Step 3: Processing tree seed or gathering young trees

Step three focuses on sourcing your nursery’s future: learn how to collect and process seeds, carefully gather young trees, and explore grafting techniques for fruit trees, ensuring healthy, diverse, and high-quality stock for successful growth and planting.

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Seed collection and processing

  • Work out how many seeds you need and choose healthy, pest-free parent trees with permission to collect.
  • Plan your seed collection window and gather the right equipment and volunteers.
  • Follow good biosecurity by cleaning boots and removing soil to avoid introducing pests.
  • Record collection details (date, location, parent tree) and store seeds correctly to maintain viability.
  • Process seeds as needed, including stratification if required, and sow them using best-practice methods.
Seed collection and processing

Transplanting young trees

  • When gathering young trees, you can transplant seedlings carefully from your own nursery beds.
  • You may also accept tree donations from the public or other nurseries, ensuring they are healthy.
  • Some species, like willow, can be propagated from cuttings—hardwood in autumn, softwood in late spring or early summer.
  • Always check donated trees for pests and diseases, and keep them in a quarantine area before introducing them to your nursery.
  • Good biosecurity practices, including careful inspection and monitoring, help protect all your trees.

Resources

Back to Get Growing

How to collect seeds or take cuttings