Buying plants from eBay

[whipstitchandwhiskey]

I’ve got some large borders to plant up that were prepared last year, and in a desperate effort to stop next door’s cats from filling them with poo, I want to get a decent amount of plants in so there is less tempting bare earth (once my bigger plants are established I’ll attenpt to move some of the fillers). eBay sellers seem to have some real bargains but I was wondering what your experience of buying plants through eBay was? In particular:

-Was the quality good?
-Were they well packaged?
-Did they bring any pests with them? (e.g. slugs )

Also can anybody recommend or PM me some reliable eBay sellers for plants? Looking for all sorts including hebes, heathers, evergreen climbers, interesting alpines.

Thanks!

I’ve only bought once, a particular plant that DS wanted but was unattainable from other places.
It came as roots and shoots wrapped in plastic, but did split into 4 plants, so was a bargain. The seller was obviously an amateur gardener selling off cutting and divisions, but was cheap and ok.

Meant to add, it was a Persicaria, when I got the plant I washed the soil off and planted the roots in pots till the plants established to eliminate any pests and diseases.

Thanks that’s a good idea re washing the soil off, I’ll have to remember that!

Anyone else?

I've had some good stuff from eBay, both seeds and plant roots, and plants growing in pots. You have to take the rough with the smooth, really. Then again, I've paid more and had some really abysmal plants from big name companies. In my experience most plant sellers on eBay pack quite well. It's worth a punt if the prices justify the risk.

PS also bought pond weed from eBay which arrived in great condition, it was to replace same type of pond weed bought from local garden centre which lasted 5 minutes. The eBay pond weed's doing great 3 yrs later.

Not had any problem buying stuff from ebay but read the description very carefully as the photos may be of a larger plant that the one you receive. A lot of sellers also don't send the pot to save on postage which is fine if you're planting straight in the ground.
Not seen any pests but already have slugs/vine weevil etc in my garden so I don't check too. You could stick with one of the ebay nursery suppliers.

Best solution for cats I find is hawthorn trimmings just under the surface of the soil until your ground cover grows.