Green Industry should strive to produce a green product!
Generally, the market dictates our product mix.
Amherst Nurseries still grows B&B plants because the market requires it.
Most landscape jobs are specified as B&B or containerized products, but this is slowly changing to include grow bags.
Grow bags are specified in the 2014 American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1), specifying acceptable bag sizes for certain caliper ranges for all plants. Read the ANSI standard here:
http://americanhort.org/documents/ANSI_Nursery_Stock_Standards_AmericanHort_2014.pdf
http://americanhort.org/documents/ANSI_Nursery_Stock_Standards_AmericanHort_2014.pdf
Grow bags are a green alternative to B&B:
Lower weight means more efficient handling in the nursery
Three times as many grow bags can be shipped (vs. B&B) on the same load
No machinery required to move and plant into the landscape
Grow bags increase plant survivability:
Planting height is controlled, allowing the root flare to be planted at the correct height
Virtually eliminate root circling
Plant energy is stored in the roots, where it is needed at transplant time
New root growth is in the top 12 inches of the soil, and root growth is lateral, exactly how nature intended it to be!
New root growth is in the top 12 inches of the soil, and root growth is lateral, exactly how nature intended it to be!
Grow bags increase profitability:
Lower cost to ship to the customer
Lower cost to install in the landscape
Easier to handle, less chance of worker injury.
There is a better way to produce nursery stock. It is good for the plants, the environment, and your bottom line. Please feel free to contact us for more information, either by email jwk@amherstnurseries.com or by phone at 413-549-8873.