Re: Home Depot Spring Black Friday Sale - $2.00 starter plants

CapeCoddess Thu Apr 16, 2015 12:31 pm

After a horrible bout with aphids and cabbage worms last year and the year before, I try not to bring in outside plants if I can help it. I grow my own from seed now.

My advice: if you buy them from anywhere please check them over thoroughly before bringing them home. One of the kales I picked up was from our local organic nursery and I ended up with cabbage worms under my tulle. It makes sense that there would have been eggs on it since it was growing out in the open. it didn't even occur to me to check it first. Live and learn and then pass the info on.
Wink

CC

Elizabeth Thu Apr 16, 2015 1:47 pm

Regarding Bonnie as a supplier.

They are not the problem. The stores, HD, Lowe's, Walmart are the problem. According to their contract with Bonnie they do not own the plants until they are sold. Consequently they pay little attention to Bonnie's products. They have no investment.

I worked as a Nursery Specialist for Lowe's so I do know what I am talking about. I had a list of regular customers that I would call when I got a fresh shipment from Bonnie.

Many of my locally owned nurseries use Bonnie. Since they do not have the volume of the big stores they own their plants when delivered. They take care of them.

I love plant sales and have no problem with nursing distressed plants.

Windmere Thu Apr 16, 2015 6:10 pm

Elizabeth wrote:Regarding Bonnie as a supplier.

They are not the problem. The stores, HD, Lowe's, Walmart are the problem. According to their contract with Bonnie they do not own the plants until they are sold. Consequently they pay little attention to Bonnie's products. They have no investment.

I worked as a Nursery Specialist for Lowe's so I do know what I am talking about. I had a list of regular customers that I would call when I got a fresh shipment from Bonnie.

Many of my locally owned nurseries use Bonnie. Since they do not have the volume of the big stores they own their plants when delivered. They take care of them.

I love plant sales and have no problem with nursing distressed plants.

Wow Elizabeth... now it's clear. I've seen many a sad, dried out vegetable plant on an HD rack and I've wondered by no one comes to its rescue. I've offered to buy one at a discount, but the check-out lady told me the vendor would just come and pick it up. Hmm.... now I understand. Thanks for that piece of information!

ralitaco Thu Apr 16, 2015 10:33 pm

Good info all...Unfortunately, I don't think I have the time to start anything from seeds to plant for the summer. Not only because our temps are rising but also because I have so much to do to get the garden going. In other words, my poor planning is going to cost me $$$$.

As far as asking about buying from the local nurseries, I was thinking in particular about the plants that they start from seed in their own greenhouses vs the commercial ones that are trucked in. I have a couple of greenhouses nearby and at least at one I stopped at their plants were 1/2 the price of the commercial ones. (e.g. - 4 square tomato plants - commercial plant $3.49, Greenhouse plants $1.79)

I appreciate the tip on checking for bugs before bringing them home.

Windmere Thu Apr 16, 2015 10:48 pm

One more thing folks... I picked up some decent gauge tomato cages from our HD for a pretty good price. They were not super tall... but the metal was quite thick and the cage was wide. I don't have my receipt for specifics... but the cages were less than three bucks or so... I just wanted to mention it. If you need cages, it might be worth your while to take a look at them before this sale ends.

**sanderson** Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:47 pm

Elizabeth wrote:Regarding Bonnie as a supplier.

They are not the problem. The stores, HD, Lowe's, Walmart are the problem. According to their contract with Bonnie they do not own the plants until they are sold. Consequently they pay little attention to Bonnie's products. They have no investment.

I worked as a Nursery Specialist for Lowe's so I do know what I am talking about. I had a list of regular customers that I would call when I got a fresh shipment from Bonnie.

I highjacked the poor rep as she was unloading the culls into her vehicle. Ask and ye may receive. She gave me 4 "unsaleable" parsley and something else for free!

**jimmy cee** Fri Apr 17, 2015 7:52 am

Elizabeth wrote:Regarding Bonnie as a supplier.

They are not the problem. The stores, HD, Lowe's, Walmart are the problem. According to their contract with Bonnie they do not own the plants until they are sold. Consequently they pay little attention to Bonnie's products. They have no investment.

I worked as a Nursery Specialist for Lowe's so I do know what I am talking about. I had a list of regular customers that I would call when I got a fresh shipment from Bonnie.

Many of my locally owned nurseries use Bonnie. Since they do not have the volume of the big stores they own their plants when delivered. They take care of them.

I love plant sales and have no problem with nursing distressed plants.

One trip to our local Lowes store last season, I saw a group of about 4 people with Bonnie shirts on. They were tending their plants, pruning, removing, etc. Seems as if there are crews going around to do this.

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