Abstract: A removal sleeve for protecting an external face of a growing container for nursery products, the container having an open top, a bottom and a side wall connecting the top to the bottom. The sleeve is formed from at least one sheet of polymer material and has a tubular, preferably cylindrical shape with upper and lower open ends. The sleeve configured to cover a majority of the side wall of the container between the top and bottom. The sleeve may be tapered and could be stretchable or shrinkable to fit onto the container. The sleeve is at least partially opaque, transparent or translucent. A UV additive or UV blocker may be added to the polymer or disposed on the sleeve to assist in minimizing passage of UV light to the underlying container.