Plant young cocoa trees when they are approximately 6 months old. Preparation is key to successful planting.
Here's a breakdown of the planting process:
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Timing: Plant when the young cocoa trees are around 6 months old. This allows them to be strong enough to survive transplanting.
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Prepare the Planting Holes: Dig the planting holes well in advance of planting.
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Refill the Holes Strategically: A few days before you intend to plant, refill the holes you've dug using a specific method:
- Place the soil you removed from the top of the hole at the bottom of the refilled hole.
- Place the soil you removed from the bottom of the hole on top of the refilled hole.
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Soil Enrichment (Optional): You can enhance the soil's fertility by mixing it with manure before refilling the hole.
This method of planting ensures the topsoil, richer in nutrients, is readily available to the young roots as they begin to grow, while the subsoil on top provides better drainage initially. The optional addition of manure further boosts nutrient availability.
