How to Grow and Care for an Avocado Tree
If you live in the right zone (USDA Zones 8-11), with a little patience, it’s easy to grow avocados in your own backyard. Once established, the tree will provide years of fresh avocado for guacamole and other delicious dishes. Learn how to grow and care for an avocado tree in this video by The Home Depot:
You will need the following garden tools and materials:
- Garden soil
- Shovel
- Rake
- Soaker hose
- Fertilizer
- Mulch
- Soil test kit
The best way to ensure a quick productive harvest is to plant a young tree outdoors once the weather warms up. Avocados do best at temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 F, typically from March to June.
Find or create a planting site with excellent drainage and sun exposure. Avoid your driveway and sidewalks so the shallow roots will have room to grow. The workable soil should be 3-5 feet wide and 1-2 feet deep. Building a raised mound above ground can be an easy way to prep your planting site.
Test your soil’s pH level. Avocados thrive in soil with a pH level of 6-6.5. To improve your soil, work in necessary amendments and organic material like garden compost. Be sure your compost doesn’t have any insect pests or show signs of disease.
As you dig the hole for the tree, be sure to make it as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Next, gently spread out the roots; if root-bound, gently loosen and remove clinging soil, then clip circular growth and root decay. Cover the roots with soil and water thoroughly.
Water your tree 2-3 times a week until it is fully established. A soaker hose will help the water penetrate the ground and reach the roots. Allow the soil to dry slightly before you water it again.
You’ll want to fertilize your tree regularly with a balanced citrus and avocado plant food. When applying fertilizer, always use the amount indicated on the product package.
Help retain moisture and prevent weeds by laying down a thick layer of mulch around the tree.
A pale to dark green color is a sign that your avocados are ready to pick and bring indoors for the final phase of ripening. Over the course of 7-10 days, they’ll soften up and be ready to eat.
