How do I hand over my nursery’s propagation and grafting know-how?
Write down each propagation and grafting method you use, with the timing, materials, conditions and the mistakes to avoid. Then work next to your successor through at least one full cycle so they learn by doing, and keep the notes, photos and mother stock records with the business.
Start by listing every crop you propagate and how you do it. For each, note the season, the material you take, the rootstock or medium, the tools, the temperature and humidity you aim for, and how you judge a good take. Photos and short videos capture what words miss, such as how a cut should look.
Know-how also lives in judgement. Record what you do when a batch is failing, what you change and why. Note which mother plants are your best sources and how you keep them healthy. If any selections are tied to a licence or an agreement with a breeder, ask your lawyer how that passes to the buyer, and point it out early.
Then teach by working together. Have the successor do the work while you watch, correct and explain. Cover at least one whole cycle, from taking material to selling the finished plant. Decide whether any helper on the crew holds part of the skill, and bring them into the plan. Set a period when you remain available. Keep a dated log of every batch during the handover, so results can be compared and the successor builds their own judgement. Agree in writing how long you will answer questions after the sale.
Key takeaways
- Document every method with timing, conditions and the mistakes to avoid.
- Record mother stock and any agreements tied to particular plants.
- Teach by having the successor do the work while you coach.
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat is succession planning?
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentAdvice for succession planning - Articles and tools
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