Garden Center Opening Inspection

Daily opening inspection for indoor and outdoor garden center areas, covering live plant condition, watering needs, fertilizer and chemical storage compliance, signage accuracy, and seasonal display setup.

Inspection Details

• Opening inspection completed at start of business day
  Record the date and time the opening inspection was completed.
• Inspector name or role recorded
  Enter the inspector's name, shift lead, or role responsible for the walk-through.
• Inspection covers indoor sales floor, greenhouse, and outdoor yard
  Confirm the opening walk-through included all active customer and plant care areas.

Live Plant Condition

• Live plants are free of visible wilt, collapse, or severe stress
  Check for obvious plant decline such as wilted foliage, collapsed stems, severe leaf drop, or heat/cold stress.
• Plants with damage or decline are separated for care or removal
  Verify distressed plants are identified and moved to a designated recovery, markdown, or disposal area.
• Pest or disease symptoms observed
  Document any visible insect damage, fungal spotting, mildew, or other plant health concerns.
• Broken pots, toppled plants, or fallen product cleared from aisles
  Ensure fallen plants, broken containers, and loose debris are removed from customer paths and work areas.

Watering and Moisture Needs

• Plants requiring watering identified before opening
  Confirm dry benches, hanging baskets, and container stock are identified for immediate watering.
• Irrigation, hose, or watering equipment available and functional
  Verify hoses, nozzles, watering wands, timers, or irrigation zones are ready for use and not leaking or blocked.
• Moisture level for priority plant areas
  Rate the overall moisture condition of high-priority plant areas.
• Water runoff, standing water, or slip hazard present
  Check for puddles, overspray, or drainage issues that could create slip hazards or plant damage.

Fertilizer and Chemical Storage Compliance

• Fertilizer and plant chemicals stored in designated area
  Verify fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and related chemicals remain in the approved storage location.
• Chemical containers are closed, labeled, and undamaged
  Check that containers are sealed, legible, and free from leaks, bulging, corrosion, or damaged packaging.
• Safety Data Sheets and required chemical warnings are accessible
  Confirm SDS access and hazard communication information are available to employees handling chemicals.
• Chemical storage area is secured and segregated from customer access
  Verify restricted access, proper segregation, and no incompatible materials stored together.

Signage and Pricing Accuracy

• Plant identification and pricing signs are accurate and readable
  Check that plant names, variety labels, and prices match the displayed product and are easy for customers to read.
• Promotional signs and seasonal tags match current offers
  Verify sale signs, bundle offers, and seasonal promotions are current and not expired or misleading.
• Directional and safety signage visible where needed
  Confirm exit routes, restricted areas, and hazard notices are visible and not blocked by displays or stock.

Seasonal Display Setup and Housekeeping

• Seasonal displays are stable, organized, and customer-ready
  Check that seasonal displays are upright, secure, and arranged according to merchandising plan.
• Aisles, walkways, and customer paths are clear of debris
  Verify aisles are free of soil, leaves, broken pots, carts, hoses, and other trip hazards.
• Immediate corrective actions documented for any deficiencies
  Record any deficiencies found, the corrective action taken, and who was notified.