How to Start a Home-Based Tree Nursery

Homeowners, landscaping companies, and designers purchase trees. Select supplies that will aid you in your ability to produce as many trees as you can with your available space.  You may plant outside or you can germinate and start plants indoors in a greenhouse.

Tools and Materials:

• Tool shed


• Gardening tools like shovels and clippers.


• Soil


• Gardening Gloves


• Organic fertilizers.


• Biodegradable plant and large tree containers in seedling to the largest sizes 6,12, and 18.  


• Seeds, cones, or cuttings.

1. Add soil to the smallest pot up to two to three inches from the top.  Set some aside save some for the top if necessary


2. Place seed in the center of the soil according to the correct depth on the instructions.


3. Germinate the seed to grow into a seedling with plenty of sunlight and correct temperatures according to your specific tree variety.  Water accordingly.


4. Obtain cuttings if you are unable to germinate the tree from seed, as is the issue with many fruit and sequoia trees.


5. Germinate the cuttings by simply placing the cut portion in rooting hormone, and setting into the soil.


6. Transplant the sapling into a new larger composting container when it grows close to the capacity of its previous biodegradable container.  This allows the tree to grow larger and establish roots.


7. Vend your trees in the Spring, Summer or Fall according to the planting times of the tree.  The buyer digs a hole for the tree, puts the pot and tree into the.  The pot degrades into the soil.