"The market stall can be one of the cheapest sources of plants but you need to be just a little choosy and know what to look for. Some market stalls sell inferior stock, nursery rejects and bedding plants that are already in full flower; also the selection can be very limited with only the most popular and fast-selling plants available.

"The key to buying plants at a large plant and flower market like Columbia Road is firstly to get there nice and early and this way you will get the best selection of what's on offer. If you are patient and wait until closing time the traders will often auction off plants and you can pick up some real bargains (Just be careful you don't buy their rejects!)

"When you are buying plants, follow these pointers so you end up with a healthy specimen. Good signs are clear labelling so you know exactly what it is you have bought. It is also good to see small green weeds or algae growth on the soil surface and small roots coming out of the bottom or sides of the container. The things you don't want to see are pretty obvious: wilted leaves, signs of pests and diseases, large or dense weed growth and dry soil. Also if a large thick root is growing out the bottom of the pot or the pot is splitting the root ball will be restricted and the plant will be pot bound.

"So if you want to pick up bargains and are prepared to hunt and push your way through the crowds, places like Columbia Road can be perfect. Often you will find also find bargains in the shops which sell pots, antiques and other gardening bits and bobs.
"The colours, the atmosphere, the traders screaming "Two for a fiver!.." - armed with a bit of know how - it doesn't get much better than this!"

For more information visit the Columbia Road Market website or East London Markets.