Just had a veranda built & paved and am now looking at potted plants to put in it.
Where is the cheapest place ?
Big W, Bunnings, Nurseries etc.
Patio Plants
macfanboy on 14/11/2012 - 07:54
Comments
So basically nobody on ozbargain has any ideas or suggestions except one person…..
But you only posted your request yesterday.
There are a few variables here - depending on the type of plants that you're wanting, the best place to get them will differ.I've personally found that the potting mix in plants from Bunnings isn't capable of maintaining plants in a home environment - they're potted in a mix designed for maximum growth in a nursery situation where the irrigation is all automated, so unless you're able to meet very regular watering needs (sometimes twice a day) your plant isn't going to last long. Things such as your annuals etc you might get away with if you can keep the water up to them. I've also found that most of the time they've not long been potted up from tubes and haven't had enough time to establish themselves in the new pot.
Some wholesalers supply Bunnings exclusively, and these are the worst culprits for the above. Others deal with other nurseries as well and so there are the same risks associated with their potting mix. The difference is that what you get in nurseries will often have had time to harden up and adapt to a more achievable watering routine. The majority of the time the people there will often have more idea of what they're talking about.
If you decide to use stoneware (or terracotta pots) they almost never have sufficient drainage and your plants will rot in no time. Use a masonry bit to drill more (3 or 4?)and larger holes than what is already there - start with a small bit and work your way up. A scrap of shadecloth or flyscreen mesh works fine for preventing your potting mix from washing out of the holes.
Thanks for your most informative response Geewhizz
I'm not sure about Adelaide but in Sydney, nurseries are usually the most expensive. I've found that the cheapest prices are at markets like the Flemington plant and flower market - 8 potted colour annuals for $10, for example. Bunnings is cheaper than nurseries but not the cheapest, but it could be more convenient to get to. Haven't bought plants from BigW before, as the ones in my area don't have outdoor nurseries. I don't think plants kept indoors in artificial ligthting would be very healthy.