FFA Horticulture CDE General Practice Exam

Where are plants grown and cared for before being placed in the landscape?

1. Greenhouse

2. Nursery

3. Research facility

4. Botanical garden

The correct answer is: Nursery

The correct answer is the nursery. A nursery is specifically designed for the cultivation and care of plants before they are sold or planted in the landscape. In a nursery, plants are nurtured in a controlled environment, which allows for their optimal growth and development. Nurseries can propagate a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, flowering plants, and vegetables, and they often provide conditions that ensure plants are healthy and ready for transplantation into gardens or landscapes. While greenhouses are used for growing plants, they are primarily structures that provide an ideal climate for the growth of various plants. However, nurseries can encompass both greenhouses and outdoor areas where plants are raised, emphasizing their broader function in plant production and distribution. Research facilities focus on studying plants and conducting various horticultural experiments, which is essential for advancing knowledge in the field but isn't specifically aimed at plant production for landscape use. Botanical gardens, on the other hand, are primarily intended for public education and enjoyment, showcasing diverse plant species rather than serving as a source for commercial landscape planting. Thus, the nursery is the most accurate choice for the location where plants are grown and cared for before being moved into landscaping applications.