Introduction
Avocado trees have been around for centuries, but only recently have they become extremely popular and widely cultivated around the world. While these trees may seem intimidating to the inexperienced gardener, with a few simple steps, anybody can be successful in growing an avocado tree! In this article, we’ll discuss a few of the basics when it comes to growing an avocado tree and what steps you need to take to ensure your success.
Choose the Right Tree
The first step to ensure your avocado tree’s success is to choose the right tree. Guacamole lovers everywhere can rejoice, as a wide variety of avocado trees are available, meaning you can pick a tree that’s right for your climate and specific needs. Talk to an expert at your local garden center to determine which variety is ideal for your climate and soil type so you can have the best chance of success.
Plant the Tree Properly
When it comes to planting an avocado tree, the old saying of “right plant, right place” definitely applies. Before you even get the tree to your home, make sure the soil around the root of the tree is nice and moist. Then, pick out a spot for your tree that has plenty of direct sunlight and well-draining soil. The soil should be light and sandy or a combination of clay and organic matter. Be sure to also provide plenty of space for the tree to grow, making sure it’s at least 8-10 feet away from any other trees or buildings. Once you’ve determined the perfect location, use a well-suited sized spade or trowel to make a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the tree. Now you’re ready to plant your avocado tree!
Protect the Tree
Once you’ve successfully planted your avocado tree, you’ll want to take steps to protect it. Start by mulching around the base of the tree with a couple of inches of compost. This will help the soil to retain moisture and keep the area around the tree weed-free. The avocado tree needs to be protected from frost and cold winters, so be sure to wrap it in burlap or other insulating material if you’re in a cooler climate. It’s also important to protect the fragile branches of the tree from strong winds and storms.
Feed the Tree
Keep your avocado tree happy and healthy by offering it plenty of nourishment throughout the growing season. A balanced fertilizer is perfect to promote healthy growth, but always be sure to follow the guidelines when applying it. Too much fertilizer can cause harm to the tree, so take care when feeding your tree!
Prune and Water the Tree
Avocado trees don’t have a lot of maintenance requirements, but they do need to be trimmed and watered regularly for optimal health. Pruning should be done once or twice a year to its natural form, which will promote an even growth. As for the watering, your avocado tree should be watered twice a week, with 15-20 gallons of water per tree per month.
Harvest the Fruit
After all your hard work, it’s time for the reward, and that’s harvesting the delicious fruit! Depending on the variety you’ve planted, it can take anywhere from 3-6 years for a tree to bear fruit, but once it does you’ll have plenty of avocados all year long! The avocados should be picked when they are slightly soft, and make sure to wear gloves so you don’t get any sap on your skin.
Deal With Problems
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things can still go wrong. Common issues with avocado trees include diseases, pests, lack of pollination, and lack of proper drainage and sunlight. Thankfully, these issues can usually be avoided through proper tree care and maintenance. If any of these problems do occur, talk to an expert for advice on how to remedy them so you can continue enjoying homegrown avocados.
Protect From Pests
Avocado trees can be susceptible to certain pests that can damage their leaves, fruit, and bark. To help protect it from pests, you can apply a horticultural oil or another form of eco-friendly insecticide. A great idea is to also bring in beneficial insects and pollinators, such as ladybugs and honeybees, to help keep the tree healthy and ward off any pests.
Keep an Eye on Cowbirds
One of the most pesky problems you can encounter while growing an avocado tree is cowbirds. These birds are notorious for disturbing the peace and stealing fruit from avocado trees. To avoid this, look out for nests in nearby trees that may be inhabited by cowbirds, and always keep a watchful eye on your tree in the early mornings and late evenings.
Winterize the Tree
If you live in a colder climate and want your avocado tree to thrive during the wintertime, then you’re going to need to winterize it. Pack the soil around the tree with mulch for insulation and cover the trunk with a burlap or hessian sack. Keep an eye on the weather and take necessary precautions like wrapping and staking to protect the tree from extreme temperatures and icy winds.
Install a Support System
For taller avocado trees, it’s a great idea to install a support system before the tree outgrows the stake you used to plant it. This way, the tree won’t be vulnerable to strong winds, and the branches won’t sag or weaken over time. Use a set of sturdy posts and poles and position them in a way that keeps the tree firmly upright. Tie the tree to the poles with wide strips of cloth if needed.
Check Soil Moisture
Finally, make a habit of checking the soil moisture throughout the growing season. It’s important to keep the soil slightly damp, not too wet or too dry, as this can make a big difference in the vitality of the tree. If rainfall is low, you may need to supplement it with regular watering. Either way, drip irrigation or a soaker hose is an ideal way to provide the avocado tree with some much-needed moisture.
