Process of Growing Native Plants
Growing Practices & Sustainability Efforts
The process of growing native plants is not only cutting edge, but unique when compared to growing conventional landscape plants. At Pizzo Native Plant Nursery our expert growers execute the entire growing cycle from seed harvest to germination and then cultivation of our finished product. Along with imitating nature’s cycle for our production methods, here are a few more examples our growing practices and sustainability efforts.
Spot Watering / Zone Irrigation
We utilize a state of the art irrigation system that allows for precise water placement and minimizes runoff. A pulse irrigation method is used; water is applied to the plants for a short period of time then allowed to soak in before water is applied again. This cycle continues until plants are fully irrigated. Crops are also arranged within the nursery by habitat so whole blocks of plants can be irrigated the same to maximize irrigation efficiency. Hand watering or spot watering is used when entire crops do not need irrigation to further reduce water consumption.
On-site Water Recycling
Our nursery is situated on 40 acres, of which more than 15 acres consists of a managed wetland. The entire nursery’s irrigation and rainwater runoff is captured in this wetland due to the natural slope of the land and perforated drain tiles. Once water reaches the wetland it is naturally cleansed by native vegetation and allowed to percolate down into the ground, thus recharging the ground water from which it came. This practice eliminates the use of all chemical applications and energy consuming filtration systems commonly used when water is captured in reservoirs. The wetland also serves as a seed collection site for many of the wetland species we grow.
Plastics Recycling
All the nursery plastic is recycled or reused. To further reduce the use of plastic we use stickers in place of plastic stick labels for plant identification purposes. This not only reduces the raw input, it also reduces the amount of potential litter on your job site.
Fertilizer Consumption
We make every effort to minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers. The base of our fertility program starts with a potting media that is inoculated with thousands of beneficial micro organisms. These microbes help plants make better use of the fertilizer when it is applied. A long-term, slow release fertilizer is used on some species that benefit from the added boost both during production and after installation.
Fuel Consumption
At Pizzo Native Plant Nursery we work with, not against, the seasons to cultivate plants. The nursery relies on spring moisture and increasing day lengths to germinate seeds, and the heat of summer and abundant radiant solar energy to grow strong, vigorous plants. In the fall, the cooler temperatures help the plants store energy in their roots, and the winter’s cold temperatures force the plants into a natural dormancy. Most of our spring material is from overwintered, vernalized crops that are both hardy and ready to plant before traditional spring planting dates thus extending your planting window. At the Pizzo Companies, our sales vehicles are hybrids which boast 45-50 miles per gallon.
Integrative Pest Management Solutions / Biological Controls
We use an integrated pest management approach combined with best management practices to produce healthy, vigorous crops. Mechanical and cultural controls are the first defense against pests. Growing areas are kept clean and disinfected between crops to reduce the chance of contamination. Biological controls are used extensively throughout the nursery by introducing beneficial insects early in the growing season to prevent pest populations. Other biological controls used include nematodes, beneficial bacteria, and fungal applications. Pesticide applications at Pizzo Native Plant Nursery are rare and used only if all other options have been exhausted and the pest is compromising the quality of the plants.
Mycorrhizal Inoculant
All plants cultivated at Pizzo Native Plant Nursery are inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhizal is a term for numerous species of fungus that have a symbiotic relationship with the roots of the plants they occupy space with. While many nurseries use only one or two species of mycorrhiza, Pizzo Native Plant Nursery uses over 15 different mycorrhiza species. The use of mycorrhizal fungi decreases moisture and fertilizer requirements while increasing plant vigor and pest resistance.
Composting
All organic waste produced by the nursery is composted on-site and used as a soil amendment on land improvement projects.
Questions On Growing Native Plants
Do native plants require special care?
Native plants generally require less care than non-native species. They are adapted to local conditions, which makes them more resistant to pests and diseases. However, they still need attention in the first year or two to establish their roots. After that, they typically require minimal watering, pruning, or fertilizing.
How do I prepare my soil for native plants?
Native plants typically prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil that is suited to the species you’re planting. Before planting, test your soil’s pH and amend it as needed. Most native plants do best with minimal fertilization and organic matter. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm native plants adapted to nutrient-poor soils.
Are there any native plants that are invasive?
While native plants are generally beneficial, some species that are native to certain regions may become invasive in others. You can always check with one of our nursery experts to ensure the species you are planting is appropriate for your area and won’t disrupt the local ecosystem.