Proper nursing of the tree seedlings to be planted in regeneration sites is a crucial task. This will help to ensure the survival of the seedlings upon planting. (click the image for the caption)

Other than regular watering of the saplings, (4-5 times a week in the summer months and 3-4 times a week in other periods), three of the most significant factors ESSC has found in the nursing stage are soil quality, bag sizes and amount of sunlight. These were seen to greatly influence the growth and survival rate of seedlings in the ESSC nurseries.

	Compost from coffee grounds and fruitcrops can significantly enrich the soil.
Applying compost to the topsoil of bagged seedling.

1. SOIL QUALITY. Ensuring that the seeds and wildings are germinated and nursed in good, nutrient filled soil will ensure a higher probability of survival when the seedlings are planted in the regeneration area. This is especially so for beach species that will be planted in sandy areas which are often desertified and lacking in nutrients.

As a general rule, never use soil where no weeds grow. This may be a sign, not only of a lack of nutrients but of presence of household chemicals that have poisoned the soil.

To ensure a steady supply of fertile bagging medium, we highly recommend that you make your own compost. Based on our own experience, this can be easily done by any household (using only used coffee grounds, fruit peelings and vegetable scraps). Composting these materials will also help to greatly reduce the volume of garbage you send to the landfill. 

(Click here to see more materials on how to make compost)