How to Plant Tea: Tips for Successful Tea Cultivation

Planting tea requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a successful crop. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Soil

The first step in tea cultivation is choosing the right soil. Good drainage is essential, as overly damp soil can cause tea to grow poorly or die within a few years. As tea tree roots can grow up to 1 meter deep, it’s important to dig the soil to a depth of at least 50cm and mix it with compost.

For professional tea estates and farms, soil should be dug to a depth of 1-2 meters, and drainage pipes should be buried to prevent waterlogging.

Planting Tea

Tea saplings can be purchased directly from farmers, and it’s always a good idea to ask the farmers’ cooperative office for advice. March is a suitable time for planting tea saplings.

To plant the sapling, dig a hole deep enough for the root to be placed in without bending. Gently settle the roots into the hole while supporting it with two hands. Cover the roots with soil and heap the soil up to 20cm high from the ground surface. After planting, give the saplings plenty of water to help hold the soil and roots together.

Maintenance

To avoid soil drying, cover the soil with straws and leave 30cm space between each sapling. After planting, the saplings should not require any special maintenance. However, it’s important to protect them from wind damage using a net or similar protection. Water the trees when necessary, being careful not to overwater.

Conclusion

Successful tea cultivation requires careful planning and preparation. Choosing the right soil with good drainage, planting the saplings at the right time, and providing adequate water and protection from wind will all help ensure a successful crop. With proper care, tea trees can provide a bountiful harvest for years to come.