What Does Home Depot Do With Unsold Plants?

Every spring, large portions of Home Depot and other garden centers become plant havens, offering everything from annuals to perennials to shrubs and trees. And while many of these plants find homes and are added to gardens and yards, not all are sold. Surprisingly, some employees and patrons report that this unsold inventory, often once it is near the point of being dead or dying, eventually makes its way into the dumpster. This appears to be an exception, though, as Home Depot reports that in most cases, unsold plants are returned to the vendors. 

While it may sound disturbing to hear of plants that are still alive being thrown out, this appears to be an exception, not the rule. This is likely primarily for plants that are already dying or damaged. Often, before plants meet these fates, they are discounted and offered at a reduced price to customers, though. So you may be able to find a good deal on plants that need a little extra love if you check the sale rack.

While Home Depot can't simply give you unsold plants, they often have large sales when you may be able to find annuals and perennials available at a reduced price. These most commonly occur around the holidays of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. You may also be able to find plants on the clearance rack towards the end of the season. Remember, though, these likely won't be covered under the one-year warranty Home Depot offers for some plants. And some of the ones that end up on sale are likely struggling. So unless you are confident in your ability to save a dying rose bush or flower, it may be best to pass on these. 

Of course, shopping clearance racks and searching for sales isn't the only way to find affordable plants. If you ask around among friends and family, you may even be able to score some free plants from dividing or propagating species growing in their gardens. This can include classic "passalong plants" like irises and daylilies, which your friend may need to thin out anyway. It's also easy to propagate free lavender. Just make sure not to propagate plants that are still under patent. Plant cultivars older than 20 or 25 years, however, can be freely shared or sold.