I've been buying herb seedlings from Trader Joe's for a while now, and while they look good on top, I'm worried about the health of the roots. I'm not very experienced in gardening, so I'm not sure if I'm seeing signs of damage or if there's a bigger issue like fungus. Has anyone else noticed this with TJ's herbs? Is there anything specific I should look for? I wish I could shop elsewhere for seedlings, but the options around here are mostly tiny and don't fit my needs.
2 Answers
I've had pretty good success with herb seedlings from Trader Joe's, especially with basil and rosemary. I usually check the roots before purchasing to see if they look healthy. If you do end up with a sad-looking plant, remember that TJ's has a great return policy, so don't hesitate to bring it back if it’s not up to par!
I hear you about the roots being enclosed in plastic—it's pretty common for them since they grow hydroponically. Just be on the lookout for soggy roots or any signs of brown or mushy spots, which could indicate root rot or other issues. And yes, definitely snap some pics next time if you're unsure!