Picking the Right Avocado Pip
When it comes to growing your own avocado tree from pip, the first step is to pick the right pip. Start by looking for a ripe one; the pip should be easy to remove from the fruit and be a dark green to blackish in color. The pip should also feel heavy for its size and have a smooth, waxy texture.
Once you’ve picked out a few pips, you’ll need to dry them for a few days. Place them on a paper or cloth towel and give them a few days of sunlight and air to dry out before planting. This will ensure the pip doesn’t rot in the ground and increase your chances of success.
Soil, Water and Drainage
Avocadoes are known to enjoy deep, loamy soil when it comes to growth. Aim to create a mix of soil and compost in a ratio of three-to-one, with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5 in order to retain moisture and nutrients.
When it comes to water, avocado trees require twice-a-week watering during the first two months after planting and once a week thereafter. It’s important to make sure that your soil is draining away from the pip and the tree trunk to avoid root rot.
Shelter and Open Space
Avocado trees grow best when provided with shelter from strong winds and direct sunlight. Placing your tree near a wall, or putting a fence or tall hedge around your tree will provide it with the protection it needs.
At the same time, you need to make sure that the tree leaves can receive adequate light, so don’t position it too close to the wall or be extravagant with the fencing. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the paper or cloth towel underneath the tree’s base is wide enough that the leaves don’t touch the wall or fence.
Supportive Equipment
For larger trees, you may need to provide support for the branches. You can use stakes or wires to stabilize the branches, which should be done when the tree reaches about four feet in height.
Fertilizing and Pruning
Once your tree has grown, it’s important to keep it healthy. Feeding your tree with a fertilizer once a month will help keep it nourished and make sure it produces quality fruit. Make sure to use a mild fertilizer, such as compost or manure.
It’s equally important to prune your avocado tree, which should be done at least once a year. Pruning the tree will ensure it stays healthy, as it removes dead or dying branches and encourages new growth.
Weed Control
The roots of your avocado tree will grow quicker than the surrounding weeds and grass, so it’s important to monitor their growth. Use a safe and organic weed killer to keep the weeds and grass away from the trunk and roots, and make sure to only apply it on the weeds and not the tree.
Pests and Diseases
Pests can quickly destroy an avocado tree if not monitored. The most common pests are mealybugs, aphids, scales, and caterpillars. Monitor the tree closely for signs of infestation and take action accordingly.
In some cases, you may need to treat the tree with a pesticide. However, make sure to read the label carefully and not use anything too strong, as avocado trees are sensitive to such treatments.
When it comes to diseases, the most common and dangerous disease that affects avocado trees is root rot, which can cause the tree to wither and die. If you notice brown and wet spots on the tree’s bark, it may be warning signs of fungal disease and you need to take immediate action. A fungicide may be required to treat the tree, but make sure to read the label carefully before applying.
Harvesting
Once your tree has grown to maturity, you can enjoy the harvest of your avocado fruits. Avocado fruits will begin to ripen when the tree is around 3 or 5 years of age.
To see if the avocado fruit is ripe, press gently on the outside of the fruit. If it yields slightly, it’s ripe and ready for harvest. You can then pluck these fruits from the tree and enjoy them freshly harvested.
Planting New Trees
Once you’ve harvested and enjoyed your avocado fruits, it’s time to replant so you can grow more trees and keep harvesting fruit for years to come. To do this, you can collect the pips of the avocados you’ve eaten and dry them out. Plant the dried pips in the same way you did with the first tree, and you will soon have a full and healthy avocado grove.
Storing Avocados
If you’re lucky enough to grow a large batch of avocados, you may need to store some of them. Unripe avocados can be stored in a cool, dark and dry place for up to one month. Avocados that are ripe and freshly picked can usually be kept in the fridge for up to one week.
Consuming Avocados
Once you’ve collected and stored your avocados, you can begin to enjoy them. Avocados are nutrient-dense, packed with minerals, vitamins and healthy fats. You can simply enjoy a freshly-sliced avocado or add it to smoothies, sandwiches or salads. You can even fry it or bake it for a unique and filling meal.
