Introduction
Growing an avocado tree can be an immensely rewarding and an educational experience. While it may seem daunting at first, if done correctly, you can be happily surrounded by avocado trees that can provide a steady supply of delicious and nutritious avocados. Do not be intimidated by the thought of growing your own avocado tree, with some basic knowledge, hard work and patience, you can be well on your way to becoming a homeowners who is self-sufficient and can provide their own delicious avocado supply.
Climate Requirements
Avocado trees have specific soil and climate needs that must be stuck to in order for the trees to grow confidently and healthily. They naturally thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, however you can find varieties of avocado trees that will thrive in temperate climates. Avocado trees must have temperatures that do not dip below freezing and need about 1,000 chill hours in order for the fruit to set. Additionally, avocados need good drainage and sandy soil in order to thrive.
Planting An Avocado Tree
Avocado trees like to be planted in the early spring season, when it is warm enough for them to start establishing themselves. It is recommended to purchase a grafted avocado tree in order to get the best results, and they should be planting in a place where they will have full sun all day. Avocado trees should ideally be planted at least four to six feet away from other trees and buildings, as that will limit stress on the tree and provide them with plenty of space for growth.
Once the tree is planted, a stake should be added at least three feet from the trunk of the tree in order to provide extra stability during strong winds. It is essential to water the tree consistently and deeply in order to give the roots enough moisture to drink, as that is how they absorb all the necessary nutrients they need to grow.
Disease, Pests & Nutrient Management
When it comes to caring for your avocado tree there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is to make sure the tree is fertilized with a special avocado or citrus fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and phosphorous. This will give the tree the minerals it needs to grow.
It is also important to keep an eye out for any signs of disease or pest and to act if/when they occur. The most common pests that attack onion trees are black twig borers and avocado lace bugs. If an infestation occurs, it is important to identify the pest and find an appropriate treatment accordingly. Additionally, you should monitor for fungal diseases such as root and butt rot, in which case the affected portion of the tree must be cut off and burned.
Harvesting & Eating
Once the avocado tree has grown and matured, it will be time to harvest the fruit. Avocados take about three to five months to become ripe and fall off the tree. To assess the ripeness of an avocado you can feel the skin, avocados that are ready to be devoured are soft to the touch.
Once you have gathered your avocados, there are plenty of ways in which you can prepare them, whether they be savory dishes or guilt-free desserts. Avocados can be used as a spread on toast or as a guacamole base. Additionally they can be blended up as a substitute for dairy in smoothies and other sweet recipes.
Propagation & Mulching
Propagating avocado trees is a great way to produce more avocado plants and expand your new avocado forest. In order for an avocado to propagate, it has to first be harvested. Once harvested, leave the stone from the avocado in a warm space for about five days to allow it to dry.
Once the stone is dried you can place it in a jar full of water so that the top of the stone is barely touching the surface of the water. After about a week or two, a small root and shoot should start to appear, at which point the stone can be transplanted onto soil and, once planted, provide it with enough water and sunlight and it should develop into a full-grown avocado tree in a few years’ time.
To ensure that the tree stays healthy and can retain the most water possible, mulch should be added to the soil. Adding organic matter such as pine needles, coconut pieces, or mulch pits can help retain moisture. Additionally, the mulch will help act as an extra layer to protect the soil and provide extra nutrients that can be absorbed by the tree.
Pruning & Sparkes Disease Control
Your avocado tree should be pruned routinely so that there is enough space for light to reach the tree canopy as well as for air circulation. To encourage more growth, prune weaker and slower growing branches and shoots. Additionally, avoid pruning the tree from the top, which will inhibit the reach of fruit-bearing branches. To help prevent sparkes disease, which affects avocados, prune away dead and diseased branches, as well as any fruit that may have been affected.
Transplanting
Transplanting is necessary when the tree has outgrown its current home or if it needs to be moved for other reasons. When transplanting a tree, it is important to be very careful and take the proper precautions to make sure that the tree is comfortable once it is inserted in its new spot. Before transplanting, make sure to water the tree adequately and prepare a new home for the tree that has good drainage, plenty of space, and full sun.Once the tree is transplanted, ensure to water the tree sufficiently after it has been planted as that is an essential step to its success.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, growing an avocado tree is both an incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience that any garden or hobbyist can include in their routine. It is important to understand the necessities that come with having an avocado tree, such as climate and soil needs, proper fertilization, pest control and harvesting. With the proper care, you can be sure that your avocado tree will be blooming and bearing delicious and healthy avocados for years to come.
