There’s something magical about walking through a nursery—rows of vibrant blooms, the scent of soil and sun, and the promise of a thriving garden. And you wouldn’t be a real gardener if the prospect of adding a beautiful plant to your garden didn’t thrill you! But behind the beauty lies a gardener’s challenge: not every plant on the shelf is worth taking home. Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between success and disappointment.

Here’s how to choose the healthiest, most promising plants when buying from your local nursery. With a sharp eye and a little strategy, you can set your garden up for season-long success.

Start with a Plan (I know some of you are laughing ;))

Before stepping foot in the nursery, take a few minutes to prepare. It’s easy to get swept up in the beauty of it all, but going in with a clear purpose helps prevent impulse buys that don’t fit your space or conditions.

• Know your light conditions—full sun, part shade, or full shade
• Think about your soil: is it clay, sandy, or loamy?
• Bring a list of specific plants or needs—but be open to inspiration

Look for Healthy, Compact Growth

You don’t need the biggest plant on the table—you want the healthiest. A compact, bushy plant often outperforms one that’s overly tall or leggy.

• Choose plants with sturdy stems, rich green leaves, and even, symmetrical growth
• Avoid stretched, spindly plants—those are often stressed and root-bound
• A lack of flowers isn’t a dealbreaker—plants not yet in bloom often transplant better

Check the Roots (Yes, Really)

The health of the plant above ground starts below the surface. Gently slide the plant out of its pot to take a look at the root system.

• Healthy roots are white to light tan, firm, and smell earthy
• A few circling roots are fine, but avoid plants that are tightly root-bound
• Roots growing out the bottom of the pot can indicate it’s been sitting too long

Watch for Pests and Disease

You don’t want to bring home any hitchhikers or sick plants. Inspect each plant carefully before it goes in your cart.

• Look for chewed leaves, webs, or sticky residue—signs of pest problems
• Avoid plants with black spots, powdery mildew, or drooping leaves and stems
• Check the undersides of leaves where pests like to hide

Check the Tag—but Ask Questions

Plant tags are helpful, but not foolproof. Use them as a guide, and don’t be afraid to ask nursery staff for more info.

• Confirm if the plant is appropriate for your zone and garden space
• Ask when it arrived—newer shipments are fresher and less stressed
• If it’s a native or pollinator-friendly option, staff may offer planting tips too

Watering Clues: Not Too Wet, Not Too Dry

The condition of the soil in the pot gives clues to how well the plant has been cared for.

• Avoid plants sitting in soggy pots—overwatering can cause root rot
• Steer clear of very dry or wilted plants unless you know how to revive them
• Ideally, choose plants with evenly moist soil and firm, upright growth

Shop Early in the Week

Timing matters. To get the best selection, try shopping mid-week before the weekend rush.

• Tuesdays through Thursdays often have freshly stocked inventory
• Fewer crowds mean more time to browse and ask questions
• Avoid shopping on hot afternoons—plants are more likely to be stressed

Master Gardener Tip – Before you check out, group your selected plants just like you would in your garden bed. Lay them out in your cart and step back to assess the color flow, height variations, and spacing. This simple step helps avoid awkward combinations and lets you see your garden’s design take shape even before planting.

With these tips in mind, your next nursery trip will be more than just an outing—it’ll be the first step toward a beautiful, thriving garden. Choose wisely, plant confidently, and enjoy the growing season ahead.