Polyculture Plant Nursery

Given we will be doing agroecology activities and developing perennial polyculture systems there are many plants we will want to get established closer to home before we get them out in the landscape. We can get many of these plants started in a nursery from seed, cuttings and grafting. This could be used as an income stream as well as reducing our cost of land restoration.

What we’re looking to achieve in our nursery activities is genetic diversity, vigor and usefulness for humans as well as other creatures. We are interested in developing trees and perennials for local and regional consumption in the areas we will be active in. Plants that have the ability to survive on their own, while still providing us food, have a bit of wild in them. These are the kind of plants we want to promote as we gain experience with a variety of plants. Our first goal will be to pull together the resources to pot and care for plants received from the California Rare Fruit Growers Monterey Bay chapter scion exchange in January 2026. We will have two general modes of operation. One will be a short-term mode to sustain livelihoods and to produce fertility quickly. The other mode will be to provide for our long-term sustenance. So our nursery will be growing trees for perennial polyculture for long term as well as producing some annuals for short term. Possible types of plant nurseries:

Back yard Empty lot Mobile structures

Movable greenhouses might be designed that can be used to start seeds in cooler weather and then once plants are established, the greenhouse is designed to have skids so that it can be slid away and a new set of seeds can be planted in the new position. This might work well for brassicas and kale etc. that need some initial warmer conditions to germinate but then can handle cooler weather once they are established. This method will also be good for regions where the rain comes in the colder times of year where many plants will have access to the moisture but need a warmer environment.

Another type of structure might be designed to work as a greenhouse in the winter and then in the summer used as a fruit and food dryer.

Another greenhouse form we may consider is what we might call a Greywater Greenhouse. This greenhouse would be best suited for a house back yard and include a shower, sink and possibly cloths washer.

We have collected materials to start this project. Glass panes, Plywood, Aluminum structural members, etc.

To learn more or get involved contact Sunnyside Artisans@gmail.com

Small sample of Inspiring references:

plantingjustice.org

www.seedsovereignty.info

oaec.org/our-work/projects-and-partnerships/mother-garden-biodiversity