Three Plant Sales That Will Jumpstart Your Garden

By Anthony Todd in Food on Apr 21, 2016 2:29PM

Photo via Shutterstock.

It's getting close to planting season for Chicago's gardeners. And while you shouldn't be deceived by the nice weather (our last frost date isn't until May), there are plenty of crops you can get started right now. So we rounded up some awesome upcoming plant sales where you can find some gems for your garden.

Peterson Garden Project Plant Sales
April 22-23 and May 6-8

This staple of our gardening calendar has expanded this year into two sales: the one in April is for cool-weather crops, and the one in May is for warmer plants. These sales are insanely popular, so we'd suggest arriving as early as you an on the first day of the sale for best selections. They've also got a ton of heirloom varieties, which will help you set your garden apart from the crowd. Plus, they've got educational programming, a bunch of gardening experts who you can ask for help, and, at the May sale, a bake sale! The sales take place at the parking lot south of 5035 North Broadway.

Both sales will be held at 5035 N. Broadway.

Morton Arboretum Arbor Day Plant Sale
April 29-May 1

As if you needed an excuse to go to the gorgeous Morton Arboretum, they're hosting a plant sale. They'll be selling more than 100,000 plants, with early access on Friday for members of the Arboretum. Maybe it's time to renew that membership!

This sale will be held at the Morton Arboretum at 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle, IL.

Oak Park Conservatory Spring Plant Sale
April 29-May 1

For the 27th year in a row, the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory will be hosting a Spring plant sale. They'll be selling a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers—including some plants grown right there at the conservatory, if you want to take a piece of the fun home with you. Members get in early on Friday, and the public gets access on Saturday and Sunday.

This sale will be held at the Oak Park Conservatory at 615 Garfield St in Oak Park, IL.