Plants set at 2 feet within the row may increase early returns of the planting, but plants may become too crowded when mature, leading to decreased productivity. More vigorous cultivars should be planted farther apart within the row. Highly vigorous, spreading cultivars include Berkeley, Jersey, Bluejay, and Darrow. For mechanically harvested fields, there is a trend towards within-row spacings of 3 feet in addition to annual pruning to keep the base of the row relatively narrow, and 10 feet row spacings for machine harvesters. For fields that will be hand picked, row spacings of 8 to 9 feet make optimum use of the land, although 10 feet may still be preferred to simplify cultural practices.
Orient rows in a north to south direction to optimize sun exposure.
However, if there is enough slope to warrant concern for safe tractor operation, orient rows up and down the hill. In windy areas, align the row parallel with the prevailing winds. For mechanically harvested fields, allow 25 to 30 feet at the ends of the rows to serve as a headland in which to turn around. Rows generally extend for 400 feet before a 15 to 20 foot row break is built to allow for easy unloading of harvesters and other machinery. Trellising Some growers have found an advantage to trellising fields that are machine harvested.