Production Guide

This chapter covers growing media, propagation, potting, watering, feeding, pest observation and production records.

Use a suitable growing medium

A useful potting medium should hold enough moisture for the plant while allowing excess water to drain. It may combine suitable local soil, mature compost and a coarse drainage material. The exact mixture should be adjusted to the plant type and the materials available locally.

Avoid very fine building sand, salty sand and material contaminated with cement or chemicals. Test unfamiliar materials with a small number of plants before using them throughout the nursery.

Propagate in small batches

Plants may be produced from seeds, stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, offsets or division. Label every batch with the plant name and propagation date. Small batches make it easier to observe success, identify problems and avoid producing more plants than the nursery can manage.

Pot plants carefully

Use containers with open drainage holes. Choose a pot that suits the current root system rather than placing a small plant directly into an oversized container. After potting, water gently and keep newly handled plants in suitable protected conditions while they recover.

Water according to need

Check the growing medium instead of watering every plant automatically. Succulents generally need more drying between waterings, while many leafy and flowering plants prefer more even moisture. Water the root area thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.

Feed and observe

Apply fertiliser according to its label and the needs of the plant. More fertiliser does not always produce better growth and may damage roots. Inspect plants regularly for wilting, leaf spots, insects, damaged roots and poor drainage. Separate affected plants while the cause is investigated.

Keep a production record

For each batch, record:

• plant name and propagation method;
• date started and number started;
• growing-medium mixture;
• number successfully established;
• important care observations; and
• date moved to the sales display.

Clean tools, pots and working surfaces reduce the movement of pests and disease between plants.