07/07/2024
Soil preparation for pineapple plantings:
Preparing approx. 1/4 hectare for 10,000 plants, with planting commencing from October- December.
The first step is to rotovate the soil and then spray with herbicides when weeds appear. In around September start by making ridges (raised beds) like that of kūmara growers or slightly larger to fit 4 pineapple rows per bed.
The growers that will be purchasing the suckers, will be given a step by step guide on distances apart etc and a contract.
If growers were to follow the growing instructions provided by us, they would have a 99% chance of success as long as they’re in a near frost-free area and have well drained soil.
If you have Kikuyu grass present, then plough the soil and harrow or rake the soil as much as possible. Then continue to spray with herbicides when weeds and grass appear.
NB: Do not rotovate the soil if you have Kikuyu present, as you are making many more plants by doing this.
Prior to planting, when majority of the grass has been removed, you could rotovate and make raised beds.
It would be wise to spray the weeds as many times as possible (when the weeds appear) before planting. You can use selective herbicides once you have planted your pineapple suckers. At present, we are using the push hoe to remove the weeds.
If you are interested in this venture of 10,000+ pineapple plants (mature suckers) for October - December, send us a DM and we will provide more information.
