Overview of BMPs and Types of Nurseries

A set of production guidelines known as Best Manage ment Practices (BMPs) for the purposes of this manual are voluntary activities undertaken to minimize negative effects on the environment. The manual is not intended for regulations. BMP con siderations for field and container nurseries and horticulture distribution centers include nurse ry layout, water management and irrigation, nutrient management, soil conservation, composting, prohibited plants, pesticide use and storage, insect, mite, disease and weed management, wildlife damage management, organic and inorganic waste management, and alternative energy and energy conservation. BMPs are adaptable for the diversity that exists within the industry. Applying these practices will help Massachusetts nurseries to remain (or become) healthy and profita ble.

Types of Nurseries

There are three types of nurseries: field, container, and horticulture distribution centers or holding areas. Each type has advantages and disadva ntages, and many nurseries use a combination of the three systems. Nurseries produce either finished plants or growing -on stock. Finished plants are ready for planting in the landscape or retailing through gard en centers. Stock for growing-on is sold to other nurseries for finishing. Types of Field Nurseries Bare root production is generally used for small gr oundcovers, herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, and small deciduous trees and s hrubs.  Field-planted seedlings are lifted bare root while they are dormant, and used as nursery li ners, fruit trees, Christmas tree seedlings, windbreaks, and conservation plantings. Plants that are dug with a portion of their roots c ontained in a ball of soil are called balled-and- burlapped or balled-in-burlap (B&B). B&B is used fo r evergreen as well as deciduous plants, and for much larger plants than those that are harv ested bare root. Most B&B harvesting is done while plants are dormant, but recent improvements i n holding and acclimating techniques have allowed increased digging during the growing season .  B&B harvesting requires trained staff, and at times requires hydraulic tree spades and oth er mechanical harvesting equipment as B&B plants are heavy to handle. Field production of nursery stock has several advan tages. It is often less demanding than container production in terms of water and fertiliz er requirements. In addition, the labor required during production is less intensive than in container pro duction. Field production also offers growers the option to avoid or minimize winter prot ection methods.