Garden centers and the big box stores are going to be putting their plant material on sale soon -- perhaps as soon as this holiday weekend.

It is a great time for bargains, especially if you choose wisely and have a little patience.

Don't expect much out of this plants this season. Just try to keep them going through this summer and they will have a chance to shine next season.

The folks at Better Homes and Gardens offer this advice when choosing among the bargain basement plants:

• Reject any plants with foliage that is mushy, withered or with disease-spotted leaves.
• Gently slip the plant out of the pot and check the roots. If they are soft or black and slimy, put the pot down and walk away.
• Smooth, white roots are a good sign.
• Dense, tangled roots that fill the pot can mean the plant is root-bound, but you can rejuvenate it by slicing through the roots in the shape of an X at the bottom of the clump before you plant.

Photo credit: Chicago Tribune/Warren Skalski