Before you make that dash for the "Pay Here" sign, be sure your plants are in good condition. Examining the foliage and the roots will help separate the healthy from the weak. And if you can’t find verdant specimens, don’t gamble — go elsewhere.

The Foliage

Look closely at the leaves and the stems, comparing them with other plants of the same variety. You want to choose bushy specimens with many stems. If the plant is tall and spindly, chances are it’s had poor care. And unless the plant is supposed to have variegated leaves of a different color, look for a lush green hue.

The Roots

Roots are a plant’s primary source for delivering nutrition and water; they are essential for a successful transplant from the nursery to your garden soil. To check their condition, gently tip the pot to one side and slide out the plant, soil and all, to see what’s what. If the roots are cramped or curling around and around, the plant is “root bound” (shown, left), which will probably cause growth problems down the line — put it back. On the other hand, if there’s a lot more soil than roots, the plant is underdeveloped. When you find a specimen with a balanced roots-to-soil ratio (shown, right), save that gem a spot on your wagon — you’re good to go.

Never Buy Plants with...

Brown, crispy leaf edges
May indicate underwatering, stress

Yellowing leaves
May indicate overwatering

Papery, bleached leaves
May indicate spider mites

Notched leaf edges
May indicate insect damage

Too many broken stems
May indicate rough handling

Tiny scars on undersides of leaves
May indicate insect damage

Wilted, brown, or spotted leaves
May indicate fungal disease