Soil Requirements for Growing Avocado Trees in Ohio
Avocado trees are not native to Ohio, but that does not mean that they cannot be grown in the region. The trees require the heat, humidity and soil conditions of warmer climates so it’s possible for an avid gardener to create a hospitable environment with the right soil. To successfully grow an avocado tree, the soil must be well draining, fertile, and should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
When selecting the soil at the store, a gardener in Ohio should look for a combination of 50-60% compost and 40-50% potting soil and sand. The addition of compost can help increase the fertility of the soil and also provides both macro and micro nutrients necessary for a healthy avocado tree.
Sandy soil is preferred if the gardener needs to purchase a pre-made blend. If the slightly sandy soil is not available, it is possible to buy sand and mix the blend together. This blend should be amended with small amounts of organic material and a slow release fertilizer.
Sun Requirements
In addition to soil conditions, the sun requirements for an avocado tree grown in Ohio is important. Avocados are big fans of sunlight. They like to get at least 6-8 of intense, direct sunlight each day—though, anything less than 8 hours is considered partial shade.
In Ohio, the partial shade will make a big difference in the size and production of the tree. If the tree does not get enough sunlight, the leaves will become yellow and branches will not grow properly. For the ideal setting, a spot with the sun for the entire day is preferred.
Pruning Necessary to Prevent Frost Damage
When growing an avocado tree in Ohio, pruning becomes essential. The climate in the colder months can cause a whole lot of damage to the tree if it is left untouched. Pruning can help to make the tree more compact, which allows for less surface area to be exposed to the harsh winter winds. This can also help the tree to survive frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall.
When pruning an avocado tree, it is important to look for character rather than symmetry. The main goal of pruning is to shape the tree and give it more structure. Prune back the outer limbs and try not to cut too deeply into the middle of the tree. Light pruning throughout the year will encourage healthy growth and ensure a strong avocado tree.
Watering and Feeding an Avocado Tree in Ohio
Watering is essential when it comes to successfully growing an avocado tree in Ohio. The tree needs daily deep watering during the summer and frequent, mild showers in the winter. As a rough guide, the amount of water that the tree should receive is two-thirds of a liter per week.
If the tree does not receive the water it needs, it will suffer from drought stress and the fruit yield will be significantly decreased. When the soil is dry to a depth of six inches, it is time to water the tree.
In addition to watering, the tree also needs to be fertilized approximately once a month throughout the growth season. Make sure to carefully read the instructions on the fertilizer as an excess of nitrogen can lead to a decrease in avocado production.
Protecting the Tree from Frost and Pests
As the temperature drops in winter, the frost can quickly kill a young avocado tree, so it is important to take appropriate measures to protect it. Cloth or plastic can be used to to protect the tree and put them on any night when there is a risk of cold and frost. When taping the plastic, try to use non-adhesive tape and be careful not to wrap it too tightly.
It is also important to protect the tree from pests, which can uproot the tree, slow down its growth and spread illnesses. Animal deterrents can help to keep the pests away, while light traps and insecticidal soaps can help to kill any insects that remain.
Propagating an Avocado Tree From Seed
Propagating the avocado from seed is one of the most common methods of growing an avocado tree in Ohio. To get started, find a variety of seed that appeals and then remove it from the fruit and rinse off any residual pieces of the flesh.
Once the seed is ready, the gardener needs to place it in a glass of lukewarm water and let it sit for several weeks. As the seed develops into a plant, the gardener needs to change the water regularly.
When the root is observable, the plant is ready to be planted in a pot, which should be about 8 inches deep and filled with a blend of one third sand, one third perlite and one third soil. The soil should be amended with fertilizer although too much nitrogen or potassium can be a detriment to the growth of the tree.
Creating Ideal Conditions for Growing Avocado Trees in Ohio
Creating the ideal conditions for the growth of the avocado tree in Ohio might take some effort, but success is possible with the right preparation. Following the tips above, the gardener can create the ideal environment for the tree that has the potential for producing a yield of delicious and ripe avocados.
Starting off with soil that has high fertility, properly adjusting to the right pH level, providing the right sun and water requirements, and protecting the tree from frost and pests are all essential to achieving the desired result. Experiments may be necessary to find the perfect combination of conditions and amendments but with the right knowledge and determination, anything is possible.
