To plant or not to plant, that is the question on a lot of gardener’s minds whether it is flowers or food. With the weather as crazy as it has been, even the experts can’t agree with when to pre-emerge for weeds. Spring fever is setting in with me and I am ready to plant everything I can get my hands on but it is not as much fun in mud. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the rain, just when it is convenient (bet you are the same way).

I, myself enjoy planting foliage and flowers in my yard. Something about walking out and seeing all the colors just makes my day. When shopping for plants I love going to the local owned shop and purchase the things you don’t find in the local box store. I do shop the box stores also and do purchase some from them, but I have found the best plant value for the dollar at the local shop.

A few things to look for when buying plants:

If the dirt is pulled away from the pot on the sides, the plants are not being watered and will be in stress which will put them in more stress when you plant them in the ground. Be sure and soak the plants in a bucket of water before you plant them so the root ball is soaking wet.

Look for dead leaves, this could be a sign along with dry dirt the plant has been dry several times and may not be healthy. These plants will struggle and take away the enjoyment of your work.

Look for new flower buds; this is a sign of a plant that you will enjoy longer that a few days when the flowers fall off that are in bloom now.

Make sure the flower beds are ready to go now so it will not be such a long day when you purchase your plants and put them in the ground. Plant early in the day or early into the evening to reduce the stress level of the plants.

Enjoy the time in the fresh air with the birds singing making your little slice of heaven a nicer place. Thanks for stopping by JohnsonCountyEvents.com.

Mike Brister