A nursery is an area where young trees or plants are grown for transplanting. Nurseries provide the ideal controlled environment for propagating and cultivating plants. The temperature, humidity, light, and water are regulated to produce healthy, robust plants.
Starting a Nursery
The first step in a plant nursery is extracting seeds without destroying them from fully grown fruits. Next, the seeds are sowed in seedbeds or trays to grow. Different plants flower at different times so nurseries stock seasonal flowers. Commercial nurseries may use overhead irrigation or micro-irrigation to water plants on schedules tailored to each species’ needs.
Growth and Transplanting
Nursery plants are grown in greenhouses until mature enough to transplant. Choosing nursery plants suited to the climate and soil ensures they will thrive. Nursery staff can advise on the best plants and provide information on soil, fertilizers and tools.
The crops from nurseries fetch higher prices because they are early and more profitable. Nurseries economize expensive hybrid vegetable seeds by sowing in small areas. They make efficient use of land, reduce field management costs, and improve crop uniformity.
Role in Supply and Disease Management
Nurseries focus on supplying plants to gardens, farms, forestry and conservation. To prevent disease and insects, they use chemicals and fertilizers appropriately. The goal is propagating quality seedlings under optimal conditions for marketing.