Report : Container growing in the nursery, Timaru Parks Department : [dissertation, Diploma in Parks and Recreation, Lincoln College]

Abstract

Over the past eight years Timaru Parks Department has converted from growing plants in open ground to containers. During conversion many simple growing problems arose , first with the soil and associated problems then as production was increased weeding, watering and fertilising became more difficult . This was brought about by: (1) Lack of trained expertise . (2) Increase in wages - increased inflation and unless potted on to a larger container or planted out permanently are doomed to wastage.

Container growing is preferred to open ground because: (1) Unfavourable s oil conditions are avoided. such as wet soils and weed problems . (2) Plants are able to be moved during all seasons to create a more uniform environment. e.g. plants may be under shade in the summer and in the open in winter. (3) Transplanting losses are not so great (4) It is possible to get far more plants in the nursery area than in open ground (5) Operators can plant out container grown plants throughout the year. (6) Time consuming jobs such as wrenching are no longer needed.