Container Nursery Production and Business Management Manual

The "Container Nursery Production and Business Management Manual" by Julie P. Newman is a comprehensive guide for professionals in the nursery industry, particularly those involved in wholesale nursery growing and propagation. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Nursery Site Selection and Development: The manual covers the essential steps for selecting and developing a nursery site, including soil preparation and infrastructure setup.
2. Plant Growing Structures: It provides information on the various structures needed for plant growth, such as greenhouses and propagation facilities.
3. Mechanization and Automation: The book discusses the use of machinery and automation techniques to streamline production processes.
4. Soils and Container Media: It delves into the selection and management of soils and container media for optimal plant growth.
5. Nutrition and Fertilization: The manual offers guidance on nutrient management and fertilization practices for landscape plants.
6. Irrigation Management Practices: It covers various irrigation techniques and strategies for efficient water management.
7. Controlling Runoff and Recycling Water, Nutrients, and Waste: The book includes methods for managing runoff and recycling water, nutrients, and waste in the nursery.
8. Plant Propagation: It provides detailed instructions on plant propagation techniques, including seed starting and tissue culture.
9. Controlling Plant Growth: The manual offers strategies for controlling plant growth to achieve desired plant sizes and shapes.
10. Diagnosing Plant Problems: It includes diagnostic tools and techniques for identifying common plant problems.
11. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): The book covers IPM strategies to manage pests, including insects, mites, and other invertebrates.
12. Plant Diseases: It provides information on diagnosing and managing plant diseases.
13. Integrated Weed Management: The manual discusses methods for controlling weeds in the nursery environment.
14. Vertebrate Pest Management: It includes strategies for managing vertebrate pests, such as rodents and birds.
15. Invasive Pests: The book addresses the management of invasive pests that can harm nursery crops.
16. Business Management: It covers essential business practices, including marketing considerations and labor productivity.
17. Marketing Considerations: The manual provides insights into marketing strategies for nursery products.
18. Increasing Labor Productivity: It offers tips and techniques to increase labor efficiency in the nursery.

Plot Summary

The book is structured into five broad sections, each addressing a critical aspect of container nursery production and business management. The chapters are designed to be easy to use, with the inclusion of photos, tables, and clearly written text. The manual is intended to serve as a valuable reference for a wide range of professionals in the nursery industry, from wholesale growers to propagators.

Critical Reception

The book has been well-received in the industry for its comprehensive and practical approach to container nursery production and business management. It is recognized as a go-to reference for industry professionals due to its research-based information and user-friendly format. The manual is priced at $40.00 and contains 345 pages, making it a substantial resource for those in the field.

Overall, the "Container Nursery Production and Business Management Manual" by Julie P. Newman is a crucial resource for anyone involved in the nursery industry, offering a thorough guide to all aspects of production and business management.