Gardening Hack: Navigating a Garden Center with Ease

Oh, the dazzling display of so many plants in one place—it makes one's heart and steps speed up a bit. But before you dive into the garden center, let's equip you with an insider tip to help you know where to find the perfect plants. Taking our learnings from my previous blog on the "3 Essentials for a Flourishing Garden," let's learn how to navigate the garden center.

Picture this, you step foot into a bustling garden center eager with anticipation when you're suddenly confronted with rows upon rows of glorious plant babies. Where do you even begin? Fear not, I have a simple yet effective hack to streamline your plant shopping experience.

Take a moment to pause your excitement and look skyward. Yes, that's right—look up! You'll notice that the layout of every garden center is carefully organized based on the plants' sun exposure needs.

Here lies the secret: plants tucked under awnings or covered areas are telling you they thrive in partial sun or shade and don't require full sun. These plant beauties prefer a bit of respite from the intense sunlight usually less than 6 hours and will flourish in the morning sun or shadier spots of your garden.

On the other hand, plants basking in the open air, unshielded by any covering, are likely displayed on tables under full sun. These hardy specimens are built tough, requiring a hearty dose of sunlight—6 to 8 hours daily—to thrive. They can withstand rain and outdoor conditions and are perfect for gardens with an over-abundance of sunshine.

Now, what about those plants nestled within the cozy confines of a greenhouse? Ah, these delicate darlings require special attention. Whether they're delicate seedlings, tropical varieties, or indoor plants, their temporary or permanent residence in the greenhouse indicates that they may not be well suited for your local climate or outdoor conditions.

With this insider knowledge, you're now equipped to navigate the garden center with confidence that the plant souls you bring home will thrive. So, go forth and explore the botanical wonders that await you, knowing exactly where to find the perfect plants for your garden oasis.

Happy planting!

Amanda Rae

P.S. Special thanks to Colleen U. who requested this topic—this blog is dedicated to you. With the insights shared here, may you never again feel dismayed when selecting plants at the garden center.