The first step in starting a community nursery is deciding that you want to use trees and shrubs to improve the environment. From organization to organization, the reasons will vary. Some groups might want to restore a favourite stream in the area. Others will be more concerned with protecting soil, restoring degraded forests, saving energy, enhancing wildlife or reducing global warming. Community nurseries ideally are operated by volunteers from one or more local organizations. Find out who else is interested and how much time they will have to put into such a project. Local environmental groups, recreational fisheries associations, church groups, Rotary Clubs, Women's Institutes, 4-H Clubs and Boy Scout troops are good places to start seeking support. Try to get as many groups as you can involved in the project and don't forget local businesses - they may be looking for a project to support. The nursery and future plantings will build community spirit and demonstrate how people can really make a difference in improving the environment. Good planning comes from knowing the needs of your area.

What types of sites need restoration and what are your own interests? Nurseries primarily designed to restore a stream-side will use different species and probably be on a smaller scale than one whose goals include urban plantings and wildlife enhancement. It is best to start small and let the nursery grow with your expertise, interest, volunteer base and funding. The key to sizing your nursery is to decide how many seedlings you need to produce and, perhaps even more important, how many you are capable of planting out every year. Even a corner of your garden can produce a large number of seedlings. Conifers are usually grown in a seedbed for two years, then moved to a transplant bed for two years. Deciduous trees can be moved to transplant beds after the first year. Seedlings can also be started in containers or transplanted to containers after one or more years in a nursery bed.