By Andi Anderson
As gardening season begins, choosing the right plants can make all the difference for a healthy, productive garden. Experts from Michigan State University Extension offer tips to help gardeners shop smart and grow like a pro.
First, always buy from a trusted garden center or greenhouse. Reputable sources usually provide high-quality, healthy plants. Ask around or explore your local area to discover the best spots. You can also use resources like treesaregood.org or the Northern Bee Network to find certified arborists or native plant suppliers.
When selecting plants, look for disease-resistant varieties, especially if your garden has faced problems in the past. For example, tomatoes with “VF” labels are resistant to common wilts. Check tags for resistance codes and choose accordingly.
Inspect each plant closely before buying. Healthy transplants should have deep green leaves, sturdy stems, and no signs of wilting, spotting, holes, or pests like whiteflies and aphids. Avoid plants with tangled, brown, or mushy roots. Roots should be white and fibrous unless the plant naturally has dark roots.
Choose compact, stocky plants over tall, leggy ones—they're better grown and more likely to thrive. Select varieties that match your garden's needs, like “Patio” types for containers or “Compact” types for small spaces.
Surprisingly, it’s best to remove flowers from transplants before planting. This helps the plant focus on root development instead of blooming too early.
Finally, don’t plant too soon. In Michigan, wait between May 15 and June 1 for most summer vegetables and flowers. Check your local frost-free date or soil temperatures using MSU Enviroweather for optimal results.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Michigan, General