Deciding On A Location To Plant an Avocado Tree
Avocado trees need the right environment to thrive, so it’s important to pick the perfect place before beginning to water the plant. It is important to survey the environment and decide which area best suits the needs of the specific variety of avocado tree. Frost protection is important, as some varieties do not do well in cold climates. For example, some regions of Southern California have perfect weather for growing Hass avocados, while some Florida climate areas are well suited for the Lulu avocado tree. For the best results, make sure to select an area that gets ample sunlight, with dappled shade from surrounding trees, but not too much direct sunshine.
Completing Pre-Planting Tasks
Once a location for the avocado tree has been identified and the ground is prepared for planting, fertilizer can be added to the soil. This is an important step for the growth of the plant, especially during the initial stage of development. Compost and aerator are great options for adding to the soil. Lastly, the hole should be well watered before placing the avocado tree in it, as the roots should be saturated with water to ensure they have a good start.
Watering The Avocado Tree
Once planted, first few weeks are critical for the avocado tree’s development. Frequent deep watering sessions are essential to ensure the roots take a strong hold and the tree can start bearing its precious fruits. The frequency will depend on the weather, climate and soil, but the initial stages of growth for the tree will require a lot of water. To reduce water stress on the plant and ensure that it is getting the proper amount, split the watering sessions between four to five days. It is also important to ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil, down to the three feet level, as this will promote root growth.
Pruning and Shaping The Tree
For the growth of full, healthy fruits and leaves, it is important to prune and shape the tree. Over the summer months, shaping will give the avocado tree a symmetrical definition and promote healthy growth. Fruits should be removed at the end of summer, as they can draw away energy from the tree. Additionally, dead, diseased and crowding branches should be removed. This helps the tree stay healthy and strong, by distributing the available energy to the branches, flowers and leaves that need it most for growth.
Checking for Pests and Disease
As with any plant, avocado trees should also be checked regularly for pests and disease. Signs of pest infection may be evident on the leaves and trunk, including discoloration and wilting. If left unchecked, the disease can spread to other parts of the tree and kill it. Knowing which pests are common to the area and regularly monitoring and checking the tree for signs of infestation is the best way to keep it healthy.
Fertilizing The Avocado Tree
Annual fertilization is essential to ensure the tree has enough nutrition to grow strong and healthy throughout the year. Fertilization should be done every three months and should include a mixture of seasonal and organic fertilizer that was specifically designed to grow avocados. Following product directions to the letter will ensure that the tree has the right blend of nutrients and helps the tree grow strong and healthy.
Introducing Avocado Plant to Stressful Conditions
Placing the avocado tree in non-ideal conditions, such as a cold, heat, or direct sunlight can create too much stress for the plant and kill it. Gradually introducing the tree to such conditions is important, as this will help the tree develop a tolerance for these conditions over time. To help the tree adjust, it is important to water it more frequently when it is subjected to harsh conditions. With this, the tree is able to adjust to new weather patterns without detriment.
Protecting The Avocado Tree From Cold Temperatures
Avocado trees are not tolerant of freezing temperatures, so if the area experiences cold temperatures, steps should be taken to ensure the tree can survive. This can include placing a canopy above the tree, adding more soil around the roots, or large rocks around the base of the tree. In addition, keeping the tree as hydrated as possible, by providing a bit more water than normal, increases the likelihood of the tree surviving a cold period.
Monitoring Soil Health
The quality of the soil can quickly become depleted if proper attention is not paid. It can be easy to overlook the importance of the quality of soil, as it may take time to see a deteriorating. To reduce the stress to the avocado tree’s root system, it is important to check and adjust the pH value and soil texture. To ensure the tree is getting the essential water and nutrition it needs, the soil should be damp so that the nutrients do not drain away quickly.
Preparing to Harvest
Monitoring the progress of the tree, assessing the size of the fruits and leaves are all important steps when preparing to harvest. Doing this will ensure the avocado tree is bearing healthy fruits and giving the best yield. If a branch is bearing too many fruits, it is important to reduce the number by pruning to ensure the fruits develop strong and healthy. With enough care, attention and water, the harvest will be abundant and rewarding.
Supporting The Inhabitants of the Avocado Tree
The avocado tree is home to many necessary inhabitants that help keep it healthy, such as bees and butterflies. Supporting these animals by planting certain flowers and letting small parts of the garden remain uncultivated can draw them to the avocado tree. Bees and butterflies both help with pollination, which is essential for bountiful and healthy fruits.
Dealing With Weeds
If weeds start to take over the area around the avocado tree, it is necessary to take preventative actions. As weeds compete with the avocado tree for nutrients in the soil, they can sap away its energy and stunt the growth of the tree. Using an organic herbicide or mulching can help reduce the growth of the weeds and prevent them from taking over the soil. Weeds can be fought naturally and very efficiently, with a little attention to the area.
Conclusion
Watering an avocado tree is an essential part of ensuring that it thrives and bears delicious fruits. Knowing when to water the tree and in which amount, which soil type is best for the plant, how to protect the tree from frost and how to keep it pest-free are all essential for successful growth. With the right amount of care, attention, and love, an avocado tree can quickly become the star of the garden and start yielding plenty of delicious fruits.
