There’s nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes with tending to your very own garden. Whether it’s a small patio or sprawling backyard, there’s something truly satisfying about growing your own produce. You get to feed your family with fresher and more nutritious food, save money on groceries and feel connected to the earth in a way that doesn’t happen when you buy plants from a store. But for a lot of people, their dream of having their own garden remains just that: A dream. For those who don’t have outdoor space, renting an urban garden is usually not an option. So how can you get the most out of your visit to the local garden centre? Here are some tips…
Research before you go
When you’ve decided which garden centre you’re going to visit, it’s time to do some research. For starters, you can find out which plants are in season. This will help you to avoid spending money on plants that are overpriced and out of season. You can also find out which plants are best for your region, as this will help you to narrow down your search. You’ll also want to find out which plants are suitable for your particular growing conditions. If you have a shadier area, for example, you’ll want to avoid plants that need a lot of sun. If you’re going with a friend, you can each take a different plant type and find out which ones are best suited to your garden.
Don’t buy on impulse
This one might be easier said than done, but it’s important. Impulse buys can end up being a lot of wasted money if the plants you buy end up dying due to improper care. Before you even walk into the garden centre, work out a budget and stick to it. Research average prices online beforehand, so you know what to expect to pay. This will also help you avoid impulse buys that are outside of your budget. If you’re with a friend, you can agree that you’ll each be responsible for a certain amount of money. That way, nobody will be tempted to spend more than they planned. You can also use this opportunity to learn to be more frugal in your shopping habits. If the flowers you want are priced above your budget, find a cheaper alternative.
Don’t forget to factor in labour costs
Before you buy plants, it’s important to consider the cost of maintenance. Some plants are low-maintenance, but others can be extremely high-maintenance. You need to decide which plants are worth the cost of the initial purchase and the cost of upkeep. When you’re deciding which plants to buy, make sure you factor in the cost of watering them. Some plants only need watering once a week, others need watering once a day. While you might love the look of lilies, they’re not great for a smaller garden because they require so much water. Peonies are a great alternative. They’re stunning flowers, but they only require watering once a week. Grosvenor garden centre
Ask for smaller plants
If you want to grow plants indoors, you might find that the smallest plants at the garden centre are too big for what you’re looking for. In these instances, you might be tempted to buy a smaller plant and transfer it to a larger pot. However, this can sometimes lead to roots growing into the soil and dying when the plant is re-potted. Instead, ask to buy the smallest available plant. If you’re buying a plant for a friend or family member, this is an excellent way to make sure that you get something that the person can keep inside. Bigger plants are often better for outdoors.
Try before you buy
If you want to grow new plants but aren’t sure whether they’re right for your garden, you can often get a small plant and try it out first. If you like the plant and it grows well in your conditions, you can then buy a larger plant. A small plant will have less soil, so there’s less room for bacteria or pests to hide. This means that you can see if your garden has pests or if the plant is growing well much sooner.
Consider an artificial grass alternative
If you can’t get your hands on a patch of earth, you can always grow some plants indoors. An artificial grass rug is a great way to grow a few herbs or flowers without lots of sunlight. You can get a cheap one on Amazon, or you can find a more expensive and durable option at a garden centre. You can also get indoor gardens that are designed for a wide variety of plants. These can be placed on your window sill and make great gifts for other gardening enthusiasts.
Final words
Gardening is a hobby that has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. It’s a connection to nature that many of us have lost touch with in our urban environments. It’s also a great way to get some exercise and de-stress at the same time. With these tips, the next time you visit the garden centre you’ll have a better idea of what to look for and what to avoid. You’ll be ready to come home with plants that are better suited to your space and better prepared for success in your garden. And when all your plants are thriving, you can even find a friend to swap plants with.
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