Taking Care of a Tree Nursery
Avoiding conditions conducive to diseases
It is important to avoid the following conditions: (a) poorly-drained potting mixes
and nursery soils; (b) over-firming of the soil when potting up or transplanting into
beds; (c) too heavy a shade; (d) frequent over-watering; (e) not enough air circulation
around the young trees; (f) seedlings growing too close to each other.
Regular nursery checks
It is important to look out for (a) drying soil and any leaves beginning to wilt or close
up during the day; (b) water standing above the soil level in a container, or algae or
moss at the soil surface, indicating poor drainage; (c) holes in the foliage or other
indications of insect pests; (d) changes in leaf colour, premature shedding of leaves,
or die-back of shoots, and any signs of infection with micro-organisms that cause
disease; (e) breaks in overhead shade, fences and hedges, or the presence of
animal droppings.
Hardening
It usually involves gradually removing some shade from shade-bearing species, and
all of it from light-demanding trees, but also includes making sure that the root
system is developed within and not outside containers, and that roots in nursery
beds have been periodically pruned, keeping the nutrient supply adequate but not
excessive, and slightly reducing the frequency of watering or the amounts given.
