Unit 1 - Introduction to Nursery and Retailing

Nursery

A place where perennial plants are propagated and grown to a saleable size. Mostly woody trees and shrubs, but also perennials and ornamental grasses.

Types of Nurseries

• Propagation Nursery

• Production Nursery

• Retail Nursery

• Forestry Nursery

• Combination Nursery

Propagation Nursery

Specializes in propagation: by clonation, stem tip cuttings, or from seed.

Production Nursery

Purchases liners from propagation nurseries and grows them to a saleable size.

What is the finished product of production nurseries?

The finished product ranges from a #1 container to a specimen size, which are dug with a tree spade from the field.

What is the finished product of propagation nurseries?

The finished product are liners, either bare root or growing in a rooting medium inside 2 ¼ ‘‘ pots. These are sold wholesale to propagation nurseries.

Retail Nursery

It purchases stock from a production nursery in large quantities at wholesale prices. They sale all types of plant material and related horticultural products.

Are retail nurseries stand alone?

They can stand alone (privately owned) or be part of a larger business (company).

Forestry Nursery

It produces seedlings for reforestation (Siluiculture).

What are the finished products of forestry nurseries?

The finished products are 1 year old (1 growing season) seedlings grown in styroblocks. They are mostly grown in greenhouses and finished outside the greenhouse, or by removing the cover.

Combination Nursery

It combines propagation, production, retail, and forestry nurseries to one degree or another.

Examples of combination nurseries:

• Bylands

• Minter Country Gardens

What do you need to consider when selecting a nursery site?

• Climate

• Topography

• Soil

• Water

• Land costs

• Services

• Competition and market

Climate Requirements for a Nursery Site

• A long growing season — 9-10 months in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, 5-6 months in the interior.

• Mild winters — reduces the potential for winter injury and protection required.

Topography Requirements for a Nursery Site

• Levelled or gently sloped — allows for efficient movement of machinery and staff, and less potential of eroson.

• Well drained soil.

Why do you want to avoid depressions when choosing a nursery site?

To avoid:

• Frost pockets — cold settles in low areas.

• Flooding potential — water settles in low areas with poor drainage.

Soil Requirements for Field Grown Stock

• Loam or sandy loam

• Organic matter

• Slightly acididc pH: 6-7

• Low salts

• Free of pathogens

Soil for Ball and Burlap Harvest

Loam:

Sand 40%, Silt 40%, Clay 20%

Soil for Bare Root Harvest

Sandy Loam:

Sand 65%, Silt 25%, Clay 10%

Soil Requirements for Container Stock

• It requires a well drained site to handle high levels of irrigation (gravitational water).

• BMAF Nursery Mix or Commercial mixes, no natural soil.

Water Requirements for Nursery

• Low in salts.

• Not alkaline, pH of 6-7.

• Free from toxic materials.

• Dependable and adequate supply.

How is water supplied to nurseries?

It may be provided by a water district, municipalities, regional district, rivers, lakes, and ponds (check water rights).

Land Costs for Nurseries

• Agriculture Land Reserve property is usually less expensive.

• Production nurseries require large sites — more expensive.

• Retail and propagation nurseries are smaller operations — less expensive.

Why do you want competition in the market?

It usually creates more business for everybody.

Where should the propagation and lath house be?

Close to the administration for convenient observation, as this is the most critical stage of growth.

Where should the potting area be located?

Close to the growing area.

Where should the growing area be located?

To the side and rear of the shipping and receiving area.

How are wholesale sales usually done?

Only 5% in person and 95% online.

Where should the main office be located?

It should be convenient and visible for customers.

How is production and shipping efficiency increased?

When:

• Central work areas are surrounded by growing areas.

• Similar types and size of plants in the same area — blocks.

• Wide solid roads and paths.