nurseries

Nursery is a term with two common meanings. In horticulture, a nursery is a place where young plants are propagated, nurtured, and sold for landscaping, agriculture, or reforestation. In early childhood services, a nursery refers to a facility that provides care, protection, and education for infants and young children, typically from birth to preschool age. Some regions distinguish between nurseries and kindergartens for older children.

Plant nurseries maintain controlled environments, such as greenhouses or shade houses, for propagating seeds and cuttings. Propagation methods include sowing, cuttings, layering, grafting, and tissue culture. Stock plants are managed for uniformity and disease resistance, then potted or rooted in beds before sale or transplanting. Nurseries may be wholesale, retail, or specialized (fruit trees, ornamentals, natives). They also manage irrigation, nutrition, pest and disease control, labeling, and post-propagation care; some offer bare-root, containerized, or plug-grown stock.

Nursery services for children are regulated by licensing authorities and may pursue accreditation. They provide supervision, meals, and age-appropriate activities. Programs typically serve infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with legislated staff-to-child ratios. Facilities emphasize safety, cleanliness, and development outcomes, and often partner with families through communication and support services. Staffing commonly includes caregivers, teachers, and supervisors with training in early childhood education or related fields.

Economically, nurseries support agriculture, landscaping, and forestry, and in the context of child care they support families and employment. The term and practices vary by country and region, reflecting climate, culture, and regulatory frameworks.