Many people find it easier to start off their organic container garden with seedlings, not seeds. Plants aren't always cheap so it is important to take home healthy plants, not plants that hardly make the trip home from the store.

Producing a good crop of vegetables will be hard to do if you don't use all your container garden resources and select healthy plants right from the beginning.

It is easy to see if a nursery has healthy plants just by walking around and taking a look. Signs of dying plants is an indication they don't take care of their plants, so walk away and head for another nursery.

Greenery

Do the leaves look rich and green? And do they look lush and full? If they aren't, those plants may already be stressed and not grow well. Proper foliage is the very first thing you should consider before making a purchase

Insects and Damaged Leaves

Insects may not be on the plant now, but look for damage to see if they have already attacked the plant. Be sure and check the backside of the leaves as well for stickiness or holes.

Buds/Flowered Plants

Sometimes you will find plants, like the tomato plant, that are already blooming. These are fine to buy, however sometimes the plants that have the buds on them make it through the transplanting better.

Stem Problems

Weak or soft stems could be the sign of an unhealthy plant.

Root Inspection

Many plants can be removed from the container, and if so, look closely at the roots. Make sure the roots aren't hanging down out of the dirt, looking almost dead.

A good nursery will keep the pots weeded and if you see weeds mixed in with the plants this means the weeds are taking part of the nutrients that were meant for the plant.

If you are new to gardening be sure and notice where the plants are located at the store. This location was selected for a good reason by the nursery care givers. Paying attention now will save you asking questions or making mistakes once you get home.

Ask a nursery worker any questions about plants you are unsure of because most of them are very knowledgeable. Be sure and tell them you are working on a container garden because their answers to you might be different based on that.

Before purchasing your plants find out if the store has any kind of warranty on them. Some of the guarantees last through the planting season. You are investing your time and money, so it is good to know if you can get replacement plants if they die. Know what you are looking for before you go shopping and you will come home with the best plants for your container garden, and it will be a great success.

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