Ornamental nurseries produce a large number of plants in a concentrated area where high inputs of water, nutrients, and pesticides are used. Nursery production further increases inputs because container substrates are designed to quickly drain and overhead irrigation is the primary method of irrigation. A large proportion of water or pesticides land on nontarget areas in the spaces between containers, creating runoff contaminant issues. Water is the primary means of pesticide movement in nursery production. This review discusses water and pesticide dynamics and management strategies to conserve water and reduce pesticide and water movement during container nursery production.