Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

e interpreted as “commercial", "agribusiness", or some other classification. Permits
regarding establishment of green houses must be taken before erection of a green house,
storage building or warehouse for storing materials and equipment required in a nursery.
A nursery business may require a property hazard insurance, workmen's compensation if
you have paid employees and general liability insurance if you expect visitors to your
nursery. Nurseries in some areas may have to fulfill the government agricultural
inspection requirements as per the body governing the area. Permissions are also required
from the local authorities for availing electricity, water and other facilities.
Investigation of Potential Market for Plant Nursery
1. Nurseries under Horticulture Board Development Programs sponsored by State
Agricultural Departments, Medicinal Boards, etc. produce plants for home gardens,
landscaping, reforestation, and other uses. It should be decided as to which type of
plants the nursery would produce, like the container grown, bare root, or root balled
plants, etc.
2. Production of sufficient quantities of good quality material in order to satisfy the
customer needs is essential. While producing more than the requirement may lead to
unsold surplus which may cause losses to the nursery unit.
3. Advertising is costly but effective in horticulture nursery business. Marketing and
advertising strategies must be preplanned to support each other and the business.
Site Selection for a Nursery
The site land should be suitable for nursery purpose. It must be laid out
appropriately. It is also necessary for the site to have a good access for customers to reach
the nursery.
Some Other <strong>Resource</strong>s Required:
1. Seeds/Seedlings/Saplings/Budlings: The best quality pure planting materials are
brought from authorized and well known sources.
2. Containers: This may simply be "peat cups" for seasonal vegetable or flower
nurseries, or plastic pots and containers for growing potted shrubs and ornamental
trees.
3. Landscape Fabric, Mulch, and Soil Conditioners: These resources are also
required in nursery business and made available by registered stores.
4. Equipment and Implements: The various equipments and implements are required
in a horticultural nursery. These may be bullock-drawn; man-operated or powerdriven.
One should not depend on a single type of power. Small tractors with suitable
trolleys, spray pumps, dusters, sprinklers, cranes, etc are very useful in nursery
operations. These facilities can be bought, borrowed or hired on contract as and when
needed. But the hiring, borrowing and sale agencies should be nearby and reliable.
5. Education and Knowledge: Educating oneself about the local growing conditions
and the probable problems which may come up in the future must be considered and
taken care of prior to venturing into the nursery enterprise. Interactions with the local
landscapers and entrepreneurs could help to find out what items are in demand in the
specific area. There are "staple" plant products commonly used in an area, but these
<strong>Resource</strong> <strong>Book</strong> on Horticulture Nursery Management : 11