Plan Ahead for Contract Growing: Why Timing Matters

Contract growing plays a critical role in achieving successful planting outcomes, particularly for large-scale projects like restoration or landscaping. Timing is everything, and understanding the seasonal rhythms of plant growth is essential. In New Zealand, the planting season typically falls in winter to early spring, when cooler temperatures and adequate rainfall provide the ideal conditions for establishing young plants. However, before plants are ready to be planted out, they often require several months or even years of preparation and growing. This makes planning ahead vital to ensure your plants are ready in time for planting season.

Whether you’re planning a large ecological restoration project, landscape or forestry venture, a clear timeline can make the difference between thriving plants and missed opportunities. Here's why timing matters and an in-depth look at the contract growing process.

The Contract Growing Process

1. Confirming Project Details
Every successful planting project starts with detailed planning. This step involves defining the project’s scope, including the location, plant quantities, species preferences, and any special requirements, such as eco-sourcing. Initial meetings and discussions with stakeholders help align objectives and set the foundation for a tailored approach.

2. Sourcing Seed or Seedlings
When eco-sourcing is required, timing becomes even more critical. Seed collection typically occurs between November and April in New Zealand, coinciding with the natural seed production cycles of native plants. This stage may also involve scouting project sites, obtaining the appropriate permissions for seed collection, and selecting the best specimens to propagate. If eco-sourcing isn’t necessary, nurseries can source seeds or seedlings from their suppliers.

3. Preparing for Sowing
Before seeds or seedlings are sown, they undergo careful preparation. This may include germination trials to assess viability or ‘strike rate’, seed cleaning to remove debris, and any required treatments to encourage sprouting. These steps are crucial to maximise success rates, particularly for native species that may have specific germination requirements.

4. Sowing
Once the seeds are prepared, sowing takes place under optimal conditions. Most seeds are sown directly into trays using a precision seeding machine. Hand collected seedlings or cuttings that have already sprouted in the wild will require manual labour to set them. Initially, these seedlings spend time in a propagation house where temperature, humidity, and light levels are controlled to encourage healthy growth.

5. Growing Period
The plants then move into their growing phase, which can range from several months to years, depending on the species and size needed for the project. During this period, the nursery team provides consistent care, including watering, fertilisation, and pest management, ensuring the plants develop robust root systems and are well-acclimated for planting out in the real world.

Why You Should Order Early

Early planning and ordering are crucial for successful large-scale planting projects. Plants need time to mature to the correct size and strength for their intended environment. For instance, eco-sourcing adds several months to the timeline, as seeds must be collected during their natural season, prepared, and grown. Even for species readily available in stock, growing healthy, high-quality plants requires careful nurturing over many months.

If you want your plants ready for winter or early spring planting, it’s essential to start planning well in advance. Ideally, you should initiate discussions with your nursery provider before July of the prior year. This allows sufficient time for seed collection, preparation, and growth to meet your project’s schedule.

A Real-World Example: Tom’s 20-Hectare Stream and Wetland Project

May 2025
Tom decides to restore a 20-hectare area on his property, including stream and wetland ecosystems. He envisions a mix of fast-growing species for immediate ground cover and slower-growing natives for long-term ecological balance. Tom plans to plant fast-growing species in winter 2026 and the slower-growing species in winter 2027. He contacts Riverside Horticulture to discuss his goals and the feasibility of his timeline.

June 2025
Fergus, a restoration expert from Riverside, visits Tom’s property to assess the site. Fergus evaluates the soil, water availability, and climate conditions, then provides a tailored quote detailing the species, quantities, and restoration techniques suited to the project.

July 2025
Tom reviews the quote with his property managers and approves it. A contract is drawn up, and a 25% deposit secures his order. This allows Riverside to begin eco-sourcing seeds for the project.

November 2025
Seed collection begins. Fast-growing species, such as mānuka, are sown at this time, allowing them to grow into strong seedlings for planting in winter 2026. For slower-growing species, such as kahikatea and tōtara, seeds are collected and propagated, but these plants require more time to mature.

Winter 2026
Riverside delivers the fast-growing species to Tom’s property. These plants are ready to stabilise soil, provide immediate ground cover, and enhance biodiversity within the stream and wetland areas.

Winter 2027
The slower-growing species, which have been carefully propagated and potted into larger grades to ensure robust growth, are delivered. These plants are now mature and ready to be planted, completing Tom’s vision for a thriving, balanced ecosystem.

Challenges of Late Orders

Placing plant orders late in the season can lead to several challenges, including:

  • Limited Availability: Desired species may be unavailable, especially for eco-sourced plants, as seed collection must occur during specific seasons.
  • Smaller Plants: Plants grown under rushed timelines may be smaller or less robust, reducing their survival rates.
  • Missed Planting Season: Delays in sourcing and growing can mean missing the optimal planting window, impacting the project's success.
  • Higher Costs: Rushed orders may incur additional costs for inconveniences or sourcing plants from external suppliers.

Whether you’re undertaking a large-scale ecological restoration or a smaller landscaping project, early planning is essential for success. By starting the process well in advance, you can secure high-quality plants that are robust, and ready for planting during the optimal season.

At Riverside, we understand the complexities of contract growing and are here to guide you every step of the way. From seed sourcing to delivery, we provide a seamless service tailored to your unique requirements. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us today to discuss your planting goals and secure your order.

With the right planning and support, your project can transform landscapes and ecosystems, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.