Nurseries propagate and grow plants until they are suitable for planting. Nurseries can grow trees, shrubs, vegetables, landscaping and ornamental plants, and ground covers. Nurseries typically grow plants in containers, but can also grow them in open fields (particularly trees). Container nurseries commonly utilize greenhouses for crop propagation and growing.

A greenhouse is a structure (often comprised of plastic, fiberglass or glass) in which plants are grown. Incoming sun is absorbed inside the structure, warming the greenhouse. The warmed air inside the greenhouse is retained by the walls and roof. Greenhouses allow for enormous control of the growing environment as temperature, humidity, and light levels can be manipulated. This control of growing conditions allows many crops to be grown year-round.

Nursery and Greenhouse Resources

• USDA Greenhouse Production Resource Group
• Hydroponic Vegetable Production
• Controlled Environment Agriculture Center
• AmericanHort
• Plasticulture
• California Grown
• Commodity Associations, Boards, and Commissions
• Nursery Growers Association
• California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers

• University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance
• California Center for Urban Horticulture
• California Association of Pest Control Advisors
• University of California Cooperative Extension Floriculture & Nursery
• San Diego County Flower and Plant Association
• University of California Nursery Crop Research
• Agricultural Marketing Resource Center
• Farm Bureau San Diego County
• County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights, and Measures