March to April is the usual time for fixed planting. Several months before the seedlings are transplanted, underground irrigation tubes are laid and the soil is prepared through the application of compost and by deep plowing.*
*Deep plowing: Surface soil and subsoil is tilled (turned over) to a depth of approximately one meter and mixed together. This is said to improve the condition of soil beneath the tea bushes, which is difficult to condition after the tea plants are planted in their fixed position.