There is a sense of satisfaction when you buy plants from a nursery or garden centre. For the moment you part with your hard-earned cash you can physically see what you've bought and in most cases plant your purchase immediately.

When you buy plants online, your level of risk increases and you can easily become anxious with the decision you've made. While buying plants online is a much simpler process and extremely convenient for many gardeners, many haven't - or won't - avail themselves of this useful purchasing option because the perceived risks are too great.

While no-one denies that the risks of purchasing plants from online stores is still there, the chances of being ripped-off are diminishing. However, it pays to be vigilant.

As the saying goes, "It's better to be safe than sorry." So here's a few points worth considering that may help you to to buy safely.

1. Buy from an online plant nursery not an online store
   You wouldn't buy your plants at the local supermarket so don't buy them from a general online store either. They may be cheaper than buying from an online garden centre but they won't be treated as well nor given the same attention.

   It would be the same as hiring ACME Removalists to haul your antiques rather than seeking someone who specialises in moving antiquated furniture.

2. Purchase plants out of season
   Many plants are best bought at the end of their growing/flowering season rather at the start or midway. Firstly, they're much cheaper as online retailers clear their stocks and second you're not paying inflated premiums because they're the current fashion plant.

   If you're after bulbs, and have somewhere to store them, then buying them at the end of spring may produce some great bargains.

3. The risk of buying new vs pre-loved plants
   If you plan to buy plants online then two options become available to you. Firstly you can opt to purchase your plants as new from most online garden retailers. This is far less risky than buying pre-loved from third parties because you have the backing of a company keen to keep their reputation intact.

   Secondly, if you buy plants from a third party via Ebay or Craiglists, you run the risk of buying more than you bargained for. Plant diseases, potting-soil disease and struggling plants are all possible with this type of purchase. And, there is no comeback if you're unhappy with your plants growth or survival.

4. Check out recommendations and testimonials
   Any online garden site worth its while will have a section for purchasers to email their plant buying testimonials. Or, they will have a section for users to recommend or make suggestions about the service they've received.

   This is imperative reading. Sure, very few companies will promote any dissatisfied comments but the ones who do will show a greater level of transparency to their clients. Everyone understands that nothing is perfect so if all you're reading is positive try searching around garden forums for users to share their honest opinions.

5. Read through their returns and exchange policy
   Most countries have a governing body that administer fair trading policies. They will usually have an ombudsman that can be contacted if you feel like you haven't been dealt with fairly in your purchase.

   However, this should really be a last resort. It's far easier to peruse the online retailers Returns and Exchange Policy to see how they deal with problem purchases. If you're satisfied that what they offer is fair then you can feel secure knowing your purchase is less riskier.

   Some retailers won't refund your purchase but they may exchange it, or give you credit, to buy other plants in stock.

6. Fast delivery is important
   Fast, and safe, delivery is paramount to your plants success. If the retailer ships across the country in unrefrigerated transport and promise that you will receive it within 7-10 days, then buying plants in the middle of summer is not a good option.

   When you buy plants online you should be able to have them freighted to you within 2-3 days max. (if the plant is in stock).

7. Read the Privacy Statement
   Not all online nurseries make their money from selling plants. Some use the information they glean from you as a customer and on-sell to marketing companies for advertising purposes. This is quite a lucrative market and can often result in you getting more than the normal 10 telemarketing calls each day.

   Take the time to read how this online retailer plans to use your personal information.

8. Be honest with your expectations
   While every plant looks incredible and healthy in a mail-order catalogue or picture online, the truth is that many plants will not live up to your expectations. Retailers are only ever going to promote the most perfect flowers despite the fact that it may have been surrounded by 6 less than ideal ones.

   Expect variations in flower colour, growth rate and ability to handle your soil type. They are plants after all. If they're coming from another growing zone, understand they may need some extra care to survive your climate.

9. Buy a small quantity to start
   Once you've plucked up the courage to buy plants online be sensible in how you approach purchasing from an untested retailer. Buy one or two plants - regardless of the freight discounts for buying 10 or more - and observe how they go in your garden.

   Treat them as you would the nursery down the street. It takes time to build confidence but if the retailer is worthwhile then they'll be happy to go at your pace and help ease your anxiety.

10. Give honest feedback
    Now that you've bought your plants and stuck them in the ground, or in a pot, it's time to give some feedback to the retailer. This is not just for their benefit, even though it will help them give better service in the future, it's also to assist other newbie online plant buyers so their choice can be made simpler.
    

Once you've tested the water of buying plants online it will open your eyes to a whole new world. Online garden retailers usually have a far greater range of plants than your local nursery and so can offer more choice and usually cheaper prices.

What have been your experiences of buying plants online?