To get the best out of coffee, there are various practices that help maximize productivity.
Coffee does best in areas with good air circulation and fertile soils. To plant coffee, dig panting holes that are 2 feet square and 2 feet deep while separating the top soil from the sub soil. If you have compost or liquid manure, mix it with top soil to increase on soil fertility and organic matter content. Fill up the hole with top soil, then put a stick in the centre of the hole and leave it to set for about a month. A well made hole is vital for improved productivity.
Planting and management
After setting of the hole, open up a small hole in the middle using either the palm or a small hoe and plant the seedling. Hip up soil around the plant such that water does not stagnate around the stem.
Mulch around the plant to conserve moisture. Leave some space between the plant and mulch and put ash in the space around to repel pests.
After 9 to 10 months, train the coffee to induce multiple branching. To train, bend the coffee gently at an angle of 45 degrees to the ground, fix a stick into the ground and tie the coffee stem on the stick.
After some time when the productivity of the coffee has declined, stump the coffee and leave a breather stem. Cut off the other shoots and leave about 4 healthy shoots.
