Buying Vegetable plants

[caroline7758]

 I think I'm going to have less time for the allotment this year so started looking at the price of vegetable plants to save time. Don't think I can bring myself to pay those prices, but just wondered if anyone has used them and thinks it's worth it, and also any suppliers cheaper than T&M (shouldn't be difficult!)

Thanks

[caroline7758]

[Ellen K]

I've bought brassicas in trays from Wyevale and been pleased with them.  I still pot them on them plant out when I get a big plant but it does save room in the propagator.  They are 3.99 for a tray of 12 plants or 3 trays for a tenner - or about that price.

I don't think it is worth buying plants of things you sow direct as it doesn't really save any time.  But people do - I guess if you are short of space then 12 broad bean plants are better than a packet of seeds.

We also have a market seller here who sells 12 plug plants for a pound and they are a good buy - I always look at them even if I've already got plants on the go at home.

People often give plants away at their plots - most people end up with spares, and you could just stand at your shed and plants will come to you!  I am always happy to see my spares go to a good home.  And you might get a good mix that way.

[Jayb]

I've bought plug plants when I haven't been able to start some myself, brassica collection. Although a bit pricey the plants did really well and there were quite a few plugs with multiple plants which I just gentle separated. T&M have got free postage on until tomorrow I think, which helps bring the price down. Although B&Q aren't great for looking after their plants they often have some reduced later on and they can be a good buy depending on the variety. I think Ellen is right and if you have a local market you may find some good buys plus folk sharing their surplus.

[goodlife]

Perhaps you could get some fellow gardener to grow few extra plants for you along side their own and barter or buy the plants for 'economical' price....or promise bag of good quality compost...or something for return...?
In May we have in our normal outdoor market 'annual plant fair'...all manner of plant stalls from local nurseries, market growers and allotment societies, and you can get plants for 'pennies'
Check if your council do something like that...

Its shame that we don't live closer to each other...I could have grown for you some 'extras'...

[small]

Could you tell us some detail about that market plant day in May, Goodlife? I'm in the south of the county, but not too far for what sounds like an interesting day ....Sutton? Kirkby? Chesterfield? Mansfield?
And to get back on topic, I bought some emergency cabbages from Wyevale one year, they were excellent plants, I wouldn't bother with stuff that you wouldn't normally transplant anyway though.

[galina]

We have reasonably priced plants at the local nursery and cheaper at the greengrocers and at the DIY store (not a chain, but I think the chains probably do them as well).

When we still had the local post office (closed for ten years now  ) they sold trays of broccoli and other brassica.  One year I bought some and they did really well.  I think it was one of the postmaster's side lines or he sold them on behalf of a local resident.  In the next street there is a chap who sells his surplus with an honesty box but what he has varies a lot.

Just wanted to mention, because there are other sources where the plants won't have to come via the post which will be reflected in the price and probably in the quality of the plants.  Also you can choose, rather than getting what they pick and pack.

[Obelixx]

I tend to have long cold winters which means my small greenhouse is often still full of overwintering pots in late April and not available for early sowings except of plants I can't easily buy.

To start off my salad and veggie season I buy plug plants of things like Cos lettuce, red oak leaf lettuce, raddichio, fennel and broccoli from local markets and garden centres.  They cost about €2 for 12 and allow me to get ahead with growing crops while I concentrate on sowing flower seeds and veggies that need shelter before they're big enough to go out.

I can also buy bunches of 50 or 100 baby leeks for silly money and all sorts of herbs like parsley and coriander and basil.   Saves a lot of time and makes for good crops.

[strawberry1]

I have had very good results from ebay sellers in plants to plug gaps. I may get the basic stock from them this year, I haven`t got the time or room at the moment, or the weather tbh

[goodlife]

Could you tell us some detail about that market plant day in May, Goodlife? I'm in the south of the county, but not too far for what sounds like an interesting day ....Sutton? Kirkby? Chesterfield? Mansfield?
And to get back on topic, I bought some emergency cabbages from Wyevale one year, they were excellent plants, I wouldn't bother with stuff that you wouldn't normally transplant anyway though.

I haven't seen this years events calendar yet...but this is from last year.. http://www.ashfield-dc.gov.uk/media/936725/2013_events_guide.pdf ...it was 19.5 in Sutton. Our local market is not big one, so 'day out' probably would turn out to be quick visit, but then again..in past years the plant variety on offer has been quite good..mix of 'rare plant fair' + lot of basics.
I've been once before to Newark plant/garden (in Newark show ground) fair and that is more of 'day' event...keep eye on that...if I remember correct it is 'April-ish' time..

[small]

Thanks for the link, Goodlife. We're up that way sometimes, maybe it'll coincide with another 'out' reason...

[caroline7758]

I have had very good results from ebay sellers in plants to plug gaps.

Any particular ebay sellers, strawberry?