First tip: don't go bargain shopping at a store I just visited...

Second tip: At Lowes and Home Depot I always look for pots that have a little ding on them. If you find the floor manager they almost always offer a lower price. Today deal for me was these 22" fiberglass pots originally $39 each. I walked out with 4 of them for $13 each. 

Also when buying potting mix, mulch, ect look for bags that are torn a bit. Those are 50% off. Again just ask for the discount. Most people won't buy those bags because they might be missing a bit of the mix or might get their car dirty.

great tips, meghan. thanks.

My hubby's always on the lookout for those torn bags. They will even plastic wrap them for you to keep your car clean !

Okay guys, okay to share the secrets on here but shhhh everywhere else. Next thing we know we'll be having black friday fights over broken bags at Lowe's LOL

Unfortunately Tami , a LOT of people know about this around here. Hopefully not so well known in your area !

I'm not sure even all the employees know around here. Sometimes I have to have them call a manager to get the 50% off.

This was my second trip this week for mulch.  The Lowes employee was even so nice pulling torn bags, taping them shut (or bagging them) and then brought everything to the front for me. 

Now if I could only find a way to get 50% off the landscaping edging that I need...

So I went to Lowe's to get Compost/Cow Manure, $1.59, torn bag, asked for 50% discount, clerk said change in policy, now $1.00 discount, I said you would be better off giving me the 50%, she said why?, I said never mind.  Ever wonder why some people work in certain jobs, and never move up?

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth

Hi Meghan, thanks for the tip. I'll remember that for my next trip to Lowes or HD.

I get lots of recycled pots at Lowe's for free. Never had any issues with disease. Just wash them out. And I always check the reduced carts. They slash prices on perennials that stopped blooming or if they are less than perfect. The losses in the garden center must be huge, as they practically give away and later literally throw away scores of plants.