Down here in Hampton Roads most Master Gardener groups have spring and fall plant sales. You might contact your local branch and ask if they have a sale and what they sell.

Hate to say it, but I haven't had much luck in the Richmond area finding local affordable nurseries. I do like Hudgens Garden Center (located near Mosley on Hull St) but they are more suited to trees, bushes and landscaping needs than what you are looking for. Not sure if they do fruits/veggies in the spring but you can always call.

I have had no problem buying from many online nurseries, everything from trees to bamboos, roses to evergreens. There is a great site gardening site that shows consumer ratings for online gardening shops - search for the keyword Garden Watchdog via Google. If you want I can email you the sites for the sellers that I have success with.

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond has it's annual spring plant sale April 28 - 30. Flowers/perennials yes, not sure about veggies and berries.

Sometimes Lowes/Home Depot are the cheapest for many popular plants including berries. I know last summer I saw both black/red raspberry, blueberries and strawberries.

Have fun shopping!

I feel like I'm following you around a bit. Here in northern va., I go to the local growers, tell them what I want and when, then make the deal. Some things like tomatoes or early greens, we start ourselves. They are very easy.We have only a kitchen, a basement, and a back porch for starting plants. If you were to be more specific about what you want to grow, we may be able to point more directly.:>) Hank

The Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale is Saturday Sept 23. I have never missed this sale and highly recommend it. You buy direct from the grower and can get expert advice. Native Plant Sale

Check out Colesville Nursery in Ashland & Sandy's Plants in Mechanicsville.