(1) Choose the Appropriate Season
In general, planting should coincide with the rainy season in the region, making it easier to succeed if planted just before or at the start of the rainy season. In most cases, when the weather is not dry in mid-to-late November to December in the south, the soil is moist and Tea seedlings are in their dormant period. Autumn planting is conducive to root development and has a higher survival rate than spring planting.
(2) Determine the Suitable Planting Pattern
When planting, consider the adaptability for future mechanized management of the tea garden, such as the passage of machinery between rows and the placement of turning areas for machines. There are primarily two methods: single-row planting and double-row planting.
① Single-Row Planting. The row spacing is 1.3 to 1.5 meters, with a distance of 25 to 33 centimeters between clumps, and each clump contains 2 to 3 plants, using 2,500 to 4,000 seedlings per mu (about 0.067 hectares). In regions with lower temperatures or higher altitudes, the row spacing can be reduced to 1.2 to 1.3 meters, and the distance between clumps can be reduced to around 20 centimeters.
② Double-Row Planting. Two rows are planted next to each other with a small row spacing of 30 centimeters, and the large row spacing is 1.5 meters, with a distance of 25 to 33 centimeters between clumps. Each clump contains 2 to 3 plants, using 4,000 to 6,000 seedlings per mu. Compared to single-row planting, double-row planting leads to faster establishment and production while maintaining convenience for future management. It has gradually become the primary planting method.
(3) Properly Transplant and Settle Tea Seedlings
Before Transplanting tea seedlings, dig trenches about 35 centimeters deep in the tea garden that will be planted. Apply base fertilizer, and choose a windless overcast day to transplant the seedlings. If the main roots of the seedlings are too long, they can be trimmed appropriately. After covering the seedlings with soil, gently lift them up to ensure the roots spread out in the soil, then cover with more soil and press down firmly. Avoid having loose soil on top and firm soil below, ensuring close contact between the soil and the roots. If there are consecutive sunny days after transplanting, Water once every 3 to 5 days, thoroughly soaking the soil around the roots.
(4) Protect and Supplement Seedlings
After transplanting, tea seedlings generally grow weakly with shallow root systems and poor drought resistance, so protective measures are needed. Mulching or shallow cultivation can improve drought resistance, with mulching being more effective. Compared to non-mulched tea gardens, mulching can increase Seedling survival rates by more than 20%. For any gaps in the planting, timely supplement with seedlings of the same age. Generally, nearby seedlings are used to fill gaps, or “reserve seedlings” are used. The method of supplementation and subsequent management are the same as for transplanted seedlings.
(5) Timely Control of Diseases and Pests
Young tea gardens may experience changes in the ecological environment due to the transplanting of seedlings, and the young plants have weaker growth and resistance to diseases and pests. Therefore, disease and Pest control measures need to be strengthened.