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How to Find the Best Shrubs to Buy

Making sure you buy high-quality, healthy shrubs is the first step to growing them successfully. But choosing the best ones to buy can be daunting when you’re standing among dozens of the same plant at the store or nursery.

Choosing Between Bare-root and Container-grown Specimen Shrubs

The first decision to make is whether you buy bare-root or container-grown specimens.

There are pros and cons to both options. Unfortunately, some shrubs—including evergreens—are only available in pots, so you don’t even have the option of buying bare-root specimens.

Bare root shrubs can be cheaper than container-grown, which is helpful if you purchase numerous plants.
Larger shrubs are typically only available in containers. Bare root specimens tend to be smaller in size.
Container-grown shrubs are available year-round. Bare root shrubs are only available when deciduous plants are dormant between November and March.

Physical Characteristics to Look for

When buying shrubs, you want to look for signs of good health, so it comes through planting with minimal problems and grows to be a mature, healthy plant.

Make sure to check for the following.

Strong new growth from the branch tips (if the plant isn’t dormant).
Flower buds should be plump and healthy, not brown or rotted.
Leaves should be pliable yet firm.
Leaf size should be uniform and comparable to neighboring plants.
Branches should be well spaced and evenly distributed around the plant.
Branches should be flexible, not brittle.
If plants are dormant, use your fingernail to scrape at the bark, looking for green tissue underneath.
Grab the base of the plant and try to move it back and forth in the soil. You want it to be well-rooted and holding firm.
Roots are firm and lighter in color (white or tan).

Physical Characteristics to Avoid

If shrubs show any of these signs, do not buy them.

Wilted or off-color foliage.
Visible insect pests, especially aphids, spider mites, scale, etc.
Symptoms of disease.
Shrubs that look too big for their container because they are likely root-bound.
Gaping holes from unevenly spaced branches or flat sides on a round shrub.
Offensive odor or mushy roots.
Sunscald on the leaves.
Shrubs that move back and forth in the container when you grab the base. For one reason or another, this plant has been recently repotted.
Mechanical injury to stems or the bark on branches. Open wounds invite insect pests and fungi into the shrub’s vascular system.
Roots growing out of the bottom of the container.
Weeds are growing in the container.

General Introduction of Shrubs

Shrubs play an essential role in home landscapes, and along with trees, they are considered the “bones” or foundation of a yard because of the structure they provide.

What is the Difference Between a Shrub, Bush, and Tree?

Simply speaking, trees are taller plants with a central stem, and shrubs are shorter and may have several stems that branch off just above the ground.

Getting more technical:

Trees are defined as woody perennials with one central upright stem larger than three inches in diameter. They are typically more than twelve feet tall and have a distinct head atop the stem or trunk.
Shrubs are also woody perennials that generally have a number of stems produced slightly above the soil line, with none exceeding three inches in diameter. They are usually less than twelve feet tall but can reach upwards of twenty feet or more, depending upon the species. Shrubs are also usually somewhat round in shape.

Now let’s talk about the difference between a shrub and a bush because they seem more complicated. According to the dictionary, a shrub is “a low usually several-stemmed woody plant,” and a bush is “a low densely branched shrub.” So it’s fair to assume the two terms are often used interchangeably for low-lying woody plants with numerous stems.

Understanding Deciduous Versus Evergreen Species

Now that the shrub/bush/tree question has been discussed, it’s time to talk about deciduous versus evergreen plants. Deciduous and evergreen shrubs differ in how the plant types adapt to different seasons.

How can You Use Shrubs in Your Landscape?

Shrubs are versatile in your landscape, lending themselves to many different uses.

Create a privacy screen.
Stand as a living fence at the edge of your property.
Act as a sound barrier, or at least dampen nearby noises.
Work as a windbreak.
Stabilize the soil on slopes or other areas prone to erosion.
Reduce cooling bills by shading the house during the summer.
Bring color to the landscape with either flowers or their foliage.
Soften hardscapes (pools, patios, foundation).
Attract wildlife like birds and butterflies.
Increase your home’s curb appeal.

Keeping a Succulent Healthy

You just brought home a new succulent, but now what? How can you be sure that your succulent has its needs met so it can be as strong and healthy as possible?

Like all plants, succulents have some basic needs that need to be met in order to survive in an indoor environment that is much different from the conditions that occur in nature. While we can’t replicate an arid environment in a windowsill, there are some steps that succulent owners can take to make sure their plants stay as healthy as possible.

Sunlight

Sunlight is super important for succulents, and they can never thrive if they’re kept in a dark location. In most cases, the more light the better. A sunny window that gets at least six hours of sun per day is best.

Water

Succulents need to have their soil dry out completely before being watered again. They are adapted to living in dry conditions, so they store a lot of water in their stems and leaves. This allows them to go much longer without water than a typical plant. Check the soil with your finger or a moisture meter, and water only when it feels dry. Less is more when it comes to watering succulents.

Container

Succulents can grow in a variety of containers, but the best option is a terracotta pot with plenty of drainage holes. Terracotta is porous and allows for ample circulation around the roots, so it helps prevent overwatering. Drainage holes are necessary to allow excess water to drain out of the pot. The pot should allow about an inch of soil around the root ball to give the roots room to grow.

Soil

The potting soil used for succulents should drain freely. A cactus and succulent mix is a great option as it is specifically designed for plants that live in dry conditions. Otherwise, you can amend an all-purpose potting soil with perlite, vermiculite, or sand to increase drainage.

Humidity

Succulents do not require as much humidity as many other houseplants. 40% to 60% humidity generally works well for succulent plants, which is typical for most homes. It is better to avoid keeping succulents in enclosed containers such as terrariums, as well as humid rooms like bathrooms and basements. Succulents do not require misting.

Cleanliness

When succulents get dusty, their health suffers. That’s because the layer of dust that settles on the surface of the plant actually prevents sunlight from reaching the plant itself. Without enough sunlight to turn into energy, succulents become healthy and eventually die. To avoid this, periodically wipe any dust from the leaves or give the plant a shower to keep it clean.

Where to Get Succulents

There are several ways to get succulents for your home, depending on your budget, time limitations, and what type of succulent you want. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Purchasing a Plant at a Nursery or Retail Store

Buying a plant in person at a retail store is the typical way to obtain succulents. There are nurseries and garden centers that will often carry a wide variety of succulent plants, especially in the spring and summer. Depending on where you live, there might even be a store that specializes in cacti and succulents. Hardware stores usually have a selection of indoor and outdoor plants that almost always includes at least some of the more common succulents like aloes or jade plants. Even some grocery stores and home goods stores sometimes have a few succulents for sale.

Advantages

Buying a succulent in a store is convenient, and you can inspect the plant in person. You can make sure the plant is healthy and isn’t infested with insects before you bring it home, and you can choose which individual specimen you like best. And, you don’t have to wait; you can have the plant in your home that same day.

Disadvantages

If you are looking for a specific type of succulent, it may be difficult to find it in a retail store. Prices can be high in some stores.

Buying Succulents Online

There are so many succulents being sold online these days! You can buy from individuals, commercial growers, and even major retail stores. In most cases, shipping is fast and secure, and you can receive a healthy succulent without even leaving the house.

Advantages

It’s possible to find the exact type of succulent you want, which is helpful if you have your eye on something rare. You don’t have to go anywhere, which is great for people who don’t live near a garden center. It is easy to shop around and compare prices.

Disadvantages

You are not able to inspect the actual plant you’re going to purchase before sending your money, and it can sometimes be difficult to know if your seller is trustworthy. There’s a risk of the plant being damaged (especially in winter) or lost in transit. You have to wait for the plant to be shipped to you.

Propagating and Trading Succulents

Since it’s so easy to propagate succulents, this can be a great way to grow your succulent collection at little to no cost. Some cities have plant swap groups where neighbors can share their cuttings or plants that they’ve propagated, or you could just ask for a leaf from a friend’s plant and use that to grow your own.

Advantages

This is by far the cheapest way to get succulents. For many people, there’s also a satisfaction to seeing a full plant that grew from a single leaf. You may even make new friends by swapping plants.

Disadvantages

Propagating succulents takes time, so you need patience with this method. It may be difficult to find specific succulents that are on your wishlist.

What Is a Succulent?

If you’re new to houseplants, it may be confusing to hear the different names and categories available. And when it comes to succulents, it’s even more confusing because even the experts don’t fully agree on the definition of what a succulent plant is.

You might be surprised to hear that some types of orchids are even classified as succulents, while others aren’t. That’s because the traits that define succulent plants are specific to the species, but may not apply to all of the plants in the taxonomic family. Closely related plants can develop very different traits from one another, depending on where they grow.

What Makes a Succulent a Succulent?

Succulents are plants that have adapted to dry environments by developing tissues that can store water. Some varieties hold water in thick, plump leaves, while others store moisture in their stems and have minimal leaves.

Aside from their water-storage abilities, succulent plants have the ability to survive for extended periods without water without significant damage. When grown in cultivation, they have minimal need for water, fertilization, or maintenance.

Why Do People Grow Succulents as Houseplants?

Succulents are low-maintenance, which is one of the main reasons that they are popular as houseplants. People also love to grow succulents for their appearance. There are so many different varieties of succulents that you can find most any color, size, or shape that you want. Many of them are unlike what most of us would consider a normal plant. Their unique shapes and fascinating variety make them a very intriguing category of plant.

Is a Cactus a Succulent?

When you think of plants that hold lots of water, the first thing you probably think of is a cactus. And yes, all cacti are succulents. But not all succulents are cacti. The category of succulent is much broader and encompasses plants from many different families.

The Most Popular Succulents Grown as Houseplants

There are lots and lots of popular succulents, but here are the most popular ones. Note that this list refers to the scientific name of the genus, and within that there can be many species and hybrids available.

Aloe
Cacti
Crassula
Dracaena
Echeveria
Euphorbia
Gasteria
Haworthia
Kalanchoe
Sansevieria
Sedum
Senecio

Succession Planting for Longer Harvests

Succession planting — or successive planting — is a technique gardeners use to extend their harvest, giving them fresh produce for a longer period. There are different ways to accomplish this by either staggering plantings or planting vegetables with varying maturity dates.

Same Vegetable but Staggered Plantings

With this method, you plant more of the same vegetable every two to four weeks, so you continuously have a new crop ripening. Many vegetables set a heavy yield with their initial crop and then produce smaller and smaller yields as the summer progresses. Planting part of the crop at the beginning of the season and then adding to the plot or row every couple of weeks gives you high yields all summer instead of a feast or famine situation.

Peas and leafy greens are commonly planted this way.

Different Vegetables Planted in Succession

Another way to extend your harvest is by initially planting a crop with a short growing season, and once it is harvested, pull the vegetables out and plant a later season crop in its place.

Some of the best crops for this include arugula, pole beans, beets, carrots, endive, green onions, kale, lettuce, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, swiss chard, and turnips.

Same Vegetable but Varieties with Different Maturity Rates

The third way to achieve a more extended harvest is to take one vegetable you always plant in the garden and choose types that mature early, mid, and late-season. Seed packets will tell you the days to maturity to help you select ones that develop at different rates.

Good vegetables to plant this way include pole beans, cole crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), carrots, corn, peas, and tomatoes.

Tips for Succession Planting

Make sure you purchase enough seeds to last you through the season, especially if you want to plant the same vegetable repeatedly.
In between plants, add some finished compost or leaf mold to the garden bed to keep the soil rich.
Pull out fading vegetables, and use the space to plant something else.
If you start your own seeds, start a new batch as soon as you transplant seedlings into the garden.

Caring for Seedling Starts to Ensure Their Success

With care and attention after germination, your seedlings will grow into vigorous, healthy juvenile plants ready to be transplanted outside into the garden when the weather is right.

How Much Light Do They Need?

When grown outdoors, vegetable plants require a spot where they get a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily. Indoors, they need a place that gets 12-16 hours of daylight. If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, use a grow light to supplement sunlight.

The best spots in your home for your seedlings are close to south- or west-facing windows. South-facing windows get the most sun; they typically have light streaming through them for most, if not all, of the day. West-facing windows stream direct sunlight for a good portion of the day and are often shaded from the intense sun in the late afternoon.

At What Temperature Should I Keep Them?

Watch out for extreme temperature fluctuations indoors — these can still plant growth and affect yields. Avoid putting your seedlings where they can feel cold drafts from an exterior door.

How Often Do They Need Watering?

The goal is to keep the potting soil moist without it being saturated. If it is too wet, the water pushes air out of the potting mix, starving the roots of oxygen.

Water your containers from the bottom, setting them in a shallow pan of water. The potting soil will wick up moisture through the drainage holes, stopping once it has enough. Watering this way helps prevent overwatering and won’t dislodge the seeds or seedlings like overhead watering.

Do I Need to Fertilize Seedlings?

There isn’t a need to fertilize newly germinated seedlings. The endosperm within the seed has enough “food” to get the plant started until it grows roots capable of taking in nutrients from the potting soil.

When your seedlings develop the second (or third) set of true leaves, you need to start fertilizing them. They have used up all of the reserves stored within the seed and need nutrients for growth.

Now it’s time to feed your seedlings a half dose of all-purpose fertilizer every two weeks.

Supplemental Heat and Light

If you choose to start seeds indoors, they will benefit greatly from supplemental heat and light. It isn’t necessary but will greatly improve the success of your seedlings.

Supplemental Heat for Starting Seeds

Vegetable seeds need a specific temperature to germinate. Each different veggie type has an optimum range where germination occurs, but most seeds germinate when the soil temperature falls between 68 and 86°F. The closer the temperature to this optimal, the quicker germination happens.

To go a little more in-depth, chemical reactions are responsible for breaking down the seed coat and telling the seed it’s time to germinate and grow. Warmer air and soil temperatures speed up the chemical reactions within the seed, hastening germination, and on the flip side, cooler temperatures cause them to slow.

When starting seeds indoors, they often require temperatures that are warmer than the average household temperature. In an attempt to help speed germination, you can use put your seed trays on a seed starting mat, or set them someplace where it’s a bit warmer like the top of your refrigerator or dryer.

Supplemental Light for Starting Seeds or Growing Seedlings Indoors

Indoor plants often suffer from a lack of light, causing them to grow spindly and tall, as they reach for the sunlight. Supplemental light from grow lights helps your seedlings grow well and flourish. After seeds germinate, the seedlings do best when they get 10-12 hours of unfiltered sunlight every day. In many situations, they don’t get this amount of sunlight indoors.

Plants that don’t get enough sunlight will grow tall and spindly in an attempt to reach the sun. This unusual growth causes them to lose flavor and reduce their overall quality. Therefore, to compensate for low light, it’s helpful to purchase a simple, inexpensive grow light.

Grow lights give off different colors of light, which are important for plant growth. When looking to buy a growth light for your seedlings, choose LED, fluorescent, and/or compact fluorescent grow lights.

If you opt to use grow lights, make sure they are positioned far enough from the plants. Ideally you want the lights 8 to 12” from the tops of the plants, but set up so you can easily adjust the height as seedlings grow.

Concerns with Supplementing Heat and Light

If you choose to use either grow lights or seed-starting mats to hasten germination, keep a couple of things in mind:

Where to Buy Seeds or Starts

Whether you decide to start your garden by planting seeds or buying plant starts (i.e., young plants), you have plenty of options on where you buy your supplies.

Places to Buy Seeds

If you opt to start your garden from seed, by starting seeds indoors or directly sowing into the garden, there are plenty of places to buy seed packets online and in retail stores. Both options have plenty of benefits. You need to weigh the drawbacks and decide what is best for your garden.

When it comes to buying online, there are many different options, depending on the specific plants you are interested in. There are reputable, well-known sites to purchase from and smaller sites that offer more specialized options.

If you choose to buy seeds online, there are some benefits:

Online retailers offer a more comprehensive selection of seeds to choose from. The greater choice is advantageous if you’re looking for heirloom seeds or lesser-known varieties.
Buying online saves time compared to going to different locations and looking for what you want.
Shopping on the internet can be more economical than buying from retail stores. Their prices are often lower for individual seed packets.

But buying from local retail locations (big-box stores, home improvement stores, hardware stores, grocery stores, garden centers, nurseries, etc.) also has advantages:

However, the drawback to buying locally is that most places usually only carry the most popular, well-known varieties, so you are limited in options.

Buying Plant tarts Instead of Seeds

If you’re buying plants, it’s best to buy them locally.

Plant starts are available locally — typically, most of the places you can buy seeds, including big-box stores, local garden centers, and nurseries, even some hardware stores. Local farmers’ markets are another fantastic place for purchasing garden plants.

If you choose to buy starts locally, always inspect the plants thoroughly for insect pests and signs of disease problems.

Some retailers allow you to purchase live plants online, but they can tack on high shipping costs, and there’s no guarantee about the quality you’ll get. Plus, they may only ship at specific times of the year based on your growing zone and recommended planting dates, limiting when you can buy plants.

Special Considerations When Choosing Seeds or Starts

Keep in mind that certain vegetables don’t do well when started from seed and need to be started using particular pieces of the plant. When it comes to vegetables like potatoes, onions, shallots, garlic, and asparagus, you need to spend the money on specialized planting materials. You can’t purchase juvenile plants like you can with tomatoes or peppers.

General Introduction to Vegetable Gardening

Growing your own vegetable garden is a great project to undertake. There are many benefits to having your own garden plot, and the venture is entirely customizable to the space available and your tastes. Plus, it doesn’t take an extensive list of tools or supplies to get started.

Why Grow Your Own Vegetables?

Growing your own produce is proven to increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Food right out of the garden has a much better flavor than anything you can purchase from the store.
You can reduce the money you spend on groceries.
You choose the varieties to grow, giving you a more extensive selection than what you may have at the market.
You completely control the pesticides and fertilizers used to grow your food.
Having vegetables in your yard reduces the environmental impacts of transporting food from the field to the store.
Gardening is a proven natural stress reliever and good source of outdoor exercise.
Growing and tending to plants is an excellent learning experience.

What Type of Space is Needed to Grow Vegetables?

How much space you need for a garden depends on how much you want to grow. You can start with something minimal and expand in future seasons, you can keep it small from year to year, or you can grow a large homestead garden capable of feeding your whole family.

Do I Need “Land” for a Vegetable Garden?

One of the best things about a vegetable garden is that you don’t need to have a large chunk of “land” in your yard to grow plants. This common misconception prevents some people from gardening, but there are alternative ways to garden.

Suppose you are limited on workable ground or don’t have any. In that case, you can garden using raised beds, containers that sit on your patio or balcony, hanging baskets, or even unique planters that attach to the side of your home.

Having limited space doesn’t mean you can only grow a couple of plants. There are many ways to maximize the space available, allowing you to grow a bigger garden. Some options include growing plants vertically with trellises, using the square foot gardening method, inter-planting compatible crops in the same space, and planting high-yielding varieties.

What Tools are Needed to Get Started?

You need three things besides your plants and the garden space itself to get started:

You might want to purchase gloves, a long-handled shovel, a hoe, and a garden rake as you do more gardening.