Set to swap? What to know before you go Set to swap? What to know before you go

Most of us get the bulk of our plants at garden centers. But you can save a few bucks and spice up your shopping by going to one of the many plant sales or swaps.

Sponsored by garden clubs, churches and fund-raising organizations, plant sales often charge less for plants than your local garden center does. And plants at swaps are free -- provided you have something to trade.

But shopping at sales and swaps isn't without risk. You could end up with a tyrant of a plant that wants to take over your yard, or a garden-variety dud.

Here's how to avoid the mishaps -- and have fun -- at sales and swaps.

That means jeans and ratty T-shirts. C'mon, you're going to get messy.

Sales and swaps can be lots of fun, but don't get carried away. Know your site (sun or shade, clay or sand), how much space you have and how much work you're willing to put into it. That'll help you make your selections.

Bring a wagon, plant tray or a box to carry the goodies you're offering -- and the ones you'll get.

Bring your favorite garden reference or a couple of catalogs to look up plants you don't know.

You're likely to be getting divisions from local gardens, especially at smaller sales and swaps. That's good because you'll know the plants are hardy. But watch out for plants that spread aggressively. Buyer beware.

Smaller plants often transplant easier. Go for healthy, disease-free plants.

Plant swaps aren't known for having lots of exotic plants. Rejoice in the tried-and-true, hardy space fillers (daylilies, phlox, coneflowers, etc.) and the next-to-nothing prices.

Few sales and swaps offer any kind of guarantees. Shop smart.

To avoid crowds, shop midweek rather than on weekends. Shelves should be freshly stocked and many weekend specials start as early as Thursday.

If you have to shop on the weekends, go early or late or shop when it's raining.

Shop large garden centers for one-stop shopping, specialty nurseries for exotic and unusual plants, and big-box stores and temporary flower marts for bargains on common annuals and perennials.