F9 Preparing a tree nursery

• It is very simple to build and look after a tree nursery. This can range from just a few trees growing in shade near your home to a large nursery with hundreds of young trees.
• A larger nursery should be close to a permanent water source and on level ground that does not flood during the rainy season. The soil should be fairly fertile. The site should be kept free from animals.
• For a small nursery, it is probably best to have it near the home where the young trees will be protected from animals and thieves.
• Unless there are large trees to provide good shade, you will need to build shades. 

Discussion 

• Visit an example of a good tree nursery. If possible, visit a large nursery and a small one.
• Discuss the experiences of any local farmers who have built tree nurseries.
• Encourage participants to think of suitable shade trees near their homes where they could grow a few tree seedlings. How would they protect them from chickens and goats and any other livestock?
• Discuss the different site characteristics needed for growing seedlings in seedbeds, from those needed if all the seedlings are grown in containers. Is the soil type important?
• Discuss possible nearby sites that might be suitable for a group of farmers to build a larger tree nursery.

Go to F10

This page was last updated on 08 June 2005