Site Selection

Commercial orchard production is a valuable long term investment and as such site selection is of paramount importance. Avoid very steep slopes (greater than 35deg.) and areas that are prone to flooding. Accessibility to farm is critical for the recival of inputs and delivery of products to market.

Land Preparation

The method for land preparation wil be determined by topography, existing vegetarian and proposal land use. For example, an old pasture will require basically ploughing and harrowing whereas a wooded hillside might call for individual basins in addition to felling trees and shrub removal.


Acitivities

• Clear site of grass, shrubs and trees.

• Prepare stakes about one (1) meter long and pointed at one end.

• Line and stake according to recommended planting distances for the crop being considered.

• Follow proper land husbandry practices and construct drains as necessary.

Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm. Ensure that the first 30cm of top soil is placed to one side of hole and the subsoil to another side. On sloping land place topsoil above dug hole and subsoil below.

Back fill the hole first adding top soil first and sub soil after and mix well.

Add 4-4kg organic matter and 0.2kg of DiAmmonium Sulphate (DAP) to each hole, mix well into the soil within the hole.



Planting

Selection of Plants

Only plants that have been properly hardened and labeled should be chosen. Select healthy plants showing a good root system. Never plants with bench, fork and swan neck roots.



How To Plant

• Carefully remove plants from their containers avoiding damage to 'root ball'.

• Examine for root defects.

• Remove enough soil from the centre of the hole and place plant into it.

• Cover with soil no further than plant was in container.

• Compact soil around plant roots to remove air pockets allowing roots to come in contact with soil.

• Irrigate immediately after planting.

• Mulch where possible and stake as required, ensuring the twine is not tighly wound around the plant.