TLC for your Avocados

WATERING

Avocado trees typically need to be watered 2-3 times a week. As the roots reach out into the bulk soil, more water can be applied and the frequency of watering can diminish to about once a week after a year. When watering the tree, soak the soil well, and then allow it to dry out before watering again. As with most plants, you don’t want the tree to get too dry.

The rule of thumb for mature trees is about 20 gallons of water a day during the irrigation season. Of course, seedlings will require quite a bit less water. Check the soil before watering each time to make sure it has somewhat dried.

If the soil from around the roots can hold the impression of a hand when squeezed, it has enough water.

SOIL

Avocado trees like the soil’s pH around 6 to 6.5. If you have a heavily clayey soil, elevate the tree in a mound for better drainage. Make the mound 1 to 2 feet high and 3 to 5 feet around. Don’t put gravel or anything else like planting media in the hole.

The sooner the roots get into the bulk soil, the better the tree will do.

MULCHING AND FERTILIZING

Mulch with coarse yard mulch. Redwood bark or cocoa bean husks and shredded tree bark will work. Choose something that is woody and about 2 inches in diameter. Coarse yard mulch is available at some garden-supply centers and through tree-trimming operations. Tree-trimming operations sometimes have material that has been pruned from the tops of trees and doesn’t contain any diseased roots. Use online search engines to find a local tree service.

Put 20 pounds of gypsum spread around the tree base, and mulch the area with 6 inches of mulch, keeping the material about 6 to 8 inches away from the tree trunk. Fertilize your young avocado trees with ½ to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per tree per year. You can spread it out over several applications as long as it totals ½ to 1 pound of nitrogen.

The other important nutrient for avocado trees is zinc. Ordinary home fertilizer for houseplants will normally work.

OTHER GROWING TIPS

Be patient about seeing fruit. If you have purchased and planted a tree, you can probably expect to see your first fruit 3-4 years after planting. If you are growing from a seed, it can take anywhere from 5 -13 years before the tree is mature enough to bear fruit.

When the tree does flower, expect a lot of flowers to fall without setting fruit. This is natural.

Be patient. Avocados don’t grow overnight and do need some tender loving care.