Before planting: soil and water
Olive tolerates poor soils but performs on deep, well-drained ground. Before anything else, run a soil test and an irrigation water analysis: pH, organic matter, carbonates, available phosphorus and potassium, plus the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water.
- Drainage: avoid waterlogged spots — root asphyxiation is the most common cause of failure.
- Deep ploughing or subsoiling before layout where a hardpan exists.
- Base dressing with organic matter and phosphorus incorporated into the soil.
- Sample at 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm for a reliable picture.
Layout and spacing
Spacing determines how you will harvest for the next 30 years. Choose the harvesting system first and the spacing second — not the other way round.
- Traditional/semi-intensive: wider spacing, trunk-shaker harvesting.
- High-density (hedgerow): narrow rows, canopy wall, mechanical harvesting.
- Super-high-density: requires low-vigour varieties and full mechanisation.
- Orient rows N–S for even light interception along the wall.
On our high-density page you will find a calculator that converts spacing into plants per hectare (and per stremma).
Planting season and technique
In warm coastal areas autumn planting gives the root system time before summer. In cold or upland sites plant in spring, after the risk of frost has passed.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball — never plant deeper than the nursery level.
- Keep nitrogen fertiliser away from direct contact with the roots.
- Stake and tie with flexible material for the first 2–3 years.
- Water in immediately after planting so the soil settles around the ball.
- Protect the trunk from hares and herbicide drift with a guard tube.
The first year
The goal of year one is not yield but root and trunk development. Frequent light irrigations, a weed-free strip along the row, light nitrogen after bud break and minimal pruning — only removal of suckers and shoots below the training point.
Frequently asked questions
- How much water does a newly planted tree need?
- Small, frequent doses so the root ball stays moist but never saturated. One dripper per plant initially, adding drippers as the canopy grows.
- When will it first crop?
- In high-density plantings with good irrigation, a first crop usually appears from year three, with full production later depending on variety and management.