered what I thought were going to be beautiful plants. I received them and they looked dead. TIP#4. bareroot plants. Bonny

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Hi Bonny! While I’m sorry you also experienced the bare root problem, I’m happy you can commiserate with me! 😂 Even if the website states the bare roots are “super easy” to grow, I just can’t take another chance. 🙃🙂

@richbishop7896 4 ай бұрын

@@GardenSanity I ordered some for spring planting but now I know what to do with them. I potted them up and they are doing great.

@spicyritas4795 5 ай бұрын

While I too prefer Mom and Pop nurseries, big box stores and online stores have better guarantees on roses and trees. So for me it depends on what I’m ordering.

@GardenSanity 5 ай бұрын

Yes, that’s a great point that it can depend on what you’re ordering, as to where you’ll purchase those plants (or shrubs, roses and trees) - especially with guarantees. 👍 Thank you! 🌳

@kristywhited8857 5 ай бұрын

I'm asking all the gardening experts I follow on KZbin this same question.....Are you familiar with "fertigation" or the idea of injecting liquide fertilizers into your irrigation system. I've seen some info on this, and it looks like it's more common in large scale operations. But I'm trying to figure out if there's an affordable way to do this for the average home gardener. Thanks!

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Hi Kristy - Thanks for asking! I’m not familiar with this, nor do I think it’s a good idea. Plants, shrubs and trees benefit the best from good soil first and foremost, so working to improve your soil (if needed) is “job one” so to speak. Secondly, many plants don’t need much fertilizer at all once established, other than perhaps an application in early Spring. And most organic slow-release fertilizers are perfect to help the plants and soil ongoing. Also adding composted cow manure or compost provides great nutrients again to both plants and soil. These practices will - over time - reduce your plants reliance on needing fertilizer. Now, annuals are a different story, as they need more fertilizer to bloom their best, but again having awesome soil will reduce fertilizer costs in the long run. Some plants like a more acidic soil, some a more alkaline soil. Some plants thrive in poor nutrient soils, while others want rich soils. I share this not to add to any confusion but rather to say that fertilizer isn’t a one-size-fits-all application. I think the most affordable way is to apply slow-release fertilizer to those plants that need it in Spring, plus using some type of compost. That’s all your plants require, plus your loving care and help from Mother Nature! ❤️😀

@cyhomer 5 ай бұрын

I will add to #4…read that fine print…most plants I’ve seen online are teeny tiny 4” pots! For a big sum of $…so annoying! (Oooh. It’s #9!) 😂

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Totally agree with you! 👍 A few years ago, I ordered some Geum perennials online, and what I received were so small. Very small. And those plants have yet to thrive. I’m going to dig them up and pot them to see if I can nurse them into respectable Geums. Truly annoying.

@lisagoggin8021 5 ай бұрын

Online plants are so small and in my experience they come damaged….but when I really want something unique I will order them online…proven winners…etc….

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Hi Lisa - yes, damaged plants should always require a full refund. And as I’ve shown, you can get decent sizes that are in great condition. 👍 Like you, I also love finding unique plants online, and am even happier when I see those plants start to show up at local nurseries! 😀🪴

@barbaraclark9423 5 ай бұрын

I’ve had great success from Blue Stone Perennials.

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience with Bluestone Perennials Barbara! 👍 I just received my latest order from them yesterday, and all of the plants look great! 📦🌸

@ariabrunera23 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for your video! I personally had a really bad experience with Blue Stone Perennials. I placed a large order last year and I think everything died. The root system on my plants were much smaller than let's say Great Garden Plants or Garden Crossings. Overall, I was super unhappy. I stick to Great Garden Plants now.

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience Maria, although I’m sorry it wasn’t good. ☹️ Were you able to get a refund from Bluestone? They are usually very helpful in resolving problems. I’m happy you’re enjoying Great Garden Plants - I am constantly impressed with that company over and over again! ❤️📦

@ariabrunera23 4 ай бұрын

@@GardenSanity I was so disappointed I never did reach out and just took it as a learning experience. It killed my gardening mood for a while.

@tmy1065 4 ай бұрын

I rather order online. Alrhough there are many wonderful nurseries in my area, I find they only have plants in stock in spring and summer, and I prefer to plant in the fall. The soil is warm, and the rainy season is about to start. My second choice is to plant in spring, although sometimes we have a very warm one and the plants struggle. Summer is the worst time to plant in my area - the temps are in the 80-90s and there is no precipitation. But you will only find things like hydrangeas in July and August. It makes sense, that’s when they are in full bloom and looking their best. I purchased some one year and they almost didn’t make it. After that, I said never again to planting anything in summer! I can also get exactly what I want in the right quantity ordering online. I save my local purchases for patio containers where I need instant gratification.

@2teaspoonsforme 5 ай бұрын

Excellent video. You have encouraged me to shop places that might have been out of my comfort zone. I will try online. Thanks.

@GardenSanity 5 ай бұрын

My pleasure Carly! I hope you enjoy the process, as it can be like shopping for gifts for yourself - that’s the excitement I get! 🪴Please let me know how it goes. 😊

@philip9569 3 ай бұрын

thank you for your help!!!

@GardenSanity 2 ай бұрын

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy the Blanket flowers! Keep me posted.

@jennetteojeda138 5 ай бұрын

💖👍🏻💖

@GardenSanity 5 ай бұрын

Thank you Jennette! 😊

@JoyfulJerseyGardening 5 ай бұрын

Great information as usual! That 50 for 50 sale is so much fun! I’ve also gotten some good deals. I’m very fortunate to have several fantastic local garden centers. However when I have shopped online, I’ve been very happy with Great Garden Plants, Garden Crossings, Romence Gardens and Bluestone Perennials.

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Allison! 😊 Happy you enjoy the 50 for 50 sales too! 👍 Although I haven’t personally shopped (yet) with Garden Crossings or Romence Gardens, I’ve heard nothing but high praise for both companies! And I enjoy Garden Crossings KZbin channel too! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

@kristywhited8857 5 ай бұрын

Very helpful! Thank you! The three companies you use are also very close to my area. Moving forward, I will focus my spending on those. Just today, I resolved a shipping and plant quality issue with a very large, well-known, very popular company. They did NOT make it easy on me. They basically tried to bully me into accepting the 2 plants, as is. Several emails back and forth grew more angry each time, but today I got to speak to a person and they were able to resolve my problem. And I also learned through this transaction I will never again order large potted plants online. I've never had a problem with quarts. They ship perfectly. I'll be sticking to small from now on too. Great video!!

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Glad you eventually got it resolved Kristy, but I imagine it was indeed frustrating. 🤬 I’m a fan of quarts and pints . . . I’ve had great success with them! 🪴Thanks for sharing your experience!

@willaerley7140 5 ай бұрын

Good points! Let’s face it. Plants are hit or miss from everywhere. For me, bare roots are losers, bulbs are better online, and local is usually best for the rest. Note: local nurseries will special order plants for you from their supplier if you give them enough time in advance.

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Will! Great tip about nurseries ordering for you. That’s how I got my True Blue Butterfly Bushes and my Popcorn Drift Roses. 👍 And yes for bulbs online too - I love Longfield Gardens for most of mine, and also White Flower Farm. I think “Bare Roots are Losers” should be on a t-shirt! 😂

@linhmoberly4493 5 ай бұрын

Hi Laura, this is most helpful information about ordering plants online. I wish I had learned this sooner…. I learned it the hard way, with lots of problems and mistakes. I told myself not to do that again…but I did it because some plants I love are only found in certain online nurseries! But now I found a local nursery and garden center about 15 miles away that sells all kind of special plants I love. …I really appreciate your advice and tips . I agree with you 100 % about ordering plants Online. ❤❤

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Hi Linh! It can be so disheartening when you have a bad online plant shopping outcome. ☹️ And on the flipside, a great nursery carrying unique plants is the best! I love taking my time looking at everything. Nothing better than seeing plants up close - especially when they are new to me! It’s so much fun! ❤️

@janitapanos240 5 ай бұрын

Extremely clear and helpful tips to consider when purchasing plants, thank you! Happy to subscribe too!

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for your feedback Janita - I really appreciate it! ❤️ And thank you for subscribing too! 😊

@angiestelzer1064 5 ай бұрын

This was extremely informative - thank you! I have ordered online and as you said, had some good experiences and some not so good - I learned from all of them. I just submitted my first order with Bluestone Perennials a couple of days ago, so I feel encouraged that you had good things to say about them.

@GardenSanity 4 ай бұрын

I hope you like your Bluestone order! I just received my latest order from them yesterday, and all plants were healthy, packed great, and looked good! Keep me posted! 🌱🤞