A worker walking among the trees of the Culpan coffee field

Measuring the distance, preparing the hole

Before planting, the first thing we do is measure the distance at which the holes will be made. Good spacing between plants ensures that each coffee tree receives the light, shade and nutrients it needs, and lets workers move easily through the plantation during pruning and harvest.

Once the ground is marked, each hole is opened and filled with organic compost. That bed of organic matter welcomes the plant with the nutrients it needs for its first months in the ground and encourages a living soil around its roots.

Carefully planting the seedling

With the hole prepared, the coffee seedling brought from the nursery is carefully planted. It is delicate, manual work: the plant is set at the right depth, its roots are well arranged and the soil is firmed so it sits stable and well anchored.

Every plant set with care is the beginning of a tree that will produce coffee for many years. That is why none is planted in a hurry: the care of the first day shows in the vigour of the plantation throughout its entire life.

The Santiaguito volcano seen from the Culpan coffee field

Planting begins in May

At Culpan we start planting in May, when the season's rains begin on the foothills of the Santiaguito. Planting at this time gives the plant the water it needs to root well, right when it needs it most, without relying on artificial irrigation.

Working with the natural rhythm of the climate is part of how we operate. With an average annual rainfall of 3,770 millimetres, the farm offers newly planted trees the ideal conditions to establish themselves and begin their long road toward the first harvest.

Measuring the distance, preparing the hole

Carefully planting the seedling

Planting begins in May

Follow the coffee's journey