Plant Nurseries Overview
A plant nursery is a place where plants are cared for and sold for planting purposes. Nurseries raise and propagate seedlings and sell saplings to farms, gardens, landscapers, and stores. The seedlings are tended from sowing to maturity to withstand field conditions. Vegetative propagation of fruit trees occurs in nurseries before transplanting. Wholesale nurseries sell plants in bulk to retail nurseries, stores and landscapers who then sell to the public. Backyard nurseries range in size for home use. Nurseries grow the types of plants, trees and flowers dependent on market demand and region. Once grown, wholesale nurseries sell plants and trees to retail nurseries where customers purchase for gardens, farms, and more. The plants and trees are used for vegetable gardens, landscapes, lawns and aesthetics.
Why Plant Nurseries Exist
A nursery is a place where young plants are nurtured and grown to a desired size before being transplanted. Nurseries provide optimal growing conditions for seedlings and saplings, allowing them to mature and withstand field conditions. They propagate plants through seeds or vegetative means like grafting and use techniques like pruning to enhance plants’ form and health. Wholesale nurseries sell seedlings and saplings in bulk to retail nurseries, stores, and landscapers. Retail nurseries then market plants directly to the public for use in gardens, farms, landscapes, and conservation efforts. To prevent disease and pests, nurseries utilize various chemicals like insecticides and fungicides. Overall, nurseries play a vital role in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry by propagating, nurturing, and supplying healthy young plants and trees.
Legal Definition and Function of Nurseries
A nursery nurtures young plants, providing optimal growing conditions until the plants mature and withstand field conditions. Nurseries propagate plants through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Wholesale nurseries sell saplings and seedlings in bulk to retail nurseries, stores, and landscapers. In turn, retail nurseries sell plants directly to the public for use in gardens, farms, and landscapes. Nurseries grow plants based on regional demand. Vegetable, flower, fruit, and ornamental plants are common nursery products.
To prevent disease, nurseries use insecticides and fungicides. Nursery raising saves land and labor since main fields are occupied by crops for shorter durations; this allows more intensive crop rotation. Nursery-raised crops also tend to be more vigorous and productive.
The type of plants grown defines the nursery. Fruit, vegetable, ornamental, ground cover, and shade plant nurseries are examples. Operations also differ based on customers. Retail nurseries sell directly to the public while wholesale nurseries sell in bulk to retail nurseries, stores, and landscapers. Regardless, nurseries provide optimal growing conditions so young plants mature and thrive when transplanted.