Importance of nursery raising in vegetable production

Definition of Nursery
"A vegetable nursery is a place or an establishment for raising or handling of
young vegetable seedlings until they are ready for more permanent planting.

“Advantages of nursery raising in vegetable production

1) It is convenient to look after the ‘Baby’ seedlings

2) It is possible to provide favourable growth conditions i.e. germination as well as

growth
3) Eliminates the problem of difficult soils
4) Easy weed control
5) Reduced field management costs
6) Improved crop uniformity
7) Higher yields
8) More optimal use of Hybrid seeds
9) Shorter growing season and more efficient use of land
10) More accurate prediction of harvest date.

3 Disadvantages of nursery raising in vegetable production

1) Transplant shock which delays growth but is not as severe on cell raised
seedlings compared to bare rooted seedlings.
2) Cost of seedlings which adds to production cost.
3) Extra labour to establish crop.
4 Factors to be considered for raising a nursery
1) Location of the nursery
2) Near the house
3) Well exposed to the sun but protected against severe heat
4) Well protected against animal damage, strong winds.

Factors to be considered for raising a nursery (2)

Water
1) Near the water source
2) Continuous supply of good water
3) The seed bed should be kept moist not continually wet.

Soil
1) Soil should have a large quantity of organic matter
2) Soil texture should be neither too coarse nor too fine
3) Has a fair degree of water holding capacity
4) Normally rich in all the necessary elements

Seedlings produced in:

Lettuce in a Punnit
Tomato in a Jiffy
Title 7 Seedlings produced in: Seed tray flats Wooden seed tray Title 8 Seedlings
produced in: Cell trays Seedling trays Title 9 Types and characteristics of nurseries
Title 10 Nursery ‘thatched’ Uganda Open field nursery Colombia Title 11 Thatch
Roof To protect plants from Animal damage and too much sun/heat Title 12 Net -
house At home – on Anja’s veranda Title 13 Local greenhouse Title 14 Imported
Greenhouse.
Nursery management
Pests and diseases
 Hygiene has a vital role in the control of pests and diseases.
 Use steam or chemical sterilization of the growing media, structures, tools and
trays.
 Effective ventilation and air movement is also a sound disease prevention
method.
 Understand pests and diseases that could affect the growth of healthy
seedlings
 Care must be taken with the use of pesticides within enclosed areas.
 Note also that in a greenhouse plants can be more sensitive to chemicals than
in the open field.

MARKETING
There are two choices in marketing the plants:
 Trays of plants are sent out as orders. or
Plants are pulled and bulk delivered in crates or boxes.
• Pulled plants may be stored in the cool room for two to three days, but should
be planted as soon as possible.
• A high rejection rate of plants before delivery indicates a production problem
which must be addressed and cannot be tolerated.

Contribution
Contribution of quality seed to the total production is 20% depending upon the
crop it can be further raised up to 45% with efficient management of other inputs,
like the use of healthy seedlings.
 Onions in seed tray
 Onions 95 days Old after transplant ss
Soil type
The soil of a seedbed needs to be loose and smoothed, without large
lumps. These traits are needed so that seeds can be planted easily, and at
a specific depth for best germination. Large lumps and uneven surface
would tend to make the planting depth random. Many types of seedlings
also need loose soil with minimal rocky content for best conditions to grow
their roots. (For example, carrots grown in rocky soil will tend not to grow
straight.)

Seedbed preparation
Seedbed preparation in farm fields often involves
secondary tillage via harrows and cultivators. This may follow primary
tillage (if any) by moldboard plows or chisel plows. No-till farming methods
avoid tillage for seedbed preparation as well as later weed control.
Seedbed preparation in gardens often involves secondary tillage via hand
tools such as rakes and hoes. This may follow primary tillage (if any)
by shovels, picks, or mattocks. Rotary tillers provide a powered alternative
that takes care of both primary and secondary tillage.
The preparation of a seedbed may include:

1. The removal of debris. Insect eggs and disease spores are often
found in plant debris and so this is removed from the plot. Stones
and larger debris will also physically prevent the seedlings from
growing.
2. Levelling. The site will have been levelled for even drainage.
3. Breaking up the soil. Compacted soil will be broken up by digging.
This allows air and water to enter, and helps the seedling penetrate
the soil. Smaller seeds require a finer soil structure. The surface the
soil can be broken down into a fine granular structure using a tool
such as a rake.
4. Soil improvement. The soil structure may be improved by the
introduction of organic matter such as compost or peat.
5. Fertilizing. The nitrate and phosphate levels of the soil can be
adjusted with fertilizer. If the soil is deficient in any micro nutrients,
these too can be added.
 The seedlings may be left to grow to adult plants in the seedbed, perhaps
after thinning to remove the weaker ones, or they may be moved to a
border as young plants.

See also
 Category:Horticulture and gardening
 Open field
 Seed drill
 False seedbed
 Sowing
 Stale seed bed
 Stratification (botany)

What is seedbed preparation?

A seedbed or seedling bed is the local soil environment in which seeds are planted. Often it
comprises not only the soil but also a specially prepared cold frame, hotbed or raised bed used
to grow the seedlings in a controlled environment into larger young plants before transplanting
them into a garden or field.

Why is it necessary to prepare a seedbed?

A seedbed that is weed free allows the desired crop to grow without the fierce
competition for nutrients, space, and sunlight. Adequate soil moisture triggers the
enzymatic changes needed to grow. The seedbed needs to be firm because that
indicates that moisture down in the soil can be brought up for seed germination.

Part 2 Creating a Fine Soil

1. Prepare the base soil for your seedbed. ...
2. Amend your soil. ...
3. Clean up the soil before you place it in your seedbed. ...
4. Transport enough soil to fill 8 to 12 inches of soil to your seedbed location. ...
5. Water the soil to make it firm. ...
6. Cover the soil with a plastic sheet and leave it for 10 days.
 Seedbed care and maintenance
Maintaining your seedlings
As your seedling emerges from the soil, most growers breath a big sigh of relief. Close
your eyes and you can almost see the plant grow and flourish into it's full beauty,
producing an enviable profusion of flowers or vegetables. As you open your eyes, you
will immediately begin a new set of worries, over-nurturing the newborn indoors for a
short time while the outdoor weather catches up with your dreams.

Causes of Disease
Damping Off disease thrives in cool or cold, dark or cloudy, wet or damp
conditions. The disease is airborne, and can spread very quickly from one seed
tray to another.

The fungal spores take root in your soil and quickly spreads across the seed tray,
jumping to other trays with ease. It is fatal to young seedlings, nipping them off
at the soil level.

Treatment
As with other plants diseases, prevention is the best means of treatment. Follow
the do's and don't's listed below. If Damping Off disease does take hold in your
seed trays, act immediately. Remove diseased sections to minimize the spread. If
it has affected a significant number of plants, replant in new soil and clean
containers. Do not reuse the soil. Either use new containers, or sterilize the ones
you were using. We recommend new containers.

Controlling the Disease

Controlling the disease is a matter of removing the environment that Damping Off
disease thrives in. Here are the basic do's and don'ts:
 POOTING MEDIA
Product Description
Wonder Brick is an eco-conscious soilless potting medium that is made from
renewable coconut coir fiber, worm castings, mycorrhizae, kelp and water-saving
polymer crystals. This 100% biodegradable potting medium maximizes growing
success for both the professional and hobby grower. WonderBrick saves time, labor
and freight costs. Each brick weighs just over 1 lb., yet expands up to 9 times the
volume when water is added. Lightweight, compact and easy to use, these bricks will
expand to fill one 2.5 gallon pot.



Details

Features
*Professional soil mix in brick form
*Expands to fill 2 1/2 gallons
*Feeds up to 4 months
*Saves up to 50% water
*Enriched with worm castings
*Contains no fillers
*Easy to use and store
*Promotes better aeration
*Promotes better drainage
*Promotes stronger root systems
*Faster successful gardening results
*Can be used with existing soil or used alone

Usage
1) Place brick(s) in a wheelbarrow or large bucket.
2) Add 1 gallon of hot water for each brick used. Allow 20 minutes for block to absorb
the water.
3) After full expansion, stir off any excess water.
 PLANT SEEDLINGS
What are the proper way of handling seedlings?
Handle seedlings by their leaves to avoid damaging the tender stems. Poke a hole in the new
container's planting mix, place the seedling in the hole, and firm soil around it. Water the
transplant right away. Keep the containers out of direct sunlight for a few days to let the transplants
recover from the move.
Non-Hybrid Arugula Seeds Non-Hybrid Asparagus Seeds Non-Hybrid Beet Seeds

Plantings of this perennial can Easy-to-grow beets produce

This salad green adds a tangy,
last for decades, and the tasty roots for baking,
peppery or mustard-like flavor
foliage makes it a natural for boiling or sautéing and fresh
to salads and mesclun mixes.
edible landscaping. greens to boil or steam.

Non-Hybrid Bok Choy Seeds Non-Hybrid Broccoli Seeds Non-Hybrid Brussels Sprouts

Broccoli is grown for its Brussels sprouts look like

Bok choy�s mild flavor is
edible, immature flower miniature cabbages and form
great for stir fries. It is also
heads. It contains high levels where the leaves meet the
perfect for edible landscaping.
of antioxidants. stems.

Non-Hybrid Cabbage Seeds Non-Hybrid Carrot Seeds Non-Hybrid Cauliflower Seeds

Cabbage is grown for its head Carrots have been renowned The most difficult of the cole
of leaves, which are eaten for over 2,000 years for their crops to grow, cauliflower
raw, cooked, or processed into health properties and high flourishes when temps. are
sauerkraut. vitamin A content. moderate.

Non-Hybrid Celery Seeds Non-Hybrid Chard Seeds Non-Hybrid Chili Seeds

Perhaps the most difficult Grown for its tasty and The many varieties of sweet
vegetable to grow in many nutritious leaves, chard is a and hot peppers thrive on
areas, this long-season crop good substitute for spinach in full sun, warm weather and
must be started inside. most recipes. well-drained soil.

Non-Hybrid Collard Seeds Non-Hybrid Cress Seeds Non-Hybrid Cucumber Seeds

It�s peppery taste adds zing Whether for pickling or

Collards are among the most
to salads, but hot weather slicing, cucumbers are easy to
heat tolerant of cole crops and
makes this cool-season crop grow if you give them
its taste is improved by frost.
bitter and inedible. good soil.

Non-Hybrid Eggplant Seeds Non-Hybrid Endive Seeds Non-Hybrid Kale Seeds

Dramatic foliage and colorful Flat-leaved varieties are The tender young leaves
fruits make this a good choice known as escarole, endives are from these fast-growing plants
for ornamental beds and known for their sharp, bitter can be eaten raw, or cooked
vegetable gardens. taste. for soup & stir fries.

Non-Hybrid Kohlrabi Seeds Non-Hybrid Leek Seeds Non-Hybrid Lettuce Seeds

 The bizarre from-outer-space Milder flavored than most With the variety of colors,
appearance makes it an eye- other onion-family crops, you shapes and flavors available,
stopper in ornamental can mulch in fall for winter your salads may never be the
plantings. and spring harvest. same.

Non-Hybrid Mustard Seeds Non-Hybrid Okra Seeds Non-Hybrid Onion Seeds

This green adds a peppery zing Okra is grown for its immature A cool-season biennial, the
to salads, and makes an pods, which are used for onion is grown for its edible
attractive addition to preparing soups or eaten as a bulbs and fit well in
ornamental plantings. cooked vegetable. ornamental plantings.

Non-Hybrid Parsnip Seeds Non-Hybrid Peppers Seeds Non-Hybrid Potato Seeds

Parsnips don�t develop their The many varieties of sweet A nutritional mother lode,
sweet, nutty flavor until after and hot peppers thrive on full potatoes are easy to grow as
enduring frosts and cold sun, warm weather and well- long as they have full sun and
weather in fall. drained soil. moderate temperatures

Non-Hybrid Radicchio Seeds Non-Hybrid Radish Seeds Non-Hybrid Rhubarb Seeds

Easy to grow and ready to
The small red and white heads This tart, easy-to-grow
harvest in just 3 to 6
of this chicory family member perennial is great for pies &
weeks. Winter varieties
form best in cool weather. It is jams, especially when coupled
produce large, fall-harvested
a staple in Italian salads. with strawberries.
roots.

Non-Hybrid Rutabaga Seeds Non-Hybrid Scallion Seeds Non-Hybrid Shallot Seeds

Easy-to-grow root crop is a A young onion before the A gourmet favorite, these
favorite for fall and winter development of the bulb. perennial onions produce a
soups and dishes, & can also be Widely used in Chinese cluster of smaller bulbs
used raw in salads. cooking. instead of one large bulb.

Non-Hybrid Spinach Seeds Non-Hybrid Squash Seeds Non-Hybrid Tomato Seeds

This nutritious, cool-season Summer squash is an immature The most popular garden
crop is among the first greens fruit eaten immediatly. Winter vegetable crop, tomatoes
ready to harvest, but it�s squash is a mature fruit stored come in a wide range of
quick to turn bitter. for later. sizes, shapes and colors.

Non-Hybrid Turnip Seeds Non-Hybrid Zucchini Seeds

Spring turnip crops are best A variety of squash having an

harvested while the weather is elongated shape and a
still cool. The flavor is smooth, thin, dark green
improved by light frost. rind.Taste great in salads.