SAE:

 Growing Pine Seedlings in Pots

Description:

Many homeowners are interested in establishing landscape trees from larger caliper seedlings. In larger markets, many landscape contractors are willing to pay more for small to sapling size pine seedlings of native varieties such as loblolly and slash. For a small initial investment, students can purchase and grow several thousand-pine seedlings in 1-5 gallon pots. This project will require daily supervision by the student to monitor water requirements, insect and disease pressure, and fertility problems. Some pruning might be needed throughout the year to obtain desirable shapes. Seedlings may be purchased in 500 or 1000 seedling bundles from the local Georgia Forestry Commission Office. They will be able to match students to geographic varieties and species of seedlings that are appropriate for the region.

Students will benefit from visiting and observing a commercial landscape plant nursery since many of the practices will be identical for conifer and woody shrub production.

The Department of Agriculture will require a Commercial Nursery License. This license is inexpensive for small growers. Contact the Plant Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. This would be a good project for students with limited land resources to conduct.

 It may be necessary for the student to obtain a Private Pesticide Applicators’ license.

Factors To Consider

Ranking:
1 = lowest
10 = highest

Time required

7

Investment

2

Equipment needed

3

Skills required

6

Facilities required

3

Land required

2

Labor Intensity

5

Potential for income

8

Transportation required

8

Expansion possibilities

8

Expertise needed

6

Advertising needed

8

Susceptible to disease

5

Susceptible to insects

5

Suitable for residential areas

5

Length of production cycle

1-3 or more years

Regional

No

When to start project

Fall or Winter

Notes:

  Bulk seedlings may be purchased from the Georgia Forestry Commission in the early fall. It is a simple task to pot and grow these seedlings in 1 to 5 gallon containers. Pots and growing media are inexpensive to purchase. A slow release fertilizer should be added at the time of potting. Grow seedlings in full sun on top of landscape fabric. Seedlings may be watered by hand or impact sprinkler system for a small investment. Contact landscape contractors and private homeowners for sales opportunities as well as other plant nurseries.