Close to the City
Avocado trees may seem like an exotic and foreign addition to your garden, but surprisingly, you can find ones for sale in Melbourne! From nurseries in the city, to vendors further out, there is no shortage of places to get an avocado tree in the Greater Melbourne area.
The first place to look for an avocado tree is the inner city nurseries that can be found in South Melbourne, Prahran and Carlton. These nurseries stock a variety of plants, from those that require lots of upkeep, to those that are low maintenance. A discussion with a knowledgeable staff member here can help you find the right tree for your setting and goals.
If you are not able to make it into the inner city, you can search for a vendor near you on the internet and order the tree through mail order. A number of nurseries in the Outer East, Outer South and Outer West of the city have their own websites where they list the kinds of plants they have in store. This can be a helpful resource to find out if they have avocado trees in stock and if the vendor ships to your location.
Avocado trees require plenty of sunlight, so it’s important to find a location that gets direct sun all day long. While it can be tempting to try to grow the tree on a balcony, this may not result in your desired outcomes. The trees need plenty of space for their roots to expand and also require large pots to plant them in.
It is also essential to consider the soil in which you’re planting. The soil needs to be loose and well-draining, as the roots can become waterlogged if there isn’t good drainage. Adding compost, fertilizer and amendments can help improve your soil’s health and support the success of your avocado tree.
The type of avocado tree will also influence where and how you buy it. Certain trees are bred to withstand certain climates and temperatures better than others. Growers may also select a seedling type instead of a grafted one, depending on the various needs of their environment.
Farmers Markets
Another great way to find an avocado tree in Melbourne is to visit the many farmers markets around the city. Here, you can find a range of local produce, herbs and even a few plants. Alongside the fruit and vegetables, you can also find vendors specializing in plants and can pick up an avocado tree as well.
Farmers markets are an excellent way to support local producers and many are open all year round. This can be especially helpful if you’re looking for a rare or hard-to-find type of tree. You can also talk to the sellers to find out more about growing the trees and ask questions later on in the year when you’re ready to plant.
The downside of buying an avocado tree from a farmers market is that the trees may be less developed than those bought from a nursery or online vendor. This may mean that it takes more effort and resources to get a healthy tree established, depending on the specific plant.
Local Garden Centres
Garden centres often have a wide selection of plants, which can include avocado trees. It is a good idea to visit a garden centre as you can ask questions of the specialists working there and get valuable advice.
Garden centres also have plenty of landscaping materials to enhance the soil and to help set up the space for your new tree. You can buy soil amendments, fertilizer and organic material to give your tree the best chance of succeeding.
If you visit more than one garden centre, you may also find different kinds of avocado trees. Some may be better suited to the particular climate in your home, while others may possess other desirable qualities.
Online Communities
Yet another fantastic source of information on avocado trees in Melbourne is the various online communities dedicated to gardening and horticulture. People often post questions in these groups and get helpful feedback from people who have seasoned experience.
When searching for an avocado tree, it’s advisable to join several different groups. This way, you’ll be able to learn from many different growers and can compare and contrast their points of view and experiences.
You’ll also come across plenty of reviews on online stores and nurseries. This can be especially useful if you’re looking to buy from a vendor or supplier you’ve found online or through word of mouth.
Caring for Your Tree
Of course, once you have sourced and acquired your avocado tree, it’s important to provide it with the best environment possible to thrive. The tree should be planted when the soil is warm and you should avoid over-watering it. It’s best to water the tree thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil are dry and then give it an occasional deep watering.
Fertilizing the tree regularly will help to ensure the tree grows quickly, healthy and robust. Adding mulch around the base of the tree is also beneficial and helps to retain moisture.
Prune the tree regularly and remove any dead or damaged branches to ensure that the tree has enough light and air circulation. Finally, cover the tree with a net if birds and other wildlife are a nuisance.
Harvesting the Fruit
To receive the benefits of the tree, you must wait for it to mature and produce fruit. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 years depending on the variety, climate and care that you provide your tree.
When you harvest your fruit, it is important to be gentle and careful. Avocado fruits can be damaged or bruised if they are handled roughly and must be handled with extra care. Use garden shears to cut the fruit from the tree, rather than trying to pull it off.
When the fruit is ripe, you can pick it and store it in a cool dry place. Alternatively, you can leave it on the tree until it fully ripens and then pick it to eat.
Growing Your Tree the Right Way
You need to take into account the distance you live from Melbourne if you want to get the most out of your avocado tree. Trees grown in cooler climates may not produce as much fruit as those grown in hotter climates. Therefore, if you live in a cooler climate, it is a better choice to get a tree that is hearty and resistant to the cold.
The Varietals selected must also be suited to your climate. Although Hass is a popular varietal, it may not be ideal for areas that experience long periods of cold winters. Instead, opting for a tree that is more tolerant of cold can be the better choice.
It is also important to be patient with your tree. It can take up to five years for an avocado tree to reach maturity and produce fruit.
Composting for Healthy Soil
Composting is an essential part of caring for an avocado tree, as it helps to provide essential nutrients to the soil. The most important part of composting is to ensure that it is done regularly and in the right amount. Too little compost means that the soil will be deficient in nutrients, while too much will cause nutrient burn and other issues.
It is advised to use a mix of organic materials, such as vegetable scraps, plant matter, leaves and lawn clippings. This can be broken down ochen-free through composting and will be available to be taken up by the plant.
When composting, be sure to use an aeration system to ensure that the compost is aerated and air can circulate in the material. This will help to speed up the composting process and ensure that the process is efficient.
Tools and Equipment
In order to provide your avocado tree with the best care, you must have the correct tools and equipment. Having the right tools will make the job of caring for your tree much easier, and you can use them for other tasks in your garden as well.
You will need a shovel and spade to dig up the earth and get your tree ready for planting. If you’re using a pot, you’ll need to choose the right-sized pot and then fill it with potting soil. You may also need to purchase a pruning saw to trim away dead and overgrown branches, or a fertiliser spreader to apply fertiliser to your tree.
Finally, it’s beneficial to have a reliable garden hose, along with a ladder for pruning and maintenance.
Sourcing and Selling Avocado Trees
Once you have your own avocado tree, you may decide to source and sell other trees to your friends and neighbours. This can be a great way to bolster your income and share your knowledge with others.
There are a few different ways you can source avocado trees. You can purchase them from a nursery or online vendor, or you can source them from a local farmers market. Alternatively, you could even grow them from seed, but this may take longer to produce fruit and requires more expertise.
Once you have sourced the trees, you can begin to sell them. You’ll need to find a niche market, create a website and start marketing your trees. You can also find buyers at local farmers markets or through your customer base.
Reaping the Rewards
Once your avocado tree has been established and is producing fruit, then you can reap the rewards of your labour. Avocados are a healthful and nutritious food and are incredibly versatile. You can use your avocado fruit for salads, sandwiches, smoothies or guacamole.
The great thing about having your own tree is that you can harvest the fruit whenever you need it, with no need to worry about where it is sourced from or listed prices from the store. Growing an avocado tree can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can provide delicious fruit for years to come.
