The Soil Red Flag You Should Know When Buying Plants From Big Box Stores

Most of us have heard the horror stories of purchasing plants from big box stores. But we've also been there when the plants look fresh, and the deals are simply too good to pass up. 

The main problem with box stores and plants is that they simply don't have time for them. The level of care is minimal; they fully expect a lot of their inventory to die. The plants are typically treated the same, on the same watering schedule, etc., regardless of what type of plant it is. So it's important to check a few things when you're purchasing a plant from the garden center of your favorite box store. First, check the size of the plant and make sure it's in an appropriate-sized container. Next, check the root ball to make sure the roots are firm and white and that there are not too many circular roots at the bottom. You'll also want to check the soil conditions — here's how to do it.

The first thing you're going to do is check the soil, keeping in mind the ideal moisture is about 2 inches deep. In other words, if the soil is dry past 2 inches down, this indicates the plant has been subjected to neglect, and it will be more likely to attract pests. If the soil is rocky or dry as far as you can feel down, this plant has been subjected to drought conditions and is likely to go into shock.

Conversely, if the plant is soaked through, you'll probably want to take a pass. Plants that are over-watered are more vulnerable to root rot, as well as attracting fungus and fungus gnats. If the plant is droopy or wilted, this can also be a sign of over-watering. Instead, look for a plant with soil that's dry on top but moist by about 2 inches deep. The right moisture in the soil is very important to its overall health.

The other soil red flag to be aware of is the smell of it. It's important to make sure it smells like wet soil and doesn't have the odor of decaying organic material or garbage smell. The smell of clean, wet dirt is simple and easy to identify. Conversely, when a plant is watered too much, the roots stay wet all the time and begin to rot. This creates a smell like rotting vegetation, and you want to avoid any plant that smells bad or odd.

Additionally, the plant should have the right amount of soil in its container. There should be soil all around the root ball, proof that it's had sufficient room to expand its growth in. The amount of soil should fill the container it's in, leaving no more than 1 to 2 inches from the top. Too much soil is a sign of possible improper transplanting, while too little soil is a sign it wasn't transplanted soon enough. Either way, it means the plant has been stressed, which will weaken it.