Preparation before Spring Tea Picking

Spring tea is the tea season with the best quality and highest economic value in tea production throughout the year. The preparation work before picking and the operational standards during the picking process directly affect the yield, quality, and subsequent processing effect of tea. The following is a systematic summary of the key preparation items before spring tea picking and the technical points during the tea picking process.

1. Tea plantation management

(1) Pruning and Nutritional Regulation of Tea Trees

Light pruning and shaping pruning: 1-2 months before the germination of spring tea (usually in winter or early spring), light pruning should be carried out on tea trees to remove dead branches, diseased and insect infested branches, and overly dense branches, while maintaining ventilation and light transmission in the tree crown. For young tea trees or tea gardens that require tree shape adjustment, pruning should be done to promote branching.

Fertilization management: According to the growth cycle of tea trees, sufficient basal fertilizer (mainly organic fertilizer) should be applied in late autumn and early winter, and germination promoting fertilizer (instant tea tree specific fertilizer) should be applied 20-30 days before spring tea germination to promote bud and leaf germination and nutrient accumulation. The Angen team suggests that fertilization should be combined with soil testing results to avoid excessive or biased application of nitrogen fertilizer, which can lead to soil acidification or reduced content.

(2) Disease and pest control

Early Spring Clearing: Remove weeds and fallen leaves from tea gardens to reduce the growth of overwintering insect eggs and pathogens.

Biological control: Adopt green prevention and control measures such as sticky insect boards (timely replacement) and sex attractants to eliminate the use of chemical pesticides. If medication is required, choose biological or mineral based agents and strictly follow the safety interval.

(3) Soil and Water Pipe

Shallow tillage and loosening of soil: 15-20 days before spring tea picking, shallow tillage of soil (depth 5-10 centimeters) should be carried out to break the compacted layer, increase soil temperature, promote root activity, and avoid damaging roots.

Maintenance of drainage and irrigation system: In areas with heavy rainfall in spring, drainage ditches need to be dredged to prevent water accumulation and root rot; In arid areas, it is necessary to inspect irrigation facilities in advance to ensure water supply during the germination period of spring tea.

2. Personnel organization and training

(1) Recruitment and division of labor for tea pickers

Recruit a sufficient number of skilled tea pickers in advance based on the tea plantation area and expected output, and divide tea picking teams into blocks to clarify responsibility areas. Priority should be given to selecting experienced tea pickers or providing pre job training for new employees to ensure standard picking techniques.

(2) Technical training and standard promotion

Theoretical training: Explain the picking standards for spring tea (such as the specifications of one bud and one leaf, one bud and two leaves), the requirements and precautions for classifying fresh leaves.

Practical demonstration: On site demonstration of correct picking techniques (such as handle picking, pinch picking, etc.) to avoid damaging buds and leaves through “grabbing” and “smoothing” picking.

4. Meteorological monitoring and harvesting plan formulation

Weather prediction: Pay close attention to the temperature changes in early spring, predict the risk of “late spring cold” based on historical data, and prepare anti frost measures in advance (such as covering with anti frost cloth, smoking, etc.).

Batch picking plan: Based on the variety of tea trees and the speed of bud and leaf germination, develop a batch picking schedule, prioritize picking tea trees in sunny slopes and low altitude areas, and achieve efficient resource utilization.

Spring tea picking is a highly time sensitive and technical task that requires coordination of tea garden management, personnel organization, material support, and meteorological monitoring. Through scientific preparation and standardized picking operations, not only can the quality of fresh leaves and tea production efficiency be improved, but it can also lay the foundation for the healthy growth of tea gardens throughout the year. The Angen team suggests that tea companies and tea farmers should flexibly apply the above points based on their own conditions, and continuously optimize their management models to adapt to changes in market demand.