Site and Nursery Layout
This chapter covers production zones, customer display areas, water access, shade, work areas, storage and safe circulation.
Divide the site into working zones
A small nursery operates more efficiently when each area has a clear purpose. The layout can be simple, but it should separate plants being produced from plants ready for display and sale.
Suggested zones include:
- Propagation area: a protected place for cuttings, seedlings and newly divided plants;
- Growing area: space for plants that are developing but are not yet ready for sale;
- Sun and shade areas: separate locations based on plant light requirements;
- Sales display: the cleanest and most attractive plants, grouped for easy viewing;
- Potting area: a firm working surface close to growing media, pots and water;
- Recovery area: a separate place for stressed, damaged or recently treated plants; and
- Storage: a dry, secure place for tools, labels, fertilisers and containers.
Plan movement and access
Keep the house entrance and main paths clear. Arrange pots so that people can walk safely, carry plants and use a wheelbarrow without knocking displays. Heavy or tall pots should stand on stable surfaces where they cannot easily fall.
Water should be easy to reach, but hoses and containers should not block paths. Good drainage is essential so that water does not collect around pots or create muddy working areas.
Use height carefully
Low plants can be placed at the front, medium plants behind them and tall plants at the back or sides. Shelves, steps and raised stands can increase display space, but they must be stable and should not shade sun-loving plants below.
Quick layout check
- Can customers enter and move comfortably?
- Are sun-loving and shade-loving plants separated?
- Is clean water close to the production area?
- Is there a separate place for unhealthy plants?
- Can rainwater drain away freely?
- Are tools and supplies protected from children and animals?