1.

Nursery Construction
Nursery layout varies as per the types of plants to be raised, the facilities to be provided, and the
topography of the site chiefly in the case of nursery established on terraced land. While
constructing nursery, site should be surveyed and demarcated and then all the trees , shrubs and
stumps are to be cleared. After clearance, lay out of nursery is designed. Terraces should be
constructed and leveled to design specific size of beds.

In designing the layout of a nursery, there should be paths in between nursery beds for holding
seed trays and for inspection. Stand-out beds for seedlings in poly pots. A water distribution
system, including a storage tank, areas for storing soil and making compost, and a store for tools
and materials, which can also serve as an office and shelter for the nursery foreman) are needed.
In some places, it is necessary to dig drains.

Space should be left in nursery for stumps or bare-root transplants. Depending on the nature of
nurseries, there should be a shade house in which seedlings are pricked out. The whole nursery
should be surrounded by a stock-proof fence or stone wall to reduce the costs of damages done
by cattle or others. The shape of the nurseries should be as nearly as square
Constructing a nursery involves several key steps to create a safe, functional, and aesthetically
pleasing environment for infants and young children. Here's a general outline of the process:

1.1.Planning and Designing:

Determine the size and layout of the nursery based on the number of children it will
accommodate and any specific needs or requirements.
Consider factors such as natural light, ventilation, safety regulations, and accessibility.
Plan the placement of furniture, storage units, play areas, and other amenities.

1.2.Obtaining Permits and Approvals:

Check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits or approvals for construction and
occupancy of the nursery.

1.3.Site Preparation:
Clear the site of any debris or obstacles.
Prepare the ground for construction, which may involve grading, excavation, or landscaping.
 1.4.Construction:
Build the structure according to the approved plans and specifications.
This may involve erecting walls, installing windows and doors, roofing, flooring, electrical
wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

1.5.Interior Finishing:
Install interior finishes such as paint, wallpaper, flooring, and ceiling materials.
Install fixtures such as lighting, outlets, switches, and faucets.
Furnish the nursery with age-appropriate furniture, toys, and educational materials.

1.6.Safety Measures:
Install safety features such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.
Childproof the space by securing cabinets, electrical outlets, and sharp corners.

1.7.Landscaping and Outdoor Play Area:

If applicable, design and construct outdoor play areas with safe and age-appropriate equipment.
Landscape the surrounding area with plants, trees, and pathways.

1.8.Final Inspections:
The schedule inspections with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with building codes,
safety standards, and regulations
Address any issues or deficiencies identified during inspections.

1.9.Opening and Operation:

Once all inspections are passed and approvals are obtained, prepare the nursery for opening.
Hire and train staff, set policies and procedures, and establish routines.
Advertise and promote the nursery to attract families and enroll children.

1.10. Ongoing Maintenance:

Regularly inspect the facility for maintenance needs, repairs, and updates.
Keep the environment clean, safe, and welcoming for children and staff.

2. Seeds Viability Testing

Seed viability testing is a crucial process to determine the likelihood of seeds germinating and
producing healthy plants. Here's how you can perform seed viability testing:
 2.1 Gather Materials:
 Obtain the seeds you want to test.
 You'll need paper towels, plastic bags or containers, distilled water, and a marker.
2. Prepare Seeds:
 Select a representative sample of seeds for testing.
 If the seeds are hard-coated or dormant, you may need to scarify or stratify them according to the
specific requirements of the plant species.
3. Moisture Equilibration:
 Place a few layers of damp (but not dripping wet) paper towels on a clean surface.
 Spread the seeds evenly on the paper towels, ensuring they are not touching each other.
 Fold the paper towels over the seeds to cover them completely.
4. Incubation:
 Carefully transfer the paper towel with the seeds into a plastic bag or container.
 Seal the bag/container to create a humid environment.
 Place the bag/container in a warm location with consistent temperature, ideally around 70-85°F
(21-29°C).
 Check the seeds periodically to ensure the paper towels remain moist but not soaked. Re-moisten
if necessary.
5. Germination Monitoring:
 Check the seeds regularly for signs of germination. The time frame for germination varies
depending on the plant species.
 Record the number of seeds that germinate over time.
6. Calculate Viability:
 After a specified period (usually 7-14 days), count the number of seeds that have germinated.
 Calculate the percentage of viable seeds using the following formula:
Viability (%)=(Number of Germinated SeedsTotal Number of Seeds Tested)×100Viability (%)=(
Total Number of Seeds TestedNumber of Germinated Seeds)×100
7. Interpret Results:
 Seeds with a high germination rate (typically 70% or higher) are considered viable and suitable
for planting.
 Seeds with a low germination rate may still be viable but may require special treatment or
conditions to improve germination.
 Discard seeds with very low or no germination, as they are likely non-viable.
8. Store Remaining Seeds:
 After testing, store the remaining seeds in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to maintain
viability for future use.

2.1 How to test seed viability

Sowing seed that is old is a bit of a gamble. It might germinate well, but it might not. Over time,
seed viability decreases, and different seeds have different storage times.

To take the guesswork out of sowing old seed, do a simple viability test. It will tell you if the
seed is worth sowing at all, and how much to sow. If only a small percentage of seeds germinate,
you'll need to sow a greater number to ensure a decent crop.

3. Seeding management
Seedling management is a critical aspect of successful plant propagation and crop production.
Here are some key steps involved in seedling management:
1. Seed Selection: Choose high-quality seeds from reputable sources. Consider factors such as seed
viability, vigor, disease resistance, and suitability for your growing conditions and desired crop
characteristics.
2. Sowing: Follow proper sowing techniques based on the specific requirements of the plant
species. This includes seeding depth, spacing, and timing based on local climate and growing
season.
3. Germination: Provide optimal conditions for seed germination, including appropriate
temperature, moisture, and light levels. Some seeds may require stratification (cold treatment) or
scarification (mechanical or chemical treatment) to break dormancy and promote germination.
4. Watering: Maintain consistent moisture levels during germination and seedling establishment.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to damping off (a fungal disease), or underwatering, which
can cause seedlings to wilt and die.
5. Light: Ensure adequate light levels for healthy seedling growth. Provide supplemental lighting
with grow lights if natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during the early stages of growth.
6. Temperature: Monitor and control temperature conditions to promote optimal seedling growth.
Most seedlings thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), but specific temperature
requirements vary by plant species.
7. Nutrient Management: Provide seedlings with appropriate nutrients for healthy growth. Start
with a well-balanced, sterile growing medium and consider supplementing with a diluted
fertilizer solution as seedlings develop.
8. Thinning: If seedlings are sown densely, thin them out once they have developed true leaves to
prevent overcrowding and competition for resources. Thinning ensures that each seedling has
adequate space to grow and access to light, water, and nutrients.
9. Transplanting: When seedlings have developed strong roots and several sets of leaves, they are
ready for transplanting into larger containers or directly into the garden. Handle seedlings
carefully to avoid damaging roots or foliage.
10. Hardening Off: Before transplanting seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor
conditions to reduce transplant shock. Start by exposing seedlings to outdoor conditions for short
periods, gradually increasing exposure over 7-10 days.
11. Pest and Disease Management: Monitor seedlings regularly for signs of pests, diseases, or
nutrient deficiencies. Implement appropriate control measures such as cultural practices,
biological controls, or organic pesticides as needed.
12. Hardening Off:
 Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the
garden or field.
 Expose seedlings to outdoor temperatures, wind, and sunlight for increasing periods over
several days to toughen them up.
2. Transplanting:
 Transplant seedlings into their final growing location once they have developed strong roots
and several sets of true leaves.
 Handle seedlings carefully to avoid damaging roots or stems during transplanting.
3. Post-Transplant Care:
 Water newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly to help them establish in their new
environment.
 Provide ongoing care, including watering, fertilizing, and pest management, as needed.
4. Seeding planting techniques
Seeding and planting techniques vary depending on the type of crop, soil conditions, climate, and
farming practices. Here's a general overview of some common seeding and planting techniques:

Direct Seeding: This involves planting seeds directly into the soil where the crop will grow.
It's suitable for crops like beans, peas, carrots, and lettuce. Direct seeding can be done manually
or using mechanical seeders, depending on the scale of farming.

Transplanting: Some crops, like tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage, are started indoors or in a
nursery and then transplanted into the field once they've developed into seedlings. This method
allows for better control over environmental conditions and can result in stronger plants.

Broadcast Seeding: This technique involves spreading seeds evenly over the soil surface. It's
commonly used for crops like grass, cover crops, and wildflowers. After broadcasting, the seeds
may be lightly covered with soil or pressed into the ground.

Row Cropping: Seeds are planted in straight rows with uniform spacing between plants. This
technique makes it easier to manage weeds, apply fertilizers, and irrigate crops. It's commonly
used for crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton.

Furrow Seeding: Seeds are planted in furrows or trenches made in the soil. This method helps
conserve moisture and provides good seed-to-soil contact. It's often used for crops like potatoes
and onions.

Dibble Seeding: Small holes or depressions are made in the soil, and seeds are placed into these
holes at the desired spacing. Dibble seeding is commonly used for small seeds like lettuce and
radishes.

Seed Drilling: This is a precise method of planting seeds at a specific depth and spacing using a
seed drill. It's commonly used for grains like wheat, barley, and oats.
Hydroseeding: Seeds, mulch, fertilizer, and sometimes soil amendments are mixed with water to
create a slurry, which is then sprayed onto the soil surface. This technique is often used for
erosion control and re-vegetation of disturbed sites.

Container Gardening: Seeds are planted in containers filled with potting mix or soil. Container
gardening is suitable for small spaces, urban environments, or areas with poor soil quality.

Companion Planting: Certain crops are planted together to benefit each other in terms of pest
control, pollination, and nutrient uptake. This technique is often used in organic farming and
permaculture systems.

When choosing a seeding or planting technique, it's important to consider factors such as soil
type, climate, available resources, and the specific requirements of the crop being grown.
Additionally, proper seedbed preparation and soil fertility management are essential for
successful germination and plant growth.