Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea

erbarnett 5/13/2011, 9:03 pm

To save time and effort, I ordered a number of plants (turnips, Bibb lettuce, romaine, red lettuce) from well-known internet companies. They arrived today, May 13, 2011. First, it was expensive to order, as much of the expense involved shipping costs. Also, I was expecting them much sooner. The above crops could have been planted in April, maybe March.

The plants appear to be healthy, and I plan to plant them after a brief hardening off period.

Is it worthwhile to order plants online, or is it better to plant the seeds directly into the Mel's Mix? Anyone have any experience in this area?

Tril 5/13/2011, 9:53 pm

Can't you buy plants/seedlings locally? That way you're ahead of the game (as opposed to seeds) and you can select healthy plants when you need them. I've opted to buy most of my veggies as seedlings this year. I may get into growing my own next year... but i just wasn't ready this first year. I've bought plants at Home Depot, True Value, Lowe's and several local greenhouses. I never considered buying them online. I bought my SFG online, though. LOL

Old Hippie 5/13/2011, 10:10 pm

Most lettuce is easy enough to start from seed yourself that I would not bother ordering or buying those plants. Some people start lettuce in doors but I never do. I just plant it straight into the garden. The only plants I buy are ones that are difficult to start or if I kill something by planting too early or bugs get it then I will buy replacements from a local greenhouse. Plants that I order from a catalogue or on-line are ones that I can not get any other way. Like you found out, the expense of shipping is very often more than the plants themselves and if your courier does a bad job of shipping, the plants may not survive.

You can even start cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower right from seeds into the garden. If you cover them with hot caps to give them some protection, it saves starting them indoors and then replanting.

Gwynn

**Kelejan** 5/13/2011, 10:20 pm

I have planted several different kinds of lettuce seed but I did buy four transplants so as to give me a flying start as I do not like the supermarket stuff.

shannon1 5/14/2011, 1:29 am

I start some plants from seed and some for localy bought plants. The slower growers, I buy the plants being very careful not to introduce pests or illnesses. I bring my reading glasses and give them the once over, twice, before bringing them home. The quick ones like lettuce I start from seed. There is something quite magical watching life spring from stoney looking little seeds that I still find wonder in. flower

westie42 5/14/2011, 1:42 am

Here is a good forum article about quick starting seedlings in vermiculite which should shave some time off seed starting. https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t6213-the-best-use-for-vermiculite-isn-t-in-your-garden

Sponsored content

Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea

Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea

Re: Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea

Re: Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea

Re: Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea

Re: Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea

Re: Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea

Re: Buying Veggie Plants May Not Be Such A Great Idea


	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.