How do I verify the plants in a nursery’s field rows are actually sellable?

Rows full of green are not the same as rows full of saleable plants. Bring someone who knows the species, and choose rows yourself instead of following the seller’s path. Look for dieback, disease, insect damage, winter injury, weeds and gaps. Ask the seller to dig a few samples so you can see the roots and judge how well the plant would survive being lifted and moved.

Check that the labelling matches what is in the ground. A row marked with the wrong variety is a real problem for a customer and for your reputation. Ask how the seller tracks plantings, how often the records are updated and what happens to stock that fails inspection or is culled.

Then connect the field to the books. Your accountant can look at how the stock appears in the financial statements and whether anything has been written off. If plants are sold across borders or into regulated markets, ask the seller about any inspection or certification history, and have a professional explain what applies. Walk the nursery at a different time of year if you can, because spring and late summer reveal different problems, and ask what the seller would cull if they were starting today.

Key takeaways

• Sample the rows yourself with someone who knows the species.
• Dig a few plants to inspect roots and lifting condition.
• Compare labels and records to what is actually planted.