Growing your own avocados is easier than you may think. Caring for an avocado tree can be fun and rewarding – no matter if it’s a potted tree or in your garden. The end result of caring for an avocado tree can provide you with a plenty of benefits – such as a healthy source of delicious produce. It’s important to provide the right care for your avocado tree to ensure its healthy growth and maximal yield potential.
Experts suggest that avocado trees require consistent sunlight and warm temperatures for optimal growth. Generally, avocado trees prefer a Mediterranean climate, as opposed to colder climates. Depending on the variety, avocados prefer eight to ten hours of direct sunlight per day. This type of tree loves lots of sun, but too much direct, intense sunlight will cause the leaves to turn yellow. It’s recommended that you water it once or twice a week to ensure the tree’s root system, if planted in your garden, or to water sufficiently enough to keep the soil around the tree moist. If you’re growing a potted tree, you should water every few days.
Fertilizing can also be beneficial, avocado trees need substantial amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium to produce healthy growth and good fruit. Fertilize your avocado tree after the first few blooms in the spring and then again in the summertime to help it flourish. When the tree exceeds a height of 3 meters, it may become important to prune it to shape and limit the size. While pruning, try to keep your cuts slightly above the ring of new growth shoots – as you try to keep them evenly dispersed. Your avocado tree will also benefit from a soil and mulch mix to retain moisture and ensure enough nutrients.
A mild and light insecticide such as neem oil can also be beneficial for pest control. The neem oil will help keep pests such as fruit fly and weevils away. You could also choose to use natural and organic fertilizers, as they provide a balanced dose of nutrition to the tree without unnecessary manufactured additions. Natural fertilizers such as compost, manure, bone meal, and blood meal are all excellent sources of slow release compounds. These kinds of fertilizers will help keep your tree healthy and strong.
Now that you have the basics for taking care of your avocado tree, let’s explore some more important aspects and ideas of avocado tree maintenance.
Frost Protection
Avocado trees are native to tropical, high-altitude climates, which means they are sensitive to temperatures below -4 degrees Celisus, when the leaves and fruits will freeze. Be sure to shelter your tree from frost, especially during spring and early autumn. Any material such as buckets and plastic will do. If a freeze occurs, take off any frozen leaves, stems or fruits – the plant will very likely survive.
Harvesting
Avocado fruits normally take 4 to 6 months to ripen before they can be harvested. While harvesting the fruits, take care that you don’t damage the tree as you pick the fruit. Allow the avocados to ripen fully on the tree, and pick them off as they become ripe. Once an avocado is removed from the tree, store them in a cool, dry place, and use them immediately or within a few days of their removal from the tree.
Careful Signals
It’s a good idea to look for the signs of diseases and problems in the avocado tree. Any discolored leaves, twigs, or fruits may be an indication of bacterial spot, a fungal infection, or even a nutrient deficiency – so it is important to take note of these signs and consult a professional if needed.
Inoculation
For best results, gluconolactone acylase-producing pseudomonads can be applied to the base of the avocado tree to improve its growth and yield. These bacterias will colonize the surface of roots, penetrate the spaces of the soil and enhance the uptake of nutrients. Inoculation must be done at least twice a year to ensure the tree is inoculated with a healthy bacteria.
Pest Control
Biological controls can be used to manage avocado pests, although chemical pest controls are also helpful. Natural predators like spiders, birds, parasitic wasps, and certain species of ants are known to eradicate certain pests. If a few pests such as mites and fungus gnats remain, you can spray them off with a basic insecticide spray.
Watering in Summer
During the summer months, avocado trees will require more water than in the winter. You can check the soil beneath the tree two to three times a week to make sure it is moist. A good way to check the soil’s moisture is to press a few inches down with your fingers – if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water again.
Protection from Animals
Animals such as rabbits and wallabies may not think twice before munching away at your avocado tree’s branches. It’s wise to keep these animals away from your avocado tree. Install a fence around the tree, or set up a motion probe sprinkler system to keep the pests away.
Winterization
When the cold winter weather approaches, your avocado tree will become dormant and growth will slow down. To protect the tree from cold, it’s a good idea to mulch the tree with an inch or two of bark chips or leaves in order to provide insulation while still allowing the roots to get enough sunlight and air. Avocado trees likes to be insulated and protected during cold months, so you should take all necessary steps to protect it.
Aeration and Soil Quality
The key to a healthy avocado tree is aeration. This is especially important when planting in gardens, and you should frequently work the soil to avoid compaction. If the soil is compacted, the tree’s roots can’t properly spread and the tree won’t be able to access the necessary nutrients, leading to poor growth. So, make sure you break up the soil regularly and use fertilizers to add nutrients.
Summary
Caring for an avocado tree may seem intimidating at first, but with the right know-how and regular maintenance, you can be sure your tree will not only look healthy but also bear good fruit. You’ll need to be mindful of the temperatures your tree is exposed to, as avocado trees are sensitive to cold weather. Make sure to water your tree, fertilize, check for pests, and protect from potential animal damages. Regular maintenance and pruning will also ensure adequate aeration for root system and soil quality. Care for your avocado tree with love and patience and you will be rewarded.
